Compare the Best 12-month CD Rates.
A 1-year Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a short-term savings product that locks in your funds for 12 months, providing a fixed interest rate from banks or credit unions. At the end of the term, you receive your initial deposit plus interest earned. For those looking to grow savings steadily, a 1-year CD offers stability and predictable returns, making it ideal for conservative savers or those with a short-term horizon.
The following table displays the best interest rates from 454 banks and credit unions. Sort by rate or filter by term.
Our Favorite Certificates Of Deposit
As of October 2026, we recommend any of the banks and credit unions at Raisin because most of the accounts on their platform only require $1 to open an account, which allows you to spread your risk among several financial institutions rather than having all your eggs in one basket.
Why Compare CD Rates?
Not all CDs are created equal; one-year rates can vary significantly between banks and credit unions. We aim to get you the highest interest rates available, making your investment truly worth it. Before buying, shopping online lets you maximize interest earned without any added obligations.
If you’re 60 or considering retirement options, consider a CD annuity for higher returns and added liquidity—a great alternative for flexible, retirement-minded savings.
Why Compare 1-Year CD Rates With a Broker?
A 1-year certificate of deposit (CD) is a simple, no-frills savings tool that guarantees a fixed interest rate for 12 months. But banks and credit unions don’t always offer their best rates to the public. As an independent broker, The Annuity Expert gives you access to institutional-rate CDs and insurance company-issued alternatives that often beat traditional offerings—at no extra cost to you.
What We Offer as Your CD Broker
We’re not a bank or a credit union. We’re your advocate. Our job is to help you:
- ✅ Compare the highest-paying 1-year CD rates across banks, credit unions, and insurers.
- ✅ Access exclusive broker-only CD rates not advertised to the public.
- ✅ Avoid early withdrawal penalties by understanding the terms before you buy.
- ✅ Find higher-yielding alternatives, like 1-year fixed annuities (CD-style annuities).
- ✅ Ensure FDIC or insurance company protection, depending on the option you choose.
1-Year CD vs. 1-Year Fixed Annuity
| Feature | 1-Year CD | 1-Year Fixed Annuity |
|---|---|---|
| Backed By | FDIC (banks) or NCUA (credit unions) | State-regulated insurance company |
| Liquidity | Penalty if withdrawn early | Penalty if withdrawn early |
| Taxation | Interest taxed annually | Interest tax-deferred until withdrawn |
| Typical Rate | Lower | Often higher for same duration |
Funding options for fixed annuities:
- ✔️ Cash
- ✔️ Rollover from a maturing CD
- ✔️ Transfer from savings/checking
- ✔️ 1035 exchange from another annuity
Who Needs a 1-Year CD or 1-Year Annuity?
✔ Best for:
- Savers looking for a short-term place to park cash.
- Individuals expecting to use the funds in 12 months (home purchase, tuition, etc.).
- Those rolling over a maturing CD and want a better rate.
- Retirees seeking safe, predictable income growth without locking money up for years.
✘ Not ideal for:
- Investors seeking long-term compound growth (longer CDs or annuities pay more).
- Those needing penalty-free liquidity before 12 months.
- People in high tax brackets—CD interest is taxable annually, which may hurt returns.
Why Rates Vary (And Why You Need a Broker)
CD rates change often and vary based on:
- The issuing institution
- Deposit size
- Geographic location
- Type of account (retail vs. brokered CD)
Without a broker, you’re stuck calling multiple banks or manually shopping online. We streamline this process and include alternatives you won’t find on your own—all in one comparison, with no obligation to buy.
The Annuity Expert Difference
At The Annuity Expert, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best savings solutions. Whether you’re a conservative saver or exploring retirement options, our advisors and brokers offer online access to competitive CD rates—no obligation required to explore and compare.
Book A Free Consultation
Get help from a licensed financial professional. This service is free of charge.
Let Us Answer Your Questions
Not quite ready for a meeting, but you have a question that needs answering? We’re happy to help. Leave an inquiry below, and one of our staff will respond via email.