You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.

We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn More.
Advertiser Disclosure

10 Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of November 2025: Up To 5.00% APY

Audited & Verified: Oct 31, 2025, 11:49am
Written By
Staff Writer
Written By
Former Staff Writer
Fact Checked
Former Staff Editor
& 2 others
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

If your savings are currently sitting in a low-yield account, you’re missing out on easy earnings.

To help you find the right high-yield savings account for you, we compared 370 accounts on factors including interest rates, fees, accessibility and overall trustworthiness. See which high-yield savings accounts performed best and find out the latest news on interest rates.

APYs and account details are accurate as of October 31, 2025.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

We are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Advertisers do not and cannot influence our ratings. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate high-yield savings accounts and the trustworthiness of an institution. We also commissioned a survey of 2,000 adults to determine what Americans want in a savings account.

Read our rigorous editorial guidelines and the banking methodology to learn more about the ratings below.

  • 157 national banks and credit unions analyzed
  • 370 high-yield savings accounts investigated
  • 25 data points weighed and ranked

Read More

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025

Best for Emergency Funds

Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings

5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.

3.80%

Rates and details as of 6/24/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Synchrony Bank's Website
Member FDIC

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.

3.80%

Rates and details as of 6/24/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

Synchrony High-Yield Savings is a great option if you’re looking for a stand-alone savings account. It offers a competitive interest rate, few fees or minimums and access to ATMs (which not all savings accounts do). With a high yield, robust customer service features and few fees, the account offers a solid package for savers looking for a new emergency fund that’s not attached to a checking account. (Synchrony doesn’t offer one.)

Keep in mind, though, that Synchrony is an online-only bank, making it less useful for folks who prioritize in-person communication or who want to deposit cash.

Pros & Cons
  • High savings yield, with daily compounding interest
  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • No overdraft fees
  • 24/7 automated customer service
  • Access to ATMs
  • No physical branches
  • $25 fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers
  • Limited to six withdrawals per month
Details
  • Earn an APY of 3.80% that compounds daily.
  • No monthly maintenance fee, required minimum deposits or overdraft fees.
  • No incoming wire transfer fees, though you’ll owe $25 for domestic wires. (No international wires available.)
  • Access to ATM card, and no-fee options through the Plus or Accel networks. Receive up to $5 per statement in reimbursements on ATMs used in the U.S.
  • Limited to 6 withdrawals per month, though that doesn’t count ATM withdrawals. After that, your withdrawals will be denied, but there is no fee.
  • 24/7 customer service available via the phone and there’s a chatbot that can connect you to a human representative.

Best for a Good Digital Experience

American Express® High Yield Savings Account

5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.50%

$0 Minimum to earn APY
Rates and details as of 7/23/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On American Express National Bank's Website
Member FDIC

3.50%

$0 Minimum to earn APY
Rates and details as of 7/23/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

If you’re looking for a high-yield savings account from one of the nation’s largest financial institutions, this Amex product might be right for you. American Express offers the advantages of a large financial institution, including easy-to-use digital banking features and good customer service. The account charges few fees, and the yield is much higher than that of many national banks. However, the account doesn’t offer ATM access, making it less flexible for savers.

Overall, American Express offers a solid digital banking experience and scores well on independent customer service metrics, making it an ideal fit for someone chiefly concerned with the ease of using an account.

Pros & Cons
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • Good customer service
  • Daily compounding interest
  • Higher yields available elsewhere
  • No check-writing privileges
  • No ATM access
Details
  • You’ll earn Annual Percentage Yield, APY ($0 Minimum to earn APY, rates as of 7/23/2025) on all balances, with interest compounding daily.
  • There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum deposit requirement and you can open an account with any amount.
  • Overdrafts are not allowed, and there’s no fee.
  • There’s no access to ATMs or checks, but wire transfers are permitted..
  • There’s no transaction limit.
  • You can reach customer service 24/7, including via the mobile app.

Best for In-Person Banking

Capital One 360 Performance Savings Account™

5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.40%

Rates and details as of 10/01/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Capital One 360’s Website
Member FDIC

3.40%

Rates and details as of 10/01/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

Capital One 360 Performance Savings is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-yield savings account with the ability to bank in person while avoiding most fees and minimum requirements.

This is the only bank on our list that has hundreds of banking branches, including its cafes, while also offering a competitive yield on its savings products. If you want to have the option of talking to a human in the flesh, this savings account may be right for you.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum deposit or balance requirements
  • 24/7 customer service available by phone
  • Bank branches available
  • Higher APYs available elsewhere
  • Other national banks have more branches
  • Interest compounds monthly rather than daily
Details
  • You’ll earn 3.40% on all balances and interest compounds monthly.
  • There’s no monthly maintenance or overdraft fee, though you’re not allowed to overdraft on your account.
  • No minimum balance requirement to open an account or earn interest.
  • Outgoing domestic wire transfers cost $30; international outgoing wires cost $40 and need to be completed at a branch.
  • The savings account doesn’t come with an ATM card; you’ll need a checking account, as well.
  • You are limited to 6 withdrawals per month. However, that limit is currently not being enforced, according to the account disclosure.
  • Customer service available by phone 24/7.

Best for Avoiding Fees

Varo Savings Account

4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

2.50% or 5.00%

Rates and details as of 4/16/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Varo Bank's Website
Member FDIC

2.50% or 5.00%

Rates and details as of 4/16/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

The Varo Savings Account, which requires a Varo checking account to open, made our list thanks to its lack of fees and generous APY. With this fee-free account, all balances earn a 2.50% APY. However, account holders who receive at least $1,000 in direct deposit each month and maintain a positive balance in both their bank and savings accounts qualify for 5.00% APY on their first $5,000.

The account is a solid option for savers looking to avoid fees while earning a competitive yield and who are also in the market for a checking account or are willing to open one.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • Competitive yield
  • Automatic savings tools
  • No physical branches
  • Must have a Varo checking account to open
  • Must meet requirements to earn 5.00% APY
Details
  • To earn 2.50% APY, customers must receive total direct deposits of $1,000 or more within each qualifying period and have a positive balance in both savings and checking accounts at the end of the calendar month. All balances above $5,000 earn an APY of 5.00%.
  • Interest on the Varo Savings Account is compounded daily and credited monthly.
  • The account can only be owned by one person, which means there are no joint accounts.
  • There are no fees associated with the account, and Varo doesn’t allow for overdrafts. If you request more than you have, Varo will decline the request.
  • Varo doesn’t allow for wire transfers.
  • You can withdraw your finances with electronic transfers through the app, but ATM access isn’t available.
  • In order to take advantage of the automatic savings features (Save Your Change and Save Your Pay), you’ll need to use a Varo Bank account.

Best for Highly Rated Customer Service

Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Online Savings Account

4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.65%

Rates and details as of 5/28/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
Read Our Review

3.65%

Rates and details as of 5/28/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

The Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Online Savings account is a solid account for folks who want to avoid fees, earn an attractive yield and take advantage of 24/7 customer service.

You’ll earn a tidy yield on your savings, and you won’t have to deal with maintenance fees or minimum deposits. That makes this account a good choice for someone looking to park cash for a future need. Plus, Marcus customers have access to 24/7 customer service and have reported high levels of satisfaction in independent analysis, such as the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Direct Banking Satisfaction Study.

However, Marcus doesn’t offer a checking account, so full-service banking isn’t an option, and you can’t access your funds via an ATM, making the account less convenient.

Pros & Cons
  • Low fees
  • No minimums
  • Decent yield
  • Good customer service
  • Higher yields elsewhere
  • No physical branches
  • No ATM access
Details
  • You’ll earn a yield of 3.65% APY on all balances, up to maximum balance limits on all balances and interest compounds daily.
  • There’s no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fee. Marcus doesn’t impose a fee for outgoing or incoming wire transfers, although you can only send a transfer to an account you own at another bank.
  • No access to ATMs, so you shouldn’t use this account if you think you’ll need to dip into your savings in a pinch.
  • Still, you can make as many transfers out of your savings account as you wish.
  • Customer service via the phone is available 24/7, and existing customers can use the chatbot for instant communication.

Best for Insuring Higher Balances

SoFi Checking and Savings Account

4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

*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.

Up to 3.80%¹

+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. (New savings accounts only)*
Rates and details as of 8/5/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

SoFi does not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. SoFi does 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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

$0³

Learn More Arrow
On SoFi's Website
Member FDIC

*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.

Up to 3.80%¹

+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. (New savings accounts only)*
Rates and details as of 8/5/25.

$0

SoFi does not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. SoFi does 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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

$0³

Editor's Take

SoFi Checking and Savings Account is a no-fee account with perks. As its name suggests, this is a combined checking and savings account that earns interest on both savings and checking balances. This account is an attractive option for those who enjoy digital banking and like the idea of having their checking and savings in one place.

SoFi pays respectable APYs on both the savings and checking portions of your balance (with savings balances earning the highest interest) and offers additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million. You can also qualify for no-fee overdraft coverage and early paycheck receipt.

This account likely won’t be a good fit for anyone who doesn’t want to deposit their pay. Signing up for direct deposit is required to unlock all account features and the highest interest rate.

Pros & Cons
  • Solid APYs on checking and savings
  • Additional FDIC insurance
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Early paycheck
  • No withdrawal or transfer fees
  • Direct deposit requirement to earn highest rate and other perks
  • No branches
Details

Fees:

  • Outbound wire transfer: $30
  • Cash deposit: up to $4.95 (charged by retailers)
Disclosures

*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.

1SoFi 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

2SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

3SoFi does not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. SoFi does 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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

4Early 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.

5Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.

6We’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 incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

Best for Easy-to-Reach Customer Service

Ally Bank Savings Account

4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.40%

Rates and details as of 10/2/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On MoneyLion's Website

3.40%

Rates and details as of 10/2/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

Ally Savings is a well-rounded savings account that charges few fees and offers a competitive yield, though it’s outshined by other winners. It also offers 24/7 customer service, as well as live chat, making it easy to resolve issues.

The combination of available customer service, solid yields and low fees (as well as tools to help you meet your savings goals) make it a great option for most savers. Its “buckets” feature can help you save for specific purchases or needs. However, you can’t deposit cash.

Consider this account if you prefer digital banking, prioritize low fees and accessible customer service, and want one of the highest yields on the market.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly maintenance fee or required minimum deposit
  • No overdraft fees
  • Solid APY
  • 24/7 customer service
  • No physical branches
  • Can’t deposit cash
  • Higher yields available elsewhere
Details
  • All balances earn 3.40% APY that compounds daily.
  • No monthly maintenance fees, required minimums or overdraft charges.
  • $20 fee for domestic outgoing wire transfers, no fee for incoming wires.
  • Doesn’t come with an ATM card.
  • Limited to 10 withdrawals per month, though there are no fees for excess transactions. If you continually go above the limit, though, Ally may close your account.
  • 24/7 customer service representatives available by phone, as well as live chat.

Best for ATM Access

UFB Freedom Checking + Savings

4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

up to 3.71%

Rates and details as of 10/30/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
Read Our Review

up to 3.71%

Rates and details as of 10/30/25.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

The UFB Direct Freedom Checking and Savings bundle topped our list as the best account for ATM access. Although UFB Direct is an online-only bank, it offers an extensive fee-free ATM network of approximately 91,000 locations across the country, allowing you to conveniently withdraw funds from your account.

The account offers a base APY of 2.00% APY, but when combined with a Freedom Checking account, it earns up to 3.96% APY when the following are met:

  • Set up direct deposits that total $5,000 monthly (0.05% APY)
  • Maintain a minimum balance of $10,000 (0.10% APY)
  • Make 10 approved debit card transactions per statement cycle (0.05% APY)
Pros & Cons
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • Extensive ATM network
  • No physical branches
  • Must meet requirements to earn highest APY
  • Higher yields available elsewhere

Best Joint Checking and Savings

Presidential Bank Advantage Savings with Advantage Checking

Presidential Bank Advantage Savings with Advantage Checking
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Up to 4.50%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$5,000

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Presidential Bank Advantage Savings with Advantage Checking

Up to 4.50%

$5,000

$0

Editor's Take

The Presidential Bank Advantage Savings account is a solid option for savers looking to open both a checking and savings account and score highly competitive rates. With an Advantage Checking account (which earns 4.62% APY), the Advantage Savings account earns a highly generous rate of 4.50% APY. Without a linked checking account, however, it earns 4.00%.

The account requires a hefty opening deposit of $5,000 but has no monthly fee.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly fee
  • ATM card
  • Competitive APY
  • Daily compounding interest
  • High minimum opening deposit
  • Branches only located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
  • Must open an Advantage Checking account to earn highest rate

Best for Competitive APY

First Foundation Bank Online Savings

First Foundation Bank Online Savings
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

4.10%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

First Foundation Bank Online Savings

4.10%

$1,000

$0

Editor's Take

If you’re looking for a stand-alone savings account that earns an impressive yield, the First Foundation Bank Online Savings account could be the right choice for you. The account earns a competitive rate of 4.10% APY on all balances and has no monthly maintenance fee to offset any interest you gain.

A minimum deposit of $1,000 is required, however. This relatively high minimum deposit requirement could prevent beginner savers from opening an account.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Competitive APY
  • ATM card available upon request
  • No physical branches
  • Relatively high minimum deposit requirement

Recent News on Savings Interest Rates

At the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on October 28-29, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced that the board voted to cut its benchmark rate, reducing the Federal Funds target range to 3.75%-4.00%. This marks the second benchmark rate reduction in 2025.

Although analysts previously expected the FOMC to announce another cut at its final meeting of the year in December, Powell stated that further rate cuts in 2025 are “not a foregone conclusion.”

Rates for savings accounts generally follow the Federal Funds rate, so we anticipate that APYs will continue to decrease over the next several months. Consumers can expect some banks to adjust quickly, while others may hold off to attract deposits. Online banks, which have lower operating costs, may continue offering higher rates longer than large traditional banks.

Our savings rate forecast includes more fresh insights for savvy savers.


Is a High-Yield Savings Account the Best Option?

A high-yield savings account is the best option for you if you:

  • Want to earn the highest possible interest rate
  • Don’t want to deal with monthly fees
  • Want to ensure your funds are protected by the FDIC or NCUA

A high-yield savings account may not be the best option if you:

  • Require access to branches or in-person customer service
  • Need to deposit cash into your account
  • Plan to withdraw or transfer from your account regularly (note that some high-yield savings accounts, including many on our list, do not currently have transaction limits in place)
  • Need to write checks
  • Want to lock in an interest rate

How To Choose a High-Yield Savings Account

Your search for a new high-yield savings account should mirror our methodology: Yields should factor in most prominently, while fees and the digital experience should follow.

  1. Look for the best interest rates. The interest rate on a savings account determines how much your money grows, so it’s important to earn a competitive yield. Before doing anything else, compare the highest rates.
  2. Look into fees. While many high-yield savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fees, most charge fees for other activities and services. Check out an account’s fee schedule on its website.
  3. Pay attention to digital features. Strong mobile apps, user-friendly online banking platforms and built-in budgeting and savings tools such as savings buckets and auto-save options can make your life easier.
  4. Learn about customer satisfaction. Read customer reviews on rating platforms and app stores to learn about a bank or account’s strengths and weaknesses from real users. It’s also a good idea to look for formal complaints about an institution.
  5. Check minimums. You can open and maintain many savings accounts with $0, but some have minimum deposit and balance requirements you must meet to open or earn interest. If an account has minimum requirements, make sure they work for your savings plans.
Pro Tip
If you’re looking for the highest rates available on high-yield savings accounts, I recommend opting for an online-only bank. These institutions typically offer significantly higher rates compared to rates offered by large, national banks, because they lack the overhead costs associated with maintaining physical branches. When choosing an account, also be aware of monthly fees. The best high-yield savings accounts have no monthly fees, allowing you to keep all interest earned.

How Much Money Should I Put Into a High-Yield Savings Account?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You should put as much into a high-yield savings account as you comfortably can, while keeping enough funds in your checking account to cover day-to-day expenses. A general rule of thumb is to keep three to six months’ worth of living expenses (think rent/mortgage, food, car and insurance payments, bills and any other essential expenses) in a savings account.

If you’re just starting to save, however, try to set aside a little bit from every paycheck. Set up a direct deposit into a high-yield savings account so that a percentage of your income is automatically saved. The amount you set aside will depend on your income, expenses, debt and personal comfort level.

Before you open a savings account, make sure to check the policies related to withdrawals and transfers. If you need to draw from your savings for unexpected expenses or emergencies, you’ll want to make sure you can easily and quickly access the money you need, without having to pay fees.

How To Open a High-Yield Savings Account

You can typically complete a digital application to open a high-yield savings account online by following these five steps.

  1. Create an account. Enter your email address and create a password, or log in if you’re a customer.
  2. Provide personal and contact information. This typically includes your full name, mailing address and phone number.
  3. Verify your identity. Give your Social Security number and date of birth, then provide a government-issued photo ID.
  4. Submit your application. Both parties will provide the above details to open a joint account.
  5. Make your opening deposit. Once approved, you can link another bank account as a funding source, send a check or cash or schedule a wire transfer or direct deposit to make a deposit. Funding options vary by account and institution.

How Can I Maximize My Savings With a High-Yield Savings Account?

High-yield savings accounts allow you to earn among the highest possible yields and access your cash at any time. To maximize your return, though, you’ll need to employ a few strategies.

1. Follow the Market

2. Save for a Purpose

3. Embrace Restrictions


Alternatives to High-Yield Savings Accounts

If a high-yield savings account (HYSA) doesn’t seem like a good fit for your money, consider the following alternatives:

See how these savings products compare.

ACCOUNT FEATURES HYSAs MMAs CDs CMAs
Minimums
Many require $0 to open and earn interest, but there are exceptions
Deposit requirements may range from $0 to $5,000 or more
Typically require at least $500 or $1,000 to open
Many accounts require $0 to open and earn interest, but some may require more
Fees
Often have no monthly fees, but may have other service fees
May have monthly fees May have other service fees
Often have no monthly fees Typically have early withdrawal penalty fees
Often have no monthly fees May have other service fees
Withdrawal restrictions
Often limited to six per month
Often limited to six per month
Penalty fees apply for early withdrawals
No restrictions on monthly withdrawals
Spending options
Typically none, but some banks offer checks, debit cards or ATM cards
Typically include checks and may also come with a debit or ATM card
None
Typically include checks, debit cards or ATM cards

Methodology

What do people want in a high-yield savings account? We commissioned a poll of 2,000 American adults to find out.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the top concern is high interest rates. However, the survey revealed other insights. We applied the survey’s results to create the methodology we use to rate hundreds of savings accounts.

Here are the factors we considered, and the weight we gave to each:

  • APY: 40%
  • Trust: 25%
    • Insurance: 10%
    • Total deposits: 5%
    • iOS app rating: 3%
    • Google Play app rating: 3%
    • Years in operation: 2%
    • Trustpilot rating: 1%
    • BBB rating: 1%
  • Access: 15%
    • Live chat: 5%
    • Mobile check deposit: 5%
    • Number of in-network ATMs: 3%
    • Available branches: 2%
  • Fees: 15%
    • Monthly maintenance: 10%
    • Overdraft: 2.5%
    • Wire transfer: 2.5%
  • Minimum balance requirement: 2.5%
  • Amount required to waive monthly fee: 2.5%

Our aim is to highlight banks anyone across the country can use, but we don’t showcase accounts that impose high balance minimums to either open or maintain an account. Minimum deposit requirements of $10,000 or higher affected scores negatively, as did high minimum balance requirements to avoid fees.

We crafted this list of best high-yield savings accounts by analyzing 370 savings accounts from 157 financial institutions, including a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online banks, credit unions and fintechs.

Check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor reviews banks to learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are high-yield savings accounts safe?

Yes, high-yield savings accounts are safe because they typically include insurance and security features. The FDIC and NCUA protect deposits at insured institutions so customers don’t lose their money in the event of failure, with a standard coverage limit of $250,000 per depositor.

Financial institutions commonly take several other measures to protect users’ personal and financial information. Multifactor authentication, fraud monitoring, data encryption and confidential storage methods are widely used safeguards that keep data secure against cyberattacks and threats. You should also take your own steps to protect your banking information, such as using strong passwords and monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity.

When is it time for a new savings account?

No one wants to spend more time than absolutely necessary figuring out their banking needs. Still, every so often it pays to consider switching banks, at least when it comes to your savings.

Here are three times when it makes sense to open a new account:

  1. Your rate is really low. Some folks haven’t looked at the rate offered by their savings account since the Fed began raising interest rates. Take a look at yours, and see if it’s close to our best picks. If not, opt for one of them.
  2. You want to focus your savings. As mentioned above, opening a savings account for a specific purpose (a kitchen redo, for example) can help you discipline your spending so that you meet your savings goals.
  3. You’re paying too much in fees. Many savings accounts, including our winners, offer high yields and low fees. If you’re getting nickel-and-dimed (check your monthly statement to see), close your account and move your business elsewhere.

How do you calculate interest on a high-yield savings account?

To calculate interest on a high-yield savings account, you’ll need to calculate compound interest, or interest earned on interest. The easiest way to do this is with a compound interest calculator. This uses a formula that factors in an account’s balance, amount of time interest is compounded, earning rate, compounding frequency and ongoing deposits. Savings accounts often make monthly interest payments.

How many high-yield savings accounts can I open?

You can have as many savings accounts as you want, but you might not be allowed to open multiple accounts of the same type with one bank. Keeping savings accounts with different institutions can be a smart strategy for taking advantage of the best rates and features anyway, but always be mindful of insurance coverage limits, fees and minimum balance requirements.

Which high-yield savings account has a 7% interest rate? 

These days, you won’t find any high-yield savings accounts that offer 7% APY. The highest yields you’ll come across are close to 5%. With rates slowly trending downward, it might be a while until financial institutions start offering interest rates anywhere close to 7%.


Next Up In Savings


Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Erin Bendig
Staff Writer

Erin Bendig has extensive experience in various areas of personal finance. She previously worked as a staff writer for Kiplinger.com, focusing primarily on savings accounts and banking. In addition, she has freelanced for Bankrate, covering topics related to credit cards. Erin combines her personal experiences with thorough research and is committed to sharing valuable personal finance advice with others.

Taylor Tepper
Former Staff Writer

Taylor Tepper covered banking, investing and pretty much everything else in personal finance for more than a decade, with his work appearing in the New York Times, Fortune and MONEY magazine, as well as many other outlets. His work has received the recognition of his peers, including winning a Loeb award for his piece on the high cost of mental illness, and he completed the education requirement for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification.

lorem
Are you sure you want to rest your choices?