Top 6-Month CD Rates in the United States for 2025: A Guide to Low-Risk Short-Term Savings

What 6-Month CDs Mean for Short-Term Savings

Certificates of Deposit are fixed-term deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions, locking your funds for a specific period in exchange for a guaranteed interest rate. Among the shortest term options, 6-month CDs strike a balance between earning higher interest than standard savings accounts and preserving flexibility for future access.

Key advantages of 6-month CDs include:

• Stable, Predictable Returns: The interest rate and maturity date are fixed at the start, ensuring clarity and reliability.
• Safety: Most CDs are insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to legal limits, protecting your funds.
• Brief Time Commitment: A 6-month duration provides dependable returns without long-term restrictions.

Note: Early withdrawals typically result in penalties that can reduce your total earnings.

How the 2025 Rate Climate Affects CDs

In 2025, the Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates near multi-year highs but signaled possible rate cuts later in the year. This environment has made short-term fixed deposits, such as 6-month CDs, particularly attractive.

Currently, 6-month CD rates range between 4.25% and 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Locking in these rates now can help secure favorable returns before potential rate decreases.

Overview of Competitive 6-Month CD Rates from Financial Institutions

Several banks and credit unions across the U.S. offer strong 6-month CD options. While exact terms vary, the following are representative examples:

• Northern Bank Direct: Up to about 4.50% APY
• Bread Savings®: Around 4.40% APY, with a $1,500 minimum deposit
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Approximately 4.25%–4.40% APY, low $500 minimum deposit, and no-penalty CD choices
• E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley): About 3.95%–4.45% APY with no minimum deposit
• Vio Bank: Roughly 4.25% APY, $500 minimum deposit
• NASA Federal Credit Union: Around 4.20% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit (membership required)
• Bask Bank: Approximately 4.05% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit

Evaluating rates, minimum deposits, and flexibility helps identify the CD best suited to your financial goals.

Minimum Deposits and Early Withdrawal Penalties to Keep in Mind

Each financial institution sets its own rules for minimum deposits and early withdrawal penalties, both of which can significantly impact your returns.

• Minimum Deposits: These can range from no minimum (e.g., E*TRADE, Synchrony Bank) to $500–$1,500, with some CDs requiring $10,000 or more.
• Early Withdrawal Penalties: Typically equal 3–6 months of interest for 6-month CDs.
  • Example: Marcus by Goldman Sachs imposes a 6-month interest penalty.
  • Example: Some E*TRADE CDs carry penalties as high as 15 months of interest.

Choosing terms that align with your liquidity needs and comfort level ensures you balance yield with accessibility.

Flexible CD Options to Consider

In response to varying saver preferences, many banks offer flexible CD products designed for today’s changing rate environment:

• No-Penalty CDs: Allow early withdrawal without penalties, though APYs are typically slightly lower than standard CDs.
• Bump-Up CDs: Permit a one-time rate increase during the term if interest rates rise, offering potential gains without opening a new CD.

Institutions like Marcus by Goldman Sachs and Synchrony Bank provide these products with rates close to traditional 6-month CDs.

Ways to Enhance Short-Term Savings with 6-Month CDs

To make the most of your savings while maintaining flexibility, consider these strategies:

• Track and Compare Rates: CD yields vary by bank and market conditions—monitor updates to secure top rates.
• Use Laddering: Spread investments across CDs with staggered maturities (e.g., 3, 6, 9 months) to ensure steady liquidity and returns.
• Lock in Rates Early: With possible Federal Reserve cuts ahead, locking current rates can safeguard higher yields.
• Explore Specialty CDs: Products like no-penalty or bump-up CDs add flexibility for changing rate environments.

Other Low-Risk Options for Short-Term Savings

While 6-month CDs provide guaranteed returns, other short-term savings tools may better suit different liquidity preferences:

• High-Yield Savings Accounts: Offer variable interest rates with easier access but generally lower returns than top CDs.
• Money Market Accounts: Provide higher liquidity and limited check-writing privileges but often require larger minimum balances and offer slightly lower yields.

Your choice should reflect your cash flow needs and comfort with short-term commitments.

Final Advice for Using 6-Month CDs in 2025

To make the most of your 6-month CD investment:

• Verify FDIC or NCUA insurance coverage.
• Review minimum deposit requirements and early withdrawal terms.
• Consider specialty CDs for greater flexibility.
• Implement laddering strategies for ongoing access to funds.
• Stay informed about interest rate changes to optimize timing.

With thoughtful planning, U.S. savers can use 6-month CDs as an effective, low-risk solution for short-term growth in 2025.

Disclaimer

CD rates, minimum deposits, and early withdrawal penalties vary by financial institution and location. The rates referenced reflect mid-2025 market conditions and may change. Always verify current terms directly with your bank or credit union before investing.

Sources:

• Bankrate: Best CD Rates September 2025
• NerdWallet: Best 6-Month CD Rates September 2025