How today's CD rates compare
The FDIC's national average rate next to the Treasury yield for the same term, as of August 31, 2026. Rates vary widely between banks, and the Treasury yield is a useful yardstick for any offer.
| CD term | National average | Treasury yield | Interest on $10,000 at the average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-month | 1.13% | 3.91% | $28 |
Sources: FDIC national rates (deposits under $100,000) and Federal Reserve H.15. Updated monthly in our CD Rate Gap Report.
How Much Does a 3-Month CD Earn?
A 3-month CD (sometimes called a 90-day CD) is the shortest common certificate of deposit. It is built for savers who want a guaranteed return over a very short horizon while keeping their money nearly liquid. The calculator above is preset to a 3-month term.
Here is what a 3-month CD earns at an example rate of 4.25% APY (compounded daily):
| Deposit | Interest Earned (3 months) | Maturity Value |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $10.52 | $1,010.52 |
| $5,000 | $52.60 | $5,052.60 |
| $10,000 | $105.20 | $10,105.20 |
| $25,000 | $263.00 | $25,263.00 |
| $50,000 | $526.00 | $50,526.00 |
Because the money is invested for only a quarter of a year, the dollar return is modest — but it is fully guaranteed and FDIC-insured, with no market risk.
3-Month CD Rates in 2026
The table above shows the FDIC's national average for a 3-month CD next to the yield on a 3-month Treasury bill, updated every month. The average is weighted toward the largest banks, and rates vary widely between institutions, so compare several offers: a rate close to the Treasury bill yield is a strong offer. The highest rates are usually found at online banks and credit unions.
A 3-month CD is often used as a parking spot for cash you will need soon but want to grow in the meantime, or as the shortest rung in a CD ladder.
When a 3-Month CD Makes Sense
Choose a 3-month CD when:
- You need the money back soon — a known expense roughly 90 days out where you still want guaranteed interest.
- You expect rates to climb — locking for only 3 months lets you reinvest quickly at higher rates.
- You are testing CD investing — a low-commitment way to try a CD before locking up funds for longer.
- You want the short rung of a ladder — 3-month CDs provide frequent liquidity in a laddered strategy.
If you do not need the cash for at least a year, a 1-year CD usually pays a higher rate and earns substantially more interest. If you might need the money at any moment, a high-yield savings account offers full liquidity with a comparable rate.