A high-yield savings account is one of the most foundational types of accounts you can have if you want to make your money work for you. The average savings account earns a measly 0.41%, according to the FDIC, but the best high-yield savings accounts offer APYs (annual percentage yields) of up to 5%.
If you want to earn interest on your money while still keeping it liquid enough to access in an emergency, putting those funds in a HYSA just makes sense. We’ve selected 10 savings accounts we think stand out in terms of a high APY and other important features such as ATM access and mobile banking. Read on for our top editorial picks as well as comparisons to other types of accounts you might be considering.
Best high-yield savings accounts: Editors’ picks
Bank | APY* | Minimum requirements | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|
Varo Bank | Up to 5.00% | View offer at MoneyLion | |
Axos Bank | Up to 4.46% | View offer at Axos Bank | |
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) | Up to up to 3.80%%.1 Get a 0.70% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.50% for up to 6 months on new accounts with eligible Direct Deposit. Terms apply. Terms apply.3 | View offer at SoFi | |
First Foundation Bank | Up to 4.25% | View offer at MoneyLion | |
Rising Bank | Up to 4.30% | View offer at Rising Bank | |
Laurel Road | Up to 3.80% | View offer at MoneyLion | |
Valley Direct | Up to 4.30% | View offer at MoneyLion | |
UFB Direct | Up to 4.01% | View offer at UFB Direct | |
FourLeaf Student Savings | Up to 5% | View offer at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union | |
Quontic Bank | Up to 3.75% | View offer at Quontic Bank |
Varo Bank | View offer at MoneyLion |
---|---|
APY* | Up to 5.00% |
Minimum requirements | |
Axos Bank | View offer at Axos Bank |
APY* | Up to 4.46% |
Minimum requirements | |
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) | View offer at SoFi |
APY* | Up to up to 3.80%%.1 Get a 0.70% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.50% for up to 6 months on new accounts with eligible Direct Deposit. Terms apply. Terms apply.3 |
Minimum requirements | |
First Foundation Bank | View offer at MoneyLion |
APY* | Up to 4.25% |
Minimum requirements | |
Rising Bank | View offer at Rising Bank |
APY* | Up to 4.30% |
Minimum requirements | |
Laurel Road | View offer at MoneyLion |
APY* | Up to 3.80% |
Minimum requirements | |
Valley Direct | View offer at MoneyLion |
APY* | Up to 4.30% |
Minimum requirements | |
UFB Direct | View offer at UFB Direct |
APY* | Up to 4.01% |
Minimum requirements | |
FourLeaf Student Savings | View offer at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union |
APY* | Up to 5% |
Minimum requirements | |
Quontic Bank | View offer at Quontic Bank |
APY* | Up to 3.75% |
Minimum requirements |
Varo Bank
Founded in 2015, Varo is an online-only bank offering products such as bank accounts and a credit card. As a neobank, it has over 3 million customers with a mission to make financial inclusion available to all.
Varo Bank
APY | Up to 5.00% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | Receive qualifying direct deposits totalling $1,000 or more in your account each month |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |

at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 2015
- Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
- CEO: Gavin Michael
at MoneyLion
Rate for Varo Bank accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked Varo Bank
Let’s get down to brass tacks—consumers seeking to earn interest on their savings will love Varo’s standard-setting APY of up to 5.00%. At the time of writing, no other bank on this list hits that lofty rate.
But, you should be aware there are some conditions on that high APY, which we’ll get into next.
What you should know
Varo charges no monthly maintenance fee on this account and there’s no minimum opening deposit. But, to qualify for the 5.00% APY, you’ll have to meet the following two requirements:
- Receive qualifying direct deposits totalling $1,000 or more in your account each month.
- Have a positive balance in both your Varo bank and savings accounts at the end of the month.
In the Varo mobile app, consumers will find a direct deposit widget tracking progress toward the 5% APY. Also, note that only balances up to $5,000 are eligible for 5.00%. Anything beyond that earns at 2.50% APY.
Finally, Varo offers a useful feature that can round up your spending on debit card transactions linked to your free checking account (more on that below) and stash that money in your savings account.
Other products offered by Varo Bank
Details on Varo’s free checking, which it just calls the Varo bank account, are as follows:
Axos Bank
Axos Bank is an online-only bank founded in 2000 that offers a range of personal and business banking products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and loans.
Axos Bank
APY | Up to 4.46% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | Axos ONE Bundle plus an average daily balance of at least $1,500 required to earn APY |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |

- Year Founded: 1999
- Company Headquarters: San Diego, CA
- CEO: Greg Garrabrants
at Axos
Rate for Axos Bank accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked Axos Bank
Axos Bank’s ONE savings account stands out for its high APY of up to 4.46%, which is significantly above the national average. This account has no monthly maintenance fees, but it is part of Axos Bank’s ONE program, which bundles checking and savings accounts together.
This bundled deal provides customers with a comprehensive banking experience, including features such as early direct deposit access and high APYs on both checking and savings balances—as part of this bundle, your checking account can earn 0.51% APY.
Axos Bank’s digital-first approach means customers can manage their accounts entirely online or through the mobile app, which has received positive ratings for its user-friendly interface and convenient features such as mobile check deposit.
What you should know
It’s crucial to understand that you’ll have to maintain both accounts to maximize your returns—if you don’t want the checking account, the standard savings account from Axos yields just 0.61% APY.
To earn the maximum APY with the Axos ONE bundle, customers must maintain an average daily balance of at least $1,500 and receive qualifying direct deposits totalling $1,500 or more into the checking or receive at least $5,000 in total monthly qualifying deposits and maintain an average daily balance of more than $5,000, transactions must post and clear the account by the 25th of each month.
Other products offered by Axos Bank
SoFi
SoFi is a financial technology company that was founded in 2011. The institution offers a wide range of financial products, including bank accounts, student loans, credit cards, and an investing platform.
SoFi® Checking & Savings
Member FDIC
APY | Up to up to 3.80% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $5,000 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |
at SoFi
- Year Founded: 2011
- Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
- CEO: Anthony Noto
SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% 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 stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period 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. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
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 during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus 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 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savingsis offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% 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 3.80% 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. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
at SoFi
Rate for SoFi accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked SoFi
With an APY of up to 3.80%, a high-yield savings account at SoFi is a very respectable place to stash your savings. Plus, there’s no minimum direct deposit amount required to earn that rate, nor are you charged monthly maintenance fees. Customers automatically get a SoFi checking account, which earns 0.50% APY, along with the HYSA.
We also like the “vaults” feature SoFi offers. You can create different vaults within your savings account and dedicate them to specific financial goals. For instance, if you’re saving for a down payment on your first home, or perhaps on an investment property, you could create a vault for that. You can even designate money from your paychecks to go straight into a vault, or set roundups on debit card transactions to go to a vault.
A big part of successfully saving is the psychological component, and we like that SoFi makes it easy for customers to manage their financial goals.
Earn an even higher APY for a limited time
New customers who open both a checking and saving account with SoFi, member FDIC—along with enrolling in SoFi Plus—by September 3, 2025 have an opportunity to earn a 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on their savings. This represents a 0.70% APY boost on top the standard 3.80% rate. The maximum time period for the boosted APY is six months. (Terms apply. Rates are variable and subject to change.)
SoFi Plus is available at no extra cost for customers with eligible direct deposit. Otherwise, the cost of membership is $10 per month as of this writing.
Benefits for Plus members include a 10% boost on cash-back rewards earned with certain SoFi credit cards, a 1% match on recurring deposits to SoFi Invest (paid in rewards points) and unlimited one-on-one planning sessions from SoFi Wealth.
What you should know
To earn the highest APY your SoFi high-yield savings account offers, you must set up direct deposit or deposit at least $5,000 every 30 days. Compared to some HYSA competitors with minimum direct deposit thresholds, the SoFi account stands out for making it relatively easy to earn a high rate of return.
There is no option for a standalone savings account, however. Know that if you open a HYSA with SoFi, you’ll automatically get a checking account too.
Other products offered by SoFi
First Foundation Bank
First Foundation Bank was founded by Rick Keller of the Keller Group, a wealth management firm that was started in 1990 and added banking products in 2007. First Foundation was officially chartered in 2008 and currently supplies a full suite of deposit offerings for personal consumers and businesses, as well as wealth management services.
First Foundation Bank
APY | Up to 4.25% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $0.01 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $1,000 |

at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1990
- Company Headquarters: Dallas, TX
- CEO: Thomas C. Schafer
at MoneyLion
Rate for First Foundation Bank accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked First Foundation Bank
First Foundation Bank’s high-yield savings account offers a stellar APY. On top of that, the minimum balance to earn the APY is only a penny.
This savings account does not charge monthly maintenance fees, and unlike some of the options on our list, there’s no checking account required.
Customers can also request an ATM card to transfer funds between checking and savings accounts, as well as deposit or withdraw funds.
What you should know
The minimum opening deposit is a bit steep at $1,000 . While this may not be a barrier for someone who has already started saving, it could be challenging for someone who is beginning their journey—for example, recent grads just starting to build an emergency fund. Also, note that there’s a cap of $500 per day for withdrawals.
Other products offered by First Foundation Bank
Rising Bank
Rising Bank is an online division of Midwest BankCentre, a community bank founded in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri. It offers high-yield savings accounts, CDs, and other digital banking products.
Rising Bank
APY | Up to 4.30% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $1,000 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $1,000 |
at Rising Bank
- Year Founded: 1906
- Company Headquarters: St. Louis, MO
- CEO: Dale Oberkfell
Rate for Rising Bank accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked Rising Bank
Rising Bank’s high-yield savings account offers an APY that’s significantly higher than the national average. And, with an account maximum of $500,000 , this HYSA is suitable for dedicated savers who are ready to sock away a large amount of funds for a rainy day or for the right moment to invest.
The account has no monthly maintenance fees, allowing customers to keep more of their money. Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly, helping savings grow faster. Rising Bank’s online platform provides easy account management, and customer service is available via phone or email during business hours.
What you should know
Though we like Rising Bank’s high APY on this savings account, there are a few caveats prospective customers should weigh. First, you need a $1,000 minimum balance to open the account, and you must also maintain a $1,000 minimum balance to earn the APY.
In addition, if you close the account prior to it being open for 120 days, you’ll incur a $10 early account closure fee. Lastly, know that if your balance hits $0, your account will be automatically closed.
Other products offered by Rising Bank
Laurel Road
Laurel Road describes itself as “a digital banking platform and brand of KeyBank that provides tailored solutions to support the financial wellbeing of healthcare and business professionals.” It’s been operating since 2013, and became part of KeyBank in 2019.
Laurel Road
APY | Up to 3.80% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $0 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |

at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 2013
- Company Headquarters: New York, NY
- CEO: Alyssa Schaefer
at MoneyLion
Rate for Laurel Road accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked Laurel Road
Not only does Laurel Road’s HYSA offer a strong APY, but there are no monthly account maintenance fees and there’s no minimum balance to open. That makes it a strong choice for someone who is just starting to be more intentional about their savings journey and doesn’t have the $1,000 minimum deposit some competing high-yield savings accounts require to get started.
Those who are only interested in a HYSA and don’t want to be required to open a companion checking account will also appreciate that this savings account is available as a standalone product (though there is a free Laurel Road checking account available as well).
Laurel Road also offers a convenient high-yield savings calculator where you can plug in an initial deposit amount, a monthly deposit amount, and a savings time period, and estimate how much interest you might earn and what your eventual balance could look like. While there are a variety of savings calculators readily available online, it’s still a nice feature that might incentivize some consumers to keep working toward their savings goals.
What you should know
If you’re someone who likes to have multiple accounts with one institution, and you’re also evaluating options such as CDs or a money market account, know that Laurel Road does not offer these.
Other products offered by Laurel Road
Valley Direct
Valley Bank has been in operation for almost a century. This institution was founded in 1927 as Passaic Park Trust Company and went through a few different names over the centuries. Now, the bank touts $50.1 billion in deposits and more than 200 consumer branches and commercial banking offices across the country.
Valley Direct
APY | Up to 4.30% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $0.01 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $1,000 |

- Year Founded: 1927
- Company Headquarters: Morristown, NJ
- CEO: Ira Robbins
Rate for Valley Direct accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked Valley Direct
With a standout APY, no monthly maintenance fees, and a minimum balance of just a penny, there’s a lot to love about the high-yield savings account with Valley Direct. Plus, those looking to keep some cash liquid in savings while locking away part of their reserve in CDs will appreciate that Valley offers three-month and 12-month CDs with competitive rates too.
What you should know
For starters, the 4.30% APY is only for new customers. Existing customers can earn up to 3.75% APY with a Valley Direct HYSA.
Also, know that there’s a somewhat steep minimum account opening deposit of $1,000 —if you’re a new customer. Existing customers can open an account with as little as $1.
Finally, be aware when you first fund your account, you’ll need to provide login credentials at an external bank. Some may find this convenient, others may prefer the more old-fashioned route of providing account and routing numbers for an external account rather than their username and password.
Other products offered by Valley Direct
UFB Direct
UFB Direct operates a branchless, online-only model that allows it to keep costs down and offer some of the best rates on savings and money market accounts on the market. It offers high-yield savings, money market accounts (MMAs), and mortgages. It is a division of Axos Bank.
UFB Direct
APY | Up to 4.01% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $0 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |

at UFB Direct
- Year Founded: 2000
- Company Headquarters: San Diego, CA
- CEO: Gregory Garrabrants
Rate for UFB Direct accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked UFB Direct
The Portfolio Savings account at UFB Direct has a lot to appreciate, including its high APY and its convenient features. There’s no minimum deposit requirement, the account does not charge maintenance or service fees, and you get an ATM card to boot.
UFB Direct also stands out for its massive ATM network of over 91,000 locations, highly rated mobile app, and generous customer service hours, including 24/7 phone support.
Finally, you can pair your high-yield savings account with a Freedom Checking account and potentially boost your savings APY by up to 0.20% (meaning a total APY of 4.21% for those who qualify). The checking account itself can also earn 2% APY—a very respectable rate.
What you should know
To qualify for the full boosted rate if you pair checking and Portfolio Savings, you need:
- Direct deposits into checking totalling $5,000 or more monthly.
- A minimum balance of $10,000 in your HYSA.
- At least 10 approved debit card transactions per statement cycle.
Other products offered by UFB Direct
FourLeaf Student Savings
Previously known as Bethpage, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union now serves customers nationwide. According to FourLeaf’s website, this institution is the 16th largest credit union in the nation, with more than 470,000 members across the United States.
FourLeaf Student Savings
APY | Up to 5% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $0 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $5 |

at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union
- Year Founded: 1941
- Company Headquarters: Bethpage, NY
- CEO: Linda Armyn
Rate for FourLeaf Federal Credit Union accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked FourLeaf Student Savings
Whether you yourself are getting an early start on your savings journey or you’re mentoring a friend or family member, the FourLeaf Student Savings account offers a stellar APY (with certain restrictions, which we’ll get into below). There are no monthly maintenance fees, and the minimum deposit is only $5.
What you should know
There are a couple of big restrictions on this account. First, it’s for those ages 20 and younger. A parent or guardian is required for those under the age of 18. Second, the $5 APY is only on balance up to $1,000 .
In short, while this account offers a standard-setting APY to those who qualify, it’s probably best to think of it as an introductory place to stash your savings rather than as a long-term relationship once your career is well underway.
For a limited time, FourLeaf is offering rewards in more ways than just a high APY. When you open a FourLeaf Student Savings Account by September 5, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET, you’ll be entered to win a $1,000 check from FourLeaf Credit Union.
Other products offered by FourLeaf
Quontic Bank
Quontic is a digital bank that began as a community bank based in New York City more than a decade ago. They advertise themselves as having “the humble spirit of a community bank” and “the swagger of a FinTech.” They offer checking, savings, money market accounts, CDs, and mortgages.
Quontic Bank
APY | Up to 3.75% |
Minimum Balance Required to Earn APY | $100 |
Minimum Opening Deposit | $100 |

at Quontic
- Year Founded: 2009
- Company Headquarters: Astoria, NY
- CEO: Steve Schnall
at Quontic
Rate for Quontic Bank accurate as of September 3, 2025.
Why we picked Quontic Bank
Not only does Quontic Bank’s HYSA offer a strong APY, but it’s very accessible to those starting out on their savings journey as it only requires a $100 minimum opening deposit.
Quontic also boasts customer service based 100% in the U.S. Customers can chat live, request a call, or connect with support over their computer’s audio.
What you should know
While the $100 minimum deposit is affordable compared to some HYSAs on the market that require a $1,000 minimum, there are accounts out there with no minimum deposit.
Other products offered by Quontic Bank
Top 20 highest savings rates on the market today
This table is updated daily in partnership with Curinos, a leading provider of financial industry data and analytics.
How a high-yield savings account (HYSA) works
A high-yield savings account works just like a traditional savings account. It’s a deposit account at a credit union or bank that you can use for saving and earning interest on your money. The main difference is that the high-yield savings account offers a much higher APY on the money you keep in your account.
When you deposit money in a high-yield savings account, your savings will grow thanks to the magic of compound interest. This means you’ll earn interest on the principal balance in your account and any interest you earned previously. For example, if you deposited $100 in your account and earned $10 in interest over the past few months, you would then earn interest on the entire $110.
Pros and cons of high-yield savings accounts
If you’re considering putting your money in a high-yield savings account, there are a few key benefits and drawbacks to be aware of.
Pros
- Deposits are insured by the FDIC
- Competitive interest rates
- Funds are more liquid than CDs
- Can’t lose money
Cons
- Interest rate can decrease
- Returns don’t compare to securities
- Monthly withdrawals may be capped
How to choose the best high-yield savings account for you
As you’re evaluating the best HYSA for your situation and goals, the following are a few factors you’ll want to bear in mind:
- APY. This is the most obvious feature. You want an account that offers a high rate of return, and with the accounts on our list, you may be able to snag an APY up to 5%. In any case, you certainly don’t want to settle for something close to the average savings account APY of 0.41%.
- Minimum deposit. Some HYSAs require no minimum deposit. Others may require a small amount, such as $100, and others will require in the range of $1,000.
- Fees and fine print. Certain accounts may charge fees for maintaining your account, transferring funds, and more. An excessive fee structure can eat into your balance if you’re not keeping close tabs on your account. Weigh the different fees you could become responsible for and determine if the perks that come with the account outweigh potential penalties down the line.
- Online and mobile banking. If you prefer to do your banking on your desktop or phone, explore the financial institution’s online and mobile platforms before opening an account. Read Apple App Store and Google Play reviews to learn more about the digital platforms and tools available to you and what kinds of features and services are available on those platforms.
- Customer service. It’s important to know how to contact a representative if you have questions or issues related to your account. Some financial institutions take a digital-first approach and don’t offer easy access to a real human. Others prefer a phone call over chat or email options. Make sure an account’s customer service options align with how you like to communicate.
How to open a high-yield savings account
Ready to open an account? Here’s what to do:
- Research different banks and credit unions: Compare accounts from different financial institutions to see which offer the best interest rates and benefits and have the lowest fees. Be sure to check both traditional brick-and-mortar institutions and online banks.
- Check the requirements: Some banks might require a minimum deposit to open an account or require a certain balance to avoid fees. Be sure you understand the terms and are comfortable with them.
- Visit the bank or apply online: Many banks and credit unions allow you to open an account online or through their mobile app. If you prefer, you can usually go to a physical branch to open your account.
- Fill out the application: You will need to provide some personal information, including your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (TIN), a valid ID (such as a passport or driver’s license), and contact information.
- Deposit funds: Once your application has been approved, you’ll need to deposit funds into the account. The amount will depend on the bank’s requirements.
Why you need a high-yield savings account
A few common uses for high-yield saving accounts include:
- Emergency savings. You’ll never exactly know when you’ll need to dip into your emergency savings. A high-yield savings account is a liquid account that makes it easy to access your funds in a pinch.
- Savings for major purchases. Say you want to purchase a new home appliance or save for a down payment on a new vehicle you plan to purchase within the next few months. A high-yield savings account can help you earn interest on your savings until it’s time to make your purchase.
- Short-term financial goals. A high-yield savings account is a great place to stash your cash for a specific goal, such as a family vacation or home renovation.
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Alternatives to high-yield savings accounts
High-yield savings accounts differ from other types of deposit accounts in a couple key ways:
- Access to your savings. High-yield savings accounts are more liquid than other types of accounts, such as CDs. Withdrawing money from a CD before maturity could result in an early withdrawal penalty. With a high-yield savings account, you may still be limited in how many withdrawals you can make within a particular time, but you still have some access to your money. Similar to traditional savings and MMAs, you may also have debit cards and/or check privileges.
- Variable APYs. The APY on a high-yield savings account is variable, meaning it can fluctuate, similar to that of a traditional savings account or MMA. For savers who prefer a fixed rate, a CD may be a better option, but it would mean giving up access to your funds for the duration of your CD term until your account reaches maturity.
High-yield savings accounts vs. CDs
High-yield savings accounts differ from CDs in that HYSAs preserve access to your funds, while CDs require that you commit to locking up your funds for a fixed term if you hope to avoid a penalty. However, consumers worried that changes to the market may lead to a lower savings account APY will appreciate that when you open a CD at a certain rate, you’re guaranteed that rate for the CD’s full term.
High-yield savings accounts vs. money market accounts
Money market accounts (MMAs) can almost be described as a cross between a checking and savings account. You have the flexibility to write checks from your MMA and access your funds via ATM withdrawals, but you will typically earn a higher interest rate than you could if you kept your money in a checking account.
High-yield savings accounts and MMAs are similar in that you’ll earn interest on your balance and your funds are more liquid than if you’d locked them away in a CD. But, one key difference is that you may need to deposit and maintain a certain balance to open an MMA and, in some cases, the higher the balance, the higher your rate may be.
Similar to a savings account, MMAs may have limits on how many withdrawals you can make from your account in a month.
How the Federal Reserve’s actions can impact your HYSA
While the Federal Reserve does not directly set rates for savings accounts or other financial products, it does control the federal funds rate. Banks and other financial institutions will often raise or lower the rates on their products based on what the Fed does with this benchmark rate.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Fed slashed the federal funds rate with the aim of stimulating the economy and staving off a recession. Then, the central bank hiked the fed funds rate 11 times in order to combat the inflation that was running rampant post-pandemic.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Fed reduced the federal funds rate three times. Since then, it has left the benchmark rate unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The Fed held its course in May and June despite pressure from President Donald Trump on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to reduce rates—and held steady at its most recent meeting July 29-30 as well.
In the release following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in July, the Fed wrote, “Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated.”
In light of the FOMC decision, it’s likely your high-yield savings account’s APY will remain stable for the foreseeable future. However, financial institutions can still choose to adjust rates for reasons not tied to Fed actions.
Our methodology
The Fortune team collaborated with industry leader Curinos to bring you savings accounts with exceptional rates from around the country. The rates in this article mainly deal with online and brick-and-mortar banks rather than credit unions.
For the editors’ picks, we compared more than 60 online savings accounts and specifically looked for accounts available to customers in the United States regardless of where they’re located, subject to the terms of each account. Our methodology ranked each account in certain core categories:
- APY (50%): This number represents the real rate of return on your balance; the higher the APY, the better.
- Monthly fees (10%): Some banks charge monthly maintenance fees. We ranked banks with lower (or zero) monthly fees higher on the list.
- Minimum amount to earn APY (10%): To earn the high APY, some banks require that you maintain a certain dollar amount in the account, which we view as a limiting factor.
- Minimum opening deposit (10%): Some financial institutions require a deposit amount when you open your account. We rate a higher opening deposit as less attractive.
- Mobile app rating (10%): Many banks have a mobile app you can use to manage your account. We looked at banks’ mobile app ratings in the Apple store.
- Money management tools (5%): Some banks offer digital tools that make it easier for customers to track their spending and savings.
- Customer support (5%): Top picks offer customers various ways to get in contact: chat support, by phone, or even email—our team rated phone support the highest.
Frequently asked questions
Are high-yield savings accounts safe?
Yes, if the account is at a bank or credit union insured by the FDIC or the NCUA, respectively. The FDIC insures banks up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category. Credit unions are insured by the NCUA, which offers coverage up to $250,000 per share owner, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category.
Are high-yield savings accounts taxable?
If you choose to use a high-yield savings account, you should be aware of the tax implications that come with it. The IRS considers interest earned on the money in your account taxable interest. Your financial institution will typically send you a 1099-INT statement for any interest earned over $10, and the amount you owe will depend on how much interest you’ve earned and your tax bracket.
How are savings rates set?
Individual banks set savings rates loosely based on the federal funds rate—the interest rate that banks charge other banks when they lend one another money, usually overnight or for a few days. When the Fed hikes rates, this can raise the cost of borrowing and motivate banks to raise their APYs to attract new customers.
How often do high savings rates change?
Savings rates can change at any time. It’s important to remember that the rate information provided on the day you open the account is not a fixed rate. Banks and credit unions can, and likely will, adjust rates based on changes in the economy and interest rate increases or decreases by the Fed.
How often can I withdraw money from a high-yield savings account?
According to federal law, high-yield savings accounts allow you to make withdrawals or transfer funds out of your account up to six times per month without paying any fees. However, this rule was loosened in 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak, and customers can now make an unlimited number of transfers and withdrawals from their savings accounts.
In which situation would a high-yield savings account be the best banking choice?
A high-yield savings account is a viable option for savers who are looking to save money for a large purchase, such as a house, a short-term or midrange financial goal, or who want to maximize their savings and keep their money safe in a federally insured account.
What is a good high-yield savings account rate?
What’s considered a “good” rate is somewhat subjective. The national average savings account rate is 0.41%, so any rate above that would be considered above average. However, many banks offer savings accounts earning 1% APY and up—as much as 4% to 5% APY. So, if you’re looking for a high-yield savings account, it pays to shop around to find the highest rates available.
What’s the difference between APY vs. interest rate?
The interest rate is the percentage of your account balance that the bank pays you in interest over the course of a year, not factoring in the effects of compounding. APY, on the other hand, considers the interest compounding frequency. Therefore, APY gives you a more accurate picture of your actual earnings over a year.
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SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% 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 stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period 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. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
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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 during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus 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 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savingsis offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% 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 3.80% 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. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
3 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.