Sallie Mae 18-Month CD
Sallie Mae's 18-month CD pays a 4.00% APY — among the strongest CD rates we've verified, and higher than most 1-year offers. It requires a $2,500 minimum, and deposits are FDIC-insured through Sallie Mae Bank, which we verified directly with the regulator.
Is the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD worth it?
Sallie Mae’s 18-month CD is one of the strongest CD rates we’ve been able to verify. It pays a 4.00% APY (as of 05/30/2026) — notably higher than most 1-year offers — in exchange for a modest extra six months of commitment and a $2,500 minimum.
The CD is held at Sallie Mae Bank. We confirmed with the FDIC that it is an active insured institution — certificate #58177, Salt Lake City, Utah — with coverage up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
The trade-offs are standard for a CD: your money is locked for the full 18 months, and withdrawing early forfeits interest. The $2,500 minimum also puts it out of reach for the smallest savers. But if you can commit the funds, 4.00% for 18 months is a genuinely strong, fixed return. This is not financial advice; the rate can change for new CDs, so confirm the current APY before opening.
How does a certificate of deposit (CD) work?
A certificate of deposit locks your money for a fixed term in exchange for a fixed rate. You agree not to touch the funds until maturity; withdrawing early usually triggers a penalty of several months' interest. When the term ends, many CDs auto-renew unless you move the money.
How much could you earn with the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD?
At a 4% APY, a $10,000 balance in the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD earns about $400 in interest over a year, before taxes. Double the balance and you roughly double the interest; your real return depends on how long the rate holds.
Illustrative estimate based on the figures on this page, not an offer. Your results will differ.
What are the pros and cons of the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD?
The Sallie Mae 18-Month CD stands out for 4.00% APY — among the highest CD rates we've verified, though $2,500 minimum to open.
- 4.00% APY — among the highest CD rates we've verified
- Strong mid-term option (18 months) that beats many 1-year CDs
- Sallie Mae Bank, FDIC-insured (verified with the regulator)
- $2,500 minimum to open
- Funds locked for 18 months; early withdrawal forfeits interest
- APY is fixed at opening but can change for new CDs
Who should get the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD?
The Sallie Mae 18-Month CD is best for savers who can lock $2,500+ for 18 months at a top rate.
- Savers who can lock $2,500+ for 18 months at a top rate
- Anyone building a CD ladder who wants a strong mid-term rung
- People who want to beat 1-year CD rates with a modest extra commitment
How does the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD compare?
Among the 9 certificates of deposit (cds) we track, the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD ranks #4 with a money8020 score of 93/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings CD | 99 | Essential | Bread Savings (Comenity Capital Bank) |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD | 99 | Essential | Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
| Capital One 360 1-Year CD | 94 | Essential | Capital One |
| Sallie Mae 18-Month CD | 93 | Essential | Sallie Mae Bank |
| E*TRADE Certificate of Deposit | 92 | Essential | Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. |
See all certificates of deposit (cds), ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a certificate of deposit (CD)
- Locking up money you might need before maturity and eating an early-withdrawal penalty.
- Letting the CD auto-renew into a lower rate instead of shopping at maturity.
- Picking the longest term for a slightly higher rate when a shorter ladder gives more flexibility.
- Ignoring the minimum deposit required to open the term you want.
Key takeaways
- Sallie Mae 18-Month CD earns a money8020 score of 93/100, ranking #4 of 9 certificates of deposit (cds).
- 4.00% APY — among the highest CD rates we've verified
- At a 4% APY, a $10,000 balance in the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD earns about $400 in interest over a year, before taxes.
- Best for savers who can lock $2,500+ for 18 months at a top rate.
- Rate and FDIC status fetched from Sallie Mae Bank and corroborated against a regulator.
Frequently asked questions about the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD
What is the minimum deposit for the Sallie Mae 18-month CD?
Per Sallie Mae, the CD requires a $2,500 minimum balance to open and keep earning interest, and the 18-month term pays a 4.00% APY (as of 05/30/2026). The rate is fixed once you open, but it can change for new CDs, so confirm the current APY before locking in.
Is the Sallie Mae CD FDIC insured?
Yes. The CD is held at Sallie Mae Bank, which we confirmed with the FDIC is an active insured institution (certificate #58177, Salt Lake City, Utah). Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
What happens if I withdraw from the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD early?
Most CDs charge an early-withdrawal penalty — commonly several months' interest — if you take the money out before maturity. Only commit funds you won't need during the term.
Does the Sallie Mae 18-Month CD renew automatically?
Many CDs auto-renew at maturity into a new term at the then-current rate unless you withdraw or change it during a short grace period. Confirm the renewal terms with the provider.
Sources
We fetched these figures from the provider and corroborated them against a regulator, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: