Right now, top high-yield savings accounts are offering up to 5.00% APY as of March 19, 2026—and that blows away the FDIC’s national average of 0.39%. For savers who actually want their money to earn something, that’s worth paying attention to.
Whether you’re socking away an emergency fund, saving for something big like a vacation, putting away money ahead of buying gold or silver, or thinking long-term about retirement goals, a high-yield savings account deserves serious consideration. It’s a no-fuss way to get real returns.
The three highest-APY accounts we’ve identified are as follows:
- Earn up to 5.00% with Varo Money.
- Earn up to 4.21% with Axos Bank.
- Earn up to 4.20% with Newtek Bank.
Wealthfront also offers an account that may give the aforementioned three some competition, with an APY of up to 4.20%.
Best savings account rates today
Fortune has partnered with the financial industry consultants at Curinos to give you an accurate look at the highest savings account rates on the market. Varo Money leads for highest rate, with Axos Bank, Newtek Bank, and Wealthfront next also providing competitive options. Read on to see our full list of HYSAs and find the one that’s right for your needs.
What the Fortune/Curinos partnership means for your savings
We partner with Curinos—an industry leader that has operated in the financial services space for over three decades—to track daily rates across savings accounts and CDs from a wide range of institutions. That consistent stream of reports helps us build a genuinely useful resource to point you toward accounts worth your attention.
Historical national average savings rates
While the average savings account rate has increased from the lows seen from 2020 to 2022, it’s still far below the APYs available on the most generous high-yield savings accounts on our list.
Reasons to choose a high-yield savings account
Let’s first clarify that “high-yield savings account” isn’t an official product category. It’s shorthand for any savings account at a bank or credit union offering rates that significantly outpace the industry average.
In many cases, high-yield savings accounts are offered by online banks rather than those with brick-and-mortar branches. By not having to pay for branch infrastructure, and oftentimes by offering a slimmed-down selection of products, online banks can provide higher rates to their customers.
If you’re comfortable with online banking, switching to a high-yield account can substantially boost the interest you earn on your savings. Depending on your balance and account’s specific APY, you could potentially pocket hundreds more each year versus sticking with a traditional savings account.
How much interest you might earn with a higher APY
Here’s a hypothetical to illustrate why HYSAs are worthwhile. Imagine $5,000 sitting untouched for a year. The estimates below show what one might earn in an account with a 5.00% APY compared to one with a mere 0.40% APY (assuming the APY stays consistent over this period).
It’s a relatively easy change to make, and one that offers a real, tangible financial benefit.
Criteria when choosing a high-yield savings account
When you’re shopping around, prioritize these elements:
- Solid interest rates. Hunt for APYs that’ll actually make a difference in what you earn.
- Low or zero minimums. Most high-yield accounts won’t force you to start with thousands, which helps if you’re beginning your savings journey.
- Lack of fees. Steer clear of accounts charging monthly maintenance fees that’ll gnaw away at your interest.
- Accessible funds. Confirm you can withdraw or transfer money freely—be cognizant of withdrawal restrictions or foreign ATM charges.
- Protected deposits. Make sure you’ve got FDIC insurance for bank accounts or NCUA insurance for credit union accounts.
Do be aware you’ll owe taxes on the interest you earn.
Check Out Our Daily Rates Reports
- Discover the highest CD rates, up to 4.30% for March 18, 2026.
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- Discover the current mortgage rates for March 18, 2026.
- Discover current refi mortgage rates report for March 18, 2026.
- Discover current ARM mortgage rates report for March 18, 2026.
- Discover the current price of gold for March 18, 2026.
- Discover the current price of silver for March 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Are savings account rates going to fall?
Potentially. When the Federal Reserve adjusts its benchmark federal funds rate, financial institutions follow along in many instances. Since the Fed made several rate cuts in late 2025—good news for borrowers, less so for savers—there’s a legitimate possibility of some savings account rates going down as well if banks expect a cut in 2026 too.
Can I lose money in a high-yield savings account?
As long as your account is insured by the FDIC or NCUA, your deposits are protected up to a $250,000 maximum per institution. And, unlike stock investments, your savings account balance isn’t at the mercy of market swings, though inflation running ahead of your APY could eat away at your purchasing power.
Is a high-yield savings account still worth it?
Yes. Despite recent Fed rate cuts, numerous high-yield savings accounts still deliver near or even over 4.00% APY. These accounts are effectively the best option for earning substantial interest on your money while keeping it readily accessible. However, if you’re open to locking your funds away for a set period of a time, a CD could be worth considering as an alternative.
