CD Rates in Georgia for March 2025

There are three main components you should consider when choosing a CD: the term length, the yield and the penalty for early withdrawal. 

Choosing the CD term

CDs come in a variety of term lengths, typically ranging from three months to five years. Some banks may offer terms as short as one week or as long as 10 years. When selecting a term, consider your financial goals and how long you can comfortably keep your money locked away.

Longer terms generally offer higher yields but require you to commit your funds for an extended period. Shorter terms provide more flexibility but may come with lower rates.

You'll also want to consider the minimum opening deposit when choosing your term. While some banks don't have a minimum deposit requirement, others may ask for a relatively standard $500 or $1,000 minimum deposit. If you're interested in a jumbo CD, you'll typically need $100,000 to open an account. 

Choosing the yield

Getting the best yield is probably the most important factor for most consumers when choosing a CD.

While big banks like Bank of America and Chase Bank may be convenient, they often lag behind online banks and credit unions when it comes to CD rates. Georgia savers willing to look beyond household names can find much more competitive yield.

Online banks such as Ally Bank and Marcus by Goldman Sachs have lower overhead costs, which allows them to offer higher rates to customers nationwide. Credit unions also tend to provide better returns than traditional banks. Georgia's Own Credit Union and Delta Community Credit Union are two local options that may be worth considering.

But choosing a CD based solely on the highest yield may not always be the right move. If you suspect you may need to withdraw your money before a CD matures, you'll likely need to pay an early withdrawal penalty, which could even eat at some of your principal (the money you originally invest in a CD). 

Mind the early withdrawal penalties

Before opening a CD, be sure you understand the early withdrawal penalties. Most banks will charge a fee if you need to access your money before the CD matures. These penalties can vary significantly and may even eat into your principal.

Typically, the longer the CD term, the harsher the penalty. For example, you might forfeit six months' worth of interest for withdrawing from a 1-year CD early, but a 5-year CD could cost you 18 months' worth of interest.

If you're worried about locking up your money for too long, consider shorter-term CDs or no-penalty CDs, which allow you to withdraw your full balance after an initial holding period.