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The national average APY (Annual Percentage Yield) on a 5-year CD is 1.41% APY. However, the best 5-year CD rate is 4.86% APY from the US Senate Federal Credit Union. To join you may work for a Select Employee Group, have a family member who's a current member, or join the US Capital Historical Society or the American Consumer Council regardless of where you live in the US.
A 5-year CD may be ideal if you don't need access to some of your savings for a few years. If you're also interested in other CD term lengths, check out our overall best CD rates guide.
We check rates daily to find the best rates for 5-year terms Here are our top picks for 5-year CDs.
These are our picks for the best 5-year CD rates. Our top picks for CDs are protected by FDIC or NCUA insurance. Although Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank have recently been shut down, keep in mind money is safe at a federally insured financial institution. When a financial institution is federally insured, up to $250,000 per depositor is secure in a bank account.
Compare the Best 5-Year CDs
US Senate Federal Credit Union 5 Year Smart Share Certificate
Locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Washington, DC
To join USSFCU, you must work for a Select Employee Group; have a family member that’s a current member; become a member of the U.S. Capital Historical Society or the American Consumer Council
All members have to pay a one-time $1 membership fee
Early withdrawal penalties: 90 days of interest for terms of 1 year or less; 120 days of interest for terms greater than 2 years and up to 3 years; 360 days of interest for terms greater than 3 years
Earn higher interest rates with a higher account balance (Tiers: $100,000 and $200,000)
Interest compounded and deposited monthly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union 5 Year Share CD
On Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union's website
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
4.67%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$500
Editor's Rating
3.75/5
3.75 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
High interest rate
$500 minimum opening deposit
Standard-to-low early withdrawal penalties
Cons
Interest compounded monthly, not daily
Highlights
More Information
Locations in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, Maryland
To join the Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union, you must meet one of the following requirements: live, work, worship, or go to school in Washington, DC; work at the US Department of Commerce, NOAA, the White House Management and Administration Office, Executive Office of the President; have a family member or household member that’s a DOCFCU member; or become a member of the American Consumer Council
Terms range from 6 months to 7 years
Early withdrawal penalties: 90 days of interest for terms between 6 months and 11 months; 180 days of interest for terms between 12 months and 84 months
Earn additional interest if you qualify for Relationship Rewards
You may like First National Bank of America if you live in Michigan and want to use a local bank. Regardless of where you live in the US, it's a good option for CDs. The bank has some of the best CD rates for 4-year and 5-year terms, and you can open CDs online.
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
4.65%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$1,000
Editor's Rating
4/5
4 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Competitive APY
Term lengths up to 84 months
Cons
$1,000 opening deposit
High early withdrawal penalties
No term lengths under 12 months
Highlights
More Information
3 branches in Michigan: East Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City
You can open CDs in a branch; if you don't live in Michigan, you can open CDs online
Term lengths ranging from 12 to 84 months
180 days interest for terms of 12-23 months, 360 days interest for terms of 24-47 months, 540 days interest for terms of 48 to 84 months
Credit union that serves a Hispanic American community
15 branches in North Carolina (Charlotte, Piedmont Triad, Triangle)
To become a member, you will need to join the Latino Community Development Center and pay a one-time $8 membership fee
CD terms from 6 months to 5 years
Early withdrawal penalties: 90 days of interest or all interest earned for CDs 18 months and less (whichever is less); 180 days of interest or all interest earned for CDs 2 years or longer (whichever is less)
Early withdrawal penalties: 89 days simple interest for terms under 91 days; 120 days simple interest for terms of 91 days to less than 12 months; 270 days simple interest for terms of 12 months to less than 36 months; 365 days simple interest for terms of 36 months to less than 60 months; 730 days simple interest for terms of 60 months or more
BMO Harris is a great choice if you want a free savings or checking account. It also offers impressive checking account bonuses. But you'll want to look elsewhere to earn high interest rates.
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
4.50%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Editor's Rating
3.5/5
3.5 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Low minimum opening deposit
High interest rates
Standard-to-low early withdrawal penalties
Cons
Limited term lengths
Cannot go to BMO branches for support
No mobile app
Highlights
More Information
BMO Alto is an online-only division of BMO Harris
Terms range from 6 months to 60 months
Early withdrawal penalties: For terms of 11 months or less, the penalty is 90 days of interest; For terms of 1 year or more, the penalty is 180 days of interest
Interest is compounded daily and deposited monthly
The highest 5-year CD rate is 4.86% APY at the US Senate Federal Credit Union. You may join US Senate Federal Credit Union if you work Select Employee Group, have a family member who is a current member, or become a member of the US Capital Historical Society or the American Consumer Council (you can join these organizations from anywhere in the US).
Are 5-year CDs worth it?
A 5-year CD is worthwhile if you're saving for a 5-year goal. You can lock in a fixed rate for five years and grow your savings. Take note that CDs have early withdrawal penalties and do not permit deposits after an account is open.
What is a 5-year CD?
A 5-year CD is a type of savings account with a fixed interest rate. With a 5-year CD, you'll deposit your money for 60 months. Once your term ends, you'll have the option to renew the CD or close the account and withdraw your money.
How does a 5-year CD work?
A 5-year CD works by maintaining the same interest rate for the entire term. For example, if you open a 5-year CD at a 4.50% APY, you'll earn 4.50% for the entire five years. If you renew your CD after it matures, you'll earn the new rate available in five years.
Which CD should I choose: a 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year CD?
If your priority is earning a high interest rate, 3-year CDs and 5-year CDs generally offer higher rates than 1-year CDs. However, with a 3-year or 5-year CD, you could ultimately miss out on higher rates in the long run. Many experts recommend CD laddering. With this strategy, you open multiple CDs with different term lengths. That way you can take advantage of higher rates with longer terms, but also access some of your money earlier.
The US Senate Federal Credit Union 5-Year Smart Share Certificate pays a high CD rate. This credit union also offers great rates for 2-year and 3-year terms.
US Senate Federal Credit Union also has appealing jumbo CDs ($100,000 minimum opening deposit) and plus jumbo CDs ($200,000 minimum opening deposit) with even higher rates.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.86% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 360 days of interest
What to look out for: To join US Senate Federal Credit Union, you must work for a Select Employee Group, have a family member who is a current member, become a member of the U.S. Capital Historical Society or the American Consumer Council (you can join these organizations from anywhere in the US).
The Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union 5 Year Share CD pays a high interest rate and has low early withdrawal penalties.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.67% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 180 days of interest
What to look out for: You must become a member of the Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union to get a CD. The easiest way to become a member from around the US is to join the American Consumer Council. You may also be eligible for membership if you live in Washington, DC, or work at the US Department of Commerce, the White House Management and Administration Office, or the Executive Office of the President.
MYSB Direct CDs pay a competitive interest rate and have low early withdrawal penalties.
M.Y. Safra Bank is a New York-based financial institution that serves customers nationwide and its online-only division is MYSB Direct.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.66% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 90 days of interest
What to look out for: The bank compounds interest monthly, not daily. Depending on how much money you plan to keep in a CD, this may or may not make a significant difference.
First National Bank of America CDs are available online from anywhere in the US, and come in a variety of terms.
You also might like First National Bank of America if you live in Lansing, Grand Rapids, or Traverse City, Michigan. It has branches in these cities.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.65% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 540 days of interest
What to look out for: First National Bank of America has steep early withdrawal penalties for most terms. You might prefer one of the other options on our list if you are worried about CD early withdrawal penalties.
You may like Latino Community Credit Union Share Certificates if you value banking with a financial institution that serves a Hispanic American community.
You also might like this option if you live in North Carolina. The credit union has branches in the Charlotte, Piedmont Triad, and Triangle areas. You don't have to live in North Carolina to join, though.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.65% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 180 days of interest
What to look out for: You must become a member to open an account. The easiest way to become a member regardless of where you live is to join the Latino Community Development Center and pay a one-time $8 membership fee.
First Internet Bank of Indiana CDs may be appealing if you're searching for a variety of term lengths. The bank is also featured in our best money market accounts guide.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.59% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 360 days of interest
What to look out for: First Internet Bank of Indiana compounds your interest monthly, not daily. Depending on how much money is in your CD, this may or may not make a significant difference. You can also find a bank that charges less for an early withdrawal from a 5-year CD.
Barclays CDs could be a good choice if you want to get a 5-year CD with a lower amount, because there's no minimum opening deposit. Typically, you need at least $1,000 to open a CD at most banks.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.50% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 180 days of interest
What to look out for: Barclays doesn't have a checking account. If you want to do all your banking at one financial institution, you may want to choose a different bank that has both savings and checking.
The BMO Harris Alto High Yield CD may be a good choice if you'd like to open an online CD with a $0 minimum opening deposit. BMO Alto is an online-only division of BMO Financial Group, and its accounts are available nationwide.
APY for 5-year CD: 4.50% APY
5-year CD early withdrawal penalty: 180 days of interest
What to look out for: BMO Alto doesn't have a mobile app. Also, you can't go to a BMO Harris Bank location to get customer support. That said, customer service for BMO Alto is available 24/7 by phone.
Other 5-Year CDs We Considered
We looked at the following 5-year CDs as well. However, our top picks may have higher interest rates, lower minimum opening deposits, and lower early withdrawal penalties, which make them more compelling options.
Crescent Bank CD: A 5-year Crescent Bank CD pays 4.40% APY, which is lower than the CD rates on our list.
Delta Community Credit Union CD: Delta Community Credit Union has a 5-year CD paying 4.35% APY, which is just short of the rates on our list.
Alliant Certificate: Alliant Credit Union's 5-year CD pays 4.35% APY, but our top picks have even more competitive 5-year terms.
CFG Bank CD: CFG pays solid interest rates on CDs, but you'll earn higher rates with our top picks.
Quontic CD: Quontic Bank's 5-year certificate pays a lower interest rate than our top picks.
Synchrony Bank CD: Synchrony CDs have a low minimum opening deposit, but other financial institutions offer high rates on long-term CDs.
Discover CD: Other financial institutions offer more competitive interest rates on 5-year CDs or lower minimum opening deposit requirements.
Ally High Yield CD: Ally CDs have low minimum opening deposits, but our top picks all pay higher interest rates.
Bread Savings High-Yield CD: Bread Savings has CDs with good interest rates, but you'll need a minimum of $1,500 to get started.
Marcus High-Yield CD: Marcus has low minimum opening deposits on accounts, but our top picks pay higher interest rates right now.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Money Market Certificate: Pentagon Federal Credit Union has high interest rates for its 1-year and 18-month CDs. However, you'll find a more competitive interest rate at one of the financial institutions we've featured as a top pick.
TAB CD: TAB Bank has a solid interest rate, but our top picks offer even higher rates.
Bank Trustworthiness and BBB Ratings
We've compared each company's Better Business Bureau score. The BBB grades businesses based on factors like responses to customer complaints, honesty in advertising, and transparency about business practices. Here is each company's score:
Institution
BBB rating
Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union
NR
MYSB Direct
NR (rating of parent bank, MY Safra Bank)
First National Bank of America
A+
Latino Community Credit Union
B-
Popular Direct
A+ (rating of parent bank, Popular Bank)
US Senate Federal Credit Union
A-
First Internet Bank of Indiana
A+
Barclays
A-
BMO Alto
A+ (rating of BMO Harris Bank)
Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union received an NR ("No Rating") grade from the BBB because the business has services that the BBB can't evaluate.
MYSB Direct currently has an NR grade as well because the BBB doesn't have enough information to provide a rating.
Latino Community Credit Union currently has a B- rating because it has failed to respond to one customer complaint. US Senate Federal Credit Union also has an A- rating because it hasn't responded to one customer complaint. Barclays has an A- rating because of the length of time it has taken to respond to a customer complaint.
A good BBB rating doesn't necessarily mean that your relationship with the bank will be perfect. Talk to current customers or read online customer reviews to get a more well-rounded perspective about whether the bank may be ideal for you.
BMO Harris has been involved in one recent public controversy. In 2022, a Minnesota jury ordered the bank to pay $564 million in damages in a lawsuit involving a Ponzi scheme operated by a Minnesota businessman. That said, the Ponzi scheme was uncovered in 2008 at M&I Bank, and BMO Harris bought M&I Bank in 2011.
Why You Should Trust Us: Expert Advice on Choosing the Best 5-Year CD
To learn more about what makes a good CD and how to choose the best fit, Insider consulted four experts:
How do you decide how long your CD term should be?
CDs come in different terms that range from months to years, and a 5-year CD is typically one of the longest terms available. When choosing the right term for you, start with how you're going to use the money, and when. If you're buying a house in five years and know you won't need the money until then, a 5-year CD might work for your needs — however, if you're buying that house in two years, you'll need to choose a shorter term.
Once you know when you'll need the money, you can take a look at available rates. Maybe you have some flexibility around when you'll need the money, and find it worth leaving in the bank an extra six months or year to get a higher rate.
Should you put money in a high-yield savings account, money market account, or CD?
You're allowed to have multiple types of accounts, and it's OK to put money in different places for different purposes. Perhaps you want a high interest rate on money you can access at any time for an emergency, so you put that emergency fund in a high-yield savings account. Then, you want a savings account from which you can make regular withdrawals, so you use a money market account. Finally, you want to keep a nest egg out of sight and out of mind while earning a strong interest rate, so you use a CD.
Choosing which type of account to use comes down to how you plan to use that money, and when.
Our Methodology
First, we researched to find over 20 banks and credit unions that offered 5-year CDs. Then, we reviewed each institution to find the most-well rounded banking options. For each account, we compared the minimum opening deposits, early withdrawal penalties, and interest rates. We also considered the overall banking experience at each bank by assessing customer support availability, mobile app ratings, and ethics.
Sophia Acevedo is a banking reporter at Insider. She covers bank reviews, banking guides, and banking and savings articles for Personal Finance Insider. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).Sophia joined Insider in July 2021 and is an alumna of California State University Fullerton where she studied journalism and minored in political science. She is based in Los Angeles. You can reach out to her on Twitter at @sophieacvdo or email sacevedo@insider.com.Read more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services >>Below are links to some of her most popular stories:
Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Insider readers already know and love.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.Before joining Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries. Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.
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