Bank of Internet is based out of San Diego, CA and is paying 1.72% APY on deposits over $1,000. This is a rate they have offered since the beginning of November.

To put things into perspective, this rate is three-quarters of a point less than what was offered for the 2 year certificate of deposit last December 2009.

Here is a list of the best available 2 Year CD rates:

• Melrose Credit Union from Queens, New York at 1.66% APY with a minimum deposit of $5,000.
• Stonebridge Bank out of Philadelphia at a rate of 1.65% APY with a minimum deposit of $500.
• Discover Bank, owned by the major credit card company at a rate of 1.60% APY with a minimum deposit of $2,500.
• Colorado Federal Savings Bank from Colorado at a rate of 1.60% APY with a minimum deposit of $5,000.

We have posted these banks and credit unions because they allow anyone nationwide to open and invest in their CDs, either online, at the local branch or through the mail.

There are no requirements that would keep the average person from opening an account with these financial institutions. Unlike other credit unions, Melrose has no restrictions on who can open an account with the union. There is a $1 fee and the requirement of having a savings account funded with $25.

Be sure to compare these rates with the most up to date CD rates from our database of banks.

To celebrate the expansion into Colorado, KeyBank is now offering a 16 month and 32 month CD special with rates of 1.75% and 2.75%. These rates are competitive to the highest cd rates of today, but the minimum deposit is $10,000, which is high compared to what is available. An example is, Discover Bank has a 2.35% rate on a 30 month CD with a minimum deposit of $2,500 and ING Direct’s 2.10% 12 month CD has no minimum deposit. These CD specials are also only available at the new Colorado branches only.

The best deal with KeyBank opening in Colorado is that they are giving out a $200 checking bonus to anyone who opens a new account at one of the new locations. You will not find the deal on its website, but can find a print ad that has been running in the Denver Post. To earn the $200 bonus all you need to do is open the account by 12/4/09 and make one debit card transaction and a combination of two direct deposits and/or automatic payments each of $100 or more by 2/5/10.