Current CD Ladder Variable Rates
APYs for the CD terms shown are variable and subject to change. Each CD in your ladder will lock in its rate at the time of opening for the full term.
6-Month CD: 4.05% APY*
9-Month CD: 3.80% APY*
12-Month CD: 4.00% APY*
18-Month CD: 1.50% APY*
24-Month CD: 4.00% APY*
36-Month CD: 2.00% APY*
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of 1 April, 2026. Minimum balance to open and earn APY is $1,000. Interest rate of 4.01% for 6-Month CD. Interest rate of 3.78% for 9-Month CD. Interest rate of 3.93% for 12-Month CD. Interest rate of 3.93% for 24-Month CD. Interest rate of 1.98% for 36-Month CD. $100,000 maximum deposit. Business entities are not eligible for this product. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal from a Certificate of Deposit prior to maturity; Fees may reduce earnings.
How Does a CD Ladder Work?
A CD ladder isn't a product as much as it is a savings strategy that spreads your money across several certificates of deposit (CDs) with different maturity dates instead of putting it all into one CD. Each CD earns a fixed interest rate and matures at a different time. As each CD matures, you can either withdraw the money or reinvest it into a new CD, often with a longer term. This approach gives you regular access to portions of your savings while still allowing the remainder of the money you’ve deposited to earn higher interest rates than a standard savings account.
The funds you deposit will be split evenly across six CDs of different terms in order to diversify interest yield and the time of your deposit.
What Are the Benefits of a CD Ladder?
Higher-Yields
While short-term CDs offer less immediate access to funds than checking or savings accounts, they can compensate investors with higher interest rates.
FDIC-Insured Security
All CDs we offer are protected by FDIC insurance, giving you peace of mind and providing coverage of up to the FDIC limit of $250,000 per depositor for funds held at Leader Bank!
Simple Reinvestment Options
When a CD matures, you can have the principal and accrued interest returned to you – including a direct transfer to a Leader Bank checking, savings or money market account – or choose to automatically reinvest it into a new CD with a term matching your ladder.
Is a CD Ladder Right for You?
Increased Liquidity
If having periodic, penalty‑free access to your money for unexpected expenses matters to you, a CD ladder could be the right fit for your savings strategy.
Higher Returns
You can steadily earn higher interest rates over time as each CD in your ladder renews, without committing all of your money to one long-term CD.
Flexibility
A CD ladder may be right for you if you want more frequent opportunities to decide whether to reinvest or adjust your strategy as interest rates change.
Benefits to a CD Ladder Compared to a Single Term CD
Single CD
- Locks in a single rate for a single term
- Requires a full reinvestment decision at the next maturity
- May expose you to lower future rates
CD Ladder
- Blends multiple competitive terms to create diversity in your return
- Staggers maturities, giving you regular liquidity points
- Keeps your earning potential protected over a longer horizon without committing your full deposit to that same length of time
Frequently Asked Questions
A CD Ladder is a strategy that spreads your money across multiple certificates of deposit with different maturity dates, providing access to cash at regular intervals while earning interest.
A CD Ladder can be a good option for investors who want predictable returns and more flexibility than a single long-term CD.
Because CDs mature at different times, a CD Ladder allows you to access to a portion of your fund at regular intervals without paying early withdrawal penalties.
Yes, as each CD matures, you can reinvest at current interest rates, helping you capture higher yields over time if rates increase.
CD Ladders offered by Leader Bank are FDIC insured up to applicable limits, providing federal protection for eligible deposits.
A CD ladder may be right for you if you want a balance of higher interest rates, regular access to funds, and the security of FDIC‑insured CDs.
