High-yield savings accounts are changing the game for smart savers. They help you get more from your money. Our banking experts say to look beyond just the interest rate when picking one. Consider monthly fees, how often you can withdraw money, and if it fits your banking needs.
For example, having your checking and savings in one place can be convenient. High-yield savings accounts can give you around 5% APY. That’s way above the national average of 0.45%1.
Key Takeaways
- High-yield savings accounts can earn around 5% APY, significantly more than the national average of 0.45%1.
- High-yield savings accounts typically offer much higher rates than traditional savings accounts, which can be as low as 0.01% APY1.
- Online banks and nonbank providers often offer the best savings rates with fewer fees than traditional banks1.
- Savings accounts are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, ensuring the safety of your funds1.
- Having multiple savings accounts can help you organize your savings goals, such as emergency funds or vacation savings.
What is a High-Yield Savings Account?
Why are High-Yield Savings Accounts Worth It?
High-yield savings accounts let you grow your money faster than traditional ones. They offer interest rates up to 20-25 times higher than the average45. This means your savings can earn more over time. For example, a 5% APY account could give you $20.20 on a $1,000 deposit in a year, while a standard account would only give you $1.704.
How Much Can You Earn in a High-Yield Savings Account?
“High-yield savings accounts can pay up to 20 to 25 times the national average interest rate of a standard savings account.”5
High-yield savings accounts are a smart choice for growing your short-term savings without extra risk. By using these higher interest rates, your money can work harder for you and help you reach your goals faster4.
Key Differences: High-Yield vs Traditional Savings
There are big differences between high-yield and traditional savings accounts. The main difference is in the interest rates. High-yield accounts offer much higher rates, up to about 5%. This is way more than the 0.01% to 0.40% you might get from big banks7.
When it comes to how much you need to save, it varies. High-yield accounts often require you to save more, from $500 to $10,000. Traditional accounts usually ask for less or nothing at all8.
How people use these accounts also differs. Those with high-yield accounts tend to save more each month. In recent years, more people have switched to high-yield accounts to earn more on their savings8.
Choosing between a high-yield and a traditional savings account depends on what you want to achieve with your money. If you want to earn more, a high-yield account might be the better choice. But if you value stability and easy access, a traditional account could be better. Knowing these differences can help you pick the right option for your financial goals78.
High-Yield Savings Accounts Outlook: Will Rates Fall?
The future of high-yield savings account rates is unsure. Savers should keep up with the news and might want to lock in longer-term CDs before rates drop in 202411. By being alert and using the current high-yield savings options, people can get the most out of their savings and be ready for any changes.
High-Yield Savings vs Money Market Accounts
When saving, you can choose between high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts (MMAs). Both are insured by the government, but they have key differences12.
“High-yield savings accounts and money market accounts are both valuable tools for growing your money, but the right choice depends on your specific savings needs and goals.”
High-Yield Savings vs Certificates of Deposit
Both high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are insured by the government. They offer different benefits. High-yield savings accounts give you around 5% APY15, much higher than the average savings account rate of 0.45%15. CDs, however, have higher interest rates but you must keep your money locked in for a certain time, from a few months to years.
Feature | High-Yield Savings | Certificates of Deposit (CDs) |
---|---|---|
Interest Rates | Earn up to 5.50% APY15 | Earn up to 5.30% APY for 9-month term15 |
Minimum Deposit | As low as $015 | Typically higher, ranging from $1,000 to $10,00016 |
Liquidity | Flexible, with limited monthly withdrawals16 | Locked in for the CD term, with potential early withdrawal penalties16 |
Risk | Lower, as funds can be accessed at any time16 | Higher, as funds are locked in for the CD term16 |
Western Alliance Bank: Best for Earning High APY
This account is easy to start with just a $1 deposit and no monthly fees. This makes it simple for anyone to earn high interest on their savings17.
Western Alliance Bank’s account is among the best in its class. It has a higher APY than other top accounts, like Barclays and CIT Bank, with rates from 4.80% to 5.22%17.
It also beats American Express and Ally Bank, offering a 4.25% and 4.20% APY respectively17. This makes it a top choice for those wanting the best savings returns.
Even though it lacks ATM access and a linked checking account, its focus on high interest rates makes it ideal for savers17.
LendingClub® High-Yield Savings: Best for Features
The LendingClub High-Yield Savings account is great for those who want a high-yield savings account with lots of features. It offers up to a 5.05% APY18. You also get a free ATM card and never pay ATM fees, making it easy to get to your money18. Plus, there’s no need to keep a minimum balance after the initial $100 deposit, and you won’t face monthly fees18.
This account combines a good rate with features that make managing your money easier18. The Founder Savings account even gives you a 5.00% APY with no balance requirement18. LendingClub also offers high interest rates on its savings accounts, but you might find even better rates by shopping around18.
With its competitive APY, handy features, and no monthly fees, the LendingClub High-Yield Savings account is a top choice for those wanting to earn more on their savings18. It’s smart to compare it with other savings options, checking accounts, CDs, and cash management accounts to see what suits your financial goals best18.
“LendingClub’s high-yield savings account offers a compelling combination of a strong APY, flexible features, and no monthly fees – making it an attractive option for savers looking to maximize their earnings.”
Newtek Personal Savings: No Minimum Deposit
Newtek Bank’s Personal High Yield Savings account is a top choice for those wanting high returns without needing a lot of money upfront. You can start saving with just $0.01 and earn a competitive 5.25% APY, with no monthly fees20. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to start saving without a big initial amount.
Newtek Personal Savings is all about making high-yield savings easy to get. Unlike many accounts that ask for a lot of money to open, Newtek lets you start with just $0. This means you can grow your savings at a higher rate than the national average of 0.45%20. It’s great for people just starting to save or those who like to keep their savings low at first.
Newtek Bank also offers other savings options like fixed-rate and variable-rate CDs, with rates up to 5.60% variable APY20. This variety lets you choose the best savings plan for your goals and how much risk you’re okay with. Newtek is a versatile and competitive choice for high-yield savings.
Newtek Bank’s mobile app is highly rated, with 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.6 out of 5 stars in the Apple store20. They also offer live chat or phone support during business hours, so you can get help when you need it.
UFB Portfolio Savings: Best for ATM Access
Compared to other high-yield savings accounts, the UFB Portfolio Savings account is a great choice22. It offers a top interest rate and easy access to your money. This makes it perfect for saving for emergencies, goals, or just earning more on your cash.
FAQ
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account is a type of savings product that pays more interest than usual. It can earn around 5% APY, which is much higher than the average rate of 0.45%.
Why are high-yield savings accounts worth it?
These accounts are worth it because your money grows faster. With a 5% APY, a ,000 balance would earn over 0 in interest after a year. This is much more than the you’d earn with a 0.40% APY.
What are the key differences between high-yield and traditional savings accounts?
The main differences are the interest rates and fees. High-yield accounts offer much higher APYs, around 5%, compared to traditional savings accounts with rates from 0.01% to 0.40%. They also usually have lower or no monthly fees.
Will high-yield savings account rates fall in the future?
Experts think high-yield savings account rates might drop in September 2024. The exact timing and amount of the decrease are unknown. The Federal Reserve has kept rates steady, keeping high-yield rates high. But once the Fed starts cutting rates, high-yield savings APYs will likely go down too.
How do high-yield savings accounts compare to money market accounts?
High-yield savings and money market accounts are both savings accounts. But money market accounts (MMAs) offer more features like debit cards and checks. They also often require higher minimum balances, like ,000 or more. High-yield savings accounts are easier to access and have fewer fees, but MMAs offer the benefit of easy money access.
How do high-yield savings accounts differ from certificates of deposit (CDs)?
High-yield savings and CDs are both insured deposit accounts. But CDs have higher fixed interest rates if you lock up your money for a set term. CDs are good for money you won’t need for the term, which can be months to years. High-yield savings accounts let you access your money anytime.
What makes Western Alliance Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account stand out?
Western Alliance Bank has one of the highest APYs at 5.27% on its High-Yield Savings Account. It requires just a
FAQ
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account is a type of savings product that pays more interest than usual. It can earn around 5% APY, which is much higher than the average rate of 0.45%.
Why are high-yield savings accounts worth it?
These accounts are worth it because your money grows faster. With a 5% APY, a $10,000 balance would earn over $500 in interest after a year. This is much more than the $40 you’d earn with a 0.40% APY.
What are the key differences between high-yield and traditional savings accounts?
The main differences are the interest rates and fees. High-yield accounts offer much higher APYs, around 5%, compared to traditional savings accounts with rates from 0.01% to 0.40%. They also usually have lower or no monthly fees.
Will high-yield savings account rates fall in the future?
Experts think high-yield savings account rates might drop in September 2024. The exact timing and amount of the decrease are unknown. The Federal Reserve has kept rates steady, keeping high-yield rates high. But once the Fed starts cutting rates, high-yield savings APYs will likely go down too.
How do high-yield savings accounts compare to money market accounts?
High-yield savings and money market accounts are both savings accounts. But money market accounts (MMAs) offer more features like debit cards and checks. They also often require higher minimum balances, like $5,000 or more. High-yield savings accounts are easier to access and have fewer fees, but MMAs offer the benefit of easy money access.
How do high-yield savings accounts differ from certificates of deposit (CDs)?
High-yield savings and CDs are both insured deposit accounts. But CDs have higher fixed interest rates if you lock up your money for a set term. CDs are good for money you won’t need for the term, which can be months to years. High-yield savings accounts let you access your money anytime.
What makes Western Alliance Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account stand out?
Western Alliance Bank has one of the highest APYs at 5.27% on its High-Yield Savings Account. It requires just a $1 minimum deposit and has no monthly fees. It doesn’t offer ATM access or a checking account, but it focuses on giving you the highest possible returns.
What features make the LendingClub High-Yield Savings account unique?
The LendingClub High-Yield Savings account is special for its features. It earns a competitive APY and offers a free ATM card with no ATM fees. After a $100 opening deposit, there’s no minimum balance requirement, and it has no monthly fees.
What makes the Newtek Personal High Yield Savings account a good option?
Newtek Bank’s Personal High Yield Savings account is great because it doesn’t require a minimum deposit to earn interest. You can start with just $0.01 and earn 5.25% APY, with no monthly fees. It’s perfect for savers who want to start with a small balance.
What unique feature does the UFB Portfolio Savings account offer?
The UFB Portfolio Savings account has a high APY of 5.15% and ATM access with a free debit card. This combination of a high interest rate and easy money access is rare in online high-yield savings accounts.
What features make the LendingClub High-Yield Savings account unique?
The LendingClub High-Yield Savings account is special for its features. It earns a competitive APY and offers a free ATM card with no ATM fees. After a 0 opening deposit, there’s no minimum balance requirement, and it has no monthly fees.
What makes the Newtek Personal High Yield Savings account a good option?
Newtek Bank’s Personal High Yield Savings account is great because it doesn’t require a minimum deposit to earn interest. You can start with just A high-yield savings account is a type of savings product that pays more interest than usual. It can earn around 5% APY, which is much higher than the average rate of 0.45%. These accounts are worth it because your money grows faster. With a 5% APY, a $10,000 balance would earn over $500 in interest after a year. This is much more than the $40 you’d earn with a 0.40% APY. The main differences are the interest rates and fees. High-yield accounts offer much higher APYs, around 5%, compared to traditional savings accounts with rates from 0.01% to 0.40%. They also usually have lower or no monthly fees. Experts think high-yield savings account rates might drop in September 2024. The exact timing and amount of the decrease are unknown. The Federal Reserve has kept rates steady, keeping high-yield rates high. But once the Fed starts cutting rates, high-yield savings APYs will likely go down too. High-yield savings and money market accounts are both savings accounts. But money market accounts (MMAs) offer more features like debit cards and checks. They also often require higher minimum balances, like $5,000 or more. High-yield savings accounts are easier to access and have fewer fees, but MMAs offer the benefit of easy money access. High-yield savings and CDs are both insured deposit accounts. But CDs have higher fixed interest rates if you lock up your money for a set term. CDs are good for money you won’t need for the term, which can be months to years. High-yield savings accounts let you access your money anytime. Western Alliance Bank has one of the highest APYs at 5.27% on its High-Yield Savings Account. It requires just a $1 minimum deposit and has no monthly fees. It doesn’t offer ATM access or a checking account, but it focuses on giving you the highest possible returns. The LendingClub High-Yield Savings account is special for its features. It earns a competitive APY and offers a free ATM card with no ATM fees. After a $100 opening deposit, there’s no minimum balance requirement, and it has no monthly fees. Newtek Bank’s Personal High Yield Savings account is great because it doesn’t require a minimum deposit to earn interest. You can start with just $0.01 and earn 5.25% APY, with no monthly fees. It’s perfect for savers who want to start with a small balance. The UFB Portfolio Savings account has a high APY of 5.15% and ATM access with a free debit card. This combination of a high interest rate and easy money access is rare in online high-yield savings accounts.FAQ
What is a high-yield savings account?
Why are high-yield savings accounts worth it?
What are the key differences between high-yield and traditional savings accounts?
Will high-yield savings account rates fall in the future?
How do high-yield savings accounts compare to money market accounts?
How do high-yield savings accounts differ from certificates of deposit (CDs)?
What makes Western Alliance Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account stand out?
What features make the LendingClub High-Yield Savings account unique?
What makes the Newtek Personal High Yield Savings account a good option?
What unique feature does the UFB Portfolio Savings account offer?
What unique feature does the UFB Portfolio Savings account offer?
The UFB Portfolio Savings account has a high APY of 5.15% and ATM access with a free debit card. This combination of a high interest rate and easy money access is rare in online high-yield savings accounts.
Source Links
- Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts of August 2024: Up to 5.45% – NerdWallet
- High Yield Savings Account: What It Is and How It Works
- What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?
- High-yield savings accounts: help grow your money faster
- Are High-Yield Savings Accounts Worth It? & Other FAQs
- Pros and cons of a high-yield savings account
- High-Yield Savings Account vs. Traditional Savings Account – Experian
- High-yield savings account vs. traditional savings account: Which one is better?
- Mid-2024 Savings Rate Forecast: Will Rates Stay High?
- What the Fed Rate Announcement Means for Savings Accounts – NerdWallet
- Savings Rates Forecast 2024: How High Will Rates Go In 2024?
- Money Market Account vs. High-Yield Savings Account
- Money Market vs. High-Yield Savings Account
- Money market account vs. High-yield savings account: What’s the difference and which one should you choose?
- CD vs. High-Yield Savings Account: Which Should I Choose? – NerdWallet
- Still deciding between a high-yield savings account and a CD account ? Here are their main differences
- Western Alliance Bank Savings Account Rate: Earn Up to 5.27%
- LendingClub Savings Account Interest Rates: August 2024
- What Is A High-Yield Savings Account & Do You Need One? | Lending Club
- Newtek Bank Savings Review 2024: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
- Get a 5.25%% APY with a Newtek Bank savings account
- UFB Direct Savings Account Rate: Earn up to 5.15% APY
- UFB Portfolio Savings Rates (August 2024)