1-Year Certificate of Deposit at Online-Only Banks
How online-only banks handle 1-Year CD accounts — rates, fees, and what to watch.
What to Expect from Online-Only Banks 1-Year CD Accounts
Ally, Marcus, Discover Bank, American Express Bank. Consistently lead rate tables by 1–3 percentage points due to near-zero branch overhead.
For 1-Year CD specifically: A time-locked deposit at a fixed APY for twelve months. The twelve-month term sits at the inflection point of the yield curve in most rate environments, balancing commitment with liquidity.. At online-only banks, the rate pattern reflects their cost structure and competitive positioning in the deposit market.
Rate Summary — 1-Year CD at Online-Only Banks
Typical APY range
4.60–5.30%
Minimum balance
$500+
Rate range as of 15 May 2026. Rates change daily — verify before depositing.
Key Characteristics at Online-Only Banks
- Fixed rate for 12 months
- Higher than HYSA at most banks
- FDIC/NCUA insured
- Predictable income
Which Depositor Profiles Fit This Combination
Emergency Fund Builder
Accumulating 3–6 months of expenses in an accessible, liquid account. Prioritises FDIC saf…
View suitability analysis →
College Saver
Saving for education costs on a 5–18 year horizon. Values predictability; considers CDs fo…
View suitability analysis →
Retiree on Fixed Income
Drawing income from deposits. Prioritises rate predictability, CD ladders, and FDIC/NCUA c…
View suitability analysis →
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