Fortune’s October 2, 2026 comparison listed major-bank certificate of deposit (CD) offers from 3.30% to 4.40% APY, with terms of seven to 12 months. Among Chase, Bank of America and Citibank, Citi had the highest listed standard APY at 4.25%, but its 12-month term was five months longer than the seven-month offers from the other two banks. These are dated offers, not guaranteed current quotes; confirm the rate, eligibility and terms with the bank before opening an account.
CD rates reported on October 2, 2026
The figures below are the offers Fortune reported on that date. They are not a market-wide average, and banks may change rates or eligibility conditions. A jumbo rate is shown separately because it requires a much larger deposit than the standard offer.
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| Bank | Reported APY | Term | Reported minimum deposit | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | 3.30% standard; 3.80% jumbo | 7 months | $1,000 standard; $100,000 jumbo | Chase says relationship rates may be available with a linked personal checking account; confirm the terms for the specific offer. [Fortune’s comparison; Chase CD information] |
| Bank of America | 3.75% standard; 4.00% jumbo | 7 months | $1,000 standard; $100,000 jumbo | The bank’s public rate tool asks for a ZIP code, so the reported rate should not be assumed available in every location. [Fortune’s comparison; Bank of America rate tool] |
| Citibank | 4.25% | 12 months | $500 | Citi says rates can change before account opening or renewal. [Fortune’s comparison; Citibank CD information] |
| Capital One | 4.30% | 11 months | $0 | Capital One marked its APYs effective October 2, 2026, and says the rate is fixed at account opening. [Fortune’s comparison; Capital One CD information] |
| Wells Fargo | 3.99%; 4.25% relationship APY | 11 months | $5,000 | Check the bank’s conditions for qualifying for the relationship APY. [Fortune’s comparison] |
| American Express | 4.40% | 10 months | $0 | Fortune’s comparison listed this as the highest APY in its table. Marcus separately showed 4.40% for 10 months and described its comparison-bank data as September 29, 2026; its comparison method differs. [Fortune’s comparison; Marcus CD comparison] |
How to compare these offers
Compare the term as well as the APY
The highest percentage is not automatically the best fit. For the three named banks, Citi’s 4.25% offer runs for 12 months, while Chase’s and Bank of America’s listed offers run for seven. Consider when you may need the money and whether you are comfortable leaving it deposited for the full term.
Check deposit thresholds and rate eligibility
Chase and Bank of America reported separate standard and jumbo offers; the higher jumbo APYs require a $100,000 deposit, compared with $1,000 for their standard offers. Chase may offer relationship rates to eligible customers with linked personal checking, while Bank of America asks for location information to display rates. Do not compare a conditional or jumbo APY as though every depositor can receive it.
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Read the withdrawal and maturity terms
A CD generally holds money for a defined term, and withdrawing early may trigger a penalty that reduces earnings or principal. Ask the bank for the penalty applicable to the specific CD, as well as how it handles maturity and renewal. Those terms can change the practical value of a small APY difference.
What to know about the named banks
Chase
Chase’s stated personal CD early-withdrawal penalty is 90 days of interest for a term under six months, 180 days for a term of six months to under 24 months, and 365 days for a term of 24 months or longer. The penalty may be deducted from principal. Its grace period starts the day after maturity and lasts 10 days. Check the offer disclosure for the account you are considering. [Chase CD information]
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Bank of America
Use the bank’s rate tool with your ZIP code and review the disclosure for the exact product. Bank of America describes featured CDs that may automatically renew into a three-month flexible CD unless the customer changes instructions during a seven-day grace period; account-specific provisions may apply. Confirm the maturity options for your chosen CD before funding it. [Featured CD rate tool; Deposit agreements]
Citibank
Citi lists CD terms from three months to five years and says CDs are insured up to applicable FDIC limits. Its disclosure states: “Rates are subject to change at any time without notice before CD account opening or renewal.” Read the current rate and early-withdrawal terms at the time you open the account. [Citibank CD information]
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Capital One
Capital One says it has no minimum opening deposit, but early withdrawal penalties apply: three months’ interest for terms of 12 months or less, and six months’ interest for longer terms. It provides a 10-day grace period at maturity. The rate is fixed at account opening according to the bank. [Capital One CD information]
Why published CD rates can change
CD rates are offers, not permanent promises before an account is opened. Citi explicitly says its rates may change without notice before opening or renewal. Capital One specifies that the APY is fixed at account opening. Check the issuer’s live offer and disclosures on the day you apply; the October 2 comparison is a historical snapshot.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FDIC coverage and deposit planning
The comparison reported the standard FDIC limit as $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. The amount insured in an individual case depends on ownership category and other deposits aggregated at the same insured bank. Use the FDIC’s current guidance to check coverage rather than relying on the headline limit alone. [FDIC deposit insurance]
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteA CD ladder is one way to stagger access dates: for example, the comparison described splitting $5,000 among four CDs with staggered six-month maturities. That is an illustration of the structure, not a personalized recommendation. Consider the deposit amounts, maturity dates, penalties and coverage implications before choosing an arrangement.
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