American Express
Certificate of Deposit

American Express Certificate of Deposit

FDIC InsuredVerified · May 2026Rate verified by SwitchWize
APY
3.25%
APY · Updated Jun 10
Open Account
SwitchWize take
Best for

Disciplined savers who want a guaranteed fixed return and zero fees.

Avoid if

Anyone needing flexible access to funds or real-time rate transparency before applying.

Main catch

Without a disclosed APY on this page — and with VERIFIED_APY unavailable — this American Express CD can't be rate-ranked against the category average or positioned relative to the current Fed Funds Rate of 3.63%. That's a meaningful gap: the top-tier CDs in our database currently sit well above the category average, and knowing where Amex lands on that spectrum matters before you lock money away. What the page does confirm is structurally appealing: no monthly fees, no minimum balance, daily compounding with monthly crediting, and a rate-lock mechanism that grants you whichever rate is higher — at application or at funding. That last feature is genuinely useful in a volatile rate environment. The early withdrawal penalty is flagged as potentially principal-reducing, which is more severe language than most issuers use and warrants careful review of the account agreement before committing. Until specific APYs by term are verified, this CD is difficult to recommend over competitors whose rates are fully transparent upfront. Check back on SwitchWize for updated verified rates before opening.

What to verify before applying

Confirm the rate and term are still available. Review the early-withdrawal penalty in the fee schedule — it can erase months of interest.

Last checked

Jun 10, 2026

Data source

SwitchWize Research Desk · methodology

Pros
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • FDIC insured up to $250,000
CD Terms & Rates
TermAPY
1 year3.25%
1.5 years3.00%
2 years3.00%
3 years2.25%
5 years3.00%
Account Features
APYNot disclosed on page(VERIFIED_APY not available; specific rates not stated in page text)
Monthly Fee$0
Minimum DepositNone required(No minimum balance required to open or to obtain APY)
Minimum BalanceNone
Compounding FrequencyDaily
Interest CreditingMonthly
Rate TypeFixed for term
Rate Lock BenefitRate locked at application or funding date, whichever is higher
Additional DepositsNot permitted after account is opened
Early WithdrawalPenalty applies; may result in loss of some principal
Funding WindowMust be funded within 60 calendar days of approval or account is closed
ATM AccessNot applicable — CD product
FDIC InsuranceYes, up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category
Issuing InstitutionAmerican Express National Bank, Member FDIC
Fees
Monthly Maintenance Fee$0
Early Withdrawal PenaltyNot specified; described as potentially significant and capable of reducing principal
Requirements
Identity VerificationRequired at account opening; confirmation email sent upon approval
Funding MethodLink an external bank account (up to two days to link) or mail a check
Funding DeadlineAccount must be funded within 60 calendar days of approval
Online RegistrationMust register online access after receiving confirmation email
Minimum Age / ResidencyNot stated on page
How to Open

Apply online in minutes — American Express verifies your identity and sends a confirmation email. Register your online account, then fund it by linking an external bank (allow up to two days) or mailing a check. Account must be funded within 60 days of approval.

The SwitchWize Take

Without a disclosed APY on this page — and with VERIFIED_APY unavailable — this American Express CD can't be rate-ranked against the category average or positioned relative to the current Fed Funds Rate of 3.63%. That's a meaningful gap: the top-tier CDs in our database currently sit well above the category average, and knowing where Amex lands on that spectrum matters before you lock money away. What the page does confirm is structurally appealing: no monthly fees, no minimum balance, daily compounding with monthly crediting, and a rate-lock mechanism that grants you whichever rate is higher — at application or at funding. That last feature is genuinely useful in a volatile rate environment. The early withdrawal penalty is flagged as potentially principal-reducing, which is more severe language than most issuers use and warrants careful review of the account agreement before committing. Until specific APYs by term are verified, this CD is difficult to recommend over competitors whose rates are fully transparent upfront. Check back on SwitchWize for updated verified rates before opening.

Common Questions
What happens if I withdraw from a CD early?

Most CDs charge an early-withdrawal penalty — typically 60 to 150 days of interest depending on the term. Breaking a 12-month CD at month 3 with a 90-day penalty can reduce your effective yield to near zero. Always read the fee schedule before opening.

Is a CD FDIC insured?

Yes. Certificates of deposit at FDIC-member banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor. The fixed rate and FDIC coverage make CDs one of the safest places to hold cash you can afford to leave untouched for the full term.

What is a CD ladder?

A CD ladder splits your savings across multiple CDs with staggered maturities — for example, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month terms. As each CD matures, you reinvest at the current rate, giving you the higher rates of longer terms and regular access to a portion of your cash.

Can the CD rate change after I open it?

No. The APY on a standard CD is locked at the opening rate for the full term. This is the main advantage over a high-yield savings account: you know exactly what you will earn, regardless of future Fed rate cuts.

Rates are sourced from Bankrate and verified by SwitchWize. SwitchWize may earn a referral fee when you click through to a partner. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Verify current rates directly with the institution before opening an account.