American Express CD Rates: April 2024

American Express CD Rates: April 2024

American Express offers a simple CD with decent rates

American Express CD Rates: April 2024

RichVintage / Getty Images

Fact checked by Michael Rosenston

American Express CD Rates

Although American Express is primarily known for its credit cards and charge cards, it also has several savings options, including high-yield savings accounts and a certificate of deposit (CD). 

American Express CD rates are higher than the national average for some term lengths. It has no minimum balance requirement, making it particularly useful for those without substantial savings.

Important

The APYs listed below are up to date as of the date of publication of this article. We review CD rates every two weeks and update the information below accordingly.

American Express CD Overview

 CD Term  APY  Minimum Balance
11 months 4.75% No minimum
12 months 4.00% No minimum
18 months  3.25%  No minimum 
24 months  4.00%  No minimum 
36 months  3.00%  No minimum 
48 months  3.00%  No minimum 
60 months  3.00%  No minimum

American Express’ CD accounts have fixed interest rates. Other options, such as variable-rate and no-penalty CDs, are not available through American Express. 

See the best CD rates today before choosing the CD that is best for you.

American Express CD: Key Features

APY Range 3.00%–4.75%
Minimum Balance  No minimum balance 
Term Range 11–60 months
Early Withdrawal Penalty  90–540 days’ interest
Grace Period at Maturity for Penalty-Free Withdrawals  10 calendar days

While some banks require you to deposit at least $2,500 or $5,000 to earn a higher yield on your CD, American Express has no minimum balance requirement. That feature makes it a good option for those who may have limited amounts to tuck away and so may not qualify for other CDs with high minimum balances. 

American Express CD rates vary by term length, and it offers high rates on specific terms. Other terms have much lower rates. 

Like other CDs, you cannot touch the money in the American Express account until its maturity date. Otherwise, early withdrawal penalties can range from 90 to 540 days’ interest.

However, American Express does allow you to withdraw some or all of the interest that’s been credited to the account before its maturity date. You can request a one-time payment of the interest to your savings account or opt to receive a check.  

Important

American Express’ CDs require an upfront deposit, and you cannot add to the CD before its maturity date. If you want an account with more flexibility, you may want to consider a high-yield savings account.

Compare CD Account Rates

Several banks have rates higher than American Express, particularly for certain longer terms. And they often offer longer options, allowing customers to lock in their interest rate for as long as 10 years. 

However, some banks have minimum balance requirements that can be quite high. American Express doesn’t, so it may be more attainable for those with limited cash reserves.

How Do You Get a CD With American Express?

You can open a CD online with American Express if you meet the following requirements:

  • You must be at least 18.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien with a valid Social Security number or an individual Taxpayer Identification Number with a U.S. address.
  • You must use the account for personal use only.

The CD must be funded within 60 days. Otherwise, American Express will close the account.

Warning

Once your account reaches its maturity date, you have 10 days to withdraw funds. If you don’t, American Express will automatically roll over the account into a new CD, and any withdrawals will then be subject to early withdrawal penalties.

Are American Express CDs Worth Investing In?

As of publication, the rates on American Express CDs with certain terms were significantly higher than the national average. And because American Express doesn’t require a minimum balance, you can open a CD with a relatively small amount to take advantage of the higher yield or build a CD ladder. For other term options, other banks may offer better rates.

Are American Express CDs FDIC-Insured?

Yes, American Express CDs are backed by FDIC insurance on deposit amounts up to $250,000 per customer.

How Do You Get the Best CD Rate With American Express?

American Express CD rates depend on the term length rather than the amount of your deposit. Unlike many banks, a longer term doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a higher APY. Currently, American Express offers the best CD rates on CDs with relatively short terms.

If you’re looking for the highest APYs on the market, check out our picks for the best CD rates.

Your Guide to CDs

Read the original article on Investopedia.

admin