H&R Block Bank is offering 2% APY on a 6-month CD on a minimum deposit of $10,000. That's currently the highest 6-month CD rate. The promotion is running from September 1 to September 30. While the offer is available through September 30, H&R Block Bank reserves the right to change the terms at any time. The rate locks when the account has been opened and the funds have been deposited.

Accounts can be opened online and funded electronically via an ACH form. As stated above, the rate locks when the funds have been received.

H&R Block Bank has 2 out of 5 stars from Bauer Financial (problematic) for its safety and soundness. Deposits are FDIC insured.

• Compare the best 6-month CD rates.

Frontier Bank, a West Washington commercial bank and operated more than 50 branches, is offering a 2.6% APY 24-month CD. That's currently the best 24-month CD rate according to the BestCashCow rate tables.

The CD is nationally available and can be opened online.

While the rate is great, Frontier Bank is suffering. The bank has a rating of 0 our of 5 stars for its safety and soundness. The bank's stock is currently trading at $.77 and had a 52-week high of $20.99.

If you decide to deposit your money in Frontier, be sure to stay below FDIC insurance limits.

• Compare the top 24-month CD rates.

Citibank is offering a competitive 2.25% APY on an 18-month CD. The CD needs to be opened online. As of August 26, 2009 this is the top 18-month CD on the BestCashCow rate tables.

It's not often that a big bank takes the top rates on the tables. In addition, Citibank has some competitive in-branch CD rates in select states. According to Bankdeals, Citi is offering the following rates in NV, CA, and FL:

Term FL,NV,CA

12mo 2.00%
18mo 2.30%
24mo 2.50%
60mo 4.00%

Citibank has an efficient electronic account opening process. Opening and funding can be done all electronically.