Looking for a great place to stash your rainy-day emergency funds? There are still savings accounts offering rates of up to 5% APY, but they can be hard to find.
When inflation rates started cooling off last year and the Federal Reserve eased monetary policy, savings rates declined from the nearly two-decade highs seen in 2022 and 2023. The outlook on inflation and the U.S. economy on February 18, 2025 is less clear, so more rate cuts are unlikely for the time being.
That strongly suggests that interest rates on savings accounts should remain where they are for a while longer. Fortune has teamed up with Curinos, an expert team of financial industry consultants, to bring you the highest savings account rates available on February 18, 2025.
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The best savings account rates on February 18, 2025: Earn up to 5.00% APY
The best high-yield savings account interest rate on February 18, 2025 is 5.00%, offered by Varo Money. Fortune monitors the top rates offered by leading U.S. financial institutions to help readers obtain the best possible return on their savings. Here are the highest savings account rates on February 18, 2025:
FDIC average national deposit rates: January 2020 to present
Determining if you’re getting a strong rate of return on your savings account is easy when you take a look at the national average savings rate, which currently sits at 0.41%%. This is down from a historic high of 0.47% in March 2024, before the Fed’s three consecutive rate cuts.
Savings account news in 2025
Fed monetary policy choices have a direct impact on average savings account rates. When the central bank increases its benchmark rate, financial institutions typically respond by raising the interest offered on savings accounts to stay competitive. When the Fed cut rates, yields on savings accounts tend to decrease.
When it comes to the savings account rates offered by individual financial institutions, other considerations are in play. Banks adjust APYs based on various factors, including their own financial strategies, efforts to attract new customers, and overall market conditions.
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Note that banks can and do change the interest rates on savings accounts at any time, for any reason. Changes frequently occur following Fed meetings, which are held approximately eight times per year. For example, the Fed implemented three rate cuts in late 2024. Almost immediately, numerous banks began reducing their savings account APYs.
It's possible that savings account rates will decrease further in the coming months, but not certain since inflation is on the rise again and additional rate cuts may remain paused.
Keep your eyes open for high-yield savings accounts
Technically speaking, there isn’t a special banking deposit product called a “high-yield savings account.” The term is commonly applied to accounts that offer the highest APYs, commonly orders of magnitude greater than the average. While the national average savings rate stands at 0.41% on February 18, 2025, many high-yield accounts offer rates exceeding 4%.
Traditional accounts often provide physical branch access with lower rates, while high-yield accounts are typically offered by online banks and feature higher rates, but limited in-person services. But regardless of what savings account you use, you can expect to pay taxes on any interest earned.
Consider opening a high-yield savings account for these advantages:
- Significantly higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts
- Often free from minimum balance requirements or monthly fees
- Easy access to your funds
- Ideal for emergency funds or short-term savings goals
- FDIC-insured, providing the same protection as traditional banks
When evaluating savings accounts, seek competitive APYs to maximize your earnings. Many high-yield accounts have no minimum balance requirements nor monthly maintenance fees, but make sure to read the fine print. You should also ensure the account provides easy access to withdrawals or transfers when needed (bonus points for accounts that waive foreign ATM fees). Remember to verify FDIC insurance coverage, and don’t forget that some banks offer attractive welcome incentives for new customers.
