MetLife’s top rate of 1.45% APY is definitely worth second place, but this online bank owned by the big insurance company requires a large investment to earn the 1.45%.

If you invest less than $15,000 in their 1 Year CD, you will earn 1.00% APY and 1.35% APY for investments of $15,000-$24,999. Any investment above $25,000 will earn you the top rate of 1.45% for the 12 months.

Melrose Credit Union still holds the top spot of the 12 month CDs at 1.51% APY, with a much smaller minimum deposit required.

Other best available CD rates include:

• Bank of Internet at 1.41% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000. This online bank is out of San Diego, CA.
• Sallie Mae Bank at 1.40% APY with no minimum deposit and is owned by the big student loan lender Sallie Mae.
• Ascencia at 1.40% APY with a minimum deposit of $500. This is an online division of PBI Bank in Louisville, KY.

All of these financial institutions have no restrictions on who can buy into their CDs. Melrose Credit Union allows anyone, anywhere to join by filling out an application and pay their $1 fee.

CD rates are always adjusting, so be sure to compare and find the best CD rates from our database of banks and credit unions.

We have been noticing that credit unions have been offering better deals on certificate of deposits then banks have  (see Northeast Community CU 2.50% APY on a 12 Month CD).  Although Navy Federals CD rates are not the best they do have a great starter package.

Check out the nations Best CD Rates.

It is called their EasyStart Certificate and here are the details.

• 12 month term
• 1.15% APY
• Only a $100 Minimum Deposit

With a $100 minimum deposit almost anyone, new to CD’s or not, can take advantage of this deal.  Most of the best 12 month CD rates we see have minimum deposits in the thousands.

So if you are new to certificates and do not have much money to get started this NFCU EasyStart Certificate may be a great introduction to CDs for you.

For the fine print and other details for NFCU visit here.