Putting $10,000 into a 6-month CD will earn you about $225 at today's top rates. Some banks are still paying just over 4.50% APY for short-term CDs.

Sure, it's not life-changing money. But it's way better than letting your cash sit idle.

Another option for short-term cash storage is a high-yield savings account (HYSA). Although the interest rate may change at any time, today's APYs are very similar to what CDs offer.

Earnings on $10,000 with a 6-month CD

Some of the top CD rates today are around 4.50% APY -- a far cry from the national average of just 1.58% APY for 6-month terms.

Here's what $10,000 can earn with a 6-month CD, comparing the national average and a top CD rate:

The difference between 1.58% and 4.50% APY might not seem huge. But that's $146 more for doing nothing extra except shopping around. Compare today's best CD rates here so you can earn maximum interest.

Is a 6-month CD right for you?

If you're looking for short-term stability and guaranteed returns, a 6-month CD is a great option. You can lock away your money for the rest of 2025 and know exactly how much you're going to make.

Here are a couple scenarios when a 6-month CD makes sense:

• You want to lock in rates, but don't want to commit to a multi-year term.
• You like predictability. CD rates are fixed, so you'll know exactly what you're earning.
• You won't need to touch the money early. Withdrawing before the CD matures usually comes with a penalty.

But if flexibility is more important, you'll want to keep your cash in a more liquid option. That's where a high-yield savings account or no-penalty CD could be a better fit.

A flexible alternative: High-yield savings accounts

If you like the idea of earning maximum interest on your cash, but don't love the idea of locking it up, a high-yield savings account might be the better play.

The top HYSAs currently offer APYs close to 4.00% right now. And unlike CDs, you can withdraw your money anytime without penalties or fees.

This means you'd earn about $200 in interest on a $10,000 deposit, assuming rates held steady for six months. That's slightly less interest than a 6-month CD, but in return, you gain flexibility.

Start earning more interest today

Whether you get a 6-month CD or open a high-yield savings account, either one beats earning pennies in a low-rate account.

Make the switch to keep your cash safe, while earning the most interest you can while rates are still this high.