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After years of suffering through abysmal rates, you can find 9-month certificates of deposit (CDs) that pay more than a 5.00%, a huge boon to your overall financial health. Beyond yields, though, you want to opt for a financial institution that charges low fees and requires a low minimum balance.

Account details and annual percentage yields (APYs) are accurate as of April 24, 2024.

Best 9-month CD rates

Why trust our banking experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of banking products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 140 CDs from 84+ financial institutions reviewed.
  • 4 levels of fact checking.
  • 50+ data points analyzed.

Ally Bank High Yield certificates of deposit

Ally Bank High Yield certificates of deposit
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
CD APY 9 month
4.45%
Minimum deposit requirement
$0
What should you know
Ally Bank’s 9-month CD has a strong 4.45% APY that compounds daily. There’s no minimum balance requirements, though should you withdraw your funds early, you will pay a penalty equal to 60 days of interest (for terms of 24 months or less). When the CD matures, you’ll have 10 days to withdraw the money — if you take no action, the CD will automatically renew into the same term, unless otherwise stated. There is currently a promotion that gives you an additional 0.05% loyalty reward on a CD when it is renewed. As an online-only bank, Ally doesn’t have physical branches. However, it does offer 24/7 customer support both online and on the phone. This gives you the chance to talk to a real person if you have any questions or concerns before opening an account.
Pros and cons
Pros
  • High interest.
  • Interest compounded daily.
  • Ten Day Best Rate Guarantee.
Cons
  • No physical branches.
  • Early withdrawal penalty.

Greenwood Credit Union certificates

Greenwood Credit Union certificates
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
CD APY 9 month
5.00%
Minimum deposit requirement
$1,000
What should you know
Greenwood Credit Union offers a 5.00% APY on its 9-month Certificate, which is manna for savers. Interest compounds daily and is credited monthly. There is a $1,000 minimum balance requirement, which isn’t prohibitive, but could be too high for new savers. The credit union offers a “Bump Up” feature on its three-, four- and five-year terms, but not for the 9-month certificate. Bump-ups allow you to raise the rate of the CD if interest rates rise during the term of the CD, within limits. Fees aren’t readily available on the credit union’s website, but you can use its text feature to reach a representative, who told us that the penalty for an early withdrawal is 6 months’ of interest, though you won’t face a penalty if you only take out the interest you’ve earned. Moreover, there’s a 7-day grace period from the time of maturity to withdrawal your funds. Greenwood Credit Union is headquartered in Rhode Island but all of their products and services are available to customers nationwide. You can manage your Greenwood Certificate (CD) and any other account you open through their app or online through their website. You will need to open a savings account with $5 to become a member.
Pros and cons
Pros
  • High yield.
  • Easy online and app usage.
  • Available to anyone nationwide.
Cons
  • $1,000 minimum balance requirement.
  • Bump Up feature only offered on three-, four- and five-year certificates.

Synchrony Bank certificates of deposit

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Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Learn More
On Fiona’s Website
CD APY 9 month
5.25%
Minimum deposit requirement
$0
What should you know
Synchrony Bank offers a robust 5.25% APY on its 9-month CD with no minimum balance requirements, making it a great option for fledgling savers. Synchrony also offers traditional CDs from 3 months to 5 years, a Bump Up 24-month CD and a No Penalty 11-month CD — but those APYs are lower than the 9-month traditional CD option. If you withdraw your funds before the 9-month term is up, you’ll pay an early withdrawal penalty equal to 90 days of simple interest at the current rate. When the CD matures, you’ll have 10 days to withdraw the funds, add new funds or change the term. Otherwise, your CD will automatically renew. You’ll get a notice 30 days before maturity so you don’t miss the window.
Pros and cons
Pros
  • No minimum balance.
  • Wide range of terms.
  • Solid digital experience.
Cons
  • Expensive early withdrawal fees.
  • No physical branches.

Sallie Mae certificates of deposit

BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Learn More
On Fiona’s Website
CD APY 9 month
4.85%
Minimum deposit requirement
$2,500
What should you know
Sallie Mae Bank’s 9-month CD offers a 4.85% APY, which is significantly higher than the average financial institution provides and in line with the rest of our winners. There is a healthy minimum balance requirement of $2,500. That could be a problem for new savers, or even those looking to craft a CD ladder, but less of an issue if you’re an experienced hand needing just a 9-month CD option. If you withdraw the funds from the CD before the 9-month term ends you’ll pay a penalty equal to 90 days’ simple interest. When CD matures, you will have 10 days to withdraw the funds penalty free. You could also open a new CD with different terms or for a different amount. If you don’t take any action, the CD will renew automatically but you may not receive the same APY. The new CD will earn the market rate at that time.
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Zero monthly fees.
  • A variety of CD terms.
  • Daily compounding interest.
Cons
  • High minimum deposit.
  • Early withdrawal penalties can affect your principal.
  • No checking accounts and limited banking tools.

Fidelity certificates of deposit

Fidelity certificates of deposit
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
CD APY 9 month
5.25%
Minimum deposit requirement
$100 to $1,000
What should you know
Fidelity’s 9-month CD earns a 5.25% APY which is very competitive. You can get started with as little as whole CD for a minimum of $1,000 or buy CD fractions in increments of $100. It’s important to note that Fidelity offers brokered CDs. These are a lot like bank CDs but you don’t have the option to withdraw the funds early. If you want to cancel the CD during the term you must trade them on the secondary market. This could mean a loss of principal if interest rates have gone up since you got the CD. It’s also possible that your CD can be “called” which means that your investment is returned early and you don’t get interest on the entire term. Some CDs are protected from calls, so make sure to read your terms.
Pros and cons
Pros
  • High yield.
  • No monthly service fee or early withdrawal charge.
  • Deposit insurance up to $250,000.
Cons
  • Trading fees may apply.
  • It may lose value if you want to sell early.

Compare the best 9-month CDs

INSTITUTION9-MONTH APYMIN. DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT
Ally Bank High Yield certificates of deposit
4.45%
$0
Greenwood Credit Union certificates
5.00%
$1,000
Synchrony Bank certificates of deposit
5.25%
$0
Sallie Mae certificates of deposit
4.85%
$2,500
Fidelity certificates of deposit
5.25%
$100 to $1,000

Methodology

We looked at over 140 CDs offered by 84 financial institutions and evaluated them to create a star rating for each. An institution with a perfect score of 100 would get five stars. One with a score of 80 would get four stars and so on. Here are the categories we analyzed and how we weighted each.

  • APY: 50%
  • Customer experience: 10%
  • Minimum deposit: 10%
  • Compound interest schedule: 10%
  • Digital experience: 5%
  • Availability: 10%
  • Available terms: 5%

We believe that potential earnings reign supreme, so a CD’s APY was the most heavily-weighed factor in our calculations. Non-APY factors still played a part, such as customer experience.

To round out the score, we analyzed CD accounts further, valuing those with lower minimum deposits, daily compound interest schedules (rather than monthly) and those that are nationally available (think credit unions with an open versus limited membership).

We monitor over 80 financial institutions, including Capital One, PenFed, Discover, Chase, TD Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, TIAA Bank, Colorado Federal Savings Bank and American Express Bank.

Why some banks didn’t make the cut

Not all financial institutions made our list for the best six-month CDs. Those that earned much lower ratings didn’t make the cut because they had an overall low score due to poor APY, high minimum deposit requirements and poor customer ratings.

If you’re wondering why the largest banks in the nation didn’t make the cut, it’s primarily because they don’t offer the most competitive CD rates. Typically the highest APY CDs are offered by relatively smaller banks looking to make some noise and attract customers. The largest companies enjoy the benefits of being a defacto go-to when people think of opening a bank account.

What is a 9-month CD?

A 9-month CD is a certificate of deposit that pays interest at a fixed rate for nine months. Because you agree to keep your funds in the account throughout the term, you typically earn a higher interest rate than you would with a traditional savings account

Once the CD term ends, you can either withdraw your funds — along with the interest you earned — or roll the money into a new CD account. You get the benefit of at least $250,000 in deposit insurance, too, as long as the financial institution is federally insured. Deposit insurance protects you against bank failure.

If you need to withdraw your money before the CD matures, you may pay a penalty that’s equal to a few months’ worth of interest, typically between 60 and 90 days. 

Short-term vs. long-term CDs

Nine-month CDs are usually categorized as short-term CDs, which generally have terms of 12 months or less. Long-term CDs mature in three years or more, while medium-term CDs fall somewhere in the middle. 

No matter the term, standard CDs work the same way: Make a deposit and agree to keep the funds in the account for the term in return for a guaranteed interest rate. If you need your money before the term ends you’ll pay an early withdrawal fee. 

When choosing a CD, one of the most important features to consider is its term. You’ll need to choose one that works with your financial goals and timeline. Here’s a rundown on short-term vs. long-term CDs.

Short-term CDs

A short-term CD generally has a term of 12 months or less, which provides the flexibility to either use your money when the CD matures or renew it at a better interest rate.

Here are some of the benefits of a short-term CD:

Higher interest rates: Short-term CDs right now come with higher interest rates compared to longer-term CDs, so you may earn more money on your deposit. (When the Fed eventually lowers interest rates, and the economy as a whole weakens, that dynamic could change). A CD calculator can help you estimate your earnings.

Shorter maturity timelines: You’ll lock away your funds for a shorter period of time, so you get your money back sooner. This allows you to spend your money if you need it, or open another CD with a higher rate if one’s available.

But short-term CDs also have some downsides:

Interest rate risk: If you prioritize short term CDs because they offer higher yields at the moment, you may end up with less earning over the long-haul. That’s because long-term yields are still relatively high, especially compared to pre-pandemic levels. If you lock in a 10-year CD at a 4.00% APY, say, you guard yourself against rates going down in the future. If you stick with just short-term rates, then, you’re more sensitive to interest rate changes, which is a negative if they end up falling.

Requires a plan: You’ll need to research your options sooner than you would with a longer-term CD. Will you withdraw the funds, research better rates somewhere else or simply renew the CD at the same institution? 

Long-term CDs

Long-term CDs generally have maturities of three to 10 years or more. Savers open long-term CDs when they want to lock in a good rate and know they won’t need their money for a while. 

Some of the pros of a long-term CD include:

Lock in high returns. While your bank or credit union likely offers a lower yield on its long-term CDs than short-term ones (a testament to these weird economic times), long-term rates are high by recent historical standards. Moreover, long-term yields are liable to fall should the economy slow down. If you want to lock in a high rate for money you won’t need for five years, such as your kid’s college tuition, this is a good option. 

Set it and forget it. You don’t have to think about what you’ll do with your funds for a longer period of time compared to a CD with a shorter term. 

But consider the cons of a long-term CD, too:

Opportunity costs. By locking your money into a longer-term CD, “you may miss out on other savings opportunities that could provide higher returns or better liquidity,” said Jane Lee, area director for Citi U.S. Personal Banking. 

What is a good CD rate?

A good CD rate is relative — meaning it depends on the term, what other banks are offering and what’s happening in the overall marketplace. 

As of April 15, 2024, the national average 6-month CD is paying a 1.57% APY, while the national average 12-month CD is paying a 1.81% APY, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). The national agency doesn’t track 9-month CDs, but they likely pay a rate somewhere in the middle. 

Many banks and credit unions are offering high-yield CDs paying rates around 4.30% to 5.00% APY or more for 9-month terms.

“CD rates are great compared to the last 10 years, but still lower compared to some times in the ‘80s,” when they hit 18%, said Scott Ferguson, a certified financial planner and wealth advisor at Abundant Life Financial.

How to find the best CD term and rate

Researching your options will give you a better chance at finding a CD with the best interest rate and a term that works for you. Here’s how to start:

  1. Consider your financial goals. Define what you’re saving for and when you’ll need the money. Then choose a CD term that aligns with that goal. You could also open a CD ladder if you need your money at some point or you think rates are on the rise.
  2. Research banks. Check out a mix of large and small banks and credit unions — including the institution where you normally keep your money. Lee says you may qualify for limited-time relationship benefits or special offers depending on where you’re located. If you like your bank and it offers competitive rates on CDs, then “spending a lot of time to go to a new bank with new paperwork may not be worth it for a relatively small rate difference,” Ferguson says. 
  3. Compare CDs. After finding several reputable banks, start looking through their CD offerings. Check the terms, interest rates, penalties and minimum opening deposits to see what’s available to you.
  4. Narrow your choices. Once you have a few good options, read the fine print and look for any drawbacks. For instance, Ferguson says, “what happens when the CD matures; does it automatically start a new time period and if so, at what rate?”
  5. Choose your CD. The best CD has a term that works for your financial goals, pays a good interest rate, and doesn’t charge excessive fees and penalties.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

According to Ferguson, “the best time to open a 9-month CD would most likely be when you need to spend the money in 10 to 12 months.” 

But if you think rates will increase in the near future, he adds, you can open a shorter-term CD and then renew at a higher rate when the CD comes due. 

“Keep in mind that you are taking a risk that the rate could go down in this scenario,” Ferguson said.

If a 9-month CD term doesn’t work for you, then you have some options:

  • A short-term CD: If you expect to need the money sooner than 9 months, consider 3-month CDs and 6-month CDs.
  • A no-penalty CD: True to its name, a no-penalty CD doesn’t charge a fee when you withdraw funds before the maturity date.
  • High-yield savings accounts: High-yield savings accounts don’t come with a term, so you won’t be penalized if you need to withdraw your funds, but their rates are still competitive.

Online banks and community banks typically offer the highest rates for 9-month CDs. That’s because they usually have lower overhead costs compared to large, national banks with brick-and-mortar branches. Online banks often pass on the savings to customers in the form of higher rates.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Kim Porter

BLUEPRINT

Kim Porter is a writer and editor who's been creating personal finance content since 2010. Before transitioning to full-time freelance writing in 2018, Kim was the chief copy editor at Bankrate, a managing editor at Macmillan, and co-author of the personal finance book "Future Millionaires' Guidebook." Her work has appeared in AARP's print magazine and on sites such as U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, NextAdvisor, Credit Karma, and more. Kim loves to bake and exercise in her free time, and she plans to run a half marathon on each continent.

Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.

Taylor Tepper

BLUEPRINT

Taylor Tepper is the lead banking editor for USA TODAY Blueprint. Prior to that he was a senior writer at Forbes Advisor, Wirecutter, Bankrate and Money Magazine. He has also been published in the New York Times, NPR, Bloomberg and the Tampa Bay Times. His work has been recognized by his peers, winning a Loeb, Deadline Club and SABEW award. He has completed the education requirement from the University of Texas to qualify for a Certified Financial Planner certification, and earned a M.A. from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York where he focused on business reporting and was awarded the Frederic Wiegold Prize for Business Journalism. He earned his undergraduate degree from New York University, and married his college sweetheart with whom he raises three kids in Dripping Springs, TX.