A savings account keeps your money safe and easily accessible. But the problem with traditional savings accounts is they offer very low annual percentage rates (APYs) compared to the best high-yield savings accounts. This means your money won’t grow as fast as it could if it were somewhere else.
Switching your savings to a high-yield savings account can be a savvy move. You'll grow your savings faster by getting a better return on the funds you deposit.
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts
| Account | Max APY | Monthly fee | Minimum deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi Checking and Savings Account | 4.00% | $0 | $0 |
| Axos ONE® | 4.21% | $0 | $0 |
| M1 High-Yield Cash Account | 3.75% | $0 | $100 |
| Wealthfront (Cash Account) | 3.95% | $0 | $1 |
| CIT Bank Platinum Savings | 3.75% | $0 | $100 |
| Quontic High Yield Savings Account | 3.50% | $0 | $100 |
| Synchrony High Yield Savings | 3.50% | $0 | $0 |
| Chime® Checking | 3.00% | $0 | $0.01 |
| Capital One 360 Performance Savings | 3.30% | $0 | $0 |
| Ally Savings Account | 3.30% | $0 | $0 |
SoFi Checking and Savings Account
- APY: Up to 3.30% APY with eligible direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 30-day evaluation period +0.70% boost on Savings APY to up to 4.00% for up to 6 months on new accounts. (terms apply)
- Welcome offer: Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0

The SoFi Checking and Savings Account has a $300 welcome bonus1 on top of its already high APY.
To earn the full $300, you'll need to set up a direct deposit of at least $5,000 within 30 days of account opening. If your direct deposit is between $1,000 and $4,999, you'll receive a bonus of $50.
You will still earn up to 4.00% APY2 on your savings account for six months, even if you don't have direct deposit with SoFi, but you do need to open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus (and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days) by 1/31/26.
SoFi's high-yield savings account comes with a checking account, which isn't something you see with a lot of savings accounts. Plus, there are no monthly fees3 or minimum balance requirements.
Another interesting feature of SoFi is that within your savings account, you can have what they call “vaults.” These function like categories for setting specific savings goals without having to open another account.
For example, you could have a vault to save for a vacation or a new car, and see those as separate parts of the whole balance.
If you use a linked checking account, you can also take advantage of SoFi's round-up feature. Any debit card purchases can be rounded up to the next highest dollar, and the change is automatically moved into your savings account.
1. Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
1. Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
2. New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% 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 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit 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 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do 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/.
Axos ONE®
- APY: 4.21%
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $0

Axos ONE® combines the features of a savings and checking account into a high-earning bundle designed to help your money grow faster, thanks to an extremely impressive 4.21% APY on savings.
And to further help you keep more of your money in your savings account, there are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft charges.
Account holders benefit from early direct deposit, with the ability to access their paychecks up to two days ahead of schedule.
Axos also offers expanded FDIC insurance coverage through a partner network, protecting deposits up to $265 million.
M1 High Yield Cash Account1
- APY: 3.75% (for up to the first 12 months, then 3.10%)
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $100

While not technically a savings account, the M1 High-Yield Cash Account functions similarly by helping you to earn interest on your idle funds — with no monthly account fee and unlimited withdrawals.
For a limited time, you can earn 3.75% APY when you open a new account,2 thanks to a 0.65% APY boost for the first 12 months on the standard rate of 3.10%.
Since M1 is a personal finance platform (not a bank), the only caveat is that you’ll need a taxable brokerage account in M1. But if you’re already using M1 to invest, this is a great way to simplify your money management.
With features like Smart Transfers, you can set rules for how your money moves — whether that’s routing dividends into your cash account, or saving toward a goal and investing the rest.
And if you want to work towards your financial goals with a partner, you can open M1’s Joint High-Yield Cash Account to grow shared funds while benefiting from the same high APY.
M1’s High-Yield Cash Accounts are FDIC-insured up to $4.75 million.
1. M1 is not a bank and M1 High-Yield Cash Accounts are not a checking or savings account. M1 High-Yield Cash Accounts are an investment product offered by M1 Finance, LLC, an SEC registered broker-dealer, Member FINRA / SIPC. The purpose of High-Yield Cash Accounts are to earn interest on securities not actively invested. An open M1 Investment account is required to participate in the M1 High-Yield Cash Account.
2. One-year APY Boost Terms and Conditions
View M1 disclosures.Wealthfront Cash Account
- APY: 3.95%
- Monthly fees: $0
- Minimum deposit: $1

While it’s not referred to as a savings account, Wealthfront‘s Cash Account works similarly to a high-yield savings account and is currently offering 3.95% APY for the first three months, with just a $1 minimum to open an account.
As an added bonus, you’ll gain access to up to $8 million in FDIC insurance to protect your cash.
Wealthfront's user-friendly platform provides a holistic view of your finances, and managing your Cash Account is seamless. You'll get access to real-time updates on your available balance, interest earned, and transaction history.
You also have the flexibility of unlimited withdrawals and transfers, so you can access your funds when you need them.
You can request a debit card to access your cash at a network of 19,000 nationwide fee-free ATMs, and receive two reimbursements a month for out-of-network ATM usage.
CIT Bank Platinum Savings
- APY: 3.75% (on balances of $5,000 or more)
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $100

If you’re already starting with a good chunk of change, consider opening a CIT Bank Platinum Savings account.1
This account offers 3.75% APY if you have $5,000 or more in your account. You can still open an account with just $100, but you’ll only earn 0.25% APY until your account balance reaches $5,000.
If you’re starting with a smaller deposit and don’t want to wait to earn higher interest, CIT Bank also has a Savings Connect2 account that offers a noteworthy 3.65% APY with just a $100 minimum deposit.
Because the goal is to keep what you earn, the fact that this account doesn’t charge any monthly service fees is pretty enticing. As is the fact that they have an easy-to-use mobile app that can make managing your account simpler.
CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank.
1. Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. *APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of January 9, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.
CIT updates the multiplier information based on the FDIC National Rates. The FDIC publishes their rate on the third Monday of each month (always will be their effective date) and CIT updates its site by the end of that week. While the date associated with the disclosure will change, this does not always result in the multiplier changing
CIT updates its APY disclosure only when there is a rate change (increase or decrease).
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.
2. APY — Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of January 9, 2026. Interest Rates for the Savings Connect Account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Savings Connect account is $100. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.
CIT updates the multiplier information based on the FDIC National Rates. The FDIC publishes their rate on the third Monday of each month (always will be their effective date) and CIT updates its site by the end of that week. While the date associated with the disclosure will change, this does not always result in the multiplier changing
CIT updates its APY disclosure only when there is a rate change (increase or decrease).
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures
Quontic High Yield Savings Account
- APY: 3.50%
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $100

Quontic is a digital bank that offers checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and mortgages. The Quontic High Yield Savings Account comes with 3.50% APY that is compounded daily.
Because Quontic is online-only, you need to fund it digitally: either by transferring money from an existing Quontic account, transferring from an external account via ACH, or with Plaid.
There is a minimum deposit of $100 required, but there are no monthly fees, and no fees for overdrafts or insufficient funds.
Synchrony High Yield Savings
- APY: 3.50%
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $0

The Synchrony High Yield Savings offers an impressive 3.50% APY. There are no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements, making this account accessible to most savers.
Synchrony also operates on a no-fee framework, which is a helpful savings boost.
This account provides easier access to your money than many other savings accounts, with an optional ATM card that you can use for cash withdrawals and basic transactions in the U.S., as well as abroad.
Plus, Synchrony also doesn't charge ATM fees, and may even refund potential ATM operator charges up to $5 per statement cycle.
Just keep in mind that having quick access to your savings account could be counterproductive to your savings goals — you don't want to be dipping in there unless absolutely necessary!
With a user-friendly online platform and mobile app, Synchrony offers convenient access and management of your account from almost anywhere.
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
- APY: 3.00%
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $0.01

If you have a Chime Checking Account, you can also get the Chime High-Yield Savings Account,1 which offers up to 3.00% APY2 when you also have Chime+™ status. To be eligible for Chime+, you must receive a qualifying direct deposit to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 34 days. If you don't have Chime+, you'll earn 0.75%.
With Chime, you can set customized savings goals and automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar to be transferred from your Chime Checking Account to your Savings Account.
You can also set up a recurring, automatic transfer (either a percentage or fixed dollar amount) from every direct deposit of $1 or more into your Savings Account.
Chime has no monthly fees,3 and you just need $0.01 in your account to earn interest on the Savings Account.
And while Chime is online-only, you get fee-free ATM access to over 47,000 ATMs nationwide. You can withdraw cash from a MoneyPass ATM located in a 7-Eleven store or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.4
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.1. Chime® Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.
2. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY rate is effect as of 02/12/2026. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings earn interest. The 3.00% Chime+ APY is available only while you maintain eligib requirements for Chime+, otherwise the 0.75% APY for non-Chime+ members apply. See Chime+ Terms and Conditions for more details.
3. There's no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
4. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Capital One 360 Performance Savings
- APY: 3.30%
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $0

The Capital One 360 Performance Savings offers a competitive 3.30% APY, with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements to worry about.
And since Capital One offers in-person support, you get the best of both worlds — competitive online rates with the option for face-to-face service when you need it.
The account comes with helpful features like automatic savings tools that let you set up recurring transfers. You can also deposit checks remotely using the app, and move money easily between linked Capital One accounts or external bank accounts.
What sets Capital One apart from many online-only banks is their Capital One Cafés. You can chat with Café Ambassadors and even grab a snack and use it as a coworking space.
Ally Savings Account
- APY: 3.30%
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum deposit: $0

The Ally Savings Account comes with a 3.30% APY across all balance tiers and is another fee-free account. You can also say goodbye to minimum balance requirements.
What sets the Ally Savings Account apart is its innovative tools that accelerate your savings journey. You can create up to 10 different “buckets” within your account, like “Emergency Fund” or “House Down Payment,” allowing you to allocate funds for specific goals.
You can also use Ally’s Round Ups function to round up eligible checking transactions to the nearest dollar — once you’ve accrued at least $5 in round-ups, this will automatically be transferred to your savings. Surprise Savings will transfer what Ally calls “safe-to-save” money from your checking to your HYSA, too.
This account has no monthly maintenance fees, but Ally limits your free withdrawals to six per month. After that, a $10 excessive transaction fee applies.
What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) works the same way a normal savings account does. The difference is that these accounts offer a higher interest rate.
According to the FDIC, typical savings accounts offer an average of 0.39% APY (as of January 2026). Interest rates for HYSAs, on the other hand, can range from 3% to over 4%. The increased interest rate offered by HYSAs enables you to earn more money on your saved funds over time.
Most HYSAs are available through online-only banks, although some more traditional financial institutions also offer them. They typically come with features like no or low fees and no minimum balance requirements. The best part is that you don't take on any risk like you do when investing.
How To Choose an HYSA
When comparing high-yield savings accounts, several key factors should guide your decision. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Interest rate: A higher APY (annual percentage rate) means your savings will grow more quickly.
- Fees: Opt for an account with no monthly fees or maintenance charges. It's also a good idea to inquire about any transaction or withdrawal fees.
- Minimum balance requirement: The best HYSAs have no minimum balance requirement, meaning you can start earning interest on your savings no matter the size of your nest egg.
- Security: Confirm that the bank is FDIC-insured, protecting your deposits up to the maximum limit. (All accounts on this list are.) Also, do some research on the bank's reputation. Read customer reviews to get an idea of reliability and customer service quality.
- Perks: Look for perks like a welcome bonus or extra tools like budgeting features.
- Accessibility: Look for user-friendly online and mobile banking features that make it easy to stay on top of your finances.
Pros and Cons of HYSAs
While high-yield savings accounts are great savings tools, they're not perfect. Consider the pros and cons of them when choosing the best place to stash your cash.
Pros
- High interest: Often 8-10 times higher than the national average of traditional savings accounts
- Minimal fees: Usually no or low monthly maintenance fees
- Low risk: Earn a high return without the risk of losing money
- Low minimum balance: Start saving without a ton of cash
- Easy to monitor: Usually easily accessible online and via mobile apps
Cons
- Variable APY: Interest rates can fluctuate with market changes
- Withdrawal limitations: Usually a limit on monthly withdrawals — you can generally only withdraw from your account six times a month; after that, you’ll be charged a transaction fee
- Fees may apply: May need to do things to waive fees, such as meeting a minimum balance requirement
- No physical locations: Your best bet is usually with online-only banks, which means you have to give up the perks that come with banking in person
How To Open an HYSA
Opening a high-yield savings account is a straightforward process. Once you've done your research and chosen a reputable bank or financial institution offering high APYs and favorable terms, here’s how to get started:
- Visit the bank's website or app and navigate to the account opening section.
- You'll need to supply personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and employment details. You might need to also upload identification documents.
- Add funds to the account. Many accounts have low or no minimum deposit requirements so you can start with a small amount. Confirm the details and review any terms and conditions.
- Most financial institutions send a confirmation email or mail documents confirming that you’ve opened a new account.
- Once the account is active, you can access it online or through an app to manage your funds and monitor your savings growth.
FAQs
Why are high-yield savings accounts mostly online?
High-yield savings accounts are primarily offered online because online banks can afford to give higher interest rates on deposits.
Online banks have lower overhead expenses compared to traditional brick-and-mortar banks. By eliminating physical branches, online banks save on rent, staffing, and maintenance costs. This is also why online banks tend to have lower fees.
Are high-yield savings accounts safe?
High-yield savings accounts are generally safe. Most reputable banks offering HYSAs are FDIC-insured, meaning deposits have protection up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. So, even if the bank faces financial difficulties, your deposits are safe.
However, it's essential to choose a trustworthy and established bank to ensure your funds are secure. Always verify the bank's FDIC insurance and review customer feedback and ratings before opening an account.
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