Best High‑Yield Savings Accounts 2025: Compare APYs, Fees & Bonuses
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Not financial advice: This guide is for educational purposes and is not personalized financial advice. Consider speaking with a licensed professional about your situation.
Looking for the best high‑yield savings accounts of 2025? A strong HYSA can pay many times more interest than a typical big‑bank savings account while keeping your money liquid and federally insured. Below you’ll find expert‑vetted picks, a side‑by‑side comparison of APYs, fees, and features, plus step‑by‑step guidance to open the account that fits your goals.
TL;DR
A high‑yield savings account (HYSA) lets your cash earn more while staying safe and accessible. Compare APY, fees, minimums, transfer speed, and bonuses—then open in minutes. Rates are variable; always verify the current APY on the bank’s site before you apply.
Quick Picks
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Best overall — Ally Bank Online Savings: Clean app, smart “buckets,” no monthly fees, and strong all‑around features. APY snapshot: see Ally site (rates change).
Apply - Best no‑minimum/no‑fees — Marcus by Goldman Sachs: No fees, no minimum, simple setup, and solid ACH transfers. APY snapshot: see Marcus site. Apply
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Best for large balances — CIT Bank Platinum Savings: Tiered rates favor $5,000+ balances. APY snapshot: see CIT site.
Apply -
Best sign‑up bonus — Discover Online Savings: Frequently runs seasonal cash bonuses for new accounts. APY snapshot: see Discover site.
Apply
How We Compare Accounts (Methodology)
We review public bank/credit union disclosures, rate pages, and terms. APYs are variable and can change any time; always check the provider’s site for current rates and conditions. “APY as of” dates reflect the last date we verified rates.
- APY (35%): Ongoing rate competitiveness versus peers.
- Fees & minimums (20%): $0 monthly fees and low/no minimums get priority.
- Ease of use & mobile app (15%): App ratings, UX, and automation (e.g., savings buckets).
- Promotions/bonuses (10%): Clear, attainable offers.
- Access & transfer speed (10%): ACH limits/timing and any ATM access.
- FDIC/NCUA & security (10%): Deposit insurance, 2FA, and fraud controls.
We exclude providers with unclear terms, hard‑to‑earn teaser rates, or poor transparency.
At‑a‑Glance Comparison Table
Note: APYs change often. Always confirm current rates on the provider’s site before you apply.
| Provider | APY (as of) | Min opening | Monthly fees | Compounding | Promotions | Best for | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ally Bank Online Savings | See site (12/31/2025) | $0 | $0 | Daily | Occasional | All‑around usability | Apply |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | See site (12/31/2025) | $0 | $0 | Daily | Rare | No‑minimum simplicity | Apply |
| CIT Bank Platinum Savings | Tiered; see site (12/31/2025) | Typically $100 | $0 | Daily | Occasional | $5k+ balances | Apply |
| Discover Online Savings | See site (12/31/2025) | $0 | $0 | Daily | Often | Bonus chasers | Apply |
| Synchrony High Yield Savings | See site (12/31/2025) | $0 | $0 | Daily | Occasional | Optional ATM access | Apply |
| Capital One 360 Performance Savings | See site (12/31/2025) | $0 | $0 | Daily | Occasional | Strong app + ecosystem | Apply |
| Alliant Credit Union High‑Rate Savings | See site (12/31/2025) | $5 (share) | $0 | Daily | Occasional | Credit union option | Apply |
Key Factors to Compare
- APY vs. interest rate: APY includes compounding and is the best apples‑to‑apples number for earnings. Source
- Compounding frequency: Daily compounding adds up slightly faster than monthly. APY already reflects compounding. Source
- Minimums & tiers: Some HYSAs pay their top rate only above a balance threshold (e.g., $5,000+).
- Fees: Most leading HYSAs have no monthly fees. If a fee exists, know how to waive it.
- Transfer limits & ACH timing: Many bank‑to‑bank transfers settle in 1–3 business days; large transfers may have daily/monthly limits. Source
- FDIC/NCUA insurance: Standard coverage is up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. FDIC • NCUA
- Withdrawal limits: Federal six‑per‑month transfer cap (Reg D) was removed in 2020; banks may still impose internal limits. Source
- Security: Enable two‑factor authentication, set alerts for logins and large transfers, and use strong passwords. Source
In‑Depth Reviews
Ally Bank Online Savings — Best overall for most savers
APY: See Ally site (variable) • Min open: $0 • Monthly fees: $0 • FDIC insured: Yes, up to applicable limits • Promotions: Occasional
Ally pairs a user‑friendly app with tools like savings “buckets,” recurring transfers, and easy external linking. No monthly fees, $0 to open, and clear disclosures make it great for set‑and‑forget saving. Internal transfers are instant; external ACH typically lands in 1–3 business days.
- Pros: No fees; $0 minimum; savings buckets; strong app/UX.
- Cons: No branches; variable rate can change.
- Best for: Anyone who wants excellent UX plus easy automation.
How to qualify and open
- Start application
- Verify identity (ID/SSN)
- Link external bank
- Fund and set recurring transfers
Marcus by Goldman Sachs — Best no‑minimum/no‑fees simplicity
APY: See Marcus site (variable) • Min open: $0 • Monthly fees: $0 • FDIC insured: Yes • Promotions: Rare
Marcus is a clean, no‑frills HYSA with competitive rates, no fees, and easy external bank linking. ACH transfers generally take 1–3 business days. No debit card or checking account helps keep savings separate from spending.
- Pros: $0 minimum; no monthly fees; simple, reliable transfers.
- Cons: No ATM card; fewer extras than some rivals.
- Best for: Savers who want a high rate with zero complexity.
How to qualify and open
- Apply online
- Confirm identity
- Link bank
- Fund and set auto‑transfers
CIT Bank Platinum Savings — Best for large balances
APY: Tiered; top rate usually for balances $5,000+ (see CIT site) • Min open: Typically $100 • Monthly fees: $0 • FDIC insured: Yes • Promotions: Occasional
CIT’s tiered structure tends to reward larger balances, making it efficient for bigger emergency funds or goal‑based cash. Funding and ACH linking are straightforward; the web app is simple and functional.
- Pros: Tiered APY can favor higher balances; no monthly fee; established bank.
- Cons: Lower APY on small balances; app is basic.
- Best for: Savers who maintain $5,000+ to qualify for higher tiers.
How to qualify and open
- Select Platinum Savings
- Provide ID/SSN
- Fund (e.g., $100+)
- Keep balance above the qualifying tier as needed
Discover Online Savings — Best for rotating bonuses
APY: See Discover site • Min open: $0 • Monthly fees: $0 • FDIC insured: Yes • Promotions: Frequently runs seasonal offers
Discover often runs new‑account bonuses with published promo codes and deposit requirements. The app is polished, support is 24/7, and fees are minimal. Bonus terms are clear but time‑sensitive—track deadlines.
- Pros: Frequent, clearly stated bonuses; $0 monthly fee; strong support.
- Cons: Bonus timelines require attention; variable rate.
- Best for: Bonus seekers who plan deposits and holding periods.
How to qualify and open
- Start application
- Enter promo code (if available)
- Link and fund by the deadline
- Track bonus posting and holding period
Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings — Best for optional ATM access
APY: See Synchrony site • Min open: $0 • Monthly fees: $0 • FDIC insured: Yes • Promotions: Occasional
Synchrony offers an optional ATM card for savings—rare among HYSAs. That can be useful for emergencies while you still earn a strong rate. ACH transfers are straightforward; the app is simple.
- Pros: Optional ATM access; no fees; competitive rate.
- Cons: ATM access can tempt extra withdrawals; no checking ecosystem.
- Best for: Emergency funds that may need quick ATM access.
How to qualify and open
- Apply online
- Request ATM card if desired
- Link bank and fund
- Enable alerts and goals
Capital One 360 Performance Savings — Best for a strong app + ecosystem
APY: See Capital One site • Min open: $0 • Monthly fees: $0 • FDIC insured: Yes • Promotions: Occasional
Capital One pairs a robust mobile app with a broader ecosystem (checking, credit cards, and family accounts). If you already bank with Capital One or want everything in one app, this is an easy fit.
- Pros: Polished app; broad product lineup; branches in select areas.
- Cons: Rate may not always lead; branch availability varies.
- Best for: Mobile‑first users and families who want one ecosystem.
How to qualify and open
- Apply in app or web
- Verify identity
- Link and fund
- Create automatic transfers
Alliant Credit Union High‑Rate Savings — Best credit union option
APY: See Alliant site • Min open: $5 (share) • Monthly fees: $0 (eStatements typically required) • NCUA insured: Yes • Promotions: Occasional
Alliant is a reputable, nationwide credit union with competitive rates and simple fees. Membership is easy to obtain, and the app is reliable. It’s a strong choice if you prefer a member‑owned institution.
- Pros: Competitive rates; member focus; dependable app.
- Cons: Membership step required; limited branches.
- Best for: Savers who prefer a credit union with national reach.
How to qualify and open
- Join Alliant (membership)
- Open savings
- Link bank and fund
- Turn on eStatements and automation
Which Account Is Right for You?
- Emergency fund saver: Fast access and simple transfers. Try Ally or Synchrony (optional ATM card).
- High‑balance saver: Keep $5,000+ parked. Try CIT Bank Platinum Savings (tiered APY).
- Bonus chaser: You’ll track promo codes and timelines. Try Discover Online Savings.
- Mobile‑first user: Polished app and seamless experience. Try Capital One 360 or Ally.
- Family/joint saver: You want joint accounts and sub‑accounts. Ally’s buckets or Capital One’s ecosystem work well.
Quick win: Move your emergency fund to a HYSA. Example: At 4.00% APY, $10,000 earns about $400/year vs. $10 at 0.10% (example only; verify current rates on provider sites).
How to Open & Fund a High‑Yield Savings Account
What you’ll need
- SSN/ITIN, government‑issued ID, and current address
- External bank routing/account number for linking
- Smartphone or desktop for verification
Typical signup timeline and tips
- 5–15 minutes to apply online
- Micro‑deposits may take 1–2 business days
- Use legal name and matching contact info to avoid delays
Qualifying for bonuses
- Enter the promo code (if required)
- Fund by the deadline and meet any minimum deposit
- Maintain funds for the required holding period
- Save confirmation emails/screenshots
Best practices when funding
- Use a linked bank for smooth ACH
- Check daily/monthly transfer limits ahead of time for large sums Source
- Start early to meet bonus deadlines
How to Maximize Returns
- Automate contributions: Set weekly or paycheck‑based transfers. Even $25/week is $1,300/year.
- Right‑sized emergency fund: Aim for 3–6 months of essential expenses; keep it in a HYSA.
- Chase promos responsibly: Move only when the bonus and rate justify it; track with a simple spreadsheet.
- Consider CDs for mid‑term cash: A CD ladder can boost yield for funds you don’t need soon. Keep short‑term cash in a HYSA.
- Monitor rates: If your bank drifts below market, open a new HYSA and transfer. It’s fine to keep multiple accounts for different goals.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Promo APY expiration: Watch end dates and set reminders before rates revert.
- Hidden/avoidable fees: Read disclosures for inactivity or outgoing wire fees. ACH is usually free.
- Transfer delays: ACH can take 1–3 business days; start early for bonus deadlines.
- Inactivity closures: Keep small recurring transfers if required by the bank.
- Misunderstanding APY: APY includes compounding; compare APY to APY across banks. Source
- Insurance gaps: Stay within FDIC/NCUA limits; use joint accounts/beneficiaries or multiple institutions to increase coverage. FDIC • NCUA
FAQs
What is a high‑yield savings account?
A HYSA is an interest‑bearing savings account that pays a higher APY than typical big‑bank savings while keeping funds liquid and federally insured (FDIC/NCUA). FDIC • NCUA
How is APY calculated?
APY (annual percentage yield) includes compounding, making it the best number for comparing earnings across accounts. Source
Are HYSAs FDIC or NCUA insured?
Bank HYSAs are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. Credit unions are NCUA insured on the same terms. FDIC • NCUA
How often do rates change?
Variable rates can change at any time. Banks often adjust when market conditions shift.
Are there withdrawal limits?
The federal six‑per‑month cap in Regulation D was lifted in 2020, but some banks still set internal limits or fees for excessive transactions. Check your bank’s policy. Source
Can I get a debit card?
Some HYSAs (e.g., Synchrony) offer an optional ATM card. Many do not, to encourage saving.
Will I get a 1099‑INT?
If you earn $10 or more in interest in a year, banks typically issue Form 1099‑INT for tax reporting. IRS
How do I move money between banks?
Link accounts using routing/account numbers and use ACH transfers. Expect 1–3 business days for many transfers; some banks offer faster options. Source
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — What is APY? Link
- FDIC — Deposit Insurance Coverage Link
- NCUA — Share Insurance Coverage Link
- Federal Reserve — Removal of Reg D six‑transfer limit (2020) Link
- Nacha — About ACH Network Link
- IRS — About Form 1099‑INT Link
- CISA — Multi‑Factor Authentication Guidance Link
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