Savings account rates have inched up in recent weeks, and rates remain far higher than a year prior. While high yields are surely paramount in your evaluation of a potential savings account, don’t forget to take fees, customer service and customer-friendly digital experience into account as well.
Savings accounts, especially those from traditional brick-and-mortar banks, offered infinitesimal yields after the Great Recession as the Fed slashed short-term rates to near zero, and kept them there for years, in order to hasten the economy’s recovery.
This status quo was upended after the federal government’s massive spending throughout the pandemic, which helped push inflation toward highs not seen in decades. The Fed responded to the economic effects of lockdowns and rounds of stimulus bills by increasing interest rates to offset soaring inflation, prompting banks to raise rates for savers.
Savings account rates — $2,500 minimum deposit
The highest interest rate on a standard savings account today is 4.22%, per Curinos, the same as a week ago. Meanwhile, the average APY (annual percentage yield) for a traditional savings account, as reported by Curinos, is 0.22%, the same as last week.
APY represents the return your account will generate in a year, taking into account compound interest—the interest earned on both the principal and previously accumulated interest in your account.
For instance, if you were to invest $2,500 at a 4.22% rate (the current high) for one year, you would earn roughly $110 in interest, assuming daily compounding and no additional contributions.
Savings account rates — $10,000 minimum deposit
The average APY for savings accounts requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000 is 0.23%, unmoved over the past week. But remember that many banks offer considerably higher rates.
Some of the top high-yield savings accounts, for instance, currently feature rates of 4.00% or higher.
Per Curinos, the highest interest rate today on a savings account requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000 is 4.22%. If you were to invest $10,000 at a 4.22% rate (the current high) for one year, you would earn more than $430 in interest, assuming daily compounding and no additional contributions.
Methodology
To establish average savings account rates, Curinos focused on savings accounts intended for personal use. Savings accounts that fall into specific categories are excluded, including promotional offers, relationship-based accounts, private, youth, senior and student/minor. The average savings rates quoted above are based on a $2,500 or $10,000 minimum deposit amount.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The ideal savings account for you hinges on your priorities.
If you already have a relationship with a bank or credit union, such as a checking account or loan, opening a savings account should be straightforward. If you value face-to-face banking, consider an institution with physical branches near your residence.
A high-yield savings account is essentially a standard savings account that offers a higher interest rate on deposits. (It’s more of a description than a technical definition.) This rate can fluctuate based on the broader financial market and the specific bank or credit union’s business requirements.
A high-yield savings account is still a savings account—you can’t access your funds by writing checks and your withdrawals are typically limited.
