CD Rates Slip to 4.50% APY Amid Fed Rate Stance

The highest CD rates have adjusted downward to 4.50% APY as of September 1, 2026, according to financial comparison platforms tracking certificates of deposit across major banks and credit unions.

This development marks a decline from the previously reported 4.75% rate in September 2026 and represents the top rate available to savers locking in funds for fixed terms, though it remains below the 5.49% peak that CD rates hit in late 2023.

CD rates have been closely tied to the Federal Reserve's policy decisions, with the Fed holding its benchmark federal funds rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75% since late July 2026 after cutting rates three times in late 2025 from 4.25%. Banks adjust their CD offerings based on the Fed's stance and their own funding needs.

For savers, this environment presents a trade-off between locking in funds now versus waiting for potentially better rates, with financial experts anticipating further declines through 2026 despite recent data suggesting CD rates may be finding a floor.