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Best CD Rates in October 2026: Compare Offers by Term

Bankrate’s October 2026 comparison listed a five-year CD at up to 5.00% APY, but minimums, access rules and eligibility differ. Compare terms and verify live rates before opening.
From TheFinanceBase Team4 min to read
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As of Bankrate’s comparison updated September 30–October 6, 2026, its listed five-year CD offers ranged up to 5.00% APY from Popular Direct, with a $10,000 minimum. Barclays listed 4.75% APY with no minimum, and BTG Pactual Bank listed 4.55% APY with a $500 minimum. These are dated examples, not guaranteed current offers; rates may change and eligibility can vary by region. Check the bank or credit union’s live terms before opening an account.

CD rates by term: dated examples

The table shows selected offers in Bankrate’s comparison, with rates listed as updated September 30–October 6, 2026. Each APY is annual percentage yield. Confirm the current rate, minimum, and your eligibility directly with the provider.

Term Selected offers and APY Opening minimums shown
3 months Popular Direct: 4.30%; Bask Bank: 4.10%; BTG Pactual Bank: 4.00% $10,000; $1,000; $500, respectively
6 months Quorum Federal Credit Union: 4.40%; Popular Direct: 4.35%; E*TRADE: 4.20% $100; $10,000; no minimum, respectively
1 year E*TRADE: 4.75%; Barclays: 4.50%; Popular Direct: 4.50% No minimum; no minimum; $10,000, respectively
3 years Popular Direct: 4.85%; BTG Pactual Bank: 4.55%; Barclays: 4.50% $10,000; $500; no minimum, respectively
5 years Popular Direct: 5.00%; Barclays: 4.75%; BTG Pactual Bank: 4.55% $10,000; no minimum; $500, respectively

Bankrate’s comparison says its listings may change and rates may vary by region; the values above are a snapshot, not a ranking of every available account.

How these offers compare with national averages

Bankrate’s survey-based national CD APY averages dated October 7, 2026 were 2.13% for one year, 1.89% for two years, 1.75% for three years, 1.9% for four years, and 1.8% for five years. Bankrate says it surveys up to 1,200 banks and credit unions weekly; these are its survey results, not government statistics. The figures are useful as a point of comparison, but a particular offer may have different requirements or availability.

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Choose a term that fits when you need the money

A certificate of deposit holds money for a set term and generally fixes the rate after opening. A higher APY may not suit you if the maturity date falls after you expect to need the funds. Compare offers with the same term, then check the deposit minimum and what happens if you withdraw early.

  • Match maturity to your goal: Consider when the money must be available, not just the advertised APY.
  • Check the minimum: For example, Popular Direct’s listed five-year offer had a $10,000 minimum, while Barclays’ listed offer had no minimum.
  • Read the rate conditions: Determine whether the APY is promotional, when it applies, and what rate or product the account renews into.
  • Confirm eligibility: Rates and account availability may vary by state or region, and the comparison site cautions that its listed APYs can change.

Access before maturity: penalties and no-penalty options

Withdrawing from a standard CD before maturity can trigger an early-withdrawal penalty. The amount depends on the product, so review the account disclosure rather than assuming that every CD has the same cost.

Capital One 360 CDs

Capital One says its 360 CD rates are fixed when opened and that early-withdrawal penalties apply. Its page states that CDs of 12 months or less incur a penalty equal to three months of interest; longer CDs incur six months of interest. The advertised APYs were effective October 6, 2026, and no minimum balance is required to open or maintain the account. See Capital One’s CD terms for the current offer and disclosure.

Ally No Penalty CD

Ally’s page, with APYs accurate as of October 7, 2026, says its No Penalty CD allows withdrawal of all funds without penalty after the first six days following funding. Ally also lists High Yield and Raise Your Rate CDs, and says there is no minimum deposit to open or earn the listed APY. The access rule is specific to this product; check its current terms at Ally’s CD rate page.

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Plan for maturity and automatic renewal

A CD’s end date is not always the date funds automatically become freely available for an extended period. Some accounts renew unless you act within a limited grace period. Note the maturity date and read the renewal notice so you can decide whether to withdraw, change the term, or accept the renewal rate.

TD Bank

TD Bank says its CDs have a $250 minimum and terms from three months to five years. Its disclosure says a CD automatically renews at a non-promotional rate unless the customer takes action during a ten-calendar-day grace period. The page gives October 6, 2026 as its APY date. Review TD’s CD rate and term details for the current disclosure.

Ally Bank

Ally says its CDs automatically renew at maturity. Check the maturity notice and current renewal terms before the deadline if you do not want the account to roll over.

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What to verify before opening a CD

  1. Compare the APY for the exact term you want, and verify the date and rate on the provider’s official page.
  2. Confirm the opening minimum and any geographic or account eligibility rules.
  3. Read the early-withdrawal penalty and any restrictions on partial or full withdrawals.
  4. Check whether the rate is promotional and how the account renews, including the grace-period deadline.
  5. Verify applicable FDIC or NCUA deposit insurance, ownership category, and coverage limits against your total deposits at that institution.

Bankrate’s listings include FDIC-insured banks or NCUA-insured credit unions, but a comparison listing does not establish how your individual deposits are covered. Insurance limits depend on the institution, ownership category, and your total balances.

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Sources and rate dates

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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