SwitchWize Research Desk

Compare 3-year CD rates

Compare CDs with the same 36-month term. Check the minimum deposit, withdrawal penalty and renewal rules before choosing a rate.

7 reviewed accounts · 7 institutions · Rate data as of Oct 16, 2026

Compare the same 36-month term

Amount to deposit

Estimated interest before fees and tax assumes the quoted APY applies for the full term and all interest stays deposited. Taxes, fees and early withdrawals are excluded. Actual earnings follow provider terms.

Sorted by APY, highest first, before fees. These are reviewed accounts in our dataset, not every available CD. Check whether you qualify before opening an account.

Popular Direct

Popular Direct CD (36 months)

36-month APY

4.85%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$1,526.71

Minimum deposit: $10,000.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: Early withdrawal fee is 365 days simple interest.
At maturity: After the 10-day grace period following maturity, the CD automatically renews for the same term length at the interest rate set at the time of maturity.
Grace period after maturity: 10 calendar days
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

Bread Savings

Bread Savings CD (36 months)

36-month APY

4.60%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$1,444.45

Minimum deposit: $1,500.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: Early withdrawal penalty is 180 days simple interest.
At maturity: The CD automatically renews at maturity unless the bank is notified otherwise. The term stays the same and earns the base interest rate in effect at that time.
Grace period after maturity: 10 calendar days
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

Sallie Mae Bank

Certificate of Deposit (36 months)

36-month APY

4.45%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$1,395.29

Minimum deposit: $2,500.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: Terms of 12 months or less: 90 days of simple interest on the amount withdrawn. Terms over 12 months: 180 days of simple interest. If the penalty exceeds interest earned, the difference comes out of principal.
At maturity: If no choice is made during the grace period, the CD automatically renews at its current rate and term.
Grace period after maturity: 10 calendar days
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

Ally Bank

High Yield CD (36 months)

36-month APY

4.10%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$1,281.12

Minimum deposit: $0.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: Days of interest lost: under 3 months 30 days; 3 to 24 months 60 days; 25 to 36 months 90 days; 37 to 48 months 120 days; 49 months or longer 150 days. Partial withdrawals are not allowed.
At maturity: The CD renews automatically at maturity unless you act. The APY is fixed for the term but subject to change upon renewal.
Grace period after maturity: 10 calendar days
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

American Express National Bank

Certificate of Deposit (36 months)

36-month APY

2.25%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$690.30

Minimum deposit: $0.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: Early withdrawal penalty is 270 days of interest on the withdrawn amount.
At maturity: The CD automatically renews on the maturity date unless American Express no longer offers the same term or you asked it not to renew. A 10 calendar-day grace period follows an automatic renewal, during which you can add or withdraw funds without penalty.
Grace period after maturity: 10 calendar days
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

5Star Bank

5Star Bank Certificate of Deposit (36 months)

36-month APY

2.00%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$612.08

Minimum deposit: $1,000.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: Early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of interest.
At maturity: The CD renews automatically on its maturity date for a similar term at the rate then in effect for similar accounts.
Grace period after maturity: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

Washington Savings Bank

Certificates of Deposit (36 months)

36-month APY

0.55%

Estimated interest before fees and tax

$165.91

Minimum deposit: $500.00
Monthly fee: $0.00
If you withdraw early: A penalty may be assessed for funds withdrawn prior to maturity on all certificates of deposit; the amount is not stated.
At maturity: CD accounts are set to auto-renew at maturity.
Grace period after maturity: 10 calendar days
Can the provider end the CD early?: Not confirmed in the reviewed terms
Deposit insurance listed in the reviewed terms: FDIC. Check coverage and account ownership with the provider.

Rate observed Oct 16, 2026

Read provider terms

How this comparison works

We compare only 36-month CDs with reviewed rates and terms. Rates and required terms must have current source evidence. We keep separate products separate, even at the same institution.

We sort by APY before fees, not by commission. This is not a personal recommendation or an exhaustive market ranking. Confirm availability and account requirements with each provider.

For 36 months, estimated interest = deposit × ((1 + APY ÷ 100)^(36 ÷ 12) − 1). Monthly fees are shown separately and not deducted.

This estimate assumes you leave all interest in the account. Early withdrawals can reduce earnings or principal. Renewal may use a different rate. If we cannot confirm early-closure or grace-period rules, we say so.

CFPB: How CDs work · Rate methodology · Disclosure