High-yield certificates of deposit (CDs) remain a popular way to safely grow savings while earning competitive interest. CDs require money to stay on deposit for a fixed term, but in return, they typically offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts. For February 2026, the best CD rates range up to 4.05% APY, giving savers an opportunity to earn solid returns with low risk. The top short-term option is the 6-month CD from Marcus by Goldman Sachs, which offers 4.05% APY with a $500 minimum deposit. America First Credit Union also offers a 2-year CD at 4.05% APY, making it a strong choice for longer-term savings. For those seeking a 6-month CD with slightly lower minimum requirements, America First Credit Union offers 4% APY with a $500 deposit. Bread Savings matches this 4% APY for a 6-month CD but requires a $1,500 minimum deposit. Marcus by Goldman Sachs also offers a 1-year CD at 4% APY with a $500 deposit, while Popular Direct provides the same rate for a 1-year CD with a $10,000 minimum, catering to savers with larger balances. Limelight Bank and Marcus by Goldman Sachs provide additional 6-month and 18-month CD options at 4% APY, while Alliant Credit Union offers a 6-month CD at 3.9% APY for $1,000 minimum deposits. CDs come in various types to suit different goals. High-yield CDs provide above-average interest rates. No-penalty CDs allow early withdrawals without fees. Bump-up CDs let account holders increase their rates if the bank raises them during the term. Jumbo CDs require larger deposits, often $100,000 or more, and callable CDs can be redeemed early by the bank if rates drop. Brokered CDs are purchased through brokerage firms, while share certificates are similar products offered by credit unions. Most CDs impose an early withdrawal penalty if funds are accessed before maturity, usually expressed as a number of months or days of interest. The benefits of CDs include fixed, reliable returns, federal insurance up to $250,000, and a discouragement against dipping into savings early. Drawbacks include penalties for early withdrawals, minimum deposit requirements, and rates that may lag behind inflation or stock market returns. When a CD matures, account holders can choose to renew at the current rate, withdraw funds, or open a new CD with a different bank. CD ladders offer flexibility by staggering multiple CDs with different maturity dates, allowing access to some funds while keeping other deposits earning higher rates. Alternatives to CDs include high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, bonds, Treasury bills, fixed annuities, IRAs, and mutual funds. While these options may provide more flexibility or higher returns, CDs remain one of the safest ways to grow money with predictable interest. For savers seeking the best CD rates in February 2026, accounts offering 4% APY or more provide an attractive opportunity to lock in competitive yields. Understanding terms, penalties, and deposit requirements ensures that your CD strategy fits your savings goals and risk tolerance.