H&R Block Bank is offering a 90-day CD that pays 1.5% APY. That's one of the best 90-day CD rates.

One has to question putting money into a CD for this duration. There are quite a few money market and savings account rates that offer higher yields. And it doesn't look like savings rates are coming down that quickly anymore. Money in a savings account is also totally liquid and can be withdrawn at anytime, unlike a CD.

If you are interested in the H&R Block CD, the minimum deposit is $5,000. The rate is good until November 9.

H&R Block Bank is a subsidiary of H&R Block, the well known tax preparation company.

Discover Bank announced today that it will allow penalty-free early withdrawals from 12-month certificates of deposit for new and renewing account holders who lose their jobs. As an added bonus, Discover is currently offering the best 12-month CD rate according to the BestCashCow rate tables.

Discover Bank is making this penalty-free offer on its most popular 12-month CD term at the same rate at which it would normally offer any CD for the same term.

If you're trying to make some headway by investing in your future, we don't want the fear of an unforeseen job loss to keep you from enjoying the higher interest rates our 12-month CDs offer,” said Steve Olszewski, vice president of deposit products at Discover Bank. “In these days when unemployment is at a 25-year high, our customers can be confident that they can access their money if they need it without paying penalties.

To be eligible, account holders must open or renew a 12-month CD with a minimum $2,500 balance between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. If the account holder involuntarily loses his or her job during the term of the CD, they will be allowed to make a partial withdrawal of the funds or close the account with a full return of their principal and any credited interest with no penalties. The program also applies to self-employed people under certain circumstances.

In addition to the 12-month CD, Discover Bank also offers CDs with terms from three months to 10 years, money markets, and IRA CDs. Discover Bank deposit accounts can be opened over via the phone or online.

About Discover Bank

Discover Bank is one of the 100 largest banks in the United States and an affiliate of Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS). Discover Bank offers certificates of deposit, money market deposit accounts and other consumer financial products and services. Founded in 1911, Discover Bank is FDIC-insured and chartered under the laws of the State of Delaware. The bank maintains a branch in Greenwood, Delaware, with deposit, finance and credit card operations in New Castle, Delaware.

newdominionDirect.com is offering a 2.76% APY 36 Month CD. That's currently (9/29/09) one of the top 36-month CD rates for that term. newDominionDirect.com is a division of NewDominion, which is a niche financial services company based in Charolotte, NC. The bank has 4 domestic branches and as of June 30, 2009 had $562 Million in assets. It's deposit base is $481 Million.

The 36-month CD can only be opened online. Once the application is completed, the rate locks for 10 business days during which the account can be funded via a check or an electronic ACH transfer. A signature card is also sent and must be sent back although that will not prevent the account from being opened.

Once the term of the CD has ended, it can be rolled-over at whatever the prevailing rate may be or can be cashed out. If it is cashed out, the funds are sent via a certified check.

NewDominion has a 3 out of 5 star rating (Adequate) from Bauer Financial for its safety and soundness. The bank and its deposits are FDIC insured.

• Compare the best 36-month CD rates.