Best High-Yield Savings Account Rates For September 2023 (Up To 6.17%)

Like most people, you probably think of your bank or credit union as a place to store your money. And while that’s undoubtedly one use for a bank account, it’s not the only one. Use a high-interest savings account to grow your money and make it work. So, what is a high-yield savings account, and why should you switch from your traditional checking or savings account? Keep reading to find out the best high-yield savings account rates!

The best high-yield savings account interest rate as of September 18, 2023, is 6.17% APY with Boeing Employees’ Credit Union on the first $500.00.

Top 5 Highest Yield Savings Account Rates For September 2023

1. Boeing Employees’ Credit Union – 6.17%
2. Andrews Federal Credit Union – 5.75%
3.  CloudBank 24|7– 5.26%
4. Greenwood Credit Union– 5.25% APY
5. Valleydirect Bank– 5.25% APY

The Best High-Yield Savings Account Rates

Here are the best online savings account rates across the United States.

Disclaimer: High-yield savings rates change daily, and we’re doing our best to keep you updated. Please double-check with your bank or credit union!

The Best High-Yield Savings Account Banks

Here are some of the banks with the most profitable high-yield savings accounts:

• CloudBank 24/7: It is a modern digital bank that offers convenient features and helps to easily reach your financial goals. By choosing this institution, you are providing yourself with the highest level of convenience as well as security.
• Columbia Bank: This bank is highly appreciated for its modern digital solutions, great customer service, flexibility, and wide range of services (including investment, insurance, title, and wealth management).
• OceanFirst: This institution emerged as early as 1902 and continues to help people at various stages of their life to fulfill their financial needs. They offer flexible terms, high security, supportive customer service, easy funds management, and more.
• Western Alliance Bank: Thanks to its outstanding expertise, strong capacity, and excellent customer service, Western Alliance Bank has continued to rank high among the best commercial banks in the US for years. They allow you to hold all your deposit products in one account, adjust the service flexibly to your needs and be certain that your funds are fully secure.

Our Methodology

We compare high-yield savings accounts from over 400 financial institutions every week to provide you with reliable, up-to-date information on the best offers. We only take into consideration trustworthy, renowned banks so that you do not have to worry about any scams. We focus on banks with an excellent reputation in the market and a strong track record of customer recommendations.

When we create a list of financial institutions, we choose the comparison criteria for better standardization. We check, for example, the interest rate, monthly fees, security, accessibility, customer service, and additional features.

To gather all the essential information, we regularly visit the websites of every bank and organize the data we find in spreadsheets to make them easier for analysis and comparison.

Earn The Highest Interest Rates On Savings Today

Fixed annuities are almost identical to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) accounts and provide higher interest rates and penalty-free withdrawals for income.

Disclaimer: This is a review. The Annuity Expert is not associated with a bank or credit union. However, fixed annuities are sold at most financial institutions. We aim to help you find the highest interest rates for your retirement savings. We may receive a small referral fee if you purchase something using a link in this guide.

What Is A High-Yield Savings Account?

Banks and credit unions offer a high-yield savings account that pays a higher interest rate than a traditional one. These accounts typically require a higher minimum opening deposit and balance to earn a higher interest rate. The interest rate on high-yield accounts can vary depending on the institution and the current market conditions. They are FDIC-insured, meaning deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.

How Does A High Yield Savings Account Work?

A high-yield savings account offers account holders a higher interest rate on their deposits than a traditional savings account. This higher interest rate is paid on the account balance, and it can become compound interest over time, allowing account holders to earn more money on their savings.

To open a high-interest savings account, individuals typically need to provide personal information and may need to meet specific requirements, such as a minimum deposit or minimum balance.

Once the new savings account is opened, individuals can make deposits and earn interest on their balance. In addition, some high-yield savings accounts may also offer features such as online banking and mobile access online accounts, making managing their savings convenient.

How To Choose the Best High-Yield Savings Account?

Choosing an online savings account can be a complex process, but by considering the following factors, you can find the proper account to meet your financial goals and needs:

• Interest rate: The interest rate is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing an online savings account, as it will determine the amount of interest you earn on your savings. Look for an account with a high-interest rate, but also consider any restrictions or fees that may apply.
• Monthly fees: Some online savings accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance fees, or other fees that can affect your interest earnings. Review the fee schedule for each account and choose one with low or waived fees.
• Accessibility: Consider how you will access your money and how often you will withdraw from your savings account. Look for an account that provides convenient possibilities to withdraw money through ATMs, online banking, or mobile apps.
• Safety and security: Look for an online savings account that the FDIC or NCUA insures to protect your money in case of a bank failure.
• Customer service: Consider the level of customer service the bank or credit union offers, and choose a financial institution you feel comfortable working with.
• Other features: Some online savings accounts offer additional features, such as overdraft protection, account alerts, or rewards programs. Consider if these features are essential to you, and choose the best high-interest savings account with all the necessary benefits.

By using multiple online savings accounts, considering these factors, and carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of each account, you can find the right savings account to meet your financial goals and needs.

Who should get a savings account?

An online savings account can be a valuable financial tool for anyone who wants to save money, regardless of age, income level, or financial situation. Some reasons why someone might consider getting a savings account include the following:

• Building an emergency fund: A savings account can be an excellent place to store emergency funds so you can quickly access your money when needed.
• Saving for a specific goal: Whether you’re saving for a down payment on a house, a vacation, or another major purchase, a savings account can help you reach your goals by earning interest.
• Managing cash flow: A savings account can be a valuable tool for managing your finances by helping you separate your spending money from your savings.
• Earning interest: Savings accounts offer a way to earn interest on your savings, which can help your money grow over time.

High Yield Savings Account Calculator

Utilize this calculator to uncover how different savings rates can influence your decision! You will also be able to observe the contrast between investing at the commencement of every month and towards its conclusion on your total amount saved. Doing so gives you a better understanding what works best for high-yield savings and your goals.

How Do I Open A High-Yield Savings Account?

Opening a high-yield savings account typically involves the following steps:

• Research and compare different options: Start by researching different financial institutions and comparing their interest rates, fees, and other features to find the best account for your savings goals.
• Gather required information: To open a high-yield savings account, you will typically need personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and social security number.
• Complete the account application: Most financial institutions allow you to complete the account application process online or in person. This usually involves providing your personal information and agreeing to the terms and conditions of the account.
• Fund the account: Once the account is opened, you can make an initial deposit to earn interest on your savings. Some institutions may require a minimum deposit to open an account.
• Start saving: Once your account is set up, you can start making deposits and earning interest on your savings. But first, monitoring your account regularly and ensuring it meets your savings goals is essential.

It’s recommended to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of any savings account before opening it and to research and compare different savings account options to find the most profitable annual percentage yield and the best fit for your needs overall.

Why Should I Look For The Highest Savings Account Rate?

The highest savings account rate is an essential factor to consider when choosing a savings account because it can help you maximize the interest earned on your savings. A higher interest rate means your money will grow faster and earn more over time, even if you keep the same amount in the account. This can be especially beneficial for long-term savings goals, such as retirement or a down payment on a house.

Additionally, a savings account interest rates high-interest rate can help counteract the effects of inflation, eroding your savings’ value over time. By choosing a savings account with the highest rate, you can ensure that your money works harder for you and helps you reach your financial goals.

Why Would I Be Denied A High-Yield Savings Account?

While high-yield accounts are considered low-risk investments, certain circumstances may result in being denied a high-yield account:

• Insufficient identification: Your application may be denied if you do not provide the necessary identification documents or if your information does not match the information on file with credit bureaus.
• Poor credit: Banks and credit unions typically check your credit history when you apply for a high-yield account. The bank may hesitate to approve your application if you have poor credit, as you may be considered a higher risk.
• ChexSystems report: ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that keeps track of bank account history, including damaging information such as unpaid bank fees, outstanding debts, and fraudulent activities. If you have a negative ChexSystems report, your application may be denied.
• Fraudulent activities: Your application may be denied if you have a history of fraud.
• Insufficient funds: Some banks may require a minimum deposit to open a high-yield account, so your application may be denied if you don’t meet the minimum deposit requirements.
• Other outstanding debts: Your application may be denied if you have outstanding debts or unpaid bills.
• Geography: Some banks may not offer high-yield savings accounts to residents of certain states based on state regulations.

How Is Your Money Protected In A Savings Account?

Your money in a savings account is protected by insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for savings accounts at banks or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for savings accounts at credit unions. These government-backed agencies provide insurance coverage for depositors in the event of a bank failure or other financial crisis, up to a maximum limit of $250,000 per depositor per institution.

This means that if the bank or credit union where your savings account fails, your deposit will be insured up to the maximum limit, and you will not lose your savings. This insurance coverage provides peace of mind and helps ensure your money is safe and secure in a savings account.

It is important to note that while savings account deposits are NCUA or FDIC-insured, they are not risk-free. For example, the value of your savings may be impacted by inflation or other economic factors, and the interest earned on your savings may not keep pace with the cost of living. However, the insurance provided by the FDIC and NCUA helps to minimize the risks associated with savings accounts and provides a safe and secure place to store your money.

How Does A High-Yield Savings Account Differ From A Traditional Savings Account?

A high-yield and a traditional savings account are similar in that they offer a place to save and grow your money. However, there are some critical differences between the two types of accounts.

One of the main differences between a high-yield account and a traditional savings account rate is the interest rate. High-yield savings typically offer a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts.

For example, the national average rate for a high-yield savings account interest is around 0.50% to 0.70%, whereas traditional savings accounts currently average around 0.05% to 0.10% or even lower. As a result, you can earn more on your savings over time with a high-yield savings account.

Another difference is the minimum opening deposit requirement; some high-yield accounts may have a higher minimum requirement than traditional ones. In addition, some high-yield accounts may also have a higher minimum balance requirement to qualify for the highest interest rate.

Another difference between multiple accounts is the accessibility of the account – even the best high-yield savings account may have limited withdrawal and transfer transactions per month, while traditional savings accounts may have more transactions allowed.

High-yield accounts may also have more features or digital banking options than traditional savings accounts.

What Is The Difference Between A Money Market Account And A High-Yield Savings Account?

A money market and a high-yield account are deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions. However, there are some critical differences between the two:

• Interest rate: Both high-yield and money market accounts typically pay higher rates than traditional ones. Still, the interest rate on a money market account may be slightly higher than that of a high-yield one.
• Minimum deposit and balance: Both money market and high-yield accounts may require a higher minimum opening deposit and a higher minimum balance to earn a higher interest rate.
• Access to funds: The money market and high-yield accounts are liquid, so you can easily access your money when needed. However, money market accounts may have limited check-writing abilities and higher withdrawal limits than high-yield accounts.
• FDIC insurance: Both a high-yield and a money market account are FDIC-insured, meaning that deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.
• Investment: A money market account is considered an investment account and may invest in short-term debt securities such as treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper. A high-yield account is considered a savings account, and funds are held in cash.
• Regulation: Money market accounts are subject to more regulations than high-yield accounts, such as restricting the number of transactions that can be made in a month.

What’s The Difference Between High-Yield Savings Accounts And Checking Accounts?

High-yield savings and checking accounts are different types of bank accounts that serve different purposes. High-yield savings accounts are designed for saving and earning interest on your savings while checking accounts are designed for everyday spending and managing cash flow.

The interest rate is the main difference between high-yield savings and checking accounts. High-yield savings accounts typically offer higher interest rates than checking accounts, which allows you to earn more on your savings over time. However, high-yield savings accounts often restrict the number of withdrawals you can make each month, while checking accounts generally offer more flexibility for making transactions and accessing your money.

Checking accounts also offer debit cards, checks, and overdraft protection, making them more suitable for daily spending than emergency savings and managing cash flow. On the other hand, high-yield savings accounts generally do not offer these features but provide a safe and secure place to save money and earn interest.

Choosing between a high-yield savings account and a checking account will depend on your financial needs and goals.

What’s The Difference Between A High-Yield Account And An Online Savings Account?

A high-yield and an online savings account are two types of savings accounts that are similar in many ways but have some key differences.

The main difference between the two types of accounts is the interest rate. High-yield savings accounts generally offer higher interest rates than a savings account online, making them a good option for those looking to maximize the interest earned on their savings. This is because online-only banks often offer higher-yielding savings accounts with lower overhead costs and can pass on the savings to their customers through higher interest rates.

Another difference between high-yield and high-yield online savings accounts is the level of convenience and accessibility. Traditional brick-and-mortar banks often offer online savings accounts and may have more physical branches and ATMs to access or deposit your money. On the other hand, an online bank offers high-yield savings accounts that do not have physical branches but provide 24/7 access to your account through online and mobile banking to pay bills, direct deposit money, or transfer an emergency fund to an external bank account.

Regarding fees and restrictions, a high-yield and online savings account may have minimum balance requirements and charge monthly maintenance fees. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of each account to determine which one best fits your needs and goals.

What Is The Minimum Deposit Required To Open A High Savings Account?

The minimum deposit required to open a high-yield account can vary depending on the bank and credit union. Some banks may require a minimum opening deposit of $50 to $100, while others require a minimum initial deposit of $1,000 or more. It is best to check with the specific bank or financial institution to determine their minimum deposit requirement for a high-yield account.

Are There Any Fees Associated With A High-Yield Savings Account?

Some high-yield accounts may have associated fees, although many do not. Therefore, checking with the specific bank or credit union is essential to see if any monthly service fees are associated with their high-yield account.

Here are some standard fees associated with high-yield accounts:

• Monthly maintenance fee: Some banks, credit unions, and financial institutions may charge a monthly maintenance fee for a high-yield account. Such a monthly fee may be waived if you meet specific requirements, such as keeping a certain minimum balance.
• ATM fees: If you need to withdraw cash from an ATM, some banks may charge a fee for using out-of-network ATM access.
• Minimum balance fee: Some banks may charge a monthly fee if you fall below the minimum balance required to earn the highest interest rate.
• Overdraft fee: Some banks may charge an overdraft fee if you make a withdrawal that exceeds the balance in your account.
• Account closing fee: Some banks may charge a fee if you close your account within a certain period after opening it.

How Often Do Balances And Interest Rates Change For High-Yield Savings Accounts?

Generally, competitive rates on high-yield accounts tend to follow the broader interest rate environment. This is because the Federal Reserve sets a target for the federal funds rate, the interest rate at which banks can borrow from each other overnight. When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers the federal funds rate, it can cause interest rates on savings accounts to rise or the average savings account rate to fall. However, it is essential to note that the interest rate on savings accounts, including high-yield online savings accounts, may not move in lockstep with the federal funds rate.

The following are some of the factors that may affect interest rates on high-yield accounts:

• Economic conditions: Interest rates tend to be higher when the economy is strong and lower when the economy is weak.
• Inflation: If inflation is high, interest rates will likely be higher to help keep pace with rising prices.
• Competition: Banks may lower the interest rate on high-yield accounts to attract customers or remain competitive.
• Bank’s profitability: Banks may adjust interest rates to maintain profitability.

Savings Account Terminology

APY

APY stands for Annual Percentage Yield, the compound interest rate earned on a savings account over a year. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) takes into account the effects of compounding, which is when interest earned on a savings account is reinvested and earns additional interest. Therefore, Annual percentage yields are a more accurate reflection of the actual interest rate on a savings account than the nominal interest rate on best savings accounts, which is the rate that the bank states.

Monthly Maintenance Fees

Monthly maintenance fees in high-yield savings accounts are charges that banks may assess to cover the cost of maintaining the account. These monthly fees can be a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the balance in the account. Some banks may waive the monthly maintenance fee if conditions are met, such as maintaining a minimum balance in the account or making a certain number of monthly transactions. As a result, high-yield savings accounts often have higher interest rates than traditional ones.

Minimum Balance Requirements

Minimum balance requirements in high-yield savings accounts are the minimum amount of money that must be maintained to avoid a monthly service fee or penalty. These requirements can vary by bank and account type. Still, they may include a minimum balance to open the account, a minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees, or a minimum balance to earn the advertised interest rate. If the balance in a high-yield savings account falls below the required minimum, the account holder may be charged a fee or earn a lower interest rate on their savings.

Next Steps

High-yield savings accounts are a great way to make your money work for you and boost your financial situation. These accounts can give you better returns than traditional savings or checking accounts and come with features like access to low-cost loans and simplified automatic transfers. Many banks set their terms and conditions for high-yield accounts, so it pays to shop around and compare. For more information and a free quote request consultation, please get in touch with us. With the right plan, you can take charge of your finances and maximize your potential returns with a high-yield account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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• Frequently Asked Questions About Savings Accounts