In the vibrant surroundings of San Francisco, California, choosing and finding the best CD rates is a golden opportunity for all those who look to grow their money securely.

For residents and investors alike, searching for the top CD rates in San Francisco is not just about securing an investment; it is about making a smart financial choice that aligns with the city’s dynamic pace.

For the keen overview, let’s explore the best CD rates in this city that could be your next step towards financial empowerment.

Overall Best CD rates in San Francisco, California

No.Name of the BankAPY %Term Length (month)Address
1City National Bank5.10%3-month50 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105
2Northern Trust Company5.10%3-month580 California St San Francisco, CA 94104
3SchoolsFirst Federal  Credit Union5.00%13-month2115 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
4Diablo Valley Federal  Credit Union5.00%6-monthOnline
5Presidio Bank4.75%18-monthServing the San Francisco Bay Area
6Meriwest Credit Union4.65%12-monthServes the San Francisco Bay Area
7Mission Federal Credit  Union4.65%12-monthNo specific San Francisco location
8Wells Fargo Bank,  National Association4.50%3-month333 Market St San Francisco, CA 94105
9Technology Credit Union  (Tech CU)4.45%12-month2010 N. First Street, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95131
10North Bay Credit Union4.35%12-month1010 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945
11PenFed Credit Union4.20%3-monthOnline
12Fremont Bank4.17%3-month200 Townsend St San Francisco, CA 94107
13Sterling Bank & Trust4.01%6-month400 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104
14River City Bank4.00%18-monthOnline
15Bank of America, National  Association3.93%3-month555 California St San Francisco, CA 94104
16SF Fire Credit Union3.93%3-month3201 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
17Pacific National Bank3.68%6-monthOnline
18Community First Credit  Union3.50%5-month1105 N Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
19Preferred Bank3.44%3-month600 California St San Francisco, CA 94108
20San Francisco Fire Credit Union3.44%3-month3908 24th St San Francisco, CA 94114
21Bank of San Francisco3.26%24-month575 Market Street, Suite 2400, San Francisco, CA 94105
22Redwood Credit Union3.00%12-month3033 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
23Golden 1 Credit Union2.96%3-month1560 3rd St San Francisco, CA 94158
24S.F. Police Credit Union2.96%3-month2550 Irving St San Francisco, CA 94122
25Redwood Credit Union2.72%3-month1390 Market St San Francisco, CA 94102
26First Tech Federal Credit  Union2.50%12-month1011 Sunset Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95765
27Summit Bank2.50%6-monthserving the San Francisco Bay Area
28Star One Credit Union2.43%12-month1306 Bordeaux Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089
29Technology Credit Union2.23%3-month1449 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94103
30Provident Credit Union2.08%60-month303 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065
31New Resource Bank2.00%18-monthOnline
32Exchange Bank2.00%24-month545 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
33PrivateBank and Trust  Company1.80%3-month101 2nd St San Francisco, CA 94105
34Bridge Bank1.75%36-monthOnline
35California Bank &  Trust1.18%11-monthSan Francisco Bay Area.
36Stanford Federal Credit Union1.06%24-month1860 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
37American River Bank1.04%15-monthservices extend to San Francisco.
38Plumas Bank0.06%6-monthOnline
39Alliant Credit UnionN/AN/AOnline

Current CD Rates of San Francisco, California

In San Francisco, California, the current CD rates balance the risk and return within the city’s dynamic economic environment. In this diverse landscape, securing competitive CD rates becomes crucial for those who want to preserve their capital while earning a steady, predictable return.

In this regard, some of the most committed options is described below;

Best 6-Month CD Rates

For those seeking short-term investment opportunities with a quick return, the best 6-month CD rates in the market offer an appealing blend of safety and profitability.

  1. CommunityWide FCU

Minimum Amount: $1.000.00

APY / Rate: 3.25% APY

Pros:

  • NCUA Insured to at least $250,000
  •  Dividend can be compounded in certificates / deposited to another share/ transferred to another institution
  •  Option to renew on the maturity

Rules:

  • Any withdrawal before maturity is charged with a penalty
  • Penalty= amount of the withdrawal x  the remaining term (days) of the certificate at the rate of 2x the current APR (divided by 365)
  • Dividends are paid at the end of the month
  1. Quontic Bank

Minimum Amount: $500.00

APY / Rate: 2.25% APY

Pros:

  • Instant account opening
  • Low minimum balance
  • FDIC insured

Rules:

  • Interest is compounded daily and credited to the account at the end of every month
  •   A periodic rate is applied to the balance (principal + interest) in the account
  • CD can be withdrawn upon maturity within 10 days after which, it is automatically renewed on the same terms.
  1. PenFed Credit Union

Minimum Amount: $1,000.00

APY / Rate: 2.00% APY

Pros:

  • Easy renewal without any conditions
  • Can be accessed at the branch, mobile or online
  • Insured by NCUA insurance

Rules:

  • Dividends are calculated on a simple interest basis
  • Monthly dividends are paid on CD maturity

Best 1-Year CD Rates

Exploring the best 1-year CD rates reveals a strategic choice for the investors who want to achieve slightly higher yields than shorter-term CDs.

  1. Blue FCU

Minimum Amount: $1.00

APY / Rate: 4.60% APY

Pros:

  • Nationwide available bank
  • No penalty for early withdrawal
  • Can withdraw after 7 days of the opening date
  • FDIC insured

Rules:

  • Interest is compounded daily and credited to the account at the end of the month
  1. Bread Savings

Minimum Amount: $1,500.00

APY / Rate: 4.00% APY

Pros:

  • $1 million per account and $10 million limit per customer maximum deposit limit
  • No hidden fees
  • Free monthly maintenance
  • Auto-renew facility available

Rules:

  • Interest is accrued and compounded on daily basis and credited to the account every month
  1. Synchrony Bank

Minimum Amount: $0.00

APY / Rate: 4.01% APY

Pros:

  • No minimum balance
  • Easiest penalty terms
  • Interest can be withdrawn anytime without penalty
  • FDIC insured up to $250,000

Rules:

  • Monthly Interest is calculated and credited to the account at the end of the month
  • A penalty is charged if you withdraw prematurely

Best 2-Year CD Rates

When considering the best 2-year CD rates, investors find a middle ground between short and longer-term investments. It offers a balance of enhanced interest rates and flexibility.

  1. Marcus by Goldman Sachs

Minimum Amount: 4.25% APY

APY / Rate: $500.00

Pros:

  • Instant account opening
  • Low minimum balance requirements
  • All seven days of customer support

Rules:

  • Interest is accrued daily and compounded at the end of the month
  • No penalty withdrawal is available on the interest amount
  1. Skyla Credit Union

Minimum Amount: $500.00

APY / Rate: 4.50% APY

Pros:

  • Low minimum balance requirement
  • Insured up to $500,000 by National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Excess Share Insurance Corporation (ESI)
  • No monthly fees

Rules:

  • The dividend is compounded and credited on a monthly basis
  • Complete the term to avoid penalties
  1. Genisys Credit Union

Minimum Amount: $500.00

APY / Rate: 4.58% APY

Pros:

  • A low minimum balance is required to open an account
  • Higher APY than most of the banks
  • Hassle-free account opening

Rules:

  • Maintain a minimum balance of $500 to earn the interest
  • Interest is compounded and credited to the account on a monthly basis.

Best 3-Year CD Rates

The best 3-year CD rates are convenient for the longer investment period without extending too far into the future.

  1. Bread Savings

Minimum Amount: $1,500.00

APY / Rate: 4.00% APY

Pros:

  • Hassle-free account opening
  • Best reinvestment options available
  • $1 million per account and $10 million limit per customer maximum deposit limit
  • No hidden fees
  • Free monthly maintenance
  • Auto-renew facility available

Rules:

  • Interest is accrued and compounded on daily basis and credited to the account on a monthly basis
  1. Synchrony Bank

Minimum Amount: $0.01%

APY / Rate: 4.26% APY

Pros:

  • No minimum balance
  • Minimum penalty on early withdrawal
  • Interest can be withdrawn anytime without penalty
  • FDIC insured up to $250,000

Rules:

  • Monthly Interest calculation and account credit
  • No minimum balance is required to earn the interest
  • A penalty amount is charged on early withdrawals
  1. First National Bank of America

Minimum Amount: $1,000.00

APY / Rate: 4.10% APY

Pros:

  • High APY and interest rates
  • Easy account opening procedure
  • FDIC insured
  • BBB accredited business

Rules:

  • You must maintain a minimum balance of $1000 to earn APY
  • Interest is added to the account every end of month

Best 5-Year CD Rates

For the long-term, the investors focus on maximizing their interest earnings. In this regard, the best 5-year CD rates stand out as the premium choice.

  1. Popular Direct

Minimum Amount: $10,000.00

APY / Rate: 4.35% APY

Pros:

  • One of the highest APY
  • 24X7 account access
  • FDIC insured deposits
  • 24/7 customer support

Rules:

  • Minimum balance of $10000 must be maintained in the account to earn interest
  • Interest is accrued and compounded monthly and transferred to the account at the end of month.
  • Premature withdrawal are exposed to penalty
  1. Synchrony Bank

Minimum Amount: $0.00

APY / Rate: 4.26% APY

Pros:

  • Best APY rate
  • No minimum balance required
  • High yield savings options
  • No penalty on premature interest withdrawal
  • 10 days grace period after maturity to add more funds to the CD

Rules:

  • The interest is compounded monthly and added to the account at the end of the month.
  • There is no minimum balance required to earn interest.
  • Also no penalty on premature withdrawals.
  1. Barclays

Minimum Amount: $0.00

APY / Rate: 4.25% APY

Pros:

  • One of the biggest banks in America
  • No minimum balance required
  • Easy fund transfer
  • No monthly fees

Rules:

  • Fund must be added to the account within 14 days of opening
  • To earn interest minimum $0.01 balance must be maintained
  • Interest is compounded on monthly basis

Economic Statistics for San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California, stands as a platform of economic strength and diversity.

For investors and savers, understanding the city’s economic backdrop is crucial when navigating the CD market to make informed decisions.

As of the latest statistics, San Francisco boasts a significant average household income, reflective of its thriving economy and high cost of living. The average home value in the city underscores the premium real estate market that is driven by demand of the city.

Moreover, with a population that embodies a wide range of professionals, from tech innovators to creative minds, San Francisco’s demographic is a testament to its dynamic and forward-thinking spirit.

Economic IndicatorInsight for CD Investors/Savers
Average Household IncomeHigher incomes may lead to more competitive CD rates as banks seek to attract deposits from wealthier clients.
Average Home ValueHigh property values reflect a strong real estate market, influencing financial institutions to offer attractive CD rates.
PopulationA diverse and substantial population suggests a dynamic economy, potentially affecting the availability of higher CD rates.

Given these economic indicators, investors can gauge the potential for CD investments within the context of the city’s financial health. Higher average incomes and property values suggest a market where higher CD rates could be more commonly found.

How to Get Best CD Rates in San Francisco, California

To secure the best CD rates in San Francisco, California, savers and investors should adopt a proactive and informed approach.

  •   Start by comparing rates from a variety of financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and online platforms, as these entities often offer different rates based on their operational needs and market positioning.
  • Paying attention to promotional offers and rate specials is crucial, as is considering the timing of your investment, since rates can fluctuate based on economic conditions.
  •  Building a relationship with your banking institution can also lead to better offers, and staying informed about the local economic climate will provide insight into potential rate changes.
  • Additionally, leveraging online financial comparison tools can streamline the process, offering a broad view of the market at a glance.

Apart from all this, by employing these strategies, individuals can enhance their chances of finding the most competitive CD rates in the diverse economic landscape of San Francisco.

CD Rates Methodology

The methodology behind reviewing Certificate of Deposit rates involves a comprehensive analysis of offerings from a broad spectrum of financial institutions.

In this particular study, 75 banks were scrutinized for their CD rates. Out of these, 39 banks made the list, having been identified for offering the most competitive rates in the market. This selection process is indicative of a rigorous criteria set, which likely includes factors such as the interest rates offered, the terms and conditions of the CD.

This approach displays the importance of thorough research and comparison in financial decision-making for San Francisco, California.

Conclusion

For investors, the journey to securing the best CD rates is facilitated by a blend of research, awareness of market trends, and an appreciation for personal financial goals.

In this dynamic financial environment, the pursuit of the best CD rates is not just about finding a safe route for your savings, but about making a smart investment that aligns with both your immediate needs and future aspirations.

FAQs

Who has the best CD rates in San Francisco, California? 

City National Bank offers the best CD rates in San Francisco, California, with a 5.10% rate for a 3-month term.

What Credit Union has the Best CD rates in San Francisco, California? 

For credit unions, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union leads with the best CD rates, providing a 5.00% rate for a 13-month term.