economy
$18,000 CD vs. $18,000 High-Yield Savings Account vs. $18,000 Money Market Account: Which Will Earn the Most in 2026?
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TL;DR
- CDs, high-yield savings, and money market accounts are safe ways to grow money, with rates previously as high as 6-7%.
- CDs offer fixed rates, while high-yield savings and money market accounts have variable rates.
- An $18,000 deposit could earn $172.99 in a 3-month CD (3.90%), $178.67 in high-yield savings (4.03%), and $177.36 in a money market account (4.00%).
- Over six months, an $18,000 deposit could earn $365.29 in a 6-month CD (4.10%), $359.12 in high-yield savings (4.03%), and $356.47 in a money market account (4.00%).
- Over nine months, an $18,000 deposit could earn $544.03 in a 9-month CD (4.05%), $541.35 in high-yield savings (4.03%), and $537.34 in a money market account (4.00%).
- 6-month and 9-month CDs are most profitable and secure due to fixed rates, but require locking funds until maturity.
- High-yield savings and money market accounts offer flexibility and could become more profitable if rates increase.
- Early withdrawal fees on CDs can be costly, so careful consideration is advised.