MMA vs. CD Accounts: Which Should Be Your Choice
Comparing money market accounts and certificates of deposit for different savings goals.
Locking in a rate can pay off — or cost you, if rates move before your term ends. Here's how to decide.
| Provider | APY | Term | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightleaf 12-Month CD | 4.75% APY | 12 months | Locking in current rates short-term Editor's Pick | View Offer |
| Meridian 6-Month CD | 4.55% APY | 6 months | Shorter commitment | View Offer |
| Coastal 24-Month CD | 4.30% APY | 24 months | Longer-term rate certainty | View Offer |
CD rates are fixed for the term once opened. Rates shown are representative as of June 2026.
Comparing money market accounts and certificates of deposit for different savings goals.
How laddering CDs across terms gives you periodic access without sacrificing yield.
How penalties are calculated, and when breaking a CD early still makes sense.
The specific scenarios where locking in a rate is the better choice.
What happens if you forget your CD matures, and how to avoid a bad auto-renewal rate.
See how much more you'd earn annually by switching to a top high-yield account.
Run the Savings Comparison Tool