CD Calculator – CD Account Calculator
By: Conor Keenan | Last updated: April 01, 2026
Conor Keenan, AWMA®, is the Co-Founder of CompareAccounts. An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor with over a decade of experience covering consumer banking and investing trends, his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and Yahoo Finance.
Editorial Independence: Our opinions, reviews, and recommendations are our own. Partner commissions keep our site free, but our content remains independent.
Use this CD interest calculator to estimate CD interest earned and ending balance for 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month CDs.
Click Here to Expand CD Calculator
Today’s Best CD’s:
High APY
4.00% APY
On Synchrony Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
Best For: High APY From a Fortune 500 Bank
Term: 14 Months
APY: 4.00%
Synchrony Bank’s 14-Month CD combines a competitive APY with the security of a fixed term, all with no minimum deposit required to open. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, a tax bill, or just want your money working harder than in a savings account, this CD delivers a guaranteed return.
Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly, so your balance grows steadily. With terms available from 3 months to 5 years, Synchrony gives you the flexibility to align your savings with your financial goals.
You’ll never pay monthly maintenance fees and accessing your account is simple through Synchrony’s online banking and mobile app, giving you control at your fingertips.
Synchrony is a Member FDIC which means your deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor.
Founded in 2003, Synchrony is a Fortune 500 company and ranked among the nation’s leading consumer banks, Synchrony has built a reputation for helping customers grow their money with competitive rates and dependable service. Terms Applyⓘ
See Synchrony Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal non-IRA accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For CD accounts, a penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals. After maturity, if your CD rolls over, you will earn the offered rate of interest in effect at that time. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.
3.00% APY
On Raisin's Secure Site
for Western Alliance Bank,
FDIC Insured
Best For: Short Term + High APY From a Top Bank
Term: 3 Months
APY: 3.00%
Western Alliance Bank offers 3.00% APY exclusively through the Raisin Platform on their 3 month CD.
Interest compounds daily and is posted to your account monthly.
This CD is a great fit if you're looking for a high APY but want access to your money sooner than other CD terms.
In addition to this high APY, Western Alliance offers $0 monthly maintenance fees and is insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor.
The Raisin platform also offers you the opportunity to access up to $10 million in federal deposit insurance through its network, all from a single secure login.
Customer service is located in New York, they are available via phone or email. You'll also have 24/7 access to your account and funds.
Western Alliance Bank was founded in 1994 and is consistenly ranked among the top banks. They were ranked #1 top-performing large bank with assets greater than $50 billion in 2021 by both American Banker and Bank Director. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens.
Depositing $10,000 or more? New customers can get between a $70 to $1,500 cash bonus depending on deposit size. Use code FRESHSTART.
See Raisin's Secure Site for Western Alliance Bank to Get More Details.
Compare With
Not Recommended
0.50% APY
Not Recommended. Shown For Comparison Purposes Only.
Term: 6 Months
APY: 0.50%
Chase Bank is one of the largest and most well known banks in the United States. Unfortunately, they offer a low 1.00% APY on their 6 month CD.
This is their "Relationship Rate."
You must have a linked Chase personal checking account to receive these rates. Otherwise, you'll receive 0.01% APY
Because of the bottom barrel APY and the need to link a personal checking account, we don't recommend you opening a CD with Chase Bank.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
3.75% APY
APY as of April 01, 2026
On CIT Bank's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: No Penalty Fees
Term: 11 Months
APY: 3.75%
CIT Bank has been helping customers for over 100 years. Founded in 1908, CIT Bank is now part of First Citizens BancShares, Inc.
CIT Bank offers 3.75% APY1 on their 11 Month No Penalty CD with no monthly fees.
There is no penalty to access funds if needed before maturity.2
You can open a CIT Bank 11 Month No Penalty CD with as little as $1,000 and it only takes about 5 minutes to complete the sign-up process.
Deposits are insured through the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor and interest compounds daily to maximize your earning potential. Terms Applyⓘ
See CIT Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
11 Month No Penalty CD Disclosure
1 APY — Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of January 9, 2026. $1,000 minimum to open the account.
2 With a No-Penalty CD, you may withdraw the total balance and interest earned, without penalty, beginning 7 days after funds have been received for your CD. No withdrawals are permitted during the first 6 days following the receipt of funds.
- For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures. please visit: https://cit-fcb-t.cit.com/cit-
bank/resources/forms
3.75% APY
On CIT Bank's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: High APY + Shorter Term
Term: 6 Months
CIT Bank currently offers 3.75% APY on their 6 Month CD with no monthly fees.
CIT Bank’s mobile app give you 24/7 access to your CD account. The mobile app is available for both IOS & Android devices.
You can open a CIT Bank 6 Month CD with as little as $1,000 and it only takes about 5 minutes to complete the sign-up process.
Deposits are insured through the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor and interest compounds daily to maximize your earning potential.Terms Applyⓘ
See CIT Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
6 Month CD Disclosure
1 Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) for all Term CDs are accurate as of January 9, 2026. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal of principal, and any early withdrawal (principal or interest) will reduce earnings.
2 Upon maturity, CDs are renewed for the same term automatically. The exception to this are the 13-Month CD and the 18-Month CD; upon maturity, the 13-Month CD will be automatically renewed as a 1-Year Term CD at the then-published APY, and the 18-Month CD will be automatically renewed as a 2-Year Term CD at the then-published APY.
- For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures. please visit: https://cit-fcb-t.cit.com/cit-
bank/resources/forms
To recap our recommendations.
Best Certificate of Deposits According To CompareAccounts™
Synchrony Bank Certificate of Deposit Account: 4.00% APY - 14 Month Term
CIT Bank® No Penalty Certificate of Deposit Account: 3.75% APY - 11 Month Term
CIT Bank® Certificate of Deposit Account: 3.75% APY - 6 Month Term
Western Alliance Bank® High-Yield CD: 3.00% APY - 3 Month Term
Today’s Best Savings Rates:
Up to $400 Bonus
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
4.00% APY
with qualifying activities
On SoFi®'s Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: Bonus Seekers + Large Deposits
SoFi redefines banking with a commitment to no fees—no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no account minimums.
Bonus: up to $400 with direct deposit.ⓘ
In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances with qualifying activities and 0.50% APY on checking balances, fee-free overdraft coverage up to $50 and access your direct deposit funds up to two days early, giving you greater financial flexibility. Terms applyⓘ.
The current savings APY without direct deposit or $5,000+ in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period is 1.00%. Although this is still higher than the national average, if you don't plan on setting up direct deposit or depositing $5,000+, you should look at the other offers on this list.
Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor and you can also access up to $3,000,000 of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks. Ensuring your money stays safe and secure. Earn a $50 or $400 bonus with direct deposit, terms apply.
Limited Time Offer: New account holders earn +0.70% boost to 4.00% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply.
1. Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25 There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees
may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bonus Offer
3.79% APY
On Raisin's Secure Site
For Valley Bank, Member FDIC
Best For: Earning a Cash Welcome Bonus
Founded in 1927, Valley Bank has been helping customers for nearly 100 years.
Valley Bank is a high-performing regional bank with assets greater than $62 billion and currently offers a 3.79% APY on their high yield savings account through the Raisin Platform.
This APY is substantially higher than what you’ll find at most brick-and-mortar banks and even most online banks.
In addition to this high APY, Valley Bank offers $0 monthly maintenance fees, unlimited withdrawals, and is insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor.
By partnering with Raisin, Valley Bank is able to extend its high yield savings offer past its 200 branch locations to help savers nationwide earn more.
Valley Bank was named one of America’s Best Regional Banks by Newsweek in both 2024 & 2025.
Depositing $10,000 or more? New customers can get between a $70 to $1,500 cash bonus depending on deposit size. Use code FRESHSTART.
See Raisin's Secure Site for Valley Bank For More Details.
3.50% APY
On Synchrony Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
Best For: High APY From a Fortune 500 Bank
Synchrony Bank is offering a 3.50% APY (annual percentage yield) on its High Yield Savings Account, that’s many times the national average. With no minimum balance to open and no monthly service fees, you can start earning more on your savings today.
Interest compounds daily and posts monthly, so your money is always working harder for you. Unlike CDs, you’ll still have full access to your cash whenever you need it. Perfect for an emergency fund or short-term goals.
Synchrony also makes managing your account easy: their mobile app gives you 24/7 access to your balance and transactions. And with FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, you’ll have peace of mind while your savings grow.
Founded in 2003, Synchrony is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest consumer banks in the U.S., serving millions of customers nationwide. Terms Applyⓘ
See Synchrony Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
3.20% APY
APY as of April 01, 2026
On American Express® National Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
Best For: High Yield Savings + Award-Winning Service
Earn a competitive 3.20% Annual Percentage Yield1 (APY) as of April 01, 2026 with the American Express® High Yield Savings Account — a top-tier rate from a brand known for trust, stability, and exceptional service.
Interest compounds daily and is deposited monthly, helping your savings grow effortlessly.
Enjoy no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements2, and 24/7 U.S.-based customer support.
Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, offering you complete peace of mind. Terms Apply.ⓘ
Manage your savings easily through the American Express® App, where you can check balances, deposit funds, track transactions, and stay in control — anytime, anywhere.
If you're looking for a secure, reliable place to grow your savings — backed by award-winning service — the American Express® High Yield Savings Account is a clear standout.
See American Express National Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
Terms Disclosure:
1. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of April 01, 2026. Interest rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened. Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded
2. There is no minimum balance required to open your Account, to avoid being charged a fee, or to obtain the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed to you.
3. iOS and Android only. See app store listings for operating system info.
4. For purposes of transferring funds to or from an external bank, business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Transfers can be initiated 24/7 via the website or phone, but any transfers initiated after 7:00 PM Eastern Time or on non-business days will begin processing on the next business day. Funds deposited into your account may be subject to holds. See the Funds Availability section of your Consumer Deposit Account Agreement and Savings Schedules for more information.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
3.20% APY
APY as of April 01, 2026
On American Express® National Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
Best For: High Yield Savings + Award-Winning Service
Earn a competitive 3.20% Annual Percentage Yield1 (APY) as of April 01, 2026 with the American Express® High Yield Savings Account — a top-tier rate from a brand known for trust, stability, and exceptional service.
Interest compounds daily and is deposited monthly, helping your savings grow effortlessly.
Enjoy no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements2, and 24/7 U.S.-based customer support.
Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, offering you complete peace of mind. Terms Apply.ⓘ
Manage your savings easily through the American Express® App, where you can check balances, deposit funds, track transactions, and stay in control — anytime, anywhere.
If you're looking for a secure, reliable place to grow your savings — backed by award-winning service — the American Express® High Yield Savings Account is a clear standout.
SeeAmerican Express National Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
Terms Disclosure:
1. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of April 01, 2026. Interest rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened. Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded
2. There is no minimum balance required to open your Account, to avoid being charged a fee, or to obtain the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed to you.
3. iOS and Android only. See app store listings for operating system info.
4. For purposes of transferring funds to or from an external bank, business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Transfers can be initiated 24/7 via the website or phone, but any transfers initiated after 7:00 PM Eastern Time or on non-business days will begin processing on the next business day. Funds deposited into your account may be subject to holds. See the Funds Availability section of your Consumer Deposit Account Agreement and Savings Schedules for more information.
To recap our recommendations.
Best Savings Accounts According To CompareAccounts™
SoFi® Checking and Savings: 4.00% APY & Earn up to $400 with qualifying activities
Valley Bank High Yield Savings Account: 3.79% APY
American Express® High Yield Savings Account: 3.20% APY as of April 01, 2026
American Express® High Yield Savings Account: 3.20% APY as of April 01, 2026
Top CD Choice for APY
Trusted Fortune 500 Bank with Nationwide
Reach Serving Millions of Customers
Term: 14 Months - 4.00% APY
Member FDIC. Terms Applyⓘ
On Synchrony Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
How to use this CD calculator
- Enter your initial deposit (example: $10,000).
- Pick a CD term: 12-month, 6-month, or 3-month.
- We’ll show your estimated ending balance and interest earned for that CD term.
- Use the bars to compare Featured CD interest vs the National Average.
- Click the Featured APY to jump to the matching CD offer details.
This is a CD interest calculator that assumes daily compounding and no additional deposits.
How to Calculate CD Interest
This calculator estimates your ending balance using daily compounding:
- Ending balance = P × (1 + r/365)(365 × years)
- Interest earned = Ending balance − P
Where P = deposit, r = APY as a decimal, and years = term/12.
CD Monthly Interest Calculator (What “Monthly” Really Means)
CDs typically compound daily, but you can estimate a monthly view by dividing the total interest by the number of
months in the term (for rough planning). Actual earned interest can vary slightly due to compounding.
Current CD rates used in this calculator
| Term | Featured APY | National Average APY |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Month | 3.80% | 1.61% |
| 6 Month | 3.75% | 1.57% |
| 3 Month | 3.00% | 1.35% |
CD Calculator FAQs
How much interest will a CD earn?
Your CD interest depends on your deposit amount, APY, and the CD term length. This calculator estimates interest
earned using daily compounding over the selected term. Actual earnings can vary by institution and account terms.
How do I calculate CD interest?
A common approach is to calculate your ending balance using daily compounding, then subtract your original deposit.
This calculator uses the APY for the selected term to estimate ending balance and interest earned.
What’s the difference between APY and interest rate?
APY includes the effect of compounding, which makes it easier to compare CD offers. The interest rate is the stated
rate before compounding is applied. For comparing CDs, APY is usually the most helpful number.
Do CDs compound daily?
Many CDs compound daily, but compounding frequency can vary by bank and product. This calculator assumes daily
compounding for illustration. Check the CD’s terms to confirm compounding and crediting details.
What is a 3-month vs 6-month vs 12-month CD best for?
Shorter terms (like 3 months) can be useful if you want flexibility or expect rates to change soon. A 6-month CD can
balance yield and access, while a 12-month CD can help lock in a rate for longer. The best choice depends on your
timeline and liquidity needs.
What happens if I withdraw early from a CD?
CDs often charge an early withdrawal penalty, which can reduce or eliminate interest earned and, in some cases,
impact principal. Penalties vary by bank and term length. Always review the CD’s early withdrawal terms before
opening an account.
Is this a free CD calculator?
Yes—this is a free CD calculator for estimating interest earned and ending balance based on APY and term length.
Results are estimates for illustration and may differ from actual earnings due to product-specific terms and fees.
What to Look for in a Certificate of Deposit Account
It’s always wise to compare your options when opening a new certificate of deposit account.
Small differences in interest rates and fees can quickly add up over time, especially if you’re keeping a large balance in the account.
Here are the top features to look for and compare:
1. Interest Rate
The interest rate of a certificate of deposit is one of its most important features. However, a very high interest rate can get completely wiped out if you have to pay a penalty fee because you need to withdrawal your funds before the term is complete.
Besides interest rate, term length is the second most important factor. Other important features of your certificate of deposit account include the required initial deposit, and minimum balance required.
2. Term Length
Most banks will charge you what’s called a “penalty fee” for withdrawing your funds before the term length has been completed.
This means, that if you open a 12-month CD, but withdraw your funds within 6 months, then you’ll pay a penalty fee.
Therefore, you need to decide when you’ll need these funds again.
For any term less than a year, we recommend a high-yield savings account.
If this is your first CD account, we recommend starting with a 12 – 15 month term.
If you’ve opened a CD account in the past, then you choose which term is right for you and your unique situation.
3. Required Initial Deposit
Initial deposit is another important factor when deciding to open up a certificate of deposit. Most banks require at least a $500 initial deposit to open a CD account.
While others require much more than $500 to open the account.
Again, because the initial deposit is in the hundreds if not thousands, we recommend you open a high-yield savings account if you need these funds within a year.
*National Savings Rate Average as published by FDIC