1-Year CD Rates May 2023

High-yield 1-year CDs are growing in popularity. We look at the options on the market.

Papers that say certificate of deposit sit next to a calculator and blue highlighter pen.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Since last year, the Federal Reserve has continued to raise interest rates in an attempt to lower inflation, hiking the federal funds rate to a target range of 5.0%-5.25%. While these rate increases have driven mortgage rates to record highs and pushed many into credit card delinquency, there is one silver lining. Rates on savings accounts and CDs have also increased. However, the most recent interest rate hike by the Fed could be the last rate hike of the cycle. Therefore, yields on CDs are expected to peak before leveling off later this year. 

A CD, or certificate of deposit, is a type of investment account that holds a fixed amount of money for a fixed term — which can be anywhere from one year to five years. The annual percentage yield (APY) on CD accounts is typically higher than rates for traditional savings accounts, helping you maximize your savings with minimal effort. 

However, if you look around you'll find many accounts are already offering much higher rates than that. In some cases, we've seen 1-year CDs with yields of more than 5%. Our tool, in partnership with Bankrate, will let you search for a good rate on an account that's right for you. 

Why open a CD account?

One of the best reasons to open a CD account is that it’s one of the safest places you can save your cash. This is because most CD accounts are FDIC or NCUA  insured. The difference depends on whether you open an account with a bank (overseen by the FDIC (opens in new tab)) or credit union (regulated by NCUA (opens in new tab)). If your bank or credit union is faced with any financial trouble or closes, your deposits will be insured up to $250,000 per account (and up to $250,000 per person in a joint account). You can even use the FDIC BankFind tool (opens in new tab) to check whether a bank is federally insured. 

Opening a CD is also a great option if you’re looking for a guaranteed rate of return on your savings. While CDs offer comparatively lower returns compared to higher-risk investment options, like stocks or ETFs, they’re a good choice if you value a fixed, predictable and safe return on your money. 

Here are some 1-year CDs with rates 5% and higher 

These 1-year CD accounts currently offer some of the best rates on the market, with APYs of at least 5%. 

BMO Harris

Term: 13 months

APY: 5.10%

Minimum Deposit: $1,000

CFG Bank

Term: 1 year

APY: 5.17% 

Minimum Deposit: $500

Forbright 

Term: 1 year

APY: 5.20%

Minimum Deposit: $1,000

USAlliance Financial

Term: 1 year

APY: 5.00% 

Minimum Deposit: $500

Popular Direct

Term: 12 months

APY: 5.07% 

Minimum Deposit: $10,000

Live Oak Bank

Term: 12 months

APY: 5.00%

Minimum Deposit: $2,500

CIBC Bank USA

Term: 12 months

APY: 5.02%

Minimum Deposit: $25,000

Bread Financial

Term: 12 months

APY: 5.20%

Minimum Deposit: $1,500

First Internet Bank

Term: 12 months

APY: 5.06%

Minimum Deposit: $1,000

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Erin Bendig
Personal Finance Writer

Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.