Rates Today: August 19, 2026 - Take Home Up To 4.94%

On August 19, 2026, the best certificate of deposit (CD) rates highlighted by Forbes Advisor top out at 4.94% APY for a jumbo 6-month CD, described as the highest rate available that day. The article notes that online bank CD rates can commonly be about double the national average and explains how CDs work: a fixed interest rate tied to a maturity date, with penalties for early withdrawal that can erase significant interest, especially on longer terms like five-year CDs. It also emphasizes CD ladders as a way to access higher rates without tying up all funds indefinitely, and lists account snapshots.