Updated November 6, 2026 from live rates
Where should I keep a $50,000 down payment I'll need in a year?
For $50,000 needed in a year, the option that keeps the most today is Pibank Savings (4.40%): about $1,606 after tax by November 7, 2027, versus about $4 left in checking.
Every safe place for it, ranked by what it earns
| Option | Rate | Kept by November 7, 2027 | Access and protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pibank Savings Earns the most | 4.40% | $1,606 | Any time, 1–2 days to move. FDIC-insured |
| Treasury bills timed to your date | 4.23% | $1,604 | Locked until October 19, 2027; can be sold any day. U.S. government. No state tax |
| 6-month CD at Quorum Federal Credit Union | 4.40% | $1,552 | Locked until May 9, 2027; early withdrawal costs interest. FDIC-insured |
| Treasury money fund (Vanguard) | 3.89% | $1,517 | Any business day. Holds U.S. Treasuries; not FDIC-insured. No state tax |
| No-penalty CD at Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 4.00% | $1,460 | Withdraw any time (after the first week at most banks). FDIC-insured |
| Leave it in checking | 0.01% | $4 | Same day. FDIC-insured |
After 22% federal and 5% state tax, at today’s rates. Locked options (Treasury bills, CDs) pay out at least a week before the date, with $10,000 kept ready; savings rates can change any time. FDIC insurance covers $250,000 per depositor per bank. Not personal advice.