Best 6-month CD rates for February 2026

Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown were updated between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in its listings.

The top rates on six-month CDs can often be found from online-only banks. Without the overhead costs of branches, these banks can sometimes afford to offer higher APYs. What’s more, some newer online banks may shell out higher APYs to attract depositors from long-established brick-and-mortar banks. But as long as the institution is federally insured with either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), your money is safe up to insurance limits whether or not it’s a small online bank or a well-known one.

In addition to a competitive APY, you’ll also want to consider minimum deposit requirements and early withdrawal penalties.

The advantage of a six-month CD is that you know you’ll be able to access the money in a shorter time frame. Since a CD typically has an early withdrawal penalty, you have to be willing to keep your money in the CD until the end of the term or lose out on some of the interest earnings.

A six-month CD can be a good investment for those who are able to leave their money untouched for half a year, as CDs have early withdrawal penalties that eat into your interest — and possibly even your principal — if you pull out your money early.

If you’re unsure about when you’ll need access to your money, a high-yield savings account at a federally insured bank or credit union is likely a smarter place for your money.

When considering a six-month CD, compare it to other available accounts to determine when other options might be a better decision. Some alternatives to consider:

Research methodology

Bankrate researches over 100 banks and credit unions, including some of the largest financial institutions, online-only banks, regional banks and credit unions with both open and restrictive membership policies.

To find the best six-month CD rates, we regularly survey six-month CD offerings from the banks and credit unions that continually offer the most competitive rates.

The banks and credit unions on this page are selected based on their current APY for a six-month CD and their minimum deposit requirements. Only banks and credit unions with broadly available CDs made the list. Learn more about how we choose the best banking products and our methodology for reviewing banks.