According to the most recent government data, the average rates for certificates of deposit this month range from a humdrum 0.23% for the shortest, one-month maturities to 1.76% for one-year accounts. However, a certain class of promotional CDs offered to customers at certain banks and credit unions offer two to three times the highest average account rate. One of these, which we describe below, promises qualifying depositors up to 6% APY for specific balances. (Our partner Bankrate offers some of the best CD rates available right now.)
What’s the catch? Promotional rates are usually only available for a short period of time and frequently have a variety of limitations, such regional membership criteria or limiting balance restrictions. “What to do when these nonstandard terms end is another thing to think about,” says Cambridge Savings Bank’s head of consumer and small business banking products, Angela Conti. According to Conti, “a lot of customers decide to move their money into another CD or into a non-term deposit account, or they let the money automatically roll into another CD, which will usually be at a lower rate than the promotional CD.”
Additionally, Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst for Wallethub, believes it’s important to take into account any restrictions or limitations, whether it’s a promotional deal or just a regular account. “If you need to access funds before maturity, early withdrawal penalties are common and can wipe out a lot of your interest,” Lupo warns. For short-term savers, no-penalty CDs might be a superior option in this situation. Callable CDs are a warning sign since they allow the bank to terminate your CD early if rates drop, which reduces your earnings. However, unconventional CDs with odd terms can occasionally give exceptional rewards. Callable CDs are a no-go for the majority of savers.
10 best promotional CD rates in September 2025
Here are the 10 best promotional CD rates for September 2025. All of these accounts are protected by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. or National Credit Union Administration, unless otherwise noted. It’s critical to read all the fine print relating to an account before opening it to ensure you’re aware of potential restrictions or hurdles.
Financial Partners Credit Union: Up to 6.00% APY
This 8-month promotional term at Financial Partners Credit Union is still available to new members and can earn one of the highest available rates at 6.00% APY. Like with most promo offers, this CD has its limitations: Balances here are limited to $1,000 to $5,000, and to join the credit union, you’ll need to live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco or Alameda, Calif.
Connexus Credit Union: Up to 4.60% APY
Locking in with a 7-month special certificate at Connexus Credit Union earns 4.60% APY on at least $5,000 in new-to-credit union money. This offer is only available to personal accounts and renews as a 12-month term. No membership is needed to open an account, however you will be asked to make a $5 donation to the Connexus Association for charitable giving purposes.
Providence Bank: Up to 4.60% APY
There are CD specials still running for the 4-, 8-, 17- and 25-month terms at Providence Bank. The highest of these offers is the bank’s 4-month term, which earns a highly competitive 4.60% APY. That said, there is a minimum $1,000 deposit to open and branch offices are only available in North Carolina.
Climate First Bank: Up to 4.54% APY
It takes just $500 to access the promotional 8-month CD at Climate First Bank. There are no membership requirements here and, aside from withdrawals within the first six days of account opening, deposits removed from this account during the period do not face any penalties.
ORNL Federal Credit Union: Up to 4.50% APY
At ORNL FCU, there are currently three terms — 7-, 9- and 12-month accounts — on the lineup offering above average rates. But for accountholders locking in a 7-month account, the credit union is touting its highest available rate of 4.50% APY. There is also a low $500 opening deposit requirement. To join this credit union, members here must live, work, worship or attend school in one of 19 select Tennessee counties.
Community Federal Credit Union: Up to 4.50% APY
The 8-month special can earn up to 4.50% APY at Community Federal Credit Union with as little as $100 down. That said, membership here is only extended to those who live in Michigan. Also, earning this boosted rate requires a so-called CloseEnuff checking account with activated direct deposits of at least $100 per month. Accounts are assessed on the first of the month to determine whether all eligibility steps were met to remain open.
Finworth: Up to 4.45% APY
For depositors with at least $50,000, the promotional 7-month CD at Finworth delivers up to 4.45% APY for the term. That said, there are no deposit caps listed or additional hurdles such as membership requirements to get started.
LendingClub: Up to 4.45% APY
There are relatively no restrictions to earn the high 4.45% APY with this promotional 8-month CD at LendingClub. That’s because it takes just $500 to get started and there’s even a 10-day grace period to withdraw your funds without penalty. Balances here are limited to $500,000 and terms autorenew at the then-stated rate.
Abound Credit Union: Up to 4.40% APY
A certificate special is currently open for a 10-month term at Abound Credit Union this month, promising its highest available rate of 4.40% APY. There is a minimum opening deposit requirement of $500. More restricting, though, are the credit union’s membership requirements, access of which is only extended to those who work in certain employer groups, or who live, work, worship, attend school or conduct business in select Kentucky counties.
Consumers Credit Union: Up to 4.35% APY
With multiple promotional terms available this month, the highest 4.35% APY is only available to those with at least $250,000 ready to lock in a 10-month account. This account automatically renews at whatever the rate is at the time of maturity. Although most credit unions limit membership to those in select regions or employer groups, Consumers allows access to those who make a one-time, non-refundable $5 fee to its sponsor, the Consumers Cooperative Association.
