A high interest savings account is a type of savings account that offers a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. The main benefit of a high interest savings account is that it allows your money to grow faster thanks to compound interest. With interest rates rising in 2023, now is a great time to shop around for a high yield savings account.
But how do you choose the best high interest savings account for your needs? In this post, we'll compare the top contenders and outline the key factors to consider when deciding where to open your account.
Key Features to Look For
Here are some of the most important features to evaluate when comparing high yield savings accounts:
- Interest rate (APY) - The APY or annual percentage yield is the annualized rate of return your account earns taking into account compound interest. Look for the highest APY while keeping the other factors in mind.
- Minimum balance - Some accounts require you to deposit a minimum amount to open the account and/or avoid monthly fees. Consider if the minimum balance fits your savings goals.
- Fees - Monthly maintenance and overdraft fees can erode your savings, so try to find an account with little or no fees.
- Accessibility - Look for a bank with an easy-to-use website and mobile app, convenient ATM access, etc.
- Customer service - You want to be able to get timely support in case any issues arise with your account.
The Best High Interest Savings Accounts of 2023
Here are five top picks for high yield savings accounts from major national banks:
Ally Bank High Yield Savings
- APY: 4.00%
- Min. balance to earn APY: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
Ally offers one of the highest interest rates and no minimum balance or monthly fees. The Ally mobile app makes it easy to manage your savings 24/7.
Capital One High Yield Savings
- APY: 3.75%
- Min. balance to earn APY: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
Capital One matches Ally's lack of minimum balance and monthly fees. They also offer easy online and mobile access.
Discover Bank High Yield Savings
- APY: 4.10%
- Min. balance to earn APY: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
Discover edges out the competition with a slightly higher APY. Like the others, it has no minimum balance and fees. Discover does limit some types of withdrawals.
Marcus High Yield Savings (Goldman Sachs)
- APY: 4.15%
- Min. balance to earn APY: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
Backed by investment bank Goldman Sachs, Marcus offers a very competitive APY. Marcus has limited ATM access compared to other banks.
SoFi High Yield Savings
- APY: 4.05%
- Min. balance to earn APY: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
SoFi offers a high APY with no minimum balance or monthly fees. SoFi attempts to incentivize saving by rounding up debit card transactions and depositing the change into your savings account.
Choosing the Best High Interest Savings Account for You
Beyond the key metrics, you also need to consider your specific financial situation and preferences to find the best high yield savings account.
Consider Your Interest Rate Goals
The most important factor is the APY, since a difference of even 0.25% can add up substantially over time thanks to compound interest. That said, rates change frequently, so a top APY now may not last.
Pay attention to whether the APY is an introductory rate or standard rate. Make sure your account's interest compounds daily, not just monthly or quarterly.
Balance Minimum Balance and Fees
A high APY means little if you don't maintain the required minimum balance and get hit with monthly fees. The best accounts don't require a minimum deposit or have monthly fees if you do fall below a threshold.
Watch out for other hidden fees too like outgoing transfer fees. Make sure the terms align with your deposit capabilities and savings goals.
Choose Features You Need
While the top picks highlighted here offer standard savings account features, you may prefer a bank with specific perks or account options. For example:
ATM access - If you need to make frequent cash withdrawals, prioritize banks with extensive fee-free ATM networks or reimbursements.
Goal setting - Some accounts allow you to separate funds into different savings buckets/goals.
Checking account - Banks like Capital One allow you to link your savings and checking for easy transfers.
Premium accounts - Large banks offer premium savings accounts with extra features for customers who maintain higher balances.
Read Customer Reviews
It's always wise to check out customer feedback on a bank's savings account before opening your account. Look for consistently positive reviews praising factors like:
- Easy account opening process
- Simple digital banking experience
- Good customer service
- Quick transfer times
Any major complaints could be red flags to investigate further before committing.
Our Top Pick
While the top five accounts highlighted above are all great high-yield savings options, we recommend Discover Bank as the best high interest savings account.
Discover edges out the others with a leading 4.10% APY as of this writing. The lack of minimum balance and monthly fees make it easy to start saving without hitting roadblocks. Customers praise Discover's digital banking and responsive customer service.
The one downside is that Discover does limit certain types of withdrawals from savings accounts. But for basic high yield savings, Discover is tough to beat right now.
Of course, interest rates change frequently, so be sure to compare current rates whenever you shop for a new account. Optimizing your savings starts with choosing the right high yield account, but also requires consistent deposits over time.
Key Takeaways: Choosing the Best High Interest Savings Account
- Look for accounts with the highest APY, no minimum balance, and low or no fees
- Consider convenience factors like digital banking options and ATM access
- Make sure the account supports your savings goals and deposit habits
- Read reviews and fine print to avoid surprises
- Frequently check current rates when opening a new account
- Consistently add to your savings to maximize compound interest over time
Opening a high yield savings account is a great way to make your money work harder for you. With interest rates on the rise, take the time to find the best high interest savings account to meet your unique needs and start accelerating your savings today.
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