A rechargeable battery, which can improve safety by maintaining a short-circuit state when the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery exceeds a critical pressure due to overcharge (or any other reason). In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap assembly sealing the case and including a cap plate, and a short-circuit member including a first short-circuit plate coupled to the cap plate and a second short-circuit plate on a surface of the first short-circuit plate facing toward the electrode assembly and coupled to the cap plate.