The largest banks in the country (ranked according to FDIC data) are offering CD APYs as high as 4.00% as of Feb. 25, 2026. Available terms span from three months to 14 months.
If you’d rather park your savings at a bank you already know and trust instead of hunting through lesser-known online institutions, one of these CDs could be a solid fit.
Rates accurate as of February 25, 2026.
What’s the benefit of opening a CD with a big bank?
Brand familiarity is often the biggest draw for banks like Chase and Bank of America—there’s a certain peace of mind that comes with depositing your money at a name you recognize and perhaps already have experience with. Beyond that, there are a few more perks worth considering:
- Keep all your banking in one place. If you already have a checking account, savings account, auto loan, or mortgage with a big bank, adding a CD lets you manage multiple accounts from one dashboard.
- Oftentimes more CD options available. Large banks tend to carry a broader menu of CD terms and account types.
- Get relationship rate bumps. Certain banks reward existing customers with a higher APY on CDs. Whether that rate actually beats what a smaller digital-first bank offers depends on the situation. Online banks can often undercut larger competitors thanks to lower overhead. That said, some primarily online banks like Capital One are recognizable brands and also regularly post some of the strongest CD rates you’ll find.
What is a CD?
A certificate of deposit (CD) shares some DNA with a high-yield savings account, but it comes with more restrictions—and often a better interest rate to make up for it.
When you open a CD, you’re committing to leave your money alone for a fixed period. Pull it out early and you’ll face early withdrawal penalties. In return, your interest rate stays locked in for the entire term, regardless of what happens in the broader market.
Once your CD matures, you’re free to take your money (along with the interest it earned) and move it elsewhere or roll it into a new CD. Most banks will automatically renew your CD at maturity, though there’s usually a brief grace period during which you can decide what to do next.
How to choose the best CD type for you
Beyond the standard fixed-rate CD, there’s a whole lineup of specialty options designed around different financial needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
- No-penalty: This lets you pull your money out before the term is up without incurring a fee. The catch? You’ll usually get a lower APY.
- Bump-up: You’ll get the option to request a higher APY if the bank raises rates on your CD product during your term.
- Jumbo: A label some banks use for CDs with large minimum deposits, this is often paired with slightly better rates.
- IRA: You’ll grow your retirement savings inside a CD. You can fund it with existing IRA money or make new contributions—just keep in mind the annual IRA contribution limit (currently $7,000 if you’re under 50, $8,000 if you’re 50 or older).
- Business: This is designed as a low-risk place to park business cash. Like IRA CDs, business CDs come in various formats.
How to choose the best CD term for you
The term you pick might be the single most important detail when opening a CD. It determines how long your money is off-limits before you can touch it without paying penalties.
It’s tempting to think longer is always better—after all, you’ll lock in your APY for the duration of the account. Snagging a great rate and holding it for years shields you from any dips in the market. On the flip side, you’ll miss out if rates climb and a better deal comes along, since your funds are tied up (unless you’re okay paying the early withdrawal penalty).
Two key questions to ask yourself:
- How long can you realistically leave this money untouched?
- What APY are you getting? Rates vary depending on the term length.
One popular strategy for getting the best of both worlds is CD laddering.
What is CD laddering?
A CD ladder lets you invest in CDs over the long haul without giving up access to all your money at once. The idea is to open several CDs that mature at staggered dates, so portions of your funds free up at regular intervals.
You may theoretically have $5,000 to invest. You could split it up like this:
- $1,250 into a 6-month CD
- $1,250 into a 12-month CD
- $1,250 into a 18-month CD
- $1,250 into a 24-month CD
Every six months, one of those CDs matures and $1,250 (plus interest) becomes available. At that point, you can pocket the cash or reinvest it into a fresh 24-month CD to keep the cycle going.
The takeaway
Big banks generally provide the widest range of CD terms and account types, along with the reassurance of a well-known brand. The tradeoff is that their rates aren’t always the most competitive—so do your homework. Check out our post on the best certificates of deposit to stay on top of the latest offers.
Frequently asked questions
Are CDs at large banks safer than CDs at smaller banks?
CDs at large banks are not really safer than CDs at smaller banks. As long as the bank is insured by the FDIC, your money is generally as safe at a small bank. If it’s a credit union, check that they’re insured by the NCUA.
How often do big-name banks change their CD rates?
Big-name banks change their CD rates regularly. You may find that some CD terms change every couple weeks—exhibiting the value of opening a long-term CD. If you see a rate that you like, best to jump on it.
Can I lose money with a CD from a big bank?
You can’t lose money with a CD from a big bank, or any bank really, in the same way that you could with a riskier investment like the stock market. That said, you might effectively “lose” money if the interest you earn is lower than the inflation rate. You won’t be able to access and reinvest your money into something more profitable until your account terms (or unless you pay fees).
Should I keep all my CDs at the same large bank or spread them around?
It’s OK to keep all your money at the same large bank as long as your deposits are covered by the FDIC. This covers up to $250,000 per account holder per ownership category. If you’ve got more than that, it’s worth spreading the money around to other banks to ensure the FDIC covers it all.
Are CD rates at big banks always lower than at smaller online banks?
CD rates at big banks are not always lower than at smaller online banks. It’s true that online banks tend to offer more consistently impressive returns than big banks due to their lack of overhead and lower operational costs. But big banks often issue a handful of APYs that rival the best rates on the market.
