Best CD rates today, May 11, 2026: Lock in up to 4% APY

The highest certificate of deposit (CD) rate available today is 4% annual percentage yield (APY) on a 9-month term offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, providing a compelling option for savers looking to lock in returns. For context, the national average for a 9-month CD is roughly 1.5% APY, according to FDIC data, making this offer more than double the typical rate. Marcus, the online bank arm of Goldman Sachs, is known for competitive deposit products, and this 4% APY stands out in a market where many top-yielding CDs have dipped below 4.5% as the Federal Reserve holds rates steady.

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate three times in 2025, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 3.75%-4.00%, and has held rates steady so far in 2026. These moves have influenced deposit account rates across the banking system. As the Fed pauses its easing cycle, banks are competing for deposits by offering elevated CD rates. The Fed's dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices guides its policy, and with inflation moderating but still above the 2% target, the central bank has opted to wait for more data. For traders and investors tracking interest rate trends, the current CD landscape reflects a market anticipating further rate cuts later this year. The yield curve, which inverted in 2022-2023, has since normalized, with short-term rates now slightly below long-term rates, signaling expectations of future easing. Locking in a 4% APY now hedges against the possibility of lower rates ahead. For real-time updates on deposit rates and broader money market conditions, check NowPrice's latest quotes.

Looking ahead, the Fed's next policy meeting in June will be closely watched for any shift in guidance. If the central bank signals additional cuts, CD rates could decline further. Savers may want to act promptly to secure today's top offers before they are withdrawn. Key data points to monitor include the Consumer Price Index (CPI) release on May 13, which could influence Fed rhetoric, and the term premium on Treasury bonds, which has risen recently due to uncertainty about fiscal policy and inflation. Additionally, swap spreads have tightened, indicating improved liquidity in interest rate derivatives markets. The ECB's transmission protection instrument (TPI) remains a backstop for eurozone sovereign spreads, but its impact on US rates is indirect. Overall, the CD market offers a rare opportunity to lock in a 4% APY, but timing is critical as the rate environment evolves.