Five-Year Certificates of Deposit (CD) are generally the longest term CD that most banks will offer. They tend to offer the highest rates but require the longest commitment. Five-year CDs are especially popular in a declining interest rate environment as depositors can lock money in at the highest rate possible for the longest period of time. They are also popular with depositors who are willing to lock up money for five years in return for extra yield. Online banks often offer Five-Year CDs that are above the average national rate.
Highest Five-Year Online CD Rates - April 23, 2021
5 Year CD National Average: 0.79% ?
| BANK | APY? | MIN? | ||
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1.15% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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opal@8 | Dec 13, 2019 yes good |
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1.00% | $500 | Learn More | |
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Matterhorn Peak | Apr 03, 2021 Communication fails. I attempted to open an account online. Just reaching a person took way too long, Bank required loan pull from an existing account first--a potential red flag to both my investment comp... Read More |
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Restrictions |
1.00% | $5,000 | Learn More | |
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THOMAS STEPHENS | May 02, 2019 VERY CONFUSING WEB SITE AND DIRECTIONS |
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0.96% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
Early Withdrawal Penalty is 360 days interest. |
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Jim Plew | Apr 22, 2015 Hello, I am interested in a line of credit against my home. I have a high interest credit card that I want to move to this credit. I have a wells fargo mortgage which is only a few years old which I do no... |
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Restrictions |
0.95% | $100,000 | Learn More | |
Early Withdrawal Penalty is the lesser of 365 days of interest or all interest earned. |
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Savvysaver | Jun 25, 2020 Sorry, not 1.30% APY. 1.05%, 1.10% for balances above $100k |
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0.90% | $1,500 | Learn More | |
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J Finerman | Mar 06, 2021 No problems. Easy to open and use. Read More |
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0.85% | $10,000 | Learn More | |
Early Withdrawal Penalty is 730 days interest. |
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TulsaGirl01 | Apr 10, 2021 I opened an account a couple of years ago and had a dreadful experience. I saw two weeks ago that the rate was better than at Citizens so I closed that account for this one. I cannot access my money now or... Read More |
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0.80% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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John t. | Jul 24, 2020 Went to renew a cd at branch in Jacksonville Fl , on main street, they said I would have to keep driving around building , if any cars came in behind me. They have 2 drive throughs and wouldn't open other... Read More |
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0.80% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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Eleanor | Jan 04, 2021 The rate is 0.25% on balances under $300,000. Nobody in their right mind is going to go over $250,000 in this bank. Bestcashcow should remove it. Read More |
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0.80% | $2,000 | Learn More | |
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Peter C2 | Jan 23, 2021 In terms of service, you cannot do anything online. On every other bank, you can message someone online and get a quick response. You need to call Synchrony and speak with someone in the Philippines. N... Read More |
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0.80% | $25,000 | Learn More | |
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EduardoC | Dec 12, 2020 "keeping their savings rate competitive" - they aren't. Read More |
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0.75% | $500 | Learn More | |
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Rach 05 | Apr 19, 2021 If 0.60% is one of the best rates and it is, then I have nothing to complain about. It has been an easy enough experience. |
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0.75% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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Joy | Feb 28, 2021 ACH transfers limited to $3,000, unsecured website, emailing acct numbers, hours to reach customer service. Need not say more. |
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0.75% | $5,000 | Learn More | |
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CD Matured | Dec 10, 2019 My CD matured and they sent the money back. I am not getting a new CD now since rates are too low. I just wanted to say that the people were absolutely wonderful to deal with. Read More |
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Restrictions |
0.70% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
Early Withdrawal Penalty is the greater of: everything earned in the first 12 months or 30% of total dividends that would have been earned if held to maturity, but not to exceed total dividends paid. |
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LizaBBBB | Sep 06, 2020 Yes, Pentagon had good rate initially, but it disappeared at renewal. We have top credit score (835). |
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0.70% | $2,500 | Learn More | |
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ChicoNC | Apr 22, 2021 This is basically an online bank only. It is unknown here in Eastern NC, even though it claims to serve this area. I was happy to take the risk when the rate was good, After all the small drops, it isn't g... |
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0.60% | $500 | Learn More | |
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Will Emery | Apr 07, 2021 I have a few million dollars in cash across several online banks. It is not exciting with interest rates so low, but I will take 20 grand or so in interest, even if it is fully taxable over the $5 in inter... Read More |
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0.60% | $1,000 |
Learn More
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0.60% | $2,500 | Learn More | |
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Pjamas | Sep 14, 2020 two thumbs up Read More |
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0.60% | $2,500 | Learn More | |
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EBHYT | Aug 04, 2020 Sallie Mae is going to absolutely be the right bank for you if you enjoy calling during normal business hours and speaking with a automated voice response system that gives you no information and refuses t... |
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0.55% | $0 | Learn More | |
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Rebecca01 | Aug 03, 2020 There is a lot to like about this account. American Express is a real organization and you are not playing with a bunch of amateurs like with a lot of these banks. However, they will be sure to lower the ... Read More |
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0.55% | $0 | Learn More | |
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Jazzy in Georgia | Mar 25, 2021 Completely excessive number of customer service phone calls after setting up account. Well meaning, but over the top. |
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0.55% | $500 | Learn More | |
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Savvysaver | Jun 17, 2020 Confirmed - NOT an online bank! Emailed CFSB, response: Thanks for your email. Unfortunately, we do not open accounts online and we currently offer only account opening at our branches in New York. Thank Y... |
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0.55% | $10,000 | Learn More | |
Warning: Early withdrawal penalty is 2% of principal |
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Jeff | Dec 26, 2018 I think it is 1% on 1-year CDs and 2% on anything between 1 and 4 years. Not great, but not the worst I have seen. Read More |
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0.50% | $500 |
Learn More
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Early Withdrawal Penalty is 180 days interest. |
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0.50% | $500 | Learn More | |
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new name for a dreadful bank | Dec 13, 2016 This was formerly First Trade Union bank. Use Ally, Barclays, Synchrony or some bank that provides a certain level of service. |
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0.50% | $500 | Learn More | |
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Sticking With Better Known Names | Apr 10, 2021 This isn't a bank. It is a scam to get your personal information. It should not be listed here. They have no interest in doing business with you. Read More |
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0.50% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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BeccaB-88 | Jul 21, 2020 Opened account a month ago. I've already seen the rate fall a couple of times, but have no other complaints. Easy process and a clear easy to use site (unlike Ally where I was before). Read More |
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0.50% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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TrentR | Sep 30, 2020 Website hasn't been working for over a week now. Just great how they manage to go down as rates start to fall. :) I am so very done with this nonsense. Read More |
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0.50% | $25,000 | Learn More | |
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SandyB | Aug 25, 2020 Bank is owned by a Florida bank and yet I wasn't able to open an account because I live in Florida. Go figure! Read More |
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0.40% | $0 | Learn More | |
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WallyC | Dec 11, 2020 All the good reviews on this site are planted by the bank. This is the worst. It used to be good and the transfer speed is good. Still they lower their rates below anyone else and do it without the notice ... |
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Restrictions |
0.40% | $500 |
Learn More
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0.40% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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Joe | Dec 05, 2020 I know rates are variable, at their discretion*, but in the time frame of 9 months their rates have dropped to 1/3 of what they were ! is that what some call a teaser rate in the beginning ??? Read More |
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0.37% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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Azblondie007 | Feb 24, 2020 I had been with USAA for 20 years. Had my checking, savings, auto and renters insurance and 2 credit cards with them. I work in the service industry and make a good portion of my income in cash tips. For 4... Read More |
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0.30% | $750 | Learn More | |
Warning: Early Withdrawal Penalty is the greater of all credited interest or 90 days interest. |
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Jay Riesman | Apr 09, 2021 Unprofessional in every way imaginable. |
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0.30% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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Emigrant is a game | Sep 17, 2020 It is a complete game between MySavings, DollarSavings and Emigrant. Some days one has a competitive rate, the next day the rate on that one has dropped to zero and it is one of the other brands that has... Read More |
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Restrictions |
0.30% | $25,000 |
Learn More
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0.25% | $2,500 | Learn More | |
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dbestway@gmail.com | Aug 13, 2019 I filled out the application 10 days ago answering all questions and sent a file with a copy of my drivers license to Western Bank. I received an email saying that a banker would call me within one busines... |
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0.25% | $5,000 | Learn More | |
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Jeremy | Aug 25, 2020 I cannot say that I am too happy about the rate, but the service on this one is excellent. Read More |
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0.25% | $10,000 | Learn More | |
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Gustavo L 18 | Feb 28, 2020 Purepoint is great. Only Citizens Access is better and I've had all of these. I have nothing to gain by saying this, but I would opt for Purepoint when the rates are comparable. Read More |
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Restrictions |
0.20% | $500 | Learn More | |
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Run Away As Fast As You Can | Aug 15, 2019 I applied for a jumbo CD account over two weeks ago. They asked me for more documentation than my mortgage company did and then they did a hard credit pull. They advertise fast and simple they are simply n... |
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0.20% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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jason t | Apr 19, 2021 more problems than i or anyone should have time for Read More |
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0.15% | $1,000 | Learn More | |
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CHow1975 | Nov 18, 2017 This is a decent account until you need to withdraw something and then it is hell on wheels. Read More |
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| Bank Institution | Product Term | Interest Rate (APY) |
|---|---|---|
| CFG Bank | 1-Year | 0.67% APY with $500 minimum |
| Live Oak Banking Company | 1-Year | 0.65% APY with $2,500 minimum |
| Comenity Direct | 1-Year | 0.63% APY with $1,500 minimum |
| Comenity Direct | 3-Year | 0.85% APY with $1,500 minimum |
| First Internet Bank of Indiana | 3-Year | 0.81% APY with $1,000 minimum |
| Connexus | 3-Year | 0.75% APY with $5,000 minimum |
| Home Loan Investment Bank, F.S.B. | 5-Year | 1.15% APY with $1,000 minimum |
| Connexus | 5-Year | 1.00% APY with $5,000 minimum |
| First Internet Bank of Indiana | 5-Year | 0.96% APY with $1,000 minimum |
Online banks offer many different CD terms of which the five year CD is generally the longest. Five year CDs provide the highest yield of the common CD terms but in return, savers must keep the money locked in the bank for an extended period of time. While individuals can withdraw the money (termed "breaking the CD") high penalties usually make this undesirable. At times, some five year CDs offer rates that are high enough to make up for the break penalty, and in these cases savers can earn a positive return even if they break the CD in the third or fourth year. These cases are rare though and savers are advised to plan to keep their money in the CD for the full term.
Five year CDs shown from banks on BestCashCow are all insured up to $250,000 per individual per institution by the FDIC. Deposits over that amount may be lost should there be a bank failure and savers are advised to keep their money within FDIC limits. The FDIC provides a tool to help you determine if your deposits are covered.
The biggest risk of a five year FDIC insured CD is that soon after depositing the money, interest rates and inflation will begin to rise. This can often happen in a rising rate environment and savers are advised to be way of investing in a five year CD if interest rates and inflation seem poised to go up. Unlike with bonds, the face value of a CD does not change with increases in interest rates, but no one wants to deposit money into a CD at 2.00% for five year only to have rates rise to 4.00% a year later.
In general, avoid investing in long-term CD at the start of economic recoveries following a recession.
The time to invest in five year CDs is when the economy is doing well and interest rates are high or if the economy seems to be entering a period of slower growth, or a recession. The post 2008 financial crisis period would have been a perfect time to lock in a five year CD rate.
Because it is very difficult to predict the start of a recession or the beginning of a recovery, some individuals prefer to create a CD ladder and five year CDs are an important part of a laddering strategy.
Five year CDs from online banks pay rates that are well above one year CDs and are comparable to five year CDs from branch banks. Five year CDs are the one term where the online banks do not pay much above online banks.
Opening a CD from an online bank has become easier over the past five years. Today, most online banks have an end-to-end online process that takes all depositor information. Savers opening an account should be comfortable providing their social security information online. Once the account has been opened, the rate is locked. Most online banks have an electronic funding mechanism in which an individual can transfer funds using an ACH transaction from their main checking account. Banks also allow funding to be done via check, wire, or credit card.
All banks listed on BestCashCow are FDIC insured; BestCashCow.com strongly recommends that you stay within FDIC insurance limits and that if you are unsure of how the limits affect you, please visit the FDIC website.
To understand all of the income generating options available to a saver, please view the Income Generating Investments Comparison Chart.
