Is Now The Best Time To Lock In A CD? What CD Rates Are Doing Since The Fed Meeting

CD Valet data shows CD rate increases outnumber decreases about 7 to 1 as banks and credit unions keep raising yields after the Fed's pause.

SEATTLE, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Reserve held rates steady in late October, but the nation's banks and credit unions didn't. In the past week as of November 1, 1,067 CD rates increased and just 151 decreased, according to CD Valet data, so increases outnumbered decreases about 7 to 1. With strong yields available across the market, the bigger question for savers is no longer where to find yield, but which maturity best balances today's return against the chance to reinvest if rates move higher.

Key findings

• Increases dominate: 1,067 CD rates increased and 151 decreased in the past week, about 7 to 1.
• More CDs above 4.00% APY: CDs paying at least 4.00% APY rose from 6,566 in mid-October to 7,673.
• December hike likely: CME FedWatch shows a 72% chance of a hike at the Fed's December 8–9 meeting.

CD rate hikes accelerate after the Fed's hold

The Federal Open Market Committee kept the federal funds target range at 3.75%–4.00% on October 28. CD rates kept climbing anyway.

Higher-yield offers are multiplying. CDs paying at least 4.00% APY rose from 6,566 on October 13 to 7,673 on November 1. CDs paying 5.00% APY or more rose by 11 in the past week to 75 offerings. The median rate across all terms stands at 3.30%.

Which CD terms are rising fastest?

At the top end of the market, the 12-month term rose the most over the past 30 days, gaining 17 basis points to 4.50%.

Southland Credit Union leads all credit unions with a 9.00% APY on a 9-month CD, while Toyota Financial Savings Bank tops banks at 5.25% APY on a 60-month CD.

The yield curve remains flat, with top rates available at every term. That makes term choice the key decision: shorter CDs leave room to reinvest if rates rise, while longer terms lock in today's top yields.

What's next for the Fed

Savers now look ahead to the Fed's December 8–9 meeting, where the decision will depend heavily on inflation, employment and economic growth. As of November 1, the CME FedWatch Tool shows a 72% chance of a hike to 4.00%–4.25%. Higher Fed rates generally push newly offered CD APYs up, with much of the movement coming just before and after an FOMC meeting.

What savers should consider

• Shop past the median. The top rate across terms are beating the national average, so it pays to shop around and compare APYs.
• Choose the term by timeline, not by rate. With a flat curve, a top 6-month CD pays nearly as much as a top 24-month CD. Pick the term that matches when you'll need the money.
• Consider a ladder. If rates keep rising, splitting savings across staggered terms lets part of the balance reinvest at higher rates as each CD matures.
• Read the fine print on promotions. Check minimum deposits, balance caps, unusual terms and membership requirements before applying.
• Confirm coverage. Make sure deposits fall within FDIC (banks) or NCUA (credit unions) insurance limits.

CD Valet tracks around 40,000 publicly listed CD rates from nearly 5,000 banks and credit unions across the country. Visit https://www.cdvalet.com/insights/cd-rate-forecast/ for the full report on where CD rates are headed in 2026.

About CD Valet

CD Valet is a CD marketplace that features verified CD rates from federally insured banks and credit unions. With tens of thousands of CD offers tracked across the country, CD Valet gives savers a clear view of top rates and helps them explore high-yield CD options with reliable returns. For financial institutions looking to raise deposits and attract new customers, CD Valet is a reliable and cost-effective channel that helps boost the visibility of their brand and CD offerings to high-intent CD customers. Visit www.cdvalet.com for more information and check out CD Valet's Best CD Rates for today's highest offerings.

SOURCE CD Valet