Best CD rates today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Earn up to 4.35% APY

Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure . Best CD rates today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Earn up to 4.35% APY Here's a look at how today's CD rates stack up. Ivana Pino · Senior Writer Wed, August 19, 2026 at 9:53 AM EDT 4 min read Deposit account rates are on the decline. The good news: You can lock in a competitive return on a certificate of deposit (CD) today and preserve your earning power. In fact, the best CDs still pay rates of 4% or higher. Read on for a snapshot of CD rates today and where to find the best offers. Where are the best CD rates today? CDs today typically offer rates significantly higher than traditional savings accounts. Currently, the best short-term CDs (six to 12 months) generally offer rates around 4% to 4.5% APY. Today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026 , the highest CD rate is 4.35%. This rate is offered by Sallie Mae on its 3-year CD. The following is a look at some of the best CD rates available today from our verified partners: Historical CD rates The 2000s were marked by the dot-com bubble and later, the global financial crisis of 2008. Though the early 2000s saw relatively higher CD rates, they began to fall as the economy slowed and the Federal Reserve cut its target rate to stimulate growth. By 2009, in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the average one-year CD paid around 1% APY, with five-year CDs at less than 2% APY…