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The high rate environment in the US right now means good news for savers: the best high-yield savings account rates are higher than they’ve been in long time.
We monitor savings accounts from nearly three dozen banks and credit unions daily to help you feel confident before you open a savings account. Here are the top high-yield savings account rates on Friday, August 25, 2023.
Leading High-Yield Savings Account Rates
Remember that high-yield savings account rates are variable, so they will change over time. An account offering 5% today may offer 5.25% six months from now — or 4.5%. However, you are allowed to have multiple savings accounts at different banks, and to move your money in search of the highest APY. Here are the accounts offering the best savings rates today:
Raisin is a great option if your ultimate goal is to earn the best savings account, money market account, and CD rates out there. It’s a marketplace that connects you with accounts you might not be able to access otherwise, including ones at community-driven and minority-owned institutions.
Details
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.25%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$1
Pros & Cons
Pros
Accounts pay high interest rates
No fees
Open accounts you might not be able access outside of Raisin
Minimum opening requirements are often lower than if you opened an account directly with a bank
Cons
No checking accounts or business accounts
Only way to deposit or withdraw money is by connecting to an external account
Can’t connect to third-party budgeting apps, like Mint
Highlights
More Information
Raisin is an online marketplace that partners with banks to offer competitive rates
UFB Direct is an excellent option if you’re searching for a competitive interest rate on a money market account or savings account. If you’d also like a checking account or CD, you might consider other institutions because UFB Direct doesn’t have these accounts.
Details
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.25% (as of 08/11/2023)
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
High interest rate
No monthly service fee
No minimum opening deposit
ATM card included
Cons
May not be easy to deposit cash (Only cash accepting ATMs)
Highlights
More Information
Earn up to 5.25% APY*.
No monthly maintenance fees.
No minimum deposit required to open an account.
Access your funds 24/7 with easy-to-use digital banking tools.
Enjoy peace of mind with FDIC insurance up to the maximum allowance limit ® Certificate #35546.
* The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 08/11/2023. The interest rate and corresponding APY for savings is variable and is set at UFB’s discretion. This is a tiered variable rate account. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce earnings.
Earns interest daily, and posts to account monthly
Additional Reading
Read our review
About High-Yield Accounts
High-yield savings accounts aren’t the only accounts paying favorable rates right now. You’ll typically see the highest rates at online or lower-profile institutions rather than national brands with a significant brick and mortar presence. This is normal; online banks have lower overhead cost and are willing to pay high rates to attract new customers.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
The best high-yield savings accounts provide the security of a savings account with the added bonus of a high APY. Savings accounts are held at a bank or credit union — not invested through a brokerage account — and are best for saving cash in pursuit of shorter-term goals, like a vacation or big purchase.
High-Yield Checking Accounts
The best high-yield checking accounts tend to pay slightly lower rates than high-yield savings, but even they are strong in today’s rate environment. A checking account is like a hub for your money: If your paycheck is direct deposited, it’s typically to a checking account. If you transfer money to pay a bill, you typically do it from a checking account. Checking accounts are used for everyday spending and usually come with checks and/or debit cards to make that easy.
Money Market Accounts
The best money market accounts could be considered a middle ground between checking and savings: They are used for saving money but typically provide easy access to your account through checks or a debit card. They usually offer a tiered interest rate depending on your balance.
Cash Management Accounts
A cash management account is also like a savings/checking hybrid. You’ll generally see them offered by online banks, and, unlike a checking account, they usually offer unlimited transfers. A savings account often limits the number of monthly transfers, while a checking account doesn’t. Cash management accounts typically come with a debit card for easy access, but you may have to pay a fee if you want to deposit cash.
Certificates of Deposit
The best CD rates may outpace any of the other accounts we’ve described above. That’s because a certificate of deposit requires you to “lock in” your money for a predetermined amount of time ranging from three months to five years. To retrieve it before then, you’ll pay a penalty (unless you opt for one of the best no-penalty CDs). The longer you’ll let the bank hold your money, the higher rate you’ll get. CD rates aren’t variable; the rate you get upon depositing your money is the rate you’ll get for the length of your term.
Eligible customers can earn up to $250 with direct deposit through 12/31/2023. Plus, earn up to 4.50% APY on savings accounts with qualifying activities.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.50% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% annual percentage yield (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 8/2/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet