The FDIC’s December 2025 national averages were 1.44% for 3-month CDs and 1.63% for 12-month CDs, in a release dated December 15. Those are market benchmarks—not the best available offers—and the bank examples below are rate sheets dated December 11 and December 15, not rates verified on December 23. Confirm an institution’s current APY and account terms before opening a CD.
What CD rates were reported around December 23, 2025?
The available FDIC figures are national averages for December 2025, published in a release dated December 15. They do not identify the highest-paying CD or guarantee the rate available from any particular bank.
| Term | Rate | What the figure represents |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 1.44% | FDIC national rate for December 2025; release dated December 15, 2025. |
| 12 months | 1.63% | FDIC national rate for December 2025; release dated December 15, 2025. |
The FDIC says its national rates and rate caps page is generally updated on the third Monday of each month. Its page reports national rates and rate caps, including caps relevant to certain institutions that are less than well capitalized. The December 15 publication is the available benchmark closest to the title date; it is not a complete survey of offers on December 23. FDIC: National Rates and Rate Caps. The December 2025 national-rate record is also available through ALFRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Dated bank rate-sheet examples
These institution-level examples illustrate why rates should be compared by term and account conditions. They are not a ranked list, and their dates do not establish what those banks offered on December 23.
#1 Best Overall
| Institution and rate-sheet date | Reported rates | Additional terms stated |
|---|---|---|
| Texas First Bank; accurate as of December 11, 2025 | 6-month CD: 3.02% APY; 12-month CD: 2.93% APY | $1,000 minimum deposit; early-withdrawal penalties apply. See the Texas First Bank December 2025 CD rate sheet. |
| Bradford National Bank; effective December 15, 2025 | Different APYs across terms and minimum-deposit tiers; individual figures are not stated here. | $1,000 balance required; penalties vary by term; automatically renewed certificates have a 10-day grace period. See the Bradford National Bank rate sheet effective December 15, 2025. |
A national average and a bank’s advertised APY measure different things. The FDIC figures describe the national market; bank rate sheets describe specific products subject to their stated dates and conditions. Do not infer that an example was available to every depositor or remained in effect on December 23.
How to compare a CD offer
APY is important, but it does not tell you whether a CD suits your savings timeline or whether you can access the money without a cost. Check the offer’s terms together:
Rank #2
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- APY and term: Compare the annual percentage yield for the same maturity length. A higher APY on a different term is not an apples-to-apples comparison.
- Minimum opening deposit: Verify the amount required to open the account and whether the advertised rate depends on a larger balance tier.
- Early-withdrawal penalty: Read the penalty formula and consider whether it could consume interest if you need funds before maturity.
- Compounding and interest crediting: Check how interest accrues and when it is credited, including whether credited interest can be withdrawn or remains in the CD.
- Renewal and grace period: Find out whether the CD renews automatically, when the renewal term begins, and how long you have to withdraw or change instructions.
- Eligibility and effective date: Confirm any account or geographic restrictions and the precise date the rate applies. A dated sheet is not proof of a current offer.
What “CD rates today” means for this date
For December 23, 2025, the supported answer is a dated snapshot: the closest available national benchmark is the FDIC’s December 15 release, alongside specific bank sheets accurate or effective December 11 and December 15. The available figures do not establish a nationwide best CD for December 23. CD rates can change, so check directly with the institution for its current rate and complete terms before depositing funds.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
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- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
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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