Best 6-Month CD Rates of March 2026

6-Month CD Rates of March Buying Guide

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How we evaluated these. We compared 6-month CD rates across APY (rates as of April 2026), early withdrawal penalty (months of interest), minimum deposit requirement, and FDIC insurance, cross-referencing NerdWallet and Bankrate CD rate trackers and verified customer reviews.

Six-month CDs currently pay as high as 4.30% APY at Newtek Bank — among the highest short-term FDIC-insured savings rates available for a $2,500 minimum deposit. At that rate, $25,000 locked for six months earns $537 in guaranteed interest. The primary tradeoff versus a high-yield savings account is liquidity: early withdrawal typically costs 90 days of interest. This guide covers the six-month CDs with the highest current APY, lowest minimum deposits, and most lenient early withdrawal penalties for savers who want maximum return without a long lock-up.

Quick Verdict: Our top pick is the Newtek Bank — 6-Month CD — Highest 6-month CD rate nationally at 4.30% APY (promotional; $2,500 minimum). FDIC insured.

Top Pick: Newtek Bank 6-Month CD

Newtek Bank leads the 6-month CD market at 4.30% APY as of March 2026 — the highest nationally available rate confirmed by major rate aggregators. Important caveat: Newtek labels this a promotional rate, meaning it may be pulled or reduced at any time. The $2,500 minimum is accessible for most savers. For a nearly identical yield without promotional risk, Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers a competitive rate with just a $500 minimum and a 10-day rate guarantee at account opening. All five CDs on this page are FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor.

How 6-Month CDs Work

A 6-month CD is a time deposit: you lock in a fixed amount at a guaranteed APY for exactly 6 months, then receive your principal plus interest at maturity. Early withdrawal carries a penalty — typically 90–180 days of interest — so only deposit money you can leave untouched for the full term. A 6-month CD makes sense when you have a specific goal about 6 months out (vacation fund, tax payment, emergency reserve top-up), want a guaranteed rate while monitoring long-term rate direction, or are building a CD ladder for staggered liquidity.

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Top 5 CD Accounts Ranked by APY (March 2026) | 🔒💵 Best CD Interest Rat

Rates and Minimums at a Glance

• Newtek Bank: 4.30% APY (promotional) — $2,500 minimum, 180-day early withdrawal penalty
• Popular Direct: ~4.10% APY — $10,000 minimum, consistent rate track record
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs: ~4.05% APY — $500 minimum, 10-day rate guarantee at opening, 180-day penalty
• Bread Savings: Competitive rate — $1,500 minimum, simple online interface
• LendingClub Bank: Competitive rate — $500 minimum, solid customer service ratings

Rates as of March 2026. Verify current APYs at each bank's website before opening — CD rates change frequently. All accounts FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor.

Who 6-Month CDs Are Best For

6-month CDs suit savers with a specific short-term goal and the discipline to leave funds untouched. At top rates of 4%+ APY, a $5,000 deposit earns approximately $100 in 6 months — meaningful guaranteed return with zero market risk. Not a good fit for emergency funds (early withdrawal penalty) or money you may need on short notice. For flexibility, a high-yield savings account or no-penalty CD is the better choice.

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Best CD Rates 2026: Lock In 3.75% Before Rates Drop

CD ladder tip: Split savings across a 3-month and 6-month CD. As the 3-month matures and renews, you get liquidity every quarter while keeping a portion invested at above-savings rates throughout.

What to Watch Out For

• Auto-renewal trap. Most CDs auto-renew at maturity at the then-current rate — which may be lower. Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before maturity to manage options within the grace period (typically 7–10 days).
• Promotional rate risk. Newtek's rate is explicitly promotional — it could drop before renewal. If long-term rate stability matters more than chasing the top rate, choose a non-promotional option like Marcus.
• Minimum deposit gap. Popular Direct requires $10,000 for its higher rate. If you don't have that minimum, Marcus at $500 often delivers better net return at a slightly lower headline rate.
• Early withdrawal cost. A 180-day penalty on a 6-month CD means withdrawing at month 3 forfeits all earned interest. Only lock in money you genuinely won't need before maturity.

How to Apply

All five CDs are available fully online — no branch visit required. The process takes 10–15 minutes: visit the bank's website (linked from each card above), provide your Social Security number, address, and date of birth, then fund via ACH bank transfer. Your CD typically begins earning within 1–3 business days of funding. Set a calendar reminder 14 days before the maturity date so you don't miss your withdrawal or renewal window.

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I Have $20,000 in a CD, What Should I Do With It?

For a longer commitment at a higher rate, our Best 1-Year CD Rates of March 2026 covers the same banks with 12-month terms that typically yield a few basis points more. For a combined view of CDs and savings in one ranking, Best High-Yield CDs and Savings Accounts 2026 covers both products side by side. If you're not sure whether to lock in at all, Best High-Yield Savings Accounts No Minimum Deposit 2026 covers fully liquid alternatives at competitive rate

Rates shown are current as of April 2026 and may change.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some products featured are from partners who compensate us. This does not affect our evaluations — our opinions are our own. Learn more.