Unlock Superior Returns: The Ultimate Guide to 3-Year CD Rates

Leading the Market: Popular Direct's Top APY

Popular Direct stands out with an impressive 4.50% APY for a 36-month CD. As the online division of Popular Bank, a financial institution with roots tracing back to 1893, Popular Direct serves clients across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, with its headquarters in New York. A minimum deposit of $10,000 is required, and early withdrawals incur a penalty equivalent to 12 months of interest.

Competitive Offerings from Merrick Bank

Merrick Bank presents a robust 4.40% APY on its 36-month CDs. Primarily known for its credit card and consumer finance services, Merrick Bank extends its offerings to include online-only certificates of deposit. This option requires a higher minimum deposit of $25,000, with a penalty of six months' interest for early withdrawals.

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley: Accessible High Yields

E*TRADE, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, offers a 4.35% APY on its 36-month CDs. A distinctive feature is its "any amount" minimum deposit, making it accessible to a broader range of investors. Banking services are FDIC-insured through Morgan Stanley Private Bank, established in 1996 and based in Purchase, New York. Early withdrawals are subject to a penalty of nine months' interest.

Sallie Mae Bank: Student Loan Giant's CD Opportunity

Sallie Mae Bank, the online banking arm of the well-known student loan provider, offers a 4.35% APY for a 36-month CD. Headquartered in Delaware and founded in 1972, it requires a minimum deposit of $2,500. The early withdrawal penalty is six months of interest.

Synchrony Bank: Diverse Financial Services with Solid CD Rates

Synchrony Bank, a major U.S. provider of private-label credit cards, also provides consumer deposit accounts online. It offers a 4.30% APY on its 36-month CDs with no minimum deposit requirement. Established in 1932, Synchrony Bank is headquartered in Connecticut. Early withdrawals incur a penalty of six months' interest.

CFG Bank: Baltimore-Based Banking, Nationwide Access

CFG Bank, with its origins in Baltimore dating back to 1927, offers a 4.30% APY on 36-month CDs. It caters to a national customer base through its online banking products. A minimum deposit of $500 is needed, and early withdrawals will result in a penalty of six months' interest.

Climate First Bank: Environmentally Conscious Banking Options

Established in 2021, Climate First Bank operates three branches in Florida and provides online banking services. It offers a 4.25% APY on 30-month CDs, requiring a minimum deposit of $500. The early withdrawal penalty is three months of interest.

NASA Federal Credit Union: Membership for All

NASA Federal Credit Union (FCU) offers a 4.25% APY on 36-month CDs. Anyone can become a member by joining the National Space Society and maintaining a $5 savings account. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, NASA FCU applies an early withdrawal penalty of all earned interest up to 12 months.

Bread Savings: Online Banking from a Credit Card Issuer

Bread Savings, an online consumer deposits bank managed by Comenity Capital Bank, offers a 4.25% APY on 36-month CDs. It requires a minimum deposit of $1,500, and early withdrawals face a penalty of six months of interest.

TAB Bank: Online-Exclusive Financial Solutions

Founded in 1998 in Ogden, Utah, TAB Bank provides all its banking products exclusively online. It features a 4.20% APY on 36-month CDs, with a minimum deposit of $1,000. Early withdrawals are penalized with six months of interest.

BTG Pactual: Global Investment Bank's CD Offerings

BTG Pactual, originating from Rio de Janeiro in 1983, began offering investment banking and wealth management services in the U.S. in 2009, expanding to personal banking products and CDs in 2025. It offers a 4.15% APY on 36-month CDs, requiring a minimum deposit of $500. The early withdrawal penalty is all interest, with a minimum of three months.

Prime Alliance Bank: Local Roots, National Reach

Established in 2004, Prime Alliance Bank operates a single branch in Salt Lake City but offers deposit products nationwide online. It provides a 4.05% APY on 36-month CDs, with a minimum deposit of $500. Early withdrawals incur a penalty of three months of interest.

Genisys Credit Union: Community-Focused Banking

Genisys Credit Union, chartered in 1964 and headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, offers a 4.01% APY on 36-month CDs. Membership is accessible through a $5 donation to the Arthritis Foundation or the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. A minimum deposit of $500 is required, and early withdrawals are penalized with six months of interest.

EFCU Financial: Supporting the Community through Finance

EFCU Financial, established in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1934, offers a 4.00% APY on 30-month CDs. Membership can be obtained by donating any amount to the EFCU Financial Foundation. A minimum deposit of $500 is required, and early withdrawals incur a penalty of six months of interest.

Mountain America Credit Union: Accessible Banking with Attractive Rates

Mountain America Credit Union, founded in the 1930s and headquartered in Sandy, Utah, offers a 4.00% APY on 30- or 36-month CDs. Membership is available through a complimentary American Consumer Council membership and maintaining a $1 savings account. A minimum deposit of $500 is required, with a six-month interest penalty for early withdrawals.

Dow Credit Union: Community Engagement for Membership

Dow Credit Union, chartered in 1937 and based in Midland, Michigan, provides a 4.00% APY on 36-month CDs. Membership is available through a $10 donation to the Midland Area Community Foundation scholarship fund. It requires a minimum deposit of $500, with an early withdrawal penalty of six months of interest.

First National Bank of America: Midwestern Banking with Online Reach

Founded in 1955 and headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, First National Bank of America has three Michigan locations and serves customers nationwide through online banking. It offers a 4.00% APY on 36-month CDs, with a minimum deposit of $1,000. Early withdrawals are subject to a penalty of 12 months of interest.