Best Savings Rates Today — Time’s Running Out on Top APYs, Aug. 20, 2024 [CNET]
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Liliana Hall
Associate Writer
Liliana Hall is a writer for CNET Money covering banking, credit cards and mortgages. Previously, she wrote about personal credit for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She is passionate about providing accessible content to enhance financial literacy. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and has worked in the newsrooms of KUT and the Austin Chronicle. When not working, she is probably paddle boarding, hopping on a flight or reading for her book club.
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Kelly is an editor for CNET Money focusing on banking. She has over 10 years of experience in personal finance and previously wrote for CBS MoneyWatch covering banking, investing, insurance and home equity products. She is passionate about arming consumers with the tools they need to take control of their financial lives. In her free time, she enjoys binging podcasts, scouring thrift stores for unique home décor and spoiling the heck out of her dogs.
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Key Takeaways
- Today’s top high-yield savings accounts offer APYs up to 5.35%.
- With inflation showing signs of cooling, experts predict the Fed could begin slashing rates as early as September.
- Putting your extra funds in a savings account with a competitive yield can help you earn more money in interest.
Waiting for money to grow in a traditional savings account is similar to watching grass grow. While traditional savings accounts typically earn annual percentage yields, or APYs, as low as 0.01%, the best high-yield savings accounts earn APYs up to 5.35%, allowing your money to multiply much faster.
But today’s top rates won’t stick around forever. The latest Consumer Price Index report revealed another month of cooling inflation numbers, making a Federal Reserve rate cut more likely in the coming months. And once the Fed does cut rates, savings rates will likely fall, too.
“Overall, the trend towards slower inflation growth remains intact, and the Fed should be in a position to lower interest rates at their next meeting in September,” said Gary Quinzel, vice president of portfolio consulting at Wealth Enhancement Group.
Read on to learn where you can find CNET’s picks for the best high-yield savings accounts.
Today’s best savings rates
Here are some of the top savings account APYs available right now:
Bank | APY | Min. deposit to open |
My Banking Direct | 5.35% | $500 |
Newtek Bank | 5.25% | $0 |
UFB Direct | 5.25% | $0 |
TAB Bank | 5.02% | $0 |
Synchrony Bank | 4.65% | $0 |
Capital One | 4.25% | $0 |
Discover Bank | 4.25% | $0 |
Ally Bank | 4.20% | $0 |
Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a savings account to get the best APY possible. You can enter your information below to see CNET’s partners’ rates in your area.
Where savings rates stand today
High savings rates have caught everyone’s attention for the better part of the last two years as the Fed regularly hiked rates to fight inflation.
However, as inflation began to show signs of cooling in late 2023, the Fed opted to pause rates, maintaining its target range of 5.25% to 5.5% at its last eight meetings. As a result, savings rates remained attractive, staying high for months.
But with three meetings left this year, some experts predict that the Fed could still make multiple cuts in 2024. And last week’s cooling inflation report makes a Fed rate cut in September even more likely.
Banks are already lowering APYs in anticipation. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen multiple banks lower rates on their high-yield savings accounts, including My Banking Direct — the top account we track — which dropped its APY from 5.45% to 5.35%.
Here’s where savings rates stand compared to last week:
Last week’s CNET average savings APY | This week’s CNET average savings APY | Weekly change | |
4.84% | 4.84% | No change |
Weekly percentage increase/decrease from Aug. 12, 2024, to Aug. 19, 2024.
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How to find the right high-yield savings account
Your money will grow faster in a high-yield savings account than in a traditional savings account thanks to their higher returns. But you should consider more than just the APY before opening a HYSA. Weigh these factors to find an account that aligns with your financial goals:
- Minimum deposit requirements: Some HYSAs require a minimum amount to open an account — typically, from $25 to $100. Others don’t require anything.
- ATM access: Not every bank offers cash deposits and withdrawals. If you need regular ATM access, check to see if your bank offers ATM fee reimbursements or a wide range of in-network ATMs, said Lanesha Mohip, founder of the Polished CFO and CNET expert review board member.
- Fees: Look out for fees for monthly maintenance, withdrawals and paper statements, said Mohip. The charges can eat into your balance.
- Accessibility: If you prefer in-person assistance, look for a bank with physical branches. If you’re comfortable managing your money digitally, consider an online bank.
- Withdrawal limits: Some banks charge an excess withdrawal fee if you make more than six monthly withdrawals. If you think you may need to make more, consider a bank without this limit.
- Federal deposit insurance: Make sure your bank or credit union is either insured with the FDIC or the NCUA. This way, your money is protected up to $250,000 per account holder, per category, if there’s a bank failure.
- Customer service: Choose a bank that’s responsive and makes it easy to get help with your account if you need it. Read online customer reviews and contact the bank’s customer service to get a feel for working with the bank.
Methodology
CNET reviewed savings accounts at more than 50 traditional and online banks, credit unions and financial institutions with nationwide services. Each account received a score between one (lowest) and five (highest). The savings accounts listed here are all insured up to $250,000 per person, per account category, per institution, by the FDIC or NCUA.
CNET evaluates the best savings accounts using a set of established criteria that compares annual percentage yields, monthly fees, minimum deposits or balances and access to physical branches. None of the banks on our list charge monthly maintenance fees. An account will rank higher for offering any of the following perks:
- Account bonuses
- Automated savings features
- Wealth management consulting/coaching services
- Cash deposits
- Extensive ATM networks and/or ATM rebates for out-of-network ATM use
A savings account may be rated lower if it doesn’t have an easy-to-navigate website or if it doesn’t offer helpful features like an ATM card. Accounts that impose restrictive residency requirements or fees for exceeding monthly transaction limits may also be rated lower.
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Written by
Liliana Hall
Associate Writer
Liliana Hall is a writer for CNET Money covering banking, credit cards and mortgages. Previously, she wrote about personal credit for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She is passionate about providing accessible content to enhance financial literacy. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and has worked in the newsrooms of KUT and the Austin Chronicle. When not working, she is probably paddle boarding, hopping on a flight or reading for her book club.