Where to find the best 36-month CDs

Don’t settle for the national average of 2%. You can still earn 3% or more if you’re willing to commit your savings for three years.

These top-paying CDs are available nationwide:

3.20% APY with a $500 minimum deposit from GMAC Bank, an online bank run by the auto financing company.

3.10% APY with a $2,500 minimum from Discover Bank, the online bank of Discover credit cards.

3.10% APY with a $2,500 minimum from Intervest Online, the Internet banking division of Intervest National Bank of New York City.

You can often find deals that are just as good — sometimes even better — at local credit unions and banks that only accept deposits from members or the communities they serve.

Here are a few examples:

First Republic Bank is paying 3.50% APY with a $5,000 minimum deposit. But you have to live in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada or New York.

Tower Center Bank of Frankfort, Ill., a far south suburb of Chicago, is paying 3.25% APY with a $2,000 minimum deposit.

Alliant Credit Union is paying 3.35% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000. To be eligible, you must live or work in one of 20 suburban communities surrounding Chicago, or be related to someone who does.