- Offers an exceptional savings interest rate of 5.00% APY.
- Provides a savings/checking combo for easy money transfers.
- Allows instant transfer of money between accounts.
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Savers who want to earn the most interest on their money should look at the best high-yield savings accounts. Though interest rates are beginning to decline due to the Federal Reserve’s Sept. 18 rate cut of 0.50%, they are still on the high end for high-yield savings accounts.
These accounts offer the functionality of traditional savings accounts but receive a much higher interest rate to grow your balances. Many of these accounts have no opening balance or minimum balance requirements, so they are open to every type of saver. Learn more about how to choose your savings account, how they work and the best type of account based on your goals.
Western Alliance Bank offers a top interest rate with no required minimum balance and no monthly fees.. It is a solid option for high-yield savings accounts with no account activity or maintenance fees. It offers a competitive interest rate and requires a minimum balance of $500 to open an account. Additionally, it offers 24/7 online access to your account.
UFB Direct offers a high yield for all savers, regardless of savings balance. It also offers seamless account access due to excellent remote tools.
UFB Direct may not be a household name for bank accounts, but its UFB Portfolio Savings offers competitive interest rates without unnecessary fees. This high-yield savings account is an excellent choice for all levels of savers because all customers receive the same high interest rate, no matter what their balances are.
Customers can quickly and easily open an account online through this digital bank and then seamlessly access their account through the bank's remote tools. UFB customers can access their account online, through the bank's mobile apps or by texting. The bank-by-text feature is ideal when internet access is limited or when time is of the essence. All customers also receive a complimentary ATM card to withdraw cash on the go.
This savings account is also easy on the wallet because there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Additionally, there's no minimum balance required in order to earn its premium interest rate. Plus, you can keep your existing bank account since UFB Direct offers free transfers between linked deposit accounts.
Bask Bank has one of the best customer service operations in the business including by phone, online, and on the Bask app.
The Bask Interest Savings Account offers a high rate with $0 monthly account fees and $0.01 minimum account balance to earn APY*. And Bask Bank is a standout for service. Customers can call the support line between 7 am and 7 pm CST Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between 9 am and 4 pm. There’s also information online and on the Bask app. The account doesn’t provide an ATM or debit card, however. It is important to note that while there does not appear to be a minimum opening deposit required, any account with no balance will be closed after 15 days.
Betterment offers integration with the Betterment online investment platform and FDIC insurance up to $2 million ($4 million for joint accounts) using its program banks.
Betterment Cash Reserve is a high-yield savings account offered by Betterment, a popular online investment platform. This savings account offers a competitive interest rate of 4.50% APY with a low minimum opening deposit of $10 and no minimum balance requirement to earn the APY. Additionally, there are no monthly fees associated with this account.
One of the key advantages of Betterment Cash Reserve is its seamless integration with the Betterment platform, allowing customers to easily manage their savings alongside their investment accounts. The account provides a simple and user-friendly online interface for account management and transfers.
However, it's important to note that Betterment Cash Reserve does not offer physical branch locations or checking account features, so it may not be suitable for those who require in-person banking services or a combined checking and savings account.
CIT offers frequent bonuses and promotions, especially for new customers, that make it one to watch.
CIT Bank's Platinum Savings Account is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-yield savings product. The bank's rate stands out in the market, providing customers a competitive edge in growing their savings. Currently, the CIT Bank's Platinum Savings Account offers a 4.55% APY* with a balance of $5,000 or more, but you can start with as little as $100 with 0.25% APY. What makes CIT Bank particularly intriguing are its unique promotions, which typically offer substantial bonuses or even higher interest rates for new deposits or accounts.
While the bank operates primarily online, its user-friendly interface and top-notch customer service make banking a breeze. Security is also paramount at CIT Bank, ensuring your funds are safe and protected. However, keep in mind that this savings account may not be the best choice for those who prefer traditional, brick-and-mortar banking, or for those who frequently need to withdraw funds, as it might come with certain limitations. In summary, the CIT Bank's Platinum Savings Account, with its high APY* and attractive promotions, is an excellent option for customers looking to maximize their savings potential.
Quontic offers multiple options for growing deposits including HYSA, CDs, and MMAs.
Quontic stands out for the many ways you can increase the earning potential of your cash. In addition to their high-yield savings account growing your money at a high rate, Quontic also offers certificates of deposit and money market accounts.
Live Oak Bank lets you initiate wire transfers from your savings account and also lets you connect to Quickbooks.
Customers can quickly open an online savings account with Live Oak to receive a competitive interest rate with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Two features that set it apart are the ability to initiate wire transfers from your savings account and to connect with QuickBooks. These features make it an ideal savings account for entrepreneurs and small business owners. While there are no minimum deposit or balance requirements, if your account balance is less than $10.01 for 24 consecutive months, the bank will close your account and charge a dormant account fee equal to your remaining balance.
Barclays Bank lets you link to a Barclays checking account, making transfers convenient and quick.
With a high APY of Up to 4.80%, Barclays Bank’s high-yield savings account includes many of the same features as other similar accounts, including secure 24/7 account access, free online transfers, direct deposit, no minimums and no minimum deposit to open. Barclays also offers tools to help you reach your savings goals.
Deposit Amount | Savings Rate |
---|---|
$0 to <$250K | 4.50% |
$250K+ | 4.80% |
Discover Bank's competitive interest rate, robust platform, and fee-free wire transfers make it an easy choice for savers.
Discover® Online Savings is the ultimate choice for those seeking a hassle-free wire transfer experience without incurring any fees. With its robust online banking platform, customers can effortlessly initiate wire transfers from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to physical branches.
Discover® Bank prioritizes customer convenience and ensures that hard-earned money can be moved swiftly and securely, all at no extra cost. Furthermore, their Online Savings account offers a highly competitive Annual Percentage Yield (APY), allowing individuals to maximize their earnings on savings.
By combining the convenience of fee-free wire transfers with a lucrative APY, Discover® Bank empowers its customers to effortlessly grow their savings while enjoying unparalleled flexibility and financial freedom. Member FDIC.
Account | APY* | Minimum opening deposit | Minimum balance to earn APY | Monthly fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
My Banking Direct High-Yield Savings | 4.85% | $500 | $1 | $0 |
Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier | 4.46%† | $500 | $0.01 | $0 |
UFB Portfolio Savings | 4.31% | $0 | $0.01 | $0 |
Bask Bank Savings | 4.65% | $0 | $0.01 | $0 |
Betterment Cash Reserve | 4.25% | $10 | $0.01 | $0 |
CIT Platinum Savings | 4.55% | $100 | $5,000 | $0 |
Quontic High-Yield Savings | 4.25% | $100 | $0.01 | $0 |
Live Oak Personal Savings | 4.30% | $0 | $0.01 | $0 |
Barclays Tiered Savings | Up to 4.80% | $0 | See Rate Requirements | $0 |
Discover® Online Savings Member FDIC | 4.00% | $0 | $0.01 | $0 |
A high-yield savings account is a traditional savings account but with a higher interest rate. Just like savings accounts, they are liquid, so you can add or withdraw money at any time. Additionally, they are guaranteed up to $250,000 by the FDIC.
High-yield savings accounts offer much higher rates of interest than traditional savings accounts. They work the same way as traditional savings accounts, but many are online-only accounts that cannot be opened in a traditional brick-and-mortar branch.
Many high-yield savings accounts are offered by online banks and have reduced fees and balance requirements. In some cases, there are no minimum balance requirements to open or maintain an account. Plus, many eliminate monthly service charges, so there are no costs to keep your account open.
However, some high-yield savings accounts require larger balances to avoid fees or earn the best savings account interest rates. Banks may implement tiered interest rates that offer the best rates to certain types of customers.
Wondering how a high-yield savings account can impact your money over time? Input your initial deposit, the interest rate, and your preferred duration to see a clear projection of your savings' growth.
When comparing the best savings accounts, customers should focus on fees, interest rates and the functionality of the accounts. Here are a few features that matter most when choosing your account.
To open a high-yield savings account, you'll need to provide your name, contact information, Social Security Number and date of birth. Additionally, you should be prepared to make an initial deposit to fund your account and start earning interest. It is wise to have existing bank account information so you can link your accounts for future transfers.
Yes, high-yield savings rates have increased as the Federal Reserve has raised rates to combat inflation. Customers with money in their savings accounts benefit from these rising rates by earning more interest.
Savings account interest rates are represented as annual percentage yield (APY) to factor in compounding interest. APY is based on the account's interest rate and the number of times the bank pays interest each year. The APY formula is 100 [(1 + Interest/Principal)(365/Days in term) - 1], but most people use a calculator instead of figuring it out by hand.
A good APY depends on the current market, economic conditions and the available alternative options. The APYs for the accounts profiled above range from 4.00% to 4.85%. Many banks offer interest rates in this range without charging monthly fees or requiring large balances.
Bank accounts are insured for up to $250,000 per person at each bank. If you keep your balances below this level, you will not lose money, even if the bank goes out of business.
Unlike CD rates, banks change savings account interest rates on a regular basis. They adjust rates based on market conditions, what competitors are doing and how much they need deposits. If your bank's interest rates are not competitive, consider opening a new high-yield savings account.
*APY is subject to change. APY is updated as of Nov.1, 2024.
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