The national average rate for one-year CD rates started out at 1.07 percent in 2023, and it rose to 1.73 percent by the end of the year. At the start of 2023, the national average rate paid by five-year CDs was 1.16 percent, and it climbed to 1.43 percent by year's end.
The Fed boosted its benchmark federal funds rate numerous times throughout 2022 and the first half of 2023, finally holding rates steady at a target range of 5.25% to 5.50% through the second half of 2023. Rates may eventually begin to decline in 2024.
CD rate forecast: 2024
The Fed kept its rate the same after its first meeting of 2024 on Jan. 30-31. Projections suggest that we may see no rate increases in 2024, and that the Fed might start dropping its rate as soon as March, according to the CME FedWatch Tool on Jan. 31.
You can get 6% on a CD by becoming a member of a credit union offering a certificate with this rate.
Why it's probably time to buy a CD. It's unlikely that CD rates will continue to climb any higher. Now, you can lock in high rates on both short-term and long-term CDs. Waiting to open a CD could mean missing out on some stellar rates.
While we don't yet officially know when, and by how much, interest rates could drop in 2024, it's safe to say we've reached peak savings rates today and now is the time to lock one in with a CD.
The bottom line
In today's financial climate, where uncertainty looms and market conditions can change rapidly, putting $5,000 in a 6-month CD is a smart move for many investors. The higher interest rates, liquidity, low risk, diversification benefits and predictable returns make it a compelling option.
There aren't any traditional banks offering a 7% interest savings account in the U.S., but you will find some credit unions that offer checking accounts and certificates with rates near or above 7.00% APY. It's important to note that savings account rates are variable and can change at any time.
Numerous banks offer 5% APY on CDs, including but not limited to BMO Alto, CIBC Bank USA, and NASA Federal Credit Union.
Several economists have made interest rates forecasts for 2023, which give some insights for the direction of CD rates. Bankrate forecasts high but steady interest rates for 2023, with a federal funds rate between 5.25% and 5.50% and a national average for 1-year CD rates of 1.63%.
What was the highest CD rate historically? According to the Federal Reserve, the highest CD rate was for a three-month CD term in December 1980, which reached an average of 18.65%.
The takeaway
If you're looking for a safe place to store your savings—and earn a competitive rate so your money can grow faster—it's hard to beat a CD. Interest rates are the highest in about a decade and will likely stay elevated through 2024.
The Federal Reserve's inflation-busting rate hikes pushed annual percentage yields (APYs) on some CDs upwards of 5% in 2023. But with the central bank poised to pull back and cut interest rates, time may be running out for investors to take advantage of those exceptional APYs.
The national average rate for one-year CD rates will be at 1.15 percent APY by the end of 2024, McBride forecasts, while predicting top-yielding one-year CDs to pay a significantly higher rate of 4.25 percent APY at that time.
However, federally insured banks and credit unions only insure up to $250,000 per depositor per account ownership category. If you put more than this amount in a single CD, some of your money will be at risk. You can still safely invest more than $250,000 in CDs by opening accounts at multiple financial institutions.
Savers can now earn 9pc in savings interest, after the only savings account to beat inflation launched – but there's a catch. Saffron Building Society has launched an account with a market-leading 9pc interest rate, making it the only rate able to outpace the current 8.7pc rate of inflation.
Inflation Risk
If inflation is rising, it could outpace the rate of return you're earning on your CDs, especially in a low interest rate environment. This means even though your savings is growing, it won't stretch as far when it's time to spend it.
Tapping a CD early will likely incur a penalty that could erase all your returns—and more. Low overall return. Once you factor in inflation and taxes, a CD's return is relatively low compared to many other investments. Reinvestment risk.
Limited liquidity
One major drawback of a CD is that account holders can't easily access their money if an unanticipated need arises. They typically have to pay a penalty for early withdrawals, which can eat up interest and can even result in the loss of principal.