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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-month | 1.41% | 3.99% | $70 |
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 6-Month CD Earn?
A 6-month CD is the most popular short-term certificate of deposit. It locks your money for just half a year, making it ideal for cash you want to grow safely without committing for years. The calculator above is preset to a 6-month term — just enter your deposit and APY to see your exact return.
As a quick reference, here is what different deposits earn in a 6-month CD at an example rate of 4.50% APY (compounded daily):
| Deposit | Interest Earned (6 months) | Maturity Value |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $22.25 | $1,022.25 |
| $5,000 | $111.26 | $5,111.26 |
| $10,000 | $222.52 | $10,222.52 |
| $25,000 | $556.30 | $25,556.30 |
| $50,000 | $1,112.60 | $51,112.60 |
Because a 6-month CD only earns interest for half a year, the dollar amount is roughly half of what the same deposit would earn in a 12-month CD at the same rate. The trade-off is flexibility: your money is freed up in 6 months, letting you reinvest at whatever rates the market offers.
6-Month CD Rates in 2026
The table above shows the FDIC's national average for a 6-month CD next to the 6-month Treasury bill yield, updated every month. Brick-and-mortar banks often pay far less than online banks, and because the FDIC average is weighted toward the largest banks, it sits well below the Treasury yield. It pays to shop around: a rate close to the Treasury yield is a strong offer.
Don't assume a longer term pays more. At the average bank, longer CDs have recently paid less than the 12-month term, so compare the APY across terms before deciding.
Where to Find the Best 6-Month CD Rates
- Online banks — consistently the highest rates due to low overhead
- Credit unions — competitive rates, though membership may be required
- Brokered CDs — available through brokerage accounts, often with strong rates and easy comparison
When a 6-Month CD Makes Sense
A 6-month CD is the right choice in several specific situations:
- You have a near-term goal — saving for something 6-12 months out (a vacation, a tax bill, a planned purchase) where you want guaranteed growth and zero risk.
- You expect rates to rise — locking for only 6 months lets you reinvest soon at potentially higher rates, rather than being stuck in a long-term CD.
- You are building a CD ladder — a 6-month rung gives you regular liquidity as part of a staggered ladder strategy.
- You want better than savings, with discipline — a 6-month CD typically beats a savings account and the early-withdrawal penalty discourages impulse spending.
If you might need the money sooner than 6 months, consider a no-penalty CD or a high-yield savings account instead. If you can lock up funds longer, a 12-month CD usually pays a slightly higher rate.