No Fees and High Yields Make These Savings Accounts Stand Out [CNET]
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Written by
Toni Husbands
Staff Writer
Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.
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.
Edited by
Laura Michelle Davis
Editor
Laura is a professional nitpicker and good-humored troubleshooter with over 10 years of experience in print and digital publishing. Before becoming an editor with CNET, she worked as an English teacher, Spanish medical interpreter, copy editor and proofreader. She is a fearless but flexible defender of both grammar and weightlifting, and firmly believes that technology should serve the people. Her first computer was a Macintosh Plus.
Reviewed by
Bernadette Joy
Money coach and founder of Crush Your Money Goals
Bernadette Joy is a money expert that offers relatable advice on achieving financial freedom. She paid off $300,000 of debt in three years and invested enough to retire by 40. Bernadette has shared her expertise on TEDx, South By Southwest, and Nasdaq. Bernadette’s upcoming book, CRUSH Your Money Goals, will be released in December 2024.
Article updated on Sep 04, 2024
Written by
Toni Husbands
Staff Writer
Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.
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.
Edited by
Laura Michelle Davis
Editor
Laura is a professional nitpicker and good-humored troubleshooter with over 10 years of experience in print and digital publishing. Before becoming an editor with CNET, she worked as an English teacher, Spanish medical interpreter, copy editor and proofreader. She is a fearless but flexible defender of both grammar and weightlifting, and firmly believes that technology should serve the people. Her first computer was a Macintosh Plus.
Reviewed by
Bernadette Joy
Money coach and founder of Crush Your Money Goals
Bernadette Joy is a money expert that offers relatable advice on achieving financial freedom. She paid off $300,000 of debt in three years and invested enough to retire by 40. Bernadette has shared her expertise on TEDx, South By Southwest, and Nasdaq. Bernadette’s upcoming book, CRUSH Your Money Goals, will be released in December 2024.
CNET staff — not advertisers, partners or business interests — determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.
A savings account is an interest-earning deposit account at banks, credit unions and other financial institutions, including online-only banks, designed to help you save for future expenses or financial goals.
A savings account typically allows unrestricted access to your money, allowing you to add or withdraw cash as needed. A savings account is ideal for an emergency fund that can cover unexpected expenses such as an accident or job loss. Savings accounts at federally insured financial institutions are covered in the case of loss for up to $250,000 per person, per institution, making them a safe and low-risk place to park your cash.
- Newtek Bank 5.25% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open
- Bread Savings 5.15% APY, $100 Min. deposit to open
- UFB Direct 5.15% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open
- Bask Bank 5.10% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open
- TAB Bank 5.02% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open
- Upgrade 5.02% APY, $1,000 Min. deposit to open
- Laurel Road 5.00% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open
- CIT Bank 0.25% to 5.00% APY, $100 Min. deposit to open
- Varo Bank 3.00% to 5.00% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open
- Panacea Financial 4.50% APY, $25 Min. deposit to open
Savings account
A deposit account issued by banks, credit unions and neobanks used to store money and earn a small amount of interest. Typically, these accounts are insured for up to $250,000 per account owner, per institution.
High-yield savings account
An interest-bearing account similar to a traditional savings account that pays a much higher annual percentage yield, or APY, than the average savings account. They are also typically insured for up to $250,000 per account owner, per institution.
Certificate of deposit (CD)
A type of savings account in which a lump-sum deposit accrues interest at a fixed rate for a fixed term, usually with an early withdrawal penalty.
Money Market Account (MMA)
Similar to a savings account but with the added feature of check-writing privileges and a debit card to access cash, often with limitations on the number of monthly withdrawals.
Annual percentage yield (APY)
An interest rate that represents the return from the compounded interest you’ll earn in 12 months on your deposit. The higher the APY, the faster your money grows.
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Certificate of Deposit (CD)
A type of savings account in which a lump-sum deposit accrues interest at a fixed rate for a fixed term, usually with an early withdrawal penalty.
Checking
The core bank account used for financial transactions. Account holders use it to deposit money and withdraw funds as needed.
Savings
A deposit account issued by banks and credit unions used to deposit money and earn a small amount of interest. Typically insured for up to $250,000 per account owner.
Money Market Account (MMA)
Similar to a savings account but with the added feature of checking-writing privileges and debit card to access cash, with some limitations.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
A CD’s interest rate that represents the return from the compounded interest you’ll earn in 12 months on your deposit. The higher the APY, the faster your money grows.
Estimated earnings
An estimated calculation usually associated with determining how much you’ll receive from an interest-bearing account.
If you’re building a savings fund, your journey should begin with selecting the right savings account. Not all savings accounts are created equal, and some have strings attached. If you aren’t careful, hefty banking fees can eat into your interest earnings.
Many banks and credit unions offer savings account options that won’t nickel-and-dime you. Even better, these no-fee savings accounts pay competitive annual percentage yields to boost your interest earnings.
Building your reserves in a high-yield savings account with no fees — which still offers rates as high as 5% APY or more — can make a big difference in reaching your financial goals faster. It’s always a good idea to shop around for an account that gives you the best return with fewer or no fees.
The best no-fee savings accounts
We narrowed down the best no-fee savings accounts below. These top-yielding accounts offer competitive APYs, are widely accessible and are insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or National Credit Union Administration.
Bank | APY | Min. deposit to open |
---|---|---|
Newtek Bank | 5.25% | $0 |
Bread Savings | 5.15% | $100 |
UFB Direct | 5.15% | $0 |
Bask Bank | 5.10% | $0 |
TAB Bank | 5.02% | $0 |
Upgrade | 5.02% | $1,000 |
Laurel Road | 5.00% | $0 |
CIT Bank | 0.25% to 5.00% | $100 |
Varo Bank | 3.00% to 5.00% | $0 |
Panacea Financial | 4.50% | $25 |
Rates updated as of August 30, 2024.
Newtek Bank
Personal High-Yield Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.25%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
4.5/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- No service or transaction fees
- Limit of six withdrawals per statement cycle
- 24/7 live customer support
Newtek Bank is the online-only arm of Newtek One. The 5.25% APY applies to all balance levels, but you’ll be limited to six withdrawals per statement cycle. However, the account doesn’t come with an ATM card. You can open as many personal banking accounts as needed, all of which can be managed through an online banking account or mobile app. So if you don’t want to manage your account online or need to make more than six withdrawals per statement cycle, it may not be the best option for you.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- No service or transaction fees
- Limit of six withdrawals per statement cycle
- 24/7 live customer support
Newtek Bank is the online-only arm of Newtek One. The 5.25% APY applies to all balance levels, but you’ll be limited to six withdrawals per statement cycle. However, the account doesn’t come with an ATM card. You can open as many personal banking accounts as needed, all of which can be managed through an online banking account or mobile app. So if you don’t want to manage your account online or need to make more than six withdrawals per statement cycle, it may not be the best option for you.
Bread Savings
High Yield Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 4.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.15%
- Min. deposit to open
- $100
4.2/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees
- Monitors and adjusts APYs based on market conditions to remain competitive
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bread Financial offers a high-yield savings account through its consumer arm Bread Savings. There’s a $100 minimum deposit to qualify for its competitive APY. There are no monthly maintenance fees and you can make unlimited free deposits via mobile check, ACH transfer and wire transfer. There are a few common fees, including $25 for outgoing wire transfers, $15 for official check requests and $5 for paper statements per statement. And Bread Savings doesn’t offer ATM cards.
- No monthly fees
- Monitors and adjusts APYs based on market conditions to remain competitive
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bread Financial offers a high-yield savings account through its consumer arm Bread Savings. There’s a $100 minimum deposit to qualify for its competitive APY. There are no monthly maintenance fees and you can make unlimited free deposits via mobile check, ACH transfer and wire transfer. There are a few common fees, including $25 for outgoing wire transfers, $15 for official check requests and $5 for paper statements per statement. And Bread Savings doesn’t offer ATM cards.
UFB Direct
UFB Premiere Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.15%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
4.6/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
- Expanded insurance protection available up to $150 million
- ATM card available
UFB Premier Savings has a highly competitive APY that applies to all balances — unlike some banks highlighted above that reserve top APYs for specific balance tiers.
In addition to great rates, we like that UFB Direct’s savings account comes with a free ATM card and unlimited free transfers between accounts. However, there’s a limit of six withdrawals a month and after that, there’s a $10 excessive transaction fee. That doesn’t apply to ATM cards, though. As an online-only bank, UFB Direct doesn’t offer physical branches, but you can handle deposits and transfers through its mobile banking app, online and SMS mobile banking.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
- Expanded insurance protection available up to $150 million
- ATM card available
UFB Premier Savings has a highly competitive APY that applies to all balances — unlike some banks highlighted above that reserve top APYs for specific balance tiers.
In addition to great rates, we like that UFB Direct’s savings account comes with a free ATM card and unlimited free transfers between accounts. However, there’s a limit of six withdrawals a month and after that, there’s a $10 excessive transaction fee. That doesn’t apply to ATM cards, though. As an online-only bank, UFB Direct doesn’t offer physical branches, but you can handle deposits and transfers through its mobile banking app, online and SMS mobile banking.
Bask Bank
Interest Savings Account
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.10%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
4.5/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Two savings account options available: one earns American Airlines miles, the other earns interest
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bask Bank is an online-only subsidiary of Texas Capital Bank that offers two savings accounts. The Interest Savings Account allows you to earn one of the most competitive APYs available.
There aren’t any deposit or balance requirements. However, Bask Bank reserves the right to close your account if it sits unfunded for 60 days. It allows six withdrawals per month from your account, but it doesn’t offer debit or ATM cards.
One major drawback is that the savings accounts don’t permit joint ownership. And Bask does not offer checking or money market accounts, which can be limitations for some if you want to keep your checking and savings accounts together or want to add a joint account holder.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Two savings account options available: one earns American Airlines miles, the other earns interest
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bask Bank is an online-only subsidiary of Texas Capital Bank that offers two savings accounts. The Interest Savings Account allows you to earn one of the most competitive APYs available.
There aren’t any deposit or balance requirements. However, Bask Bank reserves the right to close your account if it sits unfunded for 60 days. It allows six withdrawals per month from your account, but it doesn’t offer debit or ATM cards.
One major drawback is that the savings accounts don’t permit joint ownership. And Bask does not offer checking or money market accounts, which can be limitations for some if you want to keep your checking and savings accounts together or want to add a joint account holder.
TAB Bank
High Yield Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.02%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
4.5/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- $5 monthly fee for paper statements
- Full suite of deposit accounts available
- Mobile check deposits via app and text alerts
- Extended customer service hours
TAB Bank doesn’t require a minimum balance or initial deposit, and you’ll only need one cent in your account to start earning interest.
Because TAB Bank is an online-only bank, we like that you can receive mobile alerts and text messages. For example, you’ll get a message about withdrawals when your account falls below a certain limit. Another benefit is that TAB has extended customer service hours — Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST, excluding federal holidays.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- $5 monthly fee for paper statements
- Full suite of deposit accounts available
- Mobile check deposits via app and text alerts
- Extended customer service hours
TAB Bank doesn’t require a minimum balance or initial deposit, and you’ll only need one cent in your account to start earning interest.
Because TAB Bank is an online-only bank, we like that you can receive mobile alerts and text messages. For example, you’ll get a message about withdrawals when your account falls below a certain limit. Another benefit is that TAB has extended customer service hours — Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST, excluding federal holidays.
Upgrade
High-Yield Premiere Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 3.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.02%
- Min. deposit to open
- $1,000
3.8/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly or transfer fees
- $1,000 balance required to earn APY
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
Upgrade’s Premier Savings accounts are held at Cross River Bank, a federally-insured bank in New Jersey. There are no monthly or transfer fees. However, only accounts with balances of $1,000 or more will earn the competitive APY. While Upgrade’s savings account doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards, you can initiate deposits or withdrawals through ACH transactions or wire transfers.
- No monthly or transfer fees
- $1,000 balance required to earn APY
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
Upgrade’s Premier Savings accounts are held at Cross River Bank, a federally-insured bank in New Jersey. There are no monthly or transfer fees. However, only accounts with balances of $1,000 or more will earn the competitive APY. While Upgrade’s savings account doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards, you can initiate deposits or withdrawals through ACH transactions or wire transfers.
Laurel Road
High Yield Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.00%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
4.6/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Debit cards are not available with the High Yield Savings account
Laurel Road’s savings account doesn’t require a minimum deposit or balance to earn its competitive 5.00% APY. According to its website, your interest rate may vary based on a few factors, such as your relationship with the bank and balances on other Laurel Road accounts. However, Laurel Road doesn’t accept cash deposits, so you’ll need to transfer funds and manage your account online.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Debit cards are not available with the High Yield Savings account
Laurel Road’s savings account doesn’t require a minimum deposit or balance to earn its competitive 5.00% APY. According to its website, your interest rate may vary based on a few factors, such as your relationship with the bank and balances on other Laurel Road accounts. However, Laurel Road doesn’t accept cash deposits, so you’ll need to transfer funds and manage your account online.
CIT Bank
Platinum Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 3.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.25% to 5.00%
- Min. deposit to open
- $100
3.8/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees
- $100 minimum deposit required
- Three savings account options available
- Mobile check deposits via app
- $5,000 balance required to earn the highest APY
- Rebates up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees
CIT Bank is the online division of First Citizens Bank. It offers three types of savings accounts. The Platinum Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee but requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account. You can receive up to $30 per month in reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees.
A 0.25% APY applies to balances below $5,000, otherwise, you’ll earn a competitive 5.00% APY on any balance of $5,000 or more. CIT’s app makes mobile check deposits and transfers easy.
- No monthly fees
- $100 minimum deposit required
- Three savings account options available
- Mobile check deposits via app
- $5,000 balance required to earn the highest APY
- Rebates up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees
CIT Bank is the online division of First Citizens Bank. It offers three types of savings accounts. The Platinum Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee but requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account. You can receive up to $30 per month in reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees.
A 0.25% APY applies to balances below $5,000, otherwise, you’ll earn a competitive 5.00% APY on any balance of $5,000 or more. CIT’s app makes mobile check deposits and transfers easy.
Varo Bank
Online Savings Account
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 3.00% to 5.00%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
4.6/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Roundup tools to automate savings
- Highest APY available limited to balances up to $5,000
- Minimum of $1,000 in monthly direct deposits required to earn APY
Varo Bank is another bank on our list with a tiered savings rate that benefits lower balances. Savings accounts that maintain a maximum daily balance of $5,000 for the entire monthly billing cycle earn 5.00% APY. Amounts above $5,000 will earn 3.00% APY.
To qualify for any interest at all, you’ll need to have $1,000 in direct deposits every month. And you’ll need to have a positive balance in both your Varo Bank and Savings account at the end of each month. While Varo presents a tempting APY for those with lower balances, once your account balance exceeds $5,000, you’ll drop down to the lower APY.
However, we like that Varo offers more wiggle room to grow your stash with automatic round-ups to move your change from deposits and transactions to your savings.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Roundup tools to automate savings
- Highest APY available limited to balances up to $5,000
- Minimum of $1,000 in monthly direct deposits required to earn APY
Varo Bank is another bank on our list with a tiered savings rate that benefits lower balances. Savings accounts that maintain a maximum daily balance of $5,000 for the entire monthly billing cycle earn 5.00% APY. Amounts above $5,000 will earn 3.00% APY.
To qualify for any interest at all, you’ll need to have $1,000 in direct deposits every month. And you’ll need to have a positive balance in both your Varo Bank and Savings account at the end of each month. While Varo presents a tempting APY for those with lower balances, once your account balance exceeds $5,000, you’ll drop down to the lower APY.
However, we like that Varo offers more wiggle room to grow your stash with automatic round-ups to move your change from deposits and transactions to your savings.
Panacea Financial
High Yield Savings
- Minimum deposit and fees
- 5.0/5
- APY APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 4.50%
- Min. deposit to open
- $25
4.3/5
We score savings accounts based on annual percentage yields, customer experience, minimum deposits and fees. Our savings and high-yield savings account ratings are based on extensive in-house research, which evaluates features and perks, including mobile and online access and surcharge-free ATM networks.
- No monthly fees or balance requirements
- Minimum $25 deposit required
- Mobile check deposits via app
- 24/7 live customer support
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements
Panacea Financial is a financial institution that was created by doctors for doctors, but it’s open to everyone nationwide. It offers a high-yield savings account with a competitive APY that applies to all balance levels. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 live customer support by calling 833-472-6223.
- No monthly fees or balance requirements
- Minimum $25 deposit required
- Mobile check deposits via app
- 24/7 live customer support
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements
Panacea Financial is a financial institution that was created by doctors for doctors, but it’s open to everyone nationwide. It offers a high-yield savings account with a competitive APY that applies to all balance levels. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 live customer support by calling 833-472-6223.
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Common savings account fees to avoid
Bank fees can cut into your interest earnings, so avoid them if you can. Here are some common charges associated with savings accounts that you should keep an eye out for.
Monthly maintenance fee
A monthly maintenance fee is charged by financial institutions for maintaining an account. It can often be waived by meeting certain criteria, such as signing up for electronic statements or depositing a monthly minimum.
Unless you can easily meet the requirements, experts suggest avoiding accounts with monthly maintenance fees. If you have a change in employment and no longer meet the direct deposit criteria, for example, this fee can eat into your savings and negate any interest earnings.
Minimum balance fee
Some savings accounts require you to maintain a minimum balance. It’s a good idea to avoid savings accounts that charge minimum balance fees, especially if you don’t normally keep sufficient funds in your account.
Excessive withdrawal fee
Many banks still charge a fee if you exceed a maximum of six withdrawals per month, even though the Federal Reserve Board rule, Regulation D (which limited the number of withdrawals and transfers permitted), is no longer in effect. Although the rule was removed in 2020, many banks still enforce it, so you should track your transactions just to be safe.
ATM fees
If you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank is likely to charge you an ATM fee. If you frequently rely on cash withdrawals, look for an account that offers ATMs in your area or reimburses ATM fees.
Paper statement fee
Many financial institutions charge a fee for receiving paper statements by mail. Opting in to receive electronic statements will eliminate this fee.
Account closure fee
Closing your savings account within a certain window may also trigger a fee. This window is generally 90 days or less and is in place to discourage account churning — opening and closing accounts in rapid succession to receive new account bonuses. Make sure to review any policies regarding these fees before closing your account.
Additional no-fee savings account perks to consider
Finding a savings account with fewer or no fees is a win. Other types of perks can also contribute to a positive banking experience.
“You may want to look for a bank with 24/7 customer support, especially if it’s an online bank with no physical locations,” said Jenn Schell, financial researcher for Annuity.org. “You could also look for accounts with convenient features like mobile check deposit or online bill pay.”
Here are a few other features worth considering for your savings goals.
-
High APYs: Look for a no-fee savings account that offers a competitive APY. A higher rate means your savings will grow faster over time, helping you maximize your return.
-
Account access: To guarantee access to your savings when you need it, look for physical branch access, a mobile and online platform or a combination of both. Make sure the bank you choose offers easy and convenient access to suit your needs.
-
Geographic and ATM access: Review your bank’s ATM network and any fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. Consider banks with an extensive network of ATMs or that reimburse you for out-of-network fees. You might also consider banks with physical branches or in-network ATMs closest to where you live and work.
-
Customer service: Many no-fee banks offer phone, email or live chat support if you have a problem with your account — and some offer 24/7 access to a representative. If you want in-person service, look for a no-fee bank with physical branches, like Capital One.
-
Incentive programs: Many banks offer incentives like free educational series to help you learn more about finances and build good money habits. Some accounts have programs to round up your change to the nearest dollar and deposit the difference into your savings.
-
Savings sub-accounts: Sub-accounts allow you to separate your savings into accounts so you can organize your funds based on specific savings goals.
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Relationship benefits: Combining a no-fee savings account with other deposit accounts or services, such as credit cards or loans, at the same institution could get you more favorable interest rates, fee waivers or preferred customer status.
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Sign-up bonuses: Although rare, some no-fee savings accounts may offer a cash incentive to open a new account. Ranging from $50 to $500 or more, these cash bonuses often require certain criteria to be met first.
How to open a no-fee savings account
Opening a no-fee savings account is a simple process. Once you’ve reviewed your options and selected an account, follow these steps to complete the process.
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Gather the necessary information and documents to fill out your application. Banks usually ask for contact information, a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
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Visit the financial institution in person or complete the application online.
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Fund your account with an initial deposit once your application is approved. Some accounts require a minimum deposit account.
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If the option is available, set up online or mobile banking access to manage your savings account remotely and easily.
The bottom line
No-fee savings accounts cut out the excess fees so you can keep more money in your pocket. Carefully review the terms and conditions when you’re shopping around for savings accounts to understand any potential future fees. Remember that some banks charge fees for non-routine services such as wire transfers or paper statements. Compare different options to find the best account for your needs.
FAQs
Many banks or credit unions may charge some fee even if the account is advertised as a no-fee or free savings account. Always review the fee schedule for a list of all potential fees that a savings account may incur. Oftentimes, the fee schedule is available on the bank or credit union’s website. You may need to reach out to the financial institution directly if that information is not readily available.
If the bank, credit union or financial institution is a member of the FDIC or NCUA, then the free savings account is federally insured for up to $250,000 per person, per institution. To verify whether your bank is insured, use the FDIC’s BankFind tool or visit the NCUA’s website.
It’s best to choose an account that advertises as a no-fee or free savings account. These accounts generally don’t charge a fee for monthly maintenance services, have a minimum balance requirement or incur transaction fees. It’s important to review the fee schedule to understand additional fees that may be associated with the savings account, such as excess withdrawals or wire transfer fees.
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Written by
Toni Husbands
Staff Writer
Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.
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.