Which CD term is best in a lower rate environment?

When interest rates decline, you face the tough decision about where to place your money. Certificates of deposit (CDs) are traditionally a safe option if you’re risk averse, since they offer fixed returns over specific terms. However, in a lower rate environment, it’s important to choose the most beneficial CD term for your personal situation.

Should you lock in a longer-term CD to secure the current rate, or choose a shorter one to keep your funds readily available? Here’s how falling rates impact CDs and how to choose the best term for your financial goals.

What do falling rates mean for CDs?

Rates on CDs often move in lockstep with the Federal Reserve’s benchmark federal funds rate. During the Fed’s November meeting, the rate was lowered a quarter of a percentage point, or 25 basis points, reducing the target range for the Fed’s benchmark interest rate to 4.5-4.75 percent. Leading up to this, yields on competitive CDs had been sliding as banks anticipated further rate cuts. When interest rates are high, CDs and other deposit accounts offer better returns, but in a declining rate environment, new CDs tend to offer lower yields. This situation creates a dilemma for savers.

While CDs are still a safe way to earn guaranteed interest, locking in today’s rates for the long term could mean missing out on better opportunities down the road if rates rise again. Short-term CD rates are higher than long-term rates at the time of this writing, and they give you the chance to reinvest in higher-yielding options sooner if rates start to improve again.

Which CD term is best during a lower rate environment?

In a lower rate environment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing a CD term. The decision depends on your financial goals and how much flexibility you need.

Short-term CDs (1–12 months)

Short-term CDs are typically more appealing when rates are low because they offer some flexibility. After the CD reaches maturity, they allow you to reinvest your money in a higher-rate CD if rates rise soon. Right now, shorter terms tend to offer higher rates than longer terms, but this can change. As of this writing, the top short-term CD rates are around 4.95 percent APY.

Prior to the September and November Fed rate cuts, the Fed raised rates 11 times in two years, and banks raised their CD APYs, in turn. Many opted to keep their longer-term CD APYs somewhat lower than their shorter ones, however, in case the Fed were to bring rates back down during the lifespan of those CDs.

“Short- to medium-term CDs are ideal in a falling-rate environment,” says Ohan Kayikchyan Ph.D., CFP, founder of Ohan The Money Doctor. “They allow you to lock in higher rates while providing flexibility to reinvest sooner if rates stabilize or improve or you find a better place to invest. This approach avoids being stuck in a long-term CD with lower returns as rates drop.”

Medium-term CDs (12–36 months)

Medium-term CDs strike a balance between locking in a rate and maintaining flexibility. If rates are unlikely to rise again in the next year, a medium-term CD can help you avoid frequent reinvestment while securing a potentially slightly higher rate than longer terms. Steven Conners, founder and president of Conners Wealth Management, says it’s best to steer clear of variable-rate CDs.

“CDs with only locked-in rates will be best,” says Conners. “No adjustable-rate CD or any that move with lower interest rates would make sense in a falling rate environment.”

Long-term CDs (3–5 years)

If rates are expected to fall further or remain low for an extended period, locking in a long-term CD now could be a good choice. However, the risk is that you could miss out on higher returns if rates begin to rise within the next few years.

“If you can find a 5-year CD offering around 4.75 percent, lock it in,” says Joe Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital. “Longer terms make sense right now because we’re heading into a rate-cutting cycle, and these offers won’t be around much longer.”

How do I choose the best CD term for me?

Choosing the right CD term depends on several factors. Here’s what you should consider.

Liquidity needs

If there’s a possibility you’ll need access to your money soon, shorter-term CDs are a better option. CDs typically come with early withdrawal penalties, which can eat into your returns if you need to cash out before maturity. One alternative, however, is a no-penalty CD, which allows you to withdraw money before the maturity date without facing any penalties for early withdrawal.

Interest rate forecast

If it looks like rates will continue to fall, locking in a longer-term CD now could be a good move. However, if rates are expected to rise soon, it may be better to choose a short-term CD or a medium-term option that offers a balance between earning potential and flexibility.

CD laddering

To hedge against rate fluctuations, consider building a CD ladder. This strategy involves purchasing CDs with varying terms, allowing you to benefit from both short- and long-term rates while providing periodic access to your funds.

Bottom line

In a lower rate environment, the best CD term depends on your financial goals and liquidity needs. Short-term CDs offer flexibility. On the other hand, long-term CDs offer the chance to lock in higher rates but carry the risk of missing out on potential rate increases.

A balanced approach, like a CD ladder or a medium-term CD, can help you manage these challenges. Consider how soon you’ll need access to your funds and how rates are expected  to move in the near future.