Best Interest Rates Survey: February 2026

Here’s my latest update on the best cash interest rates as of February 2026, organized from shortest to longest maturities. Banks and brokerages have a knack for profiting off idle cash, so you can often score more interest while maintaining safety by switching to another FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union. Use my Ultimate Rate-Chaser Calculator to see how much extra interest you could make by switching. The rates listed are available nationwide. Rates verified as of 2/11/26.

Summary: Savings account interest rates remain largely unchanged from the previous month. Some accounts offer rates as high as 4.6%, provided you meet certain conditions; however, most rates are currently below 4%. Short-term T-Bill interest rates have decreased to around 3.6%. The leading 5-year CD rates hover around 4% APY, while the 5-year Treasury rate stands at roughly 3.7%.

High-Yield Savings Accounts*
Given that large megabanks often offer near-zero interest, everyone should ideally have a separate, no-fee online savings account linked to their existing checking account. Since savings account interest rates can fluctuate unexpectedly, I list both the top current rates and competitive offerings from banks known for their reliability and consumer experience. Beware of banks that lure you in with attractive temporary rates, which they can easily reduce later on.

• Currently, the best savings rate belongs to Pibank at 4.60% APY (no minimum), though they impose some unusual restrictions like using only wire transfers for deposits and withdrawals. The new CineFi, part of First Entertainment Credit Union, offers 4.50% APY with no minimum. OnPath FCU provides 4.40% APY, requiring a minimum balance of $25,000. CIT Platinum Savings is currently at 3.75% APY for balances over $5,000.
• SoFi Bank has 3.30% APY (new customers can earn up to 4.00% APY for 6 months and a $325 bonus with qualifying direct deposits). To maintain the higher ongoing APY, you must ensure a direct deposit of any amount (as low as $1) each month. SoFi has a track record of competitive rates and comprehensive banking services.
• This is a limited selection of high-yield savings accounts. While they may not offer the absolute top rates, they have historically maintained competitive rates that I find worth tracking. This month, rates start at 3.30% APY and go up from there.

Short-Term Guaranteed Rates (1 Year and Under)
Many people wonder what to do with a significant amount of cash they’re planning to use soon (e.g., buying a house, selling a home or business, legal settlements, or inheritance). My advice is to keep it simple and take your time. If you don’t opt for a savings account, consider a flexible short-term CD under FDIC limits until you finalize your plans.

• No Penalty CDs provide a fixed interest rate that won’t decrease, allowing you to withdraw your funds once without facing any fees. Marcus offers a 13-month No Penalty CD with 3.95% APY (minimum deposit of $500). Farmer’s Insurance FCU has a 9-month No Penalty CD at 4.00% APY (minimum deposit of $1,000). USALLIANCE Financial CU features an 11-month No Penalty CD at 3.90% APY (minimum deposit of $500). CIT Bank presents an 11-month No Penalty CD at 3.75% APY (minimum deposit of $1,000).
• Genisys CU has a 13-month certificate offering 4.16% APY (minimum deposit of $500). They clearly disclose that the early withdrawal penalty is 90 days of interest (many institutions obscure such details). Anyone can join this credit union through a partner organization, such as the Arthritis Foundation or Paint Creek Center for the Arts, for a one-time fee of $5.
• Farmer’s Insurance FCU provides a 12-month CD at 4.25% APY, requiring new money and a $1,000 minimum to open. The early withdrawal penalty is also 90 days of interest.

Money Market Mutual Funds
Many brokerage firms offer very low interest rates on their default cash sweep funds and pocket the difference. Note: While money market mutual funds are highly regulated, they are not FDIC-insured, so it’s wise to stick with reputable firms.

• The Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund (VMFXX) serves as the default sweep option for Vanguard brokerage accounts and has a 7-day SEC yield of 3.59% (which translates to a compound yield of 3.65%, aiding in comparison with APY). This rate is likely much higher than what your current broker is offering on their default cash sweep.
• The Vanguard Treasury Money Market Fund (VUSXX) is an alternative fund you must manually purchase, but it predominantly offers tax-exempt interest (100% for the 2025 tax year) as it derives from qualifying US government obligations. The current 7-day SEC yield stands at 3.64% (compound yield of 3.70%).

Treasury Bills and Ultra-Short Treasury ETFs
Consider investing in individual Treasury bills with various maturities ranging from 4 weeks to 52 weeks, all fully backed by the US government. Alternatively, you can invest in ETFs that manage a changing selection of short-term Treasury Bills for a small management fee. T-bill interest is also exempt from state and local income taxes, boosting your overall yield.

• You can create your own T-Bill ladder through TreasuryDirect.gov or a brokerage like Vanguard or Fidelity. As of 2/11/26, a new 4-week T-Bill boasts an annualized interest rate of 3.69%, while a 52-week T-Bill offers approximately 3.47% annualized interest.
• The iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) presents a 3.55% 30-day SEC yield (with a 0.09% expense ratio) and an effective duration of 0.10 years. The Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL) matches this with a 3.55% 30-day SEC yield (0.06% expense ratio) and an effective duration of 0.10 years.

US Savings Bonds
Series I Savings Bonds offer interest rates linked to inflation and government backing. Note that you must hold these bonds for a minimum of one year, and if redeemed within five years, you’ll incur a penalty equal to the last three months of interest. The annual purchase limit for electronic I bonds is $10,000 per Social Security Number via TreasuryDirect.gov.

• “I Bonds” purchased from November 2025 to April 2026 will earn a 4.03% rate for the first six months. The following 6-month rate will depend on inflation again. More details about Savings Bonds can be found here.
• In mid-April 2026, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be released, providing a close estimate of the rate for the next year. I will post an update at that time.

Rewards Checking Accounts
These specialized checking accounts offer above-average interest rates but come with certain risks. You’re typically required to fulfill conditions like making a specific number of debit card purchases per cycle, setting up direct deposits, or logging into your account regularly. Failing to meet these conditions could leave you earning no interest for that month. While some individuals are comfortable with these extra requirements, others prefer to avoid such complications. Rates may also decrease suddenly, giving off a “bait-and-switch” impression.

• La Capitol Federal Credit Union provides 6.50% APY on up to $10,000, provided you make 15 debit card purchases of a minimum of $5 each per cycle. Anyone can join via the Louisiana Association for Personal Financial Achievement (for a $20 fee).
• OnPath Federal Credit Union (reviewed) offers 6.00% APY on up to $10,000 with 15 debit card purchases, opting for online statements, and logging into online or mobile banking each cycle. You can join for a $5 fee through a partner organization and receive a $150 Visa Reward card upon opening a new account and completing qualifying transactions.
• Genisys Credit Union gives 6.75% APY on up to $7,500, provided you make 10 debit card purchases of $5 or more each cycle and opt for online statements. A one-time $5 membership fee allows access through a partner organization.
• Oklahoma Central Credit Union offers 6.00% APY on up to $10,000 if you make 15 debit card purchases (non-ATM) per cycle. Joining is possible if you “affiliated with another credit union.”
• First Southern Bank provides 5.50% APY on up to $25,000 when you make at least 15 debit card purchases, plus 1 ACH credit or payment transaction, and enroll in online statements.
• Credit Union of New Jersey offers 6.00% APY on up to $25,000 for 12 debit card purchases, online statements, and at least one direct deposit, online bill payment, or automatic payment (ACH) per cycle. Joining can be done for a $5 fee through a partner organization.
• Andrews Federal Credit Union offers 5.25% APY (recently reduced) on up to $25,000 with the same requirements as others. Anyone can join via partner organization.
• Capitol Credit Union has a 6.00% APY on up to $15,000 under similar conditions. A $5 membership fee goes to the partner organization (Wild Basin Wilderness).
• For locally restricted rewards checking accounts, visit DepositAccounts.

Certificates of Deposit (Longer than 1 Year)
CDs can provide higher interest rates but impose early withdrawal penalties. By finding a CD with reasonable penalties, you can access funds in emergencies while enjoying higher rates. Alternatively, consider a CD ladder with various maturities (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years) to access a portion of your ladder each year while maintaining a superior blended interest rate compared to a savings account. Each time a CD matures, reinvest that money into another 5-year CD to continue the ladder. Some CDs also offer “add-ons” for depositing extra funds if rates decline.

• United Fidelity Bank provides a 5-year certificate at 4.15% APY (minimum deposit of $1,000), along with options for 4-year at 4.10% APY, 3-year at 4.10% APY, 2-year at 4.15% APY, and 1.5-year at 4.05% APY. Early withdrawal penalties are not clearly defined online.
• Mountain America Credit Union (MACU) offers a 5-year certificate at 4.00% APY (minimum deposit of $500), with 4-year and 3-year options at 4.00% and 4.05% APY, respectively, 2-year at 4.20% APY, and 1-year at 3.80% APY. Be aware that early withdrawal penalties for the 4-year and 5-year CDs equal 365 days of interest. Membership is open via the American Consumer Council using promo code “consumer.”
• Certificates can also be purchased through the bond desks of Vanguard and Fidelity. An account may be necessary to view rates. Their “brokered CDs” offer FDIC insurance and easy laddering, but early withdrawal penalties can be unpredictable. Currently, a non-callable 5-year brokered CD is available at 3.95% APY. Be cautious, as Vanguard and Fidelity sometimes list higher rates on callable CDs, which can be redeemed by the issuer if interest rates drop.

Longer-Term Instruments
Approach these cautiously due to their increased interest rate risk (frankly, I avoid these altogether), but I track them to observe the broader yield curve.

• Prepared to lock in your funds for 10 years? Long-term CDs are available through the bond desks at Vanguard and Fidelity. These “brokered CDs” are FDIC insured but lack predictable early withdrawal penalties. You might uncover offerings that yield better than your existing brokerage cash and Treasury options. Currently, the 10-year CD options are unavailable (non-callable) compared to a 10-year Treasury rate of 4.16%. Always verify higher rates from callable CDs, which pose the risk of being pulled back if interest rates decline.

All rates were confirmed as of 2/11/26.

* I no longer advocate for fintech companies due to the potential for substantial losses stemming from poor recordkeeping and the absence of government protections in these instances. Cash should prioritize the absolute safety of principal.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash