How much interest will an $18,000 long-term CD account earn if opened this July?
Interest earnings on a CD of this size and length will be substantial, but that's not the only advantage for savers.
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Updated on: July 2, 2026 / 1:37 PM EDT / CBS News
While it may be noble and even logical to wait until you hit a milestone number in your savings account to determine a long-term home to park that money, the reality is that in today's uneven economy, that's a luxury many savers simply can't afford. With inflation surging to its highest point in three years and job growth slowing, it makes sense to move that money out of a traditional savings account (with a paltry average rate of just 0.38% now) and into one that's more profitable. And that's true even for less conventional amounts such as $18,000.
A certificate of deposit (CD) account can be one of your better options, especially if you choose a long-term version which matures in 18 months or longer. Interest rates on this account type sit comfortably above 4% now, giving savers more than $4 in interest for each $100 deposited. Considering the longer term, savers will also secure extended protection for their money, which is critically important in today's economy.
Before getting started, however, savers need to crunch the potential returns. An early withdrawal penalty on an $18,000 CD account, after all, could be steep. Knowing what you stand to earn, however, can make giving up access to your funds worth proceeding with. So, how much interest will an $18,000 long-term CD account earn if opened this July? That's what we'll break down below.
Start earning more interest on your money with a CD account here .