Best High-Yield CD and Annuity Rates of August 2025: Earn Up to 5.45% APY

Last updated Aug. 31, 2025 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

FinanceBuzz's experts found the top high-yield CDs and annuities paying up to 14X higher APY (annual percentage yield) than traditional savings.1

With a $20,000 deposit, 4.00% APY earns $816 in interest in one year vs. just $78 in a regular savings account with the national average 0.39% APY.2 That's real money back in your pocket — thanks to FinanceBuzz's trusted recommendations.

Open one of the top high-yield accounts from our partners below to lock in today's high rates.

Featured High-Yield Account:

Lock in a Guaranteed 5.45% APY With This Annuity
No need for a large upfront contribution — start today with as little as $1,000
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Today's Top High-Yield CDs and Annuities

4.4
info
Learn More on Raisin's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.31% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$1
Bonus Offer
Earn up to $1,000 with code EASY. Terms apply. info
Why We Like It
  • Earn a 4.31% (as of 08/29/25) APY3 with a 4 month CD from Western Alliance Bank (Member FDIC), powered by Raisin
  • Streamlined digital platform, simplified statements, and 24/7 access to manage funds
  • Excellent rates, no fees, and a low $1 minimum deposit
  • Limited-Time Offer: Use code EASY to earn $75 for $10K, $250 for $25K, $500 for $50K, or $1,000 for $100K+ deposited4
Learn More on Raisin's secure website, Member FDIC

4.3
info
Learn More on Raisin's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.15% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$1
Bonus Offer
Earn up to $1,000 with code EASY. Terms apply. info
Why We Like It
  • Earn a 4.15% (as of 08/25/25) APY3 with a 14-Month High-Yield CD from Sallie Mae (Member FDIC), powered by Raisin
  • Streamlined digital platform, simplified statements, and 24/7 access to manage funds
  • Excellent rates, no fees, and a low $1 minimum deposit
  • Limited-Time Offer: Use code EASY to earn $75 for $10K, $250 for $25K, $500 for $50K, or $1,000 for $100K+ deposited4
Learn More on Raisin's secure website, Member FDIC

4.3
info
Learn More on Raisin's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
3.95% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$1
Bonus Offer
Earn up to $1,000 with code EASY. Terms apply. info
Why We Like It
  • Earn a 3.95% (as of 08/25/25) APY3 with a 10-Month High-Yield CD from Sallie Mae (Member FDIC), powered by Raisin
  • Streamlined digital platform, simplified statements, and 24/7 access to manage funds
  • Excellent rates, no fees, and a low $1 minimum deposit
  • Limited-Time Offer: Use code EASY to earn $75 for $10K, $250 for $25K, $500 for $50K, or $1,000 for $100K+ deposited4
Learn More on Raisin's secure website, Member FDIC

4.4
info
Learn More on Synchrony's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.25% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0
Bonus Offer
N/A
Why We Like It
  • Earn a competitive 4.25% APY5with this 15‑month Certificate of Deposit from Synchrony Bank.
  • Mobile App makes it easy to bank anywhere - and manage your accounts from a Smartphone or Tablet.
  • Savings Products with Competitive Rates and No Minimum Deposit.
Learn More on Synchrony's secure website, Member FDIC


High-Yield Savings Accounts: Flexibility Meets High Returns

Want the high interest of a CD, but don't want your money locked away? With a high-yield savings account, you get the best of both worlds: competitive APYs, often up to 11x higher than traditional savings, plus the freedom to access your cash anytime.

Compare today's top high-yield savings accounts from our partners and start growing your savings while keeping your money within reach.

Bank/Institution APY info Open Account Bonus Offer
Financebuzz awards badge

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

5.0
info
4.50
% APY
With $0 min. balance6
LEARN MORE
on SoFi's secure website
Member FDIC
Limited-Time Offer: +0.70% boost to 4.50% APY on Savings for up to 6 months7 + up to $300 Bonus with direct deposit.8 Terms apply.
5.0
info
4.00
% APY
With $0 min. balance9
LEARN MORE
on E*TRADE's secure website
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC
N/A
Financebuzz awards badge

2025 award winner Best Overall High-Yield Savings Account

4.9
info
3.50
% APY
With $0 min. balanceinfo
LEARN MORE
on Capital One's secure website
Member FDIC
N/A


Frequently Asked Questions

What's better, a CD or a high-yield savings account?

The right financial product between a CD account and a high-yield savings account will depend on your needs and goals.

CD accounts often pay higher APYs than savings or money market accounts. Banks and credit unions often offer these higher rates to incentivize you to keep your money with them for an extended period. In general, the longer the CD term, the higher the interest rate you're likely to receive. Unfortunately, some come with minimum deposit requirements, though this isn't the case with every CD. CDs could also have better rates but require you to lock your money up for a set time period. If you need to access your money before the CD term ends, you might have to pay a penalty to withdraw money early.

Pros
  • Higher interest rates than typical savings accounts
  • Fixed rates for the length of the term
  • Often compounded daily
Cons
  • Charges fees for early-withdrawal
  • Often requires minimum deposit

High-yield savings accounts could provide a decent interest rate today, but your rate isn't locked in for a set period. If interest rates decrease, you might not earn as much money in a high-yield savings account over the same period as you would with a CD. These accounts could be a good option for an emergency fund, as your money is more easily accessible and they may offer a higher yield than a traditional savings account.

What types of CDs are available?

Institutions might offer a variety of CDs with different rates and terms to attract customers. Here are some general types of CDs commonly offered.

  • Traditional CDs: These are basic CDs with a set term and interest rate. They may have early withdrawal penalties, depending on the account and bank.
  • No-penalty CDs: These CDs might allow you to withdraw money before the term expires without paying a penalty.
  • Jumbo CDs: These CDs generally have large minimum balance requirements and may offer higher interest rates due to these requirements.
  • Potential rate increase CDs: These CDs might allow you to increase your interest rate if CD rates increase during a certain period.
  • High-yield CDs: These CDs focus on offering the best interest rates available for a particular term.

Do CD accounts have monthly fees?

CD accounts generally do not have monthly fees. You may have to pay a penalty to withdraw funds before a CD's maturity date, though. Check with your institution before opening a CD account if you have questions about fees or penalties.

What if I withdraw from a CD early?

If you withdraw from a CD early, you'll likely have to pay an early-withdrawal penalty. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you signed up for a no-penalty CD account. But most of the time, you'll have to pay at least seven days' worth of simple interest for withdrawing your money early — and most banks charge more than that. Check your account's terms and conditions for details.

What should I look for when evaluating CD options?

Choosing the correct CD for you comes down to many factors. Here are several things you may want to consider to find the best account for you.

  • NCUA- or FDIC-insured: Since certificates of deposit generally qualify for NCUA or FDIC insurance, which protects your money against the risk of loss. It's essential to pick a CD from a member FDIC or NCUA institution.
  • Online vs. brick and mortar bank: People often have strong preferences about whether they want to bank online or in person. Take these feelings into account before choosing a CD. And keep in mind, online institutions could offer higher interest rates.
  • Minimum deposit: Some banks and credit unions have minimum deposit requirements to open a CD account. These limits might be high in some cases, so double-check the minimums before choosing a CD.
  • CD term: Choose a CD term you're comfortable with, unless you're opting for a no-penalty CD. Otherwise, you might have to pay penalties to access part or all of the funds in the CD before its maturity date.
  • CD type: Banks offer several different CD options, including no-penalty CDs, CDs with a potential rate adjustment, and traditional CDs. Consider your needs to find the one that fits best for your goals.
  • Interest rate: The interest rate determines how much money you'll earn from your CD. While shopping for the best interest rate is a good idea, you must make sure all other aspects of the CD fit your investing goals before looking at interest rates.


Gainbridge Benefits
  • Grow your savings faster with a guaranteed 5.45% APY10
  • FastBreak™ is a powerful annuity that guarantees risk-free, steady returns
  • No need for a large upfront contribution — start today with as little as $1,000

How we chose these products

FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of CD accounts offered by our partners, looking at various criteria including account fees, bonus offers, and more. We did not review all products in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the products.