High-yield savings rates
The simplest, lowest-risk way to earn more on cash. We list the standard rate first, then any promo or conditional rate, with a link to the bank's own page.
High-yield savings accounts
FDIC insured| Account | Standard rate | Minimum | FDIC insured? | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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How high-yield savings works, in plain English
A high-yield savings account is just a savings account that pays more. Online banks don't run big branch networks, so many pay several times the U.S. national average savings rate (0.38% APY, per the FDIC's October 2026 figures). Your money stays a bank deposit, it earns interest daily or monthly, and you can usually move it back to checking in a day or two.
What to check before you open one
- Standard vs. "up to" rate. Some banks need direct deposit, a minimum monthly deposit, or a paid tier to earn the headline rate. Promo boosts often end after 3 to 6 months.
- Is it a bank or a fintech? Wealthfront and Betterment aren't banks. They sweep your cash to partner banks, which can raise your total FDIC coverage, but read how it works.
- Insurance limits. FDIC insurance covers $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Balances above that may not be covered.
- Fees and withdrawal limits. Most top accounts have no monthly fee, but some limit withdrawals per statement cycle.
How this compares with tokenized deposits and stablecoins
A tokenized deposit is also a bank deposit, just recorded on a blockchain, so it can earn interest and be FDIC insured. Stablecoin "rewards" are different: they're paid by a platform and aren't insured. See the full comparison →
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account is a regular savings account, usually at an online bank, that pays a much higher interest rate than the national average. Your money is a bank deposit, so it is FDIC insured up to the standard limits at an FDIC-insured bank.
Are high-yield savings rates guaranteed?
No. Savings rates are variable. Banks can raise or lower them at any time, often after the Federal Reserve changes rates. Promotional or 'up to' rates may require direct deposit or end after a few months.
Is a high-yield savings account safer than stablecoin rewards?
For most people, yes. Savings at an FDIC-insured bank are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. Stablecoins are not deposits and are not FDIC insured.