Best Online Savings Accounts 2024

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What Is a Savings Account?

A savings account is a strategic financial tool, not just a place to stash your cash. Offered by banks and credit unions, these accounts allow you to store money securely while earning interest. The interest is generated as institutions use your deposits for loans and investments. With federal insurance backing, savings accounts provide a low-risk avenue for growing your money, making them an essential part of any financial strategy.

What You Need To Know About The Best Savings Accounts

In 2024, saving money means more than just securing your funds - it’s about achieving exceptional growth. The best savings accounts now offer impressive Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) that surpass traditional rates, transforming your savings strategy.

These top-tier accounts combine high APYs with user-friendly features like low fees, easy access, and unmatched flexibility. They’re designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle while maximizing your financial potential. Join us as we explore the premier high-yield savings accounts of 2024, and take a significant step toward realizing your financial aspirations.

Savings Account Terms You Need to Know

Understanding key terms associated with savings accounts is essential for making informed financial decisions. Here are some crucial terms:

Interest: The amount paid by the bank for keeping your money in a savings account, usually a percentage of your balance. Rates can be fixed or variable.

Compound Interest: Interest earned on both the initial deposit and previously accumulated interest. This significantly increases your earnings over time.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY): A measure of your potential earnings that includes the frequency of compounding interest, providing a more accurate estimate than the simple interest rate.

American Express
American Express® Savings Accounts

Member FDIC

APY

4.25%

With $1 min balance for APY

No minimum balance and no monthly fees.

at American Express Bank

SoFi
SoFi Bank Savings Accounts

Member FDIC

APY

4.50%

With $0 min balance for APY

Earn up to $300 with direct deposit, terms apply.

at SoFi Bank

synchrony
Synchrony Bank Savings Accounts

Member FDIC

APY

4.50%

With $0 min balance for APY

No minimum balance and no monthly fees.

at Synchrony

ufb direct
UFB Direct Savings Accounts

Member FDIC

APY

4.83%

With $0 min balance for APY

No Monthly Maintenance Fees.

at UFB Direct

How Does a Savings Account Work?

Operating a savings account is straightforward. After opening one at a bank or credit union, you can deposit funds and start earning interest.

You can generally contribute to your savings using one or more of these methods:

  • Deposit cash or checks at the ATM.
  • Deposit cash or checks at a branch.
  • ACH withdrawals from a connected bank account.
  • Transfers via wire from a different bank account.
  • Quick deposit.
  • Interest rates may vary by bank. The APY, which considers compound interest, reflects your annual earnings. For example, a $1,000 deposit with a 1.00% APY and monthly $100 deposits would grow to $2,217 in a year.

    Online savings accounts often offer higher rates than the national average, with some providing APYs as high as 5%, compared to the average of 0.57%.

    What You Need To Consider When Picking The Best Savings Account

    How Much APY Does the Bank Offer?

    Higher APYs, ideally around 5%, provide better returns than the national average of 0.57%. A 5% APY on $10,000 yields $500 annually, compared to just $40 from a 0.40% APY.

    Why Should I Care About Getting a Separate Account for My Savings?

    High-yield savings accounts maximize your interest earnings compared to checking accounts. They are ideal for emergency funds and savings without incurring monthly fees.

    How Often Do Interest Rates Change?

    APYs typically remain stable for months but can change based on market conditions and Federal Reserve actions. Regularly check rates to ensure the best return.

    American Express
    American Express National Bank: Savings Account
    4.25% APY with no monthly fees.

    Additional Benefits:

  • No minimum balance and no monthly fees.
  • Strengthened by the service and reliability of American Express.
  • Easy access to your money and 24/7 world-class customer service.
  • Manage your account online with simple transfers and recurring deposits.
  • $1
    Min to Earn APY
    SoFi
    SoFi: Savings Accounts
    Earn up to 4.50% APY with no account fees.

    Additional Benefits:

  • Earn up to $300, depending on your direct deposit amount.
  • Create Vaults dedicated to specific savings goals.
  • Use AutoSave to automatically put part of your paycheck into savings.
  • With Roundups, all of your debit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the next dollar and deposited into your savings Vault.
  • $0
    Min to Earn APY
    synchrony
    Synchrony Bank: Savings
    4.50% APY with no monthly fees.

    Additional Benefits:

  • Savings products with competitive rates, no required minimum balances, and no monthly fees.
  • Save easy with Synchrony Bank. Our app makes it a snap to bank anywhere; and control accounts from your smartphone or tablet.
  • Our App Makes It A Snap To Bank Anywhere and Control Accounts From Your Smartphone Or Tablet.
  • $0
    Min to Earn APY
    ufb direct
    UFB Direct : Savings
    4.83% Annual Percentage Yield With No Min To Earn.

    Additional Benefits:

  • No Monthly Maintenance Fees.
  • Access Your Funds 24/7 With Easy-To-Use Digital Banking Tools.
  • No Minimum Deposit Required To Open An Account.
  • Enjoy Peace Of Mind With FDIC Insurance Up To The Maximum Allowance Limit Certificate.
  • $0
    Min to Earn APY
    Barclays - Savings
    Barclays : Online Savings Account
    4.80% APY with no monthly fees.

    Additional Benefits:

  • An award-winning account with great rates, no minimum balances or monthly maintenance fees.
  • Enjoy a rate greater than 5X the national average.
  • Secure and easy online account access.
  • Online transfers to and from other banks.
  • Direct deposit to make saving simple and easy.
  • $0
    Min to Earn APY
    CIT - Savings
    CIT : Savings Account
    4.85% Annual Percentage Yield With $5,000 Min To Earn.

    Additional Benefits:

  • Platinum Savings Account, Secure, Convenient, and No Monthly Fees. Member FDIC.
  • CIT Bank Mobile App Makes It Easy To Manage Your Account.
  • Grow Your Saving Faster Than Traditional Banks with the Platinum Savings Account.
  • Get 10X the National Average with a Balance of $5,000 or more at Tier 2.
  • $0
    Monthly Fee
    Benefits of Opening a Savings Account

    Opening a savings account offers several advantages, starting with generating interest on your money passively. While interest earned is taxable, it provides a steady growth avenue without extra effort.

    Savings accounts provide liquidity and simplicity compared to other methods like CDs, which require time commitments. CDs often yield higher APYs but restrict access until maturity. In contrast, savings accounts allow up to six monthly withdrawals without penalties.

    Savings accounts are secure, offering federal insurance (up to $250,000 per depositor) through the NCUA or FDIC, safeguarding your money even if the bank fails.

    The Bottom Line

    The best savings accounts offer high APYs, security, and convenience, making them ideal for growing your savings. Top options like American Express National Bank, Synchrony Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, SoFi, and Capital One 360 provide competitive rates, no monthly fees, and federal insurance.

    These accounts offer easy accessibility, vast ATM networks, and robust customer support, suitable for both short-term and long-term goals. Staying informed about interest rate changes is crucial to maximize your financial growth with these high-yield savings accounts.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)