Lock in the Best 6-Month CD Rate Now

Key Takeaways

Top Rate Available: The best nationally available 6-month CD currently pays up to 4.50% APY, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Short-Term Commitment: A 6-month CD is ideal if you want to earn a competitive rate without locking your money away for a full year.
Liquidity Advantage: Compared to 1-year CDs, the shorter term gives you quicker access to funds, making it a good option if you anticipate needing cash sooner.
Penalty Awareness: As with all CDs, early withdrawals before maturity will incur penalties, so it’s important to review terms carefully.
Best Use Case: Savers who want a balance between earning higher interest than a savings account and keeping funds accessible in the near term.

Best 6-Month CD Rates for February 2026: Earn Up to 4.50% APY

The strongest short-term CD option right now is a 7-month CD from Connexus Credit Union at 4.50% APY, verified as of February 13, 2026. Other leading nationwide offers range between 4.05% and 4.27% APY on terms spanning 5 to 9 months. These rates are significantly higher than the national average, making them attractive for savers who want competitive returns without committing to a full year.

A 6-month CD is ideal for those who want liquidity sooner while still earning above-average interest. The shorter term allows you to access funds faster than a 1-year CD, while maintaining the safety and predictability of federally insured deposits. As always, early withdrawal penalties apply, so it’s best suited for savers confident they can leave funds untouched for the duration.

Best 6-Month CD Rates in February 2026: Top APYs Nationwide

Here are the leading short-term CD offers available nationwide right now. Connexus Credit Union tops the list with 4.50% APY, followed closely by Climate First Bank at 4.27% APY and Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union at 4.25% APY. Several other banks and credit unions, including Vibrant, Northern Bank Direct, and Salem Five Direct, cluster around 4.10% 4.15% APY, while big names like Marcus by Goldman Sachs and E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley also remain competitive above 4.00% APY.

These rates are significantly higher than the FDIC national average, making them attractive for savers who want strong short-term returns without committing to a full year. A 6-month CD balances liquidity with yield, offering flexibility for those who may need access to funds sooner while still earning above-average interest.

Institution	APY	Term Length
Connexus Credit Union	4.50%	7 months
Climate First Bank	4.27%	6 months
Farmers Insurance Federal CU	4.25%	6 months
Vibrant Credit Union	4.15%	6 months
Northern Bank Direct	4.15%	6 months
TBO Bank	4.15%	6 months
Salem Five Direct	4.10%	6 months
Communitywide Federal CU	4.10%	6 months
Newtek Bank	4.10%	6 months
LendingClub	4.10%	6 months
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley	4.10%	6 months
MutualOne Bank	4.07%	6 months
MTC Federal Credit Union	4.06%	6 months
Genisys Credit Union	4.06%	6 months
Marcus by Goldman Sachs	4.05%	6 months
Veridian Credit Union	4.05%	6 months
First National Bank of America	4.05%	6 months

Best 6-Month CD Rankings 2026: How Institutions Are Ordered

To be included in our ranking of the best 6-month CD rates, the certificate must have a term between 5 and 9 months. When multiple banks or credit unions offer the same APY, the ranking system prioritizes the shortest CD term first, followed by the institution with the smaller minimum deposit requirement. If there’s still a tie, the institutions are then listed alphabetically by name.

This ranking method ensures that savers can quickly identify not only the highest APYs but also the most accessible CDs, balancing rate competitiveness with deposit requirements and term length. By structuring the list this way, Our highlights options that maximize both yield and convenience for different saver profiles.

Best 6-Month CD Offers in February 2026: Top Institutions

Here are the leading banks and credit unions offering competitive short-term CDs right now. Each listing includes APY, term length, minimum deposit, and early withdrawal penalty, along with a brief overview of the institution.

Connexus Credit Union – 4.50% APY*

Term: 7 months
Minimum deposit: $5,000
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: Membership open via $5 donation to Connexus Association; established 1935 in Wisconsin. New money required.

Climate First Bank – 4.27% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: None
Overview: Founded in 2021, headquartered in Florida with online banking.

Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union – 4.25% APY*

Term: 6 or 9 months
Minimum deposit: $1,000
Penalty: Complex formula (minimum 3 months interest)
Overview: Membership via American Consumer Council; established 1936 in California. New money required.

Vibrant Credit Union – 4.15% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $5
Penalty: All earned interest
Overview: Membership via Illinois Consumer Council; founded 1935 in Illinois.

Northern Bank Direct – 4.15% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: 6 months of interest
Overview: Online division of Northern Bank, FDIC-insured since 1960.

TBO Bank – 4.15% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: 2% of balance
Overview: Established 1902, headquartered in Missouri, nationwide online access.

Salem Five Direct – 4.10% APY

Term: 5 months
Minimum deposit: $10,000
Penalty: 2% of principal withdrawn
Overview: Online division of Salem Five, founded 1855 in Massachusetts.

Communitywide Federal Credit Union – 4.10% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $1,000
Penalty: Complex formula, caution advised
Overview: Membership via $15 donation to Marine Corps chapter; founded 1967.

Newtek Bank – 4.10% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $2,500
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: Subsidiary of Newtek One (NASDAQ: NEWT), headquartered in Miami.

LendingClub – 4.10% APY

Term: 8 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: All earned interest on withdrawn amount
Overview: Online bank since 2007, FDIC member since 1987.

ETRADE from Morgan Stanley – 4.10% APY*

Term: 9 months
Minimum deposit: Any amount
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: FDIC-insured via Morgan Stanley Private Bank, acquired E*TRADE in 2022.

MutualOne Bank – 4.07% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: Massachusetts bank dating back to 1889.

MTC Federal Credit Union – 4.06% APY

Term: 5 months
Minimum deposit: $10,000
Penalty: 1% of amount withdrawn + $25
Overview: Founded 1976, headquartered in South Carolina; membership via $25 donation.

Genisys Credit Union – 4.06% APY

Term: 7 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: Membership via $5 donation; established 1964 in Michigan.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs – 4.05% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $500
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: Online-only bank launched in 2016.

Veridian Credit Union – 4.05% APY

Term: 6 months
Minimum deposit: $1,000
Penalty: 3 months of interest
Overview: Membership via $5 donation to Habitat for Humanity; founded 1934 in Iowa.

First National Bank of America – 4.05% APY

Term: 7 months
Minimum deposit: $1,000
Penalty: 3 months of interest
verview: Founded 1955, headquartered in Michigan, serving nationwide customers.

At its January 28, 2026 meeting, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50% 3.75%, following six rate cuts since September 2024. This pause comes after three consecutive reductions, signaling a cautious approach to monetary policy.

Because CD rates closely track the federal funds rate, savers should expect CD yields to decline if the Fed resumes cutting rates later this year. That makes current offers like 6-month CDs at up to 4.50% APY and high-yield savings accounts at 5.00% APY especially attractive for locking in returns before potential decreases.

Compare the Best 6-Month CD Rates in February 2026

Here’s a side-by-side look at the top-paying 6-month CDs available nationwide. Connexus Credit Union leads with 4.50% APY on a 7-month term, while Climate First Bank offers a strong 4.27% APY with no early withdrawal penalty. Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union follows at 4.25% APY, though its penalty structure is more complex. Several other institutions, including Vibrant, Northern Bank Direct, and TBO Bank, cluster around 4.15% APY, each with different deposit requirements and penalty rules.

This comparison highlights how not all CDs are equal while APY is critical, minimum deposit requirements and penalty terms can significantly affect the overall value. Savers should weigh both yield and flexibility when choosing the best option for their short-term savings goals.

Institution	APY	Term	Column 4	Column 5
Connexus Credit Union	4.50%	7 months	$5,000	3 months of interest
Climate First Bank	4.27%	6 months	$500	None
Farmers Insurance Federal CU	4.25%	6 or 9 mo.	$1,000	Complex formula (3 months minimum)
Vibrant Credit Union	4.15%	6 months	$5	All earned interest
Northern Bank Direct	4.15%	6 months	$500	6 months of interest
TBO Bank	4.15%	6 months	$500	2% of balance
Salem Five Direct	4.10%	5 months	$10,000	2% of principal withdrawn
Communitywide Federal CU	4.10%	6 months	$1,000	Complex formula; caution advised
Newtek Bank	4.10%	6 months	$2,500	3 months of interest
LendingClub	4.10%	8 months	$500	All earned interest on withdrawn amount
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley	4.10%	vv9 months	Any amount	70 days of interest
MutualOne Bank	4.07%	6 months	$500	3 months of interest
MTC Federal Credit Union	4.06%	5 months	$10,000	1% of amount withdrawn + $25
Genisys Credit Union	4.06%	7 months	$500	3 months of interest
Marcus by Goldman Sachs	4.05%	6 months	$500	3 months of interest
Veridian Credit Union	4.05%	6 months	$1,000	3 months of interest
First National Bank of America	4.05%	7 months	$1,000	3 months of interest

In a March survey, 10% of our readers said they would put an extra $10,000 into CDs, ranking them above high-yield savings accounts and paying down debt. However, CDs trailed behind more growth-oriented options like individual stocks, ETFs, and money market funds. This shows that while CDs remain a trusted choice for stability and guaranteed returns, many savers are still drawn to investments with higher potential upside.

The takeaway is clear: CDs continue to hold appeal for risk-averse savers, especially in a declining rate environment, but they compete with more liquid or growth-focused alternatives. For those prioritizing safety and predictable earnings, CDs remain a strong contender in 2026.

How We Rank the Best 6-Month CD Rates in 2026

Our methodology for identifying the best 6-month CD rates is built on daily research and strict eligibility criteria. Every weekday, a team of editors, analysts, and compliance managers collects and verifies data from more than 200 banks and credit unions. Rates are checked once per day and double-checked weekly, with new institutions added as they expand nationwide availability.

To qualify, CDs must be available nationwide, federally insured by the FDIC or NCUA, and fall within a 5 9 month term range. Minimum deposits cannot exceed $25,000, and maximum deposits must be at least $5,000. Banks must operate in at least 40 states, while credit unions may require small donations or memberships, but any requirement above $40 disqualifies them. This ensures that the rankings highlight CDs that are both competitive and accessible to savers across the country.

The Bottom Line

The top-paying 6-month CDs right now deliver APYs well above the national average, with Connexus Credit Union leading at 4.50% APY and Climate First Bank offering 4.27% APY with no penalty for early withdrawal. Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union follows at 4.25% APY, while several others including Vibrant, Northern Bank Direct, and TBO Bank cluster around 4.15% APY. These rates highlight the strong short-term savings opportunities available nationwide.

For savers, the bottom line is clear: a 6-month CD offers a balance of competitive yield and liquidity, making it an excellent choice if you want to lock in returns without committing for a full year. With the Federal Reserve holding rates steady but signaling possible future cuts, locking in one of these high APYs now could help maximize earnings before yields decline.