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Best 10-Year CD Rates for September 2024

These credit unions and banks offer the highest payout on 10-year CDs

The best 10-year CD rate is 3.95% APY from Credit Human. To find you the highest 10-year CD rates nationwide, we review CD rates from hundreds of banks and credit unions every day. CDs with minimum deposit requirements of up to $25,000 are eligible for our 10-year rankings. Below are the top CD rates available from our partners, followed by the best CD rates that we've found from our research that are available to U.S. customers everywhere.

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In the News

The Fed held rates steady for an eighth consecutive time at its July 31 meeting. The federal funds rate is at its highest level since 2001, but experts are projecting a rate cut in September. CD yields closely follow the fed funds rate. Back in October, CD rates reached peaks not seen in more than 20 years, but once the Fed starts cutting rates, CD rates will fall.

You can find our ranking of the highest CD rates with terms of 120 months below. In cases where more than one institution pays the same annual percentage yield, we've prioritized CDs by the shortest term, then the CD requiring a smaller minimum deposit, and if still a tie, alphabetically by institution name.

Best 10-Year CD Rates

  • Credit Human – 3.95% APY
  • Apple Federal Credit Union – 3.81% APY
  • First National Bank of America – 3.76% APY
  • Discover Bank – 3.60% APY
  • EmigrantDirect.com – 2.75% APY
  • Vio Bank – 2.75% APY
  • MySavingsDirect – 2.50% APY
  • BluPeak Credit Union – 2.00% APY

Our full ranking of the top-paying nationally available 10-year CDs is listed below, including details about minimum deposits and early withdrawal penalty. For credit union CDs, information is also provided on how to easily join the credit union.

Looking for a wider selection of CDs? See our picks for the best CD rates to see terms ranging from three months to 10 years.

Credit Human – 3.95% APY

  • Term (months): 84–120
  • Minimum deposit: $500
  • Early withdrawal penalty: Greater of $50 or 36 months of interest
  • Membership: Anyone can join Credit Human by agreeing to a complimentary membership in the nonprofit American Consumer Council and keeping at least $5 in a member savings account.

Apple Federal Credit Union – 3.81% APY

  • Term (months): 84 or 120
  • Minimum deposit: $500
  • Early withdrawal penalty: All interested earned, up to max of 36 months' worth
  • Membership: Anyone can join Apple Federal by signing up for a $20 membership in the Northern Virginia Athletic Directors, Administrators, and Coaches Association, as well as keeping at least $5 in a savings account.

First National Bank of America – 3.76% APY

  • Term (months): 120
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 18 months of interest
  • Overview: Headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, First National Bank of America serves customers nationwide through online banking. It was founded in 1955 and has three locations in Michigan.

Discover Bank – 3.60% APY

  • Term (months): 84 or 120
  • Minimum deposit: $2,500
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 24 months of interest
  • About: In addition to its well-known credit card, Discover offers online-only banking products to consumers nationwide.

EmigrantDirect.com – 2.75% APY

  • Term (months): 60–120
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 6 months of interest
  • About: EmigrantDirect.com is an online division of Emigrant Bank, a New York brick-and-mortar institution established in 1850.

Vio Bank – 2.75% APY

  • Term (months): 84 or 120
  • Minimum deposit: $500
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 3% of the amount withdrawn plus a $25 fee
  • About: Vio Bank is the online banking division of MidFirst Bank, an Oklahoma institution established in 1911 that is among the Top 100 largest U.S. banks.

MySavingsDirect – 2.50% APY

  • Term (months): 60–120
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 6 months of interest
  • About: MySavingsDirect is an online division of Emigrant Bank, a New York institution with a history dating back to 1850.

BluPeak Credit Union – 2.00% APY

  • Term (months): 60–120
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 6 months of interest
  • Membership: Based out of San Diego, anyone nationwide can join BluPeak by making a $25 donation to KPBS.

Fast Fact

When asked in August what they would invest in if they had an extra $10,000, 9% of Investopedia readers said they would open a CD, behind individual stocks, ETFs, and stock index funds. That number is unchanged from June. While CDs sit below individual stocks as the top response (at 22%), CDs are always a good option for those looking for safer investments.

Pros and Cons of a 10-Year CD

Pros
  • Locks in a fixed interest rate for 10 years

  • Offers completely predictable earnings

  • Is extremely safe

  • May offer a higher APY than a savings account or shorter-term CD

Cons
  • Ties up your money for a decade

  • Incurs a penalty if you have to withdraw early

  • Locks you into an interest rate that may later be unattractive

Pros Explained

  • Locks in a fixed interest rate for 10 years: Like all CDs, the rate you agree to is the rate you’ll enjoy for the entire CD term. And with a 10-year certificate, you can count on that return for an exceptionally long period.
  • Offers completely predictable earnings: Because the interest rate on your CD is fixed and guaranteed, you can calculate exactly how much you will earn over the 10-year term. There is no risk of lower returns or losing your principal.
  • Is extremely safe: CDs opened at FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions are federally insured in case the institution fails, meaning up to $250,000 of your deposits, per person and per institution, is protected.
  • May offer a higher APY than a savings account or shorter-term CD: In exchange for agreeing to not touch your funds for a very long time, 10-year CDs sometimes pay a higher rate than other savings or CD options. But this is highly dependent on the rate environment, and many times shorter CD terms, such as 4-year and 5-year CDs, will actually offer higher rates.

Cons Explained

  • Ties up your money for a decade: Ten 10 years is a very long time horizon for many savers, with plenty of unknowns on what interest rates will be years down the road or what you may want to do with the money over the next decade.
  • Incurs a penalty if you have to withdraw early: If you request to withdraw your funds before the CD's maturity date, the bank or credit union will impose an early withdrawal penalty that will reduce your earned interest.
  • Locks you into an interest rate that may later be unattractive: Predicting where interest rates are headed is difficult to do even six months or a year into the future, never mind a decade. If interest rates rise significantly in the years you are holding your 10-year CD, you may find you're earning an inferior rate on your money compared to what you could earn at a future point.

Compare the Best 10-Year CD Rates

Institution Rate (APY) Term Minimum Deposit Early Withdrawal Penalty
Credit Human 3.95% 84–120 months $500 36 months of interest ($50 minimum)
Apple Federal Credit Union 3.81% 84 or 120 months $500 All interest earned (36 months maximum)
First National Bank of America 3.76% 120 months $1,000 18 months of interest
Discover Bank 3.60% 84 or 120 months $2,500 24 months of interest
EmigrantDirect.com 2.75% 60–120 months $1,000 6 months of interest
Vio Bank 2.75% 84 or 120 months $500 3% of the amount withdrawn plus a $25 fee
MySavingsDirect 2.50% 60–120 months $1,000 6 months of interest
BluPeak Credit Union 2.00% 60–120 months $1,000 6 months of interest

Alternatives to 10-Year CDs

For investors whose primary concern is preserving their principal, CDs are one of several options you can weigh. But if you want easier access to your money, you could instead put it into one of the best high-yield savings accounts or best money market accounts. Doing so allows you to withdraw and deposit your funds more or less anytime you want. The disadvantage, however, is that rates on these accounts are variable. That means they can go down at any time, unlike a CD rate that is fixed for the entire term.

To add a little more growth potential to your investment, diversified bond funds are another idea. While there's always a risk that bond returns could be negative from one year to the next, it's unlikely you'd lose principal over an entire decade in a bond fund—especially if you avoid high-yield, or "junk," bonds. With bonds, there's usually a trade-off between risk and reward; the higher the quality of the note (Treasury bonds being the most conservative), the less return you'll typically receive.

Investing in the stock market is also an option for long-term investments. The upside is that you can potentially earn considerably more with stocks than you can with a fixed-rate CD. The downside you're not guaranteed to earn anything at all. In fact, you could lose part or even all of your investment, making stock investments much riskier than a CD investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is a 10-Year CD?

    A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a type of savings account that offers a fixed interest rate and requires you to keep money in the account for a certain length of time. The duration of the CD is called its term, and it can be anywhere from one month to 10 years.

    CDs are considered safe investments because the interest rate is guaranteed for the duration of the certificate, and because the bank or credit union that issues them is generally federally insured.

    Each institution sets its own CD rates, and they can vary widely. So it's important to compare the CD offerings at different banks and credit unions to make sure you're earning a competitive yield.

  • How Does a 10-Year CD Work?

    Banks and credit unions offering a 10-year CD will publish the annual percentage yield (APY) they are currently offering. If you decide you are interested in that CD, you would open the CD with that institution and decide the amount of deposit you want to invest. The vast majority of CDs accept just one deposit at the time of opening the certificate, meaning you can't later make additional investments in that same CD.

    Once the CD is opened, you just let it sit. The bank or credit union will issue monthly or quarterly statements that show the accrued interest that's been credited to your balance. Unless you request to withdraw the funds early (see below), you'll leave the CD balance in place until the maturity date. Sometime in advance of that, however, the bank or credit union will notify you of the impending maturity date, asking for your instructions on what to do with the funds coming out of the CD when it expires.

  • How Much Do 10-Year CDs Pay?

    Banks and credit unions set their own interest rates, which vary from one institution to the next. The rates they're willing to offer reflect the current cost of borrowing, their economic outlook, and their need for deposit funds over different time periods.

    Yields on short-term CDs tend to move in line with the federal funds rate, which is set by the Federal Reserve. However, the interest rate on products with longer maturities, such as a 10-year CD, also reflects the bank's long-term economic forecasts.

    Most of the time, longer-duration CDs offer higher rates of return as an incentive for depositors to keep their money locked away for an extended period of time. However, that becomes less true with the 10-year CD term, as it is difficult to predict what the economy and the Fed will do over a 10-year time span. In such cases, it's possible to see yields "invert," with shorter-term CDs, like a 5-year term, actually paying more.

  • What Happens If I Need to Withdraw My Funds Early?

    By opening a CD, you're agreeing to keep your money untouched until the certificate reaches maturity. Should you need to pull out funds early, you'll typically lose some or all of the interest that has accumulated in your account. On a 10-year CD, for instance, you could forfeit anywhere from six months to three years of interest, making a great case for leaving your account alone until the maturity date, if at all possible.

    When opening any CD, it's important to inquire what the institution's early withdrawal penalty policy is, and it's especially critical given the long-term nature of a 10-year CD commitment. Not only is it important to know what the consequences will be if you need to change your mind, but knowing the penalty can also help you choose between two otherwise similar CDs.

  • Are 10-Year CDs Safe?

    Unlike investing in stocks or bonds, putting your money in a CD will generate an entirely predictable return on your money. There is no uncertainty risk, and also no risk of losing your initial investment. In addition, if you open the CD at an FDIC bank or an NCUA credit union, you are federally insured on up to $250,000 in deposits—per person and per institution—in the unlikely event that the bank or credit union fails.

    The predictability of earnings and the protection against institution failure make CDs one of the safest investments you can make.

  • Financial Institutions We Review

    We researched and reviewed over 250 banks, credit unions, and financial institutions to find the best CD rates you see above on this list. While we write individual reviews for most, we do not always write reviews for those we would not recommend. Below are the banks, credit unions, and financial institutions we researched along with links to individual company reviews to help you learn more before making a decision:

    1st Source Bank, 5star Bank, ableBanking, Abound Credit Union, Achieva Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Air Force Federal Credit Union, Alabama Credit Union, Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, American 1 Credit Union, American Express, American Heritage Credit Union, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Apple Federal Credit Union, Banco do Brasil Americas, Banesco USA, Bank of Baroda, Bank5 Connect, Bank7, Texas Capital Bank, bankESB (Easthampton Savings Bank), BankUnitedDirect, Barclays, BBVA Bank, Bellco Credit Union, Blue Federal Credit Union, BMO, BMO Alto, BrioDirect, Cadets Federal Credit Union, California Coast Credit Union, Capital One, Capitol Federal Savings Bank, CD Bank, CFG Bank, Chase Bank, Chevron Federal Credit Union, CIBC (Agility Banking), CIT BankCitibank, Citizens Access, Citizens Trust Bank, Colorado Federal Savings Bank, Bread Savings, Communitywide Federal Credit Union, ConnectOne Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Corporate America Federal Credit Union (CAFCU), Credit Union of Denver, Credit Union of the Rockies, Digital, Federal Credit Union, Discover Bank, DollarSavingsDirect, Dover Federal Credit Union, Dow Credit Union, Evergreen Bank Group, RocklandTrust Bank, Elements Financial, EmigrantDirect.com, Liberty Federal Credit Union, Fidelity Investments, Financial Partners Credit Union, Financial Resources Federal Credit Union, First Financial Credit Union, First Financial Northwest Bank, First Internet Bank, First National Bank of America, First Technology Federal Credit Union, Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union, Garden Savings Federal Credit Union, Georgia Banking Company, Georgia's Own Credit Union, GreenState Credit Union, Greenwood Credit Union, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, GTE Financial, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, Heritage Bank, Hiway Federal Credit Union, Home Loan Investment Bank, Home Savings Bank, Hope Credit Union, HSBC Direct, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Hyperion Bank, Ideal Credit Union, iGObanking, Interior Federal Credit Union, Justice Federal Credit Union, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, KS State Bank, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, Lafayette Federal Credit Union, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Langley Federal Credit Union, Latino Community Credit Union, Limelight Bank, Live Oak Bank, Luther Burbank Savings, MYSB Direct, MAC Federal Credit Union, Main Street Bank, MainStreet Bank, MapleMark Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Market USA Federal Credit Union, Matadors Community Credit Union, MECU Credit Union, Merrick Bank, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Mills42 Federal Credit Union, Mountain America Credit Union, MTC Federal Credit Union, MutualOne Bank, My Banking Direct, My eBanc, My Savings Direct, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nationwide by Axos BankNavy Federal Credit Union, nbkc, NexBank, North Country Savings Bank, Northern Bank Direct, Northfield Bank, Northpointe Bank, Nuvision Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma Central Credit Union, One American Bank, OneUnited Bank, Pacific National Bank, Paramount Bank, PARDA Federal Credit Union, Partner Colorado Credit Union, Patelco Credit Union, Pen Air Federal Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union, People's Credit Union, First Service Credit Union, Pinnacle Federal Credit Union, Popular Direct, Premier America Credit Union, Presidential Bank, FSB, Prime Alliance Bank, PSECU (Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union), Quontic Bank, Quorum Federal Credit Union, Rising Bank, Merrimack Valley Credit Union, Salal Credit Union, Sallie Mae Bank, Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union, Signature Federal Credit Union, Spectrum Credit Union, SRP Federal Credit Union, State Bank of India Chicago, State Bank of India New York, State Bank of Texas, State Department Federal Credit Union, Summit Credit Union, Sun East Federal Credit Union, Superior Choice Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Technology Credit Union, The Federal Savings Bank, Third Federal Savings & LoanEverBank, TotalBank, Transportation Federal Credit Union, TruStone Financial Credit Union, UNIFY Financial Credit Union, Expedition Credit Union, United States Senate Federal Credit Union, United Texas Bank, University Federal Credit Union, US Bank, USAlliance Financial, USPS Federal Credit Union, Velocity Credit Union, VeraBank, Vio Bank, Virtual Bank, WebBank, Webster Bank, Wells Fargo, Western Vista Credit Union, Wings Financial Credit Union, XCEL Federal Credit Union, BankPurely, Umbrella Bank, giantbank.com, CapEd Credit Union, Zeal Credit Union, Finworth, Coastal1 Credit Union, Service Credit Union, National Cooperative Bank, Premier Members Credit Union, Bank of America, Flagstar Bank, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, INOVA Federal Credit Union, Genisys Credit Union, Ivy Bank, Heartland Credit Union, Luana Savings Bank, Spectra Credit Union, Workers Credit Union, Credit Human, EFCU Financial, Poppy Bank, Credit One Bank, Vibrant Credit Union, CFBank, Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union, Seattle Bank, Crescent Bank, Pima Federal Credit Union, Cross River Bank, USAA, Great River Federal Credit Union, Brilliant Bank, Merchants Bank of Indiana, LendingClub, Chartway Credit Union, First Central Savings Bank, AgFed Credit Union, North American Savings Bank, Pelican State Credit Union, First Community Credit Union, Bask Bank, Skyla Credit Union, SkyOne Federal Credit Union, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, Utah First Credit Union, Pasadena Federal Credit Union, Magnifi Financial, AloStar, Primis Bank, Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union, Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union, Republic Bank, Salem Five Direct, All In Credit Union, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Self-Help Federal Credit Union, Forbright Bank, Jovia Financial Credit Union, Sun Canyon Bank, Fortera Credit Union, Partners 1st Federal Credit Union, SouthEast Bank, American Bank, Newtek Bank, CBC Federal Credit Union, Vanguard, All America Bank, Amalgamated Bank, Citizens State Bank, AmBoy Direct, Republic Bank of Chicago, Oklahoma Community Credit Union, BluPeak Credit Union, Valley Direct, Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, First Harvest Credit Union, Orion Federal Credit Union, Wellby Financial, FedChoice Federal Credit Union, CoVantage Credit Union, Choice First Bank, Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, OMB Bank, Minnequa Works Credit Union, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Bank of South Texas, T Bank

How We Find the Best 10-Year CD Rates

Every business day, Investopedia tracks the rate data of more than 200 banks and credit unions that offer CDs to customers nationwide, and determines daily rankings of the top-paying certificates in every major term. To qualify for our lists, the institution must be federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions), the CD's minimum initial deposit must not exceed $25,000, and any specified maximum deposit cannot be under $5,000.

Banks must be available in at least 40 states. And while some credit unions require you to donate to a specific charity or association to become a member if you don't meet other eligibility criteria (e.g., you don't live in a certain area or work in a certain kind of job), we exclude credit unions whose donation requirement is $40 or more. For more about how we choose the best rates, read our full methodology.

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Article Sources
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  1. CME Group. "FedWatch Tool."

  2. Federal Reserve. "Open Market Operations."

  3. Federal Reserve. "Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement."