Savers who want to earn the most interest on their money should look at the best high-yield savings accounts. With interest rates on the rise, savers are earning higher rates in HYSA than they have in more than a decade.
These accounts offer the functionality of traditional savings accounts but receive a much higher interest rate to grow your balances. Many of these accounts have no opening balance or minimum balance requirements, so they are open to every type of saver. Learn more about how to choose your savings account, how they work and the best type of account based on your goals.
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Valley Direct High Yield Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Best high-yield savings accounts compared 2024
Our recommendations for the best HYSA
Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Western Alliance Bank is a solid option for high-yield savings accounts with no account activity or maintenance fees. It offers a competitive interest rate and requires a minimum balance of $500 to open an account. Additionally, it offers 24/7 online access to your account.
My Banking Direct
My Banking Direct High Yield Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$1
My Banking Direct is an excellent option for those seeking a high-yield savings account with added functionality. It offers a savings/checking combo that allows you to transfer money between accounts easily and instantly. Additionally, it offers a competitive savings interest rate of 5.35% APY* and doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees. A $500 minimum deposit opens an account.
UFB Direct
UFB Direct Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
UFB Direct may not be a household name for bank accounts, but its UFB Secure Savings account offers competitive interest rates without unnecessary fees. This high-yield savings account is an excellent choice for all levels of savers because all customers receive the same high interest rate, no matter what their balances are.
Customers can quickly and easily open an account online through this digital bank and then seamlessly access their account through the bank’s remote tools. UFB customers can access their account online, through the bank’s mobile apps or by texting. The bank-by-text feature is ideal when internet access is limited or when time is of the essence. All customers also receive a complimentary ATM card to withdraw cash on the go.
This savings account is also easy on the wallet because there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Additionally, there’s no minimum balance required in order to earn its premium interest rate. Plus, you can keep your existing bank account since UFB Direct offers free transfers between linked deposit accounts.
Valley Direct High Yield Savings Account
Valley Direct High Yield Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
For savers who haven’t found the time to open an online savings account, the Valley Direct High Yield Savings has you covered. New customers can open an account and start saving towards their goals in less than five minutes. This account offers one of the highest annual percentage yields available, with an annual percentage yield of 4.80%* and and a minimum balance of $1 to open. There are no monthly maintenance charges, and you can start saving with as little as $0.01.
Milli Bank
Milli Bank Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Milli Bank is a top-yield mobile-only app and division of the First National Bank of Omaha, currently paying 4.75% APY. It has a $0 minimum opening deposit requirement, a required minimum balance of $0.01, and $0 monthly maintenance fees. Milli features a unique savings jars function and real-time spending tracking.
Bread Savings
Bread High Yield Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Bread Savings is a great option if you want a high-yield savings account that focuses on financial wellness. It offers competitive interest rates and doesn’t require a minimum balance to open an account. Additionally, it provides tools and resources to help you save money and improve your financial well-being.
Bask Interest Savings
Bask Bank Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
The Bask Interest Savings Account offers a high rate with $0 monthly account fees and $0.01 minimum account balance to earn APY*. And Bask Bank is a standout for service. Customers can call the support line between 7 am and 7 pm CST Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between 9 am and 4 pm. There’s also information online and on the Bask app. The account doesn’t provide an ATM or debit card, however. It is important to note that while there does not appear to be a minimum opening deposit required, any account with no balance will be closed after 15 days.
CIT Platinum Savings
CIT Platinum Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$5,000
CIT Bank’s Platinum Savings Account is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-yield savings product. The bank’s rate stands out in the market, providing customers a competitive edge in growing their savings. Currently, the CIT Bank’s Platinum Savings Account offers a 5.05% APY* with a balance of $5,000 or more, but you can start with as little as $100 with 0.25% APY. What makes CIT Bank particularly intriguing are its unique promotions, which typically offer substantial bonuses or even higher interest rates for new deposits or accounts.
While the bank operates primarily online, its user-friendly interface and top-notch customer service make banking a breeze. Security is also paramount at CIT Bank, ensuring your funds are safe and protected. However, keep in mind that this savings account may not be the best choice for those who prefer traditional, brick-and-mortar banking, or for those who frequently need to withdraw funds, as it might come with certain limitations. In summary, the CIT Bank’s Platinum Savings Account, with its high APY* and attractive promotions, is an excellent option for customers looking to maximize their savings potential.
Sofi Savings & Checking
Sofi Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
If you want to earn a welcome bonus for opening a high-yield savings account, consider Sofi Savings & Checking. New customers can earn up to $250 when they open a new account and set up direct deposit. Plus, the account earns a high interest rate with no account fees.
Quontic High Yield Savings
Quontic High Yield Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Quontic stands out for the many ways you can increase the earning potential of your cash. In addition to their high yield savings account growing your money at a high rate, Quontic also offers certificates of deposit and money market accounts.
Live Oak Personal Savings
Live Oak Personal Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Customers can quickly open an online savings account with Live Oak to receive a competitive interest rate with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Two features that set it apart are the ability to initiate wire transfers from your savings account and to connect with QuickBooks. These features make it an ideal savings account for entrepreneurs and small business owners. While there are no minimum deposit or balance requirements, if your account balance is less than $10.01 for 24 consecutive months, the bank will close your account and charge a dormant account fee equal to your remaining balance.
Best for savings tools: Barclays Bank
Barclays Savings
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
With a high APY of 4.35%, Barclays Bank’s high-yield savings account includes many of the same features as other similar accounts, including secure 24/7 account access, free online transfers, direct deposit, no minimums and no minimum deposit. Barclays also offers tools to help you reach your savings goals.
Discover® Online Savings
Discover® Online Savings Account
Min. balance to earn APY
$0.01
Discover® Online Savings is the ultimate choice for those seeking a hassle-free wire transfer experience without incurring any fees. With its robust online banking platform, customers can effortlessly initiate wire transfers from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to physical branches.
Discover® Bank prioritizes customer convenience and ensures that hard-earned money can be moved swiftly and securely, all at no extra cost. Furthermore, their Online Savings account offers a highly competitive Annual Percentage Yield (APY), allowing individuals to maximize their earnings on savings.
By combining the convenience of fee-free wire transfers with a lucrative APY, Discover® Bank empowers its customers to effortlessly grow their savings while enjoying unparalleled flexibility and financial freedom. Member FDIC.
More high-yield savings accounts
High-yield savings account guide
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account is a traditional savings account but with a higher interest rate. Just like savings accounts, they are liquid, so you can add or withdraw money at any time. Additionally, they are guaranteed up to $250,000 by the FDIC.
How do high-yield savings accounts work?
High-yield savings accounts offer much higher rates of interest than traditional savings accounts. They work the same way as traditional savings accounts, but many are online-only accounts that cannot be opened in a traditional brick-and-mortar branch.
Many high-yield savings accounts are offered by online banks and have reduced fees and balance requirements. In some cases, there are no minimum balance requirements to open or maintain an account. Plus, many eliminate monthly service charges, so there are no costs to keep your account open.
However, some high-yield savings accounts require larger balances to avoid fees or earn the best savings account interest rates. Banks may implement tiered interest rates that offer the best rates to certain types of customers.
Savings account calculator
Wondering how a high-yield savings account can impact your money over time? Input your initial deposit, the interest rate, and your preferred duration to see a clear projection of your savings’ growth.
How to choose your high-yield savings account
When comparing the best savings accounts, customers should focus on fees, interest rates and the functionality of the accounts. Here are a few features that matter most when choosing your account.
Opening balance requirement. How much do you need to deposit when opening your account? Many accounts allow customers to open an account with no minimum balance or as little as one dollar.
Monthly fees. Most banks waive the monthly fees when you maintain a minimum balance. Some banks waive fees entirely.
Monthly minimum balance. Some high-yield savings accounts require customers to meet a minimum balance to earn the best savings account rates.
Interest rate. The amount of interest you’ll earn based on your balance is advertised so you know how much your money will make.
Interest rate tiers. Does the bank offer different interest rates based on your balance? Some banks reserve the highest rates for larger customers, while others cap the balances that can earn the best savings rates. For example, CIT Platinum Savings pays a higher rate on balances of $5,000 or more.
Compounding. When your interest compounds, the accrued interest is added to your balance, and the new, higher balance then also earns interest. Ideally, your interest should compound at least monthly.
Access to account. How easy is it to access your funds, and how long does it take? Some high-yield savings accounts also offer an ATM card to withdraw cash.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What do you need to open a high-yield savings account?
To open a high-yield savings account, you’ll need to provide your name, contact information, Social Security Number and date of birth. Additionally, you should be prepared to make an initial deposit to fund your account and start earning interest. It is wise to have existing bank account information so you can link your accounts for future transfers.
Are high-yield savings rates increasing?
Yes, high-yield savings rates have increased as the Federal Reserve has raised rates to combat inflation. Customers with money in their savings accounts benefit from these rising rates by earning more interest.
How do banks determine APYs for high-yield savings accounts?
Savings account interest rates are represented as annual percentage yield (APY) to factor in compounding interest. APY is based on the account’s interest rate and the number of times the bank pays interest each year. The APY formula is 100 [(1 + Interest/Principal)(365/Days in term) – 1], but most people use a calculator instead of figuring it out by hand.
What is a good APY for a high-yield savings account?
A good APY depends on the current market, economic conditions and the available alternative options. In today’s savings account interest rate environment, you should aim for an account that earns at least 3.50%, with the best savings accounts offering upwards of 4.5%. Many banks offer interest rates at this level or higher without charging monthly fees or requiring large balances.
Can you lose money in a high-yield savings account?
Bank accounts are insured for up to $250,000 per person at each bank. If you keep your balances below this level, you will not lose money, even if the bank goes out of business.
How often do savings rates change?
Unlike CD rates, banks change savings account interest rates on a regular basis. They adjust rates based on market conditions, what competitors are doing and how much they need deposits. If your bank’s interest rates are not competitive, consider opening a new high-yield savings account.
†5.36% annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of 01/17/2024 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
^No account activity or maintenance fees.
*APY as of Mar. 1, 2024. APYs vary, so check with your financial institution to get the most up-to-date information.
** Withdrawals on CDs before maturity date are subject to penalties. Money market funds are limited to 6 withdrawals per statement cycle. High-interest checking accounts require 10 debit card point of sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle to earn the maximum APY per account balance tier. If the qualifying activity requirement is NOT fulfilled, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 0.10% APY. APY stands for Annual Percentage Yield.
