Compare The Best 4-Year CD Rates For October 2026

Shawn Plummer, CRPC

Retirement Planner, Financial Advisor, Annuity Broker, and Insurance Agent

Compare the Best 48-month CD Rates Online.

A 4-year Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a secure savings option where you lock in funds for 48 months with a fixed interest rate. Offered by banks and credit unions, CDs guarantee growth with minimal risk, making them appealing for savers looking for stability. Typically, higher rates are available for longer terms, and interest is compounded, helping your savings grow consistently over the four years.

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.

4 Year CD Rates and 48 Month CD Rates

Why Compare 4-Year CD Rates?

CD interest rates can vary significantly between institutions. By comparing rates, you increase your chances of finding the best interest rate to help your savings grow more effectively. When you compare rates, look at the early withdrawal penalties and fees to ensure you’re choosing the CD that aligns with your financial goals.

Top Reasons to Compare 4-Year CD Rates

  • Maximize Returns: Comparing rates helps secure the highest interest rates, giving you the best return on your savings.
  • Evaluate Terms: Each CD has unique terms, from early withdrawal penalties to minimum deposits, so it’s essential to shop around.
  • Explore Options: Banks, credit unions, and brokers offer various CD rates; online tools can help you find the best option without hassle.

Why Use a Broker to Compare 4-Year CD Rates?

At The Annuity Expert, we’re not a bank. We’re an independent broker that compares dozens of FDIC-insured 4-year CDs so you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking for the highest fixed rate, the safest institution, or the best early withdrawal terms, we’ll find the right CD for your specific needs—at no cost to you.


What We Do For You:

✔ Compare Rates From Over 50 Institutions

We shop the top 4-year CD rates across banks, credit unions, and custodians to help you earn more interest safely.

✔ Ensure FDIC or NCUA Insurance

Every option we recommend is federally insured—either by the FDIC or NCUA—so your funds are protected up to legal limits.

✔ Help You Avoid Hidden Restrictions

Some CDs lock you into penalties and poor liquidity. We guide you to those with low or flexible early withdrawal penalties if needed.

✔ Find the Best Use for Retirement or Non-Retirement Funds

You can fund your CD with:

  • Individual or joint accounts (after-tax)
  • IRAs and 401(k) rollovers (pre-tax)
  • Trust accounts
    We’ll help structure it correctly based on your goals and tax considerations.

Pros and Cons of 4-Year CDs

✔ Pros:

  • Higher fixed rate than shorter-term CDs
  • Safe principal with guaranteed return
  • Useful for laddering long-term savings

✘ Cons:

  • Limited liquidity (early withdrawal penalty applies)
  • Doesn’t keep up with long-term inflation
  • May underperform MYGAs or annuities over 4+ years

Who Should Use a 4-Year CD?

You may benefit if:

  • You want a guaranteed interest rate for mid-range savings
  • You’re investing for a near-term goal (e.g. home, wedding, bridge to retirement)
  • You need no market risk or volatility

You may want to avoid if:

  • You need regular access to your funds before maturity
  • You want income now (consider annuities instead)
  • You’re already getting better yields from alternatives like MYGAs

Alternative Option: Consider a CD Annuity

If you’re age 60 or planning for retirement, consider a CD annuity as an alternative. CD annuities may offer higher interest rates and liquidity than traditional CDs, making them worth exploring if you’re focused on maximizing growth and flexibility. This option allows you to enjoy higher interest while still benefiting from security and reliable returns.

Our Commitment to You

At The Annuity Expert, we aim to help you find the best CD rates to grow your savings confidently. Our advisors and brokers are dedicated to getting you the highest rates, allowing you to shop with ease and no obligation before you buy.

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Shawn Plummer, CRPC

Retirement Planner, Financial Advisor, Annuity Broker, and Insurance Agent

I am a licensed Retirement Planner (CRPC), insurance agent, financial advisor, annuity broker, and former financial trainer with more than 18 years of hands-on experience in annuities and insurance. My National Producer Number (NPN) is 15524738. I spent 12 years training financial advisors nationwide on annuity, insurance, and retirement planning strategies, in addition to 18 years of direct field experience selling annuities and insurance products, helping clients protect their savings and secure reliable retirement income.

I have been quoted in Time Magazine, Bloomberg, Entrepreneur, Yahoo! Finance, MSN, SmartAsset, LegalZoom, U.S. News & World Report, Women’s Health Magazine, Forbes, and many other leading publications.

I am also the founder of The Annuity Expert, an independent online insurance agency and annuity broker serving consumers across the United States. Through this platform, my team and I help Americans remove the guesswork from retirement planning and compare insurance solutions to find the strongest value at the most competitive rates. I want to see you get the best products at the lowest prices.

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