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Tired of earning next to nothing in your savings accounts? Me too.
Still, we have to save our money somewhere, right?
If you’re looking for the best spot to stash your savings, emergency fund, or vacation fund, consider using a high-yield savings account.
The best online savings accounts can provide exceptionally higher rates and much lower fees compared to those at traditional banks. Just take a look at these measly savings account rates from some of the most popular traditional banks:
- U.S. Bank – 0.01% APY
- Bank of America – 0.01% APY
- Chase – 0.01% APY
- PNC – 0.01% APY
- Wells Fargo – 0.01% APY
Yuck!
All the top high-yield savings accounts offer rates higher than these, and it’s not even close. Even better, just like traditional banks, they’re all FDIC (or NCUA) insured. That means up to $250,000 of your money is insured at each bank through the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
We’ve created a list of the best high-yield savings accounts, and we update many of the rates daily! So, what are the best online savings accounts right now? Let’s take a look.
Summary of Top High-Yield Savings Account Rates
Here’s a quick overview from our list of the best savings account rates for today.
Disclosure: The offers that appear below are from companies from whom Club Thrifty receives compensation. This may affect the order and manner in which they appear. Club Thrifty does not include or review all companies or available offers.
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts for 2024 – Our Picks
1) CIT Bank Platinum Savings
CIT Bank (FDIC #58978) provides online banking services throughout the U.S. They offer a host of checking and savings products, but our current favorite is the Platinum Savings account. In fact, we think it’s one of the best high-yield savings account on the market.
The Platinum Savings account is a straightforward savings account that offers excellent rates to those who meet the minimum balance requirement. You’ll earn a nifty 4.85% APY when you have a balance of $5,000 or more in the account. It really is that simple.
CIT Bank’s money market account also offers a nice 1.55% APY, making it another one of our favorite online savings products. Additionally, CIT Bank offers checking accounts, IRAs, and custodial accounts.
2) Quontic Bank High Yield Savings
Quontic Bank (FDIC #57807) is a digital bank that operates throughout the United States. They offer a full menu of personal banking options – including savings accounts, checking accounts, mortgage loans, and more.
One of our favorite products is their High Yield Savings account. The account earns a 4.50% APY, which we think is a pretty stellar rate in the current environment. This account requires a nominal $100 minimum opening deposit. It also comes with no monthly service fees and up to six withdrawals every statement cycle.
In addition to their High Yield Savings product, they also offer one of our top checking accounts. Quontic’s High Interest Checking Account currently earns a whopping 1.10% APY. That is a great rate for a checking account, helping it to land at the top of our rankings. Learn more here.
To top it off, Quontic Bank is one of only 3% of American banks to earn the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Certification. This certification is given to mission-driven banks who provide financial services to low-income and underbanked communities. We think that is pretty cool.
3) Axos Bank High Yield Savings
Axos Bank (FDIC #35546) is an online bank offering a full slate of banking services – including personal bank accounts, business bank accounts, personal loans, mortgages, and more. The company has been in business since 2000, and they trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AX.
Although Axos offers a host of personal banking options, their High Yield Savings account is one of the best savings options you’ll find. In fact, its 0.61% APY is currently one of the highest interest rate on our list.
The Axox High Yield Savings account comes with no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees. You can open a new account with a reasonable $250 minimum deposit. ATM cards are available upon request, plus you’ll have access to convenient tools like online banking and mobile check deposits.
More Online Savings Accounts
Looking for more high-yield savings account options? Here are some other online banks to consider.
Barclays
Barclays Bank (FDIC #57203) is probably the most widely known bank on this list.
A giant in the British banking scene, most Americans probably recognize Barclays for their credit card offerings. However, when it comes to rates, Barclays also offers one of the best online savings accounts around – which is why it ranks so highly on our list.
There is no minimum to open the Barclays online savings account and no hidden fees. Additionally, you earn the same rate no matter what your daily balance reads, making it a great choice for both new savers and super savers. Like the other banks listed, Barclays also offers online CDs with competitive rates and terms.
>> Open an Account Here
Live Oak Bank
Live Oak Bank (FDIC #58665) has been around since 2005. They offer competitive rates and good service, making them one of the best online savings accounts you’ll find.
With Live Oak Bank, there are no monthly maintenance fees. While Live Oak does have some miscellaneous fees, they offer a low minimum balance of $10.01. Fund transfers are done through another external bank account you can access your account any time through their mobile app.
>> Open an Account Here
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Marcus (FDIC #33124) is the online banking option from Goldman Sachs.
Their best high-yield savings account offers a competitive APY, which you can claim with only a $1 deposit. Additionally, their online savings accounts have no fees and no minimum balance.
Marcus also offers fixed-rate personal loans and CDs. Unfortunately, they don’t offer a debit card or ATM card and you can only transfer funds in your account through a linked traditional bank account, direct deposit, or a wire transfer from another bank.
>> Open an Account Here
Synchrony Bank
Synchrony Bank (FDIC #27314) offers an savings account with no minimum balance required. Combined with the fact that they have no monthly service fees, and this is one of the best high-yield savings accounts you’ll find.
Part of Synchrony Financial, a Fortune 500 company, they are consistently found at or near the top of our list for their competitive rates and excellent customer service. In addition to their high yield savings account, they also offer money market accounts, CDs, and IRA options.
>> Learn More About Synchrony Bank
Ally Bank
Ally Bank (FDIC #57803) was one of the pioneers of online banking, which also makes them one of the most recognizable names on the list. They are known for their competitive rates and no monthly maintenance fees, and you earn their rate no matter your balance.
With their high-yield savings account offering the same rate across all tiers, Ally still gains high marks on our list.
In addition to its online savings account, Ally Bank also offers online interest checking accounts, CDs, money market accounts, loans, and more.
> Open an Account with Ally
Betterment Cash Reserve
Betterment is well-known for their investment services and recently released a savings account with an interest rate of 2.25% APY.
The Cash Reserve account requires just $10 to open and unlock one of the top interest rates available in an online savings account. They don’t charge any fees, either.
Transferring money to and from your Betterment Cash Reserve is a breeze. You link an existing bank account to take advantage of the high interest rate. Best of all, unlike most online savings accounts, Betterment Cash Reserve doesn’t limit how many withdrawals you can make each month.
The money in your account isn’t invested like their other products, so there’s no risk. Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $1 million.
HSBC Direct
HSBC (FDIC #57890) offers a Direct Savings account with a competitive interest rate. This account has no hidden fees and only requires a deposit of $1 to open.
As a Direct Savings customer, you’ll also have access to their Money Management Tools. These tools allow you to organize your finances, set up savings goals, and plan a budget. You can also set email alerts and watch your financial progress.
In case you’re wondering, you can also access your Direct Savings account 24/7 online or through HSBC’s mobile banking app.
>> Open an Account Here
American Express Personal Savings
American Express Personal Savings (FDIC #27471) allows you to link three external bank accounts to your high-yield savings account, allowing you to move money easily between accounts. There is no minimum balance required, no minimum opening deposit, and no fees.
Interest rates on their online savings accounts are competitive, although you can find higher rates elsewhere.
American Express also offers CDs, but no checking accounts.
>> Open an Account Here
Discover Savings
Discover Bank (FDIC #5649) offers an online savings account with a nice rate of 3.90% APY and no minimum deposit to open an account. There’s also no minimum balance for customers to worry about. If that’s not enough, how about no fees of any kind? All of this, combined with the excellent 24/7 customer service Discover is known for, makes this high-yield savings account one of the best around, ranking high on our list.
Customers can access their accounts anytime through the Discover mobile app available on Android and iOS. Through the app, you can quickly deposit a check by snapping a photo on your phone. Users can also transfer money between accounts. There’s also a quick-view option to see a snapshot of your account balance without logging in.
Discover is best known for its credit card options, but it offers popular banking options like checking, savings, money market accounts, and IRA CDs, as well. For college students, there are also Discover student loans to help cover education costs.
Discover’s online savings account can help customers save and earn quickly with its high interest rate. Read our complete review here or get started below.
PenFed Savings
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, or PenFed, offers high interest rates for its premium online savings account – currently 2.70% APY. Because the credit union is a non-profit, it can provide a higher rate as a way to give back to its members.
PenFed was established in 1935. Its accounts are insured by the NCUA to at least $250,000. The NCUA is similar to the FDIC, but oversees credit unions rather than banks.
The opportunity to open a savings account is only available to PenFed members. Membership is limited to members of the military, their families, and employees or volunteers of other associated organizations. If you qualify for membership, opening an online savings account with PenFed is an excellent option.
There’s a $5 minimum to open a savings account and there are no monthly maintenance fees.
PenFed savings accounts allow members to make free online transfers. However, its online savings account is not accessible from an ATM. PenFed members also receive top-of-the-line customer service with options to call, email, or chat online through its website.
PenFed has been working hard to help its customers for over 80 years. Its premium online savings account is one more way that PenFed provides value to its members.
VIO Bank
VIO Bank (FDIC #4063) currently offers one of the highest APYs you’ll find on this list. This high-yield online savings account requires a $100 minimum deposit to open, but you’ll find no monthly fees once you’ve deposited your money.
To put money in your savings account, funds can be transferred by ACH through external bank accounts. Vio also offers a free app, online banking, and live customer service agents you can speak with should you need help.
>> Open an Account Here
Citizens Access
Citizens Access (FDIC #57957), part of Citizens Bank, offers very competitive online savings accounts with some very nice average yields. You won’t find any monthly fees, but there is a kicker. Citizens does require a minimum $5,000 balance to keep their best rate. Dipping below the minimum will cause you to lose the rate.
Citizens Access doesn’t offer checking accounts and requires either an external bank account or check deposit to transfer money. They also don’t offer a mobile app, but their website is optimized for mobile use.
>> Open an Account Here
Pure Point Financial
Boasting a highly competitive rate, Pure Point Financial (FDIC #22826) is a good option for a high-yield savings account…if you have a lot of money to deposit, that is.
At Pure Point, there is a $10,000 minimum to open an account, which could obviously be a hindrance to some people. You’ll also need to maintain that balance in order to earn their top rate. Balances falling below $10,000 see their rate drop all the way to 0.10%.
With that said, the only fee Pure Point charges is a $10 excess activity fee for making more than six transactions a month. You can also access your account from anywhere via desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. So, if you’re looking to stash more than $10,000 with minimal fees, this might be your account.
>> Open an Account Here
Alliant Credit Union
As far as high-yield savings accounts go, Alliant (NCUA #67955) has a very nice offering. In fact, their current interest rate competes with some of the best online savings accounts.
Alliant customers can access their account anytime through their mobile app. If you elect to receive paperless statements, there are no fees. They also have a low-barrier to entry, with a minimum deposit of just $5 required to open a new account.
Additionally, Alliant lets you make deposits and withdrawals at thousands of ATMs nationwide. They also offer checking accounts, custodial accounts, and CDs. As a credit union, Alliant is insured by NCUA – which offers the same protection $250,000 protection as FDIC-insured accounts.
>> Open an Account Here
TIAA Bank
TIAA Bank (FDIC #34775) only offers a basic online savings account. There is a $25 minimum to open an account, and the account is actually IRA eligible – making it a great companion to TIAA’s basic checking account.
If you’re looking for better rates, you may still be able to find them here. TIAA Bank is best known for its Yield Pledge checking accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, which actually offer higher APYs than their savings accounts. Additionally, TIAA Bank also offers personal lending and investment options for customers.
>> Open an Account Here
Capital One 360
Capital One 360 (FDIC #33954) packs a very recognizable punch, but it doesn’t have quite as high of APY rates as many of the other online banks on this list. With that said, they do offer some flexibility that other banks don’t.
Capital One 360 savings accounts have no fees and no minimum balance. You can transfer money to your account by making a mobile deposit, setting up an Automatic Savings Plan, transferring money from another Capital One account or external bank account, or by wiring money into the account. Customers can also make a deposit at one of the 39,000 Capital One and AllPoint® ATMs across the country.
Fans of technology will also love that Capital One 360 offers an excellent mobile app.
>> Open an Account Here
BBVA
BBVA (FDIC #19048) offers their ClearConnect online savings accounts. Unfortunately, if you are looking for competitive APY rates, BBVA is pretty low on the list. You’ll actually find much better rates using BBVA’s money market accounts. (In fact, their money market accounts are extremely competitive when compared to the other high-yield savings accounts on this list.)
Be aware that ClearConnect savings accounts don’t have quarterly fees, but they do have other various fees. Check their terms and conditions for details.
BBVA also offers checking accounts, CDs, and IRA accounts, as well as credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans.
>> Open an Account Here
How Do High-Yield Savings Accounts Work?
So, why not just keep your dough in your checking account? Well, a high-yield savings account works differently, hopefully allowing you to get a better return.
For starters, most checking accounts don’t pay interest unless you have a high daily balance. And, per federal regulations, savings accounts are limited to six outgoing transactions per statement cycle, including transfers and withdrawals. This keeps you from using it as a checking account.
However, like checking accounts, a high-yield savings account with these banks are FDIC or NCUA insured, which means the bank insures your money up to $250,000. Depending on the bank, the interest you earn can be compounded daily or monthly.
Additionally, online savings accounts generally offer much higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. These high-yield savings accounts are perfect for things like an emergency fund, travel fund, or any other special savings fund you’d like to create.
How are Savings Accounts Different from Money Market Accounts?
As you consider your options, you’ll notice some differences between savings accounts and money market accounts.
Money market accounts typically combine the best parts of savings and checking accounts. Additionally, money market accounts will often earn more interest than a typical savings account. With that said, interest rates for high-yield savings accounts are often on par (or higher) with money market accounts.
Money market accounts often are attached to debit cards and checks but are limited to six outgoing transactions per statement cycle, just like savings accounts. Additionally, these accounts often will have a longer waiting period after withdrawals. Still, most of the differences between money market accounts and savings accounts have to do with what the bank is allowed to do with those funds.
See Also: Best Money Market Accounts This Year
