You’re looking at up to 5.00% APY on top high-yield savings accounts as of May 13, 2026. To put that in perspective, that’s more than 10x higher than the FDIC-reported national average of 0.38%. For anyone trying to get real returns on their savings, the difference is substantial.
Whatever brought you here—whether it’s building an emergency fund saving for a major purchase like travel, putting away funds to invest in precious metals, or planning for retirement—keeping your money in a high-yield savings account is smart. You get solid returns without too much complexity or the risks associated with stock market investments and the like.
The three accounts we’ve identified with the highest annual percentage yields are as follows:
- Earn up to 5.00% with Varo Money.
- Earn up to 4.50% with SoFi.
- Earn up to 4.21% with Axos Bank.
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. Right now the highest rates we’re seeing come from Varo Money, SoFi, and Axos Bank. 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 work with Curinos, which has a track record of more than thirty years analyzing financial services data, to bring you current rates on savings accounts and CDs from a long list of financial institutions. This daily reporting gives us the foundation to create a selection that actually helps you pick the right account for your situation.
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.
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Reasons to choose a high-yield savings account
A quick terminology note: There’s no official account type called a “high-yield savings account.” What we’re really talking about is banks and credit unions that happen to offer rates significantly higher than average. It’s just a label we use to make things clearer.
Most of the divide between traditional and high-yield accounts comes down to operations. Traditional banks run branch networks and offer everything under the sun—loans, checking, credit cards, you name it. High-yield providers are usually online-only, keep their offerings lean, and have no physical locations to maintain. That operational simplicity translates to better rates for you.
If you’re willing to handle your banking online, switching to a high-yield account can meaningfully increase what you earn. Depending on your deposit and APY, you could be looking at hundreds—or more—in extra interest annually compared to a standard savings account.
How much interest you might earn with a higher APY
Let’s assume a hypothetical where you’ve got five grand sitting in savings a full year, and the APY doesn’t budge. The interest you’d earn with a 5.00% APY is dramatically different from what you’d earn if the account’s APY was a mere 0.40%. See the estimates below:
It’s a surprisingly painless change that can have a real impact on your bottom line.
Criteria when choosing a high-yield savings account
Focus on these things when you’re choosing a HYSA:
- Competitive rates. Look for APYs that are actually going to move the needle on your earnings.
- Low or no minimums. Plenty of high-yield accounts don’t require a hefty opening deposit, making them accessible if you’re building your savings from scratch.
- Fee-free. Skip accounts that nickel-and-dime you with monthly maintenance charges—that money should stay in your account.
- Access to your funds. Verify that you can transfer your money when you need it. Pay attention to withdrawal caps and foreign ATM fees.
- Insurance. Check that your deposits are FDIC-protected at a bank or NCUA-protected at a credit union.
Note that any interest you earn will be taxable.
Frequently asked questions
Are savings account rates going to fall?
They could. Banks often adjust their rates based on what the Federal Reserve does. Given that the Fed cut rates several times in late 2025—a win for borrowers, a challenge for savers—it’s reasonable to expect that some savings account rates could head downward accordingly, if banks expect another cut in 2026.
Can I lose money in a high-yield savings account?
As long as your account is FDIC- or NCUA-insured, you should be protected up to a $250,000 maximum per financial institution. Also, understand that your savings won’t fluctuate like stock prices, but inflation could erode what your money can buy if it outpaces your APY.
Is a high-yield savings account still worth it?
Yes, it is. Fed rate cuts aside, many high-yield savings accounts continue to offer APYs in the vicinity of 4.00%. These accounts are effectively the best straightforward option for growing your money safely while keeping it within reach. Though we’ll also note CDs are worth considering if you can afford to lock your money away for a set period of time.
SoFi Disclaimers
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
1.
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
2.
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
3.
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-ratesheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
4.
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
5.
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time.
6: 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 3/31/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
7:
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
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SoFi Plus is a premium membership that gives members access to our best rewards, benefits, and more when they pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. Between 12/9/25–3/30/26, members with Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits will receive complimentary access to SoFi Plus. Benefits are subject to change and may not be available to everyone. All terms and conditions applicable to the use of SoFi Plus apply. To learn more about SoFi Plus and available benefits and terms, please see the SoFi Plus page.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC, Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage products are offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. ©2026 SoFi Technologies, Inc.
9:
Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.
10:
Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease.
11:
SoFi Plus members can schedule an unlimited number of appointments with a financial planner during periods in which the SoFi Plus member meets the eligibility criteria set forth in section 10(a) of the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions. SoFi members who are not members of SoFi Plus can schedule one (1) appointment with a financial planner. The ability to schedule appointments is subject to financial planner availability. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this benefit at any time with or without notice. Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
