Today’s Best Savings Rates, Feb. 20, 2024: Don’t Wait to Earn More Than 5% APY  (2024)

The top high-yield savings accounts currently offer annual percentage yields, or APYs, up to 5.35% -- more than 10 times the national average of 0.47%. If you’re tired of earning 3% or less in a traditional savings account, it’s time to switch to a high-yield savings account.

“Now is an especially good time to open a high-yield savings account,” said Ken Tumin, senior banking industry analyst at LendingTree. “The rate advantage of a high-yield savings account over an average savings account is the highest it has been in more than a decade.”

Savings rates have been particularly attractive since the early days of 2022, when the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates to combat record inflation. After four consecutive rate hike pauses, experts expect savings rates to remain steady until the Fed begins dropping rates later this year. Still, savings rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically any time soon.

Read on to learn more where you can get today’s best savings rates.

Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a savings account to get the best APY possible. You can enter your information below to see CNET’s partners’ rates in your area.

Today’s best savings rates

Here are some of the top savings account APYs available right now:

Now’s the time to open a high-yield savings account

Savings rates skyrocketed in 2022 after the Fed began increasing its benchmark federal funds rate to curb record inflation. When the Fed raises the benchmark rate, banks typically follow suit, increasing rates on consumer products like savings accounts, certificates of deposits, loans and credit cards. But since July 2023, the federal funds rate has remained at a range between 5.25% and 5.50%, indicating to experts that savings rates are likely at their peak.

Still, experts believe that savings rates will remain elevated until the Fed begins dropping rates, with signals that rate cuts are possible later this year.

Here’s where rates stand compared to last week:

The average APY for the top high-yield savings accounts we track at CNET is 4.88% -- with some accounts offering as high as 5.35%. We haven’t seen any significant changes in weeks, and the only individual change we’ve seen recently was Discover’s high-yield savings account, which decreased its rate from 4.35% to 4.30% on Feb. 8.

Since savings rates are variable -- meaning they move in lockstep with the federal funds rate -- your APY is likely to go down in the coming months. Once the Fed drops rates, banks will eventually follow suit. So the sooner you open a high-yield savings account, the longer you can enjoy a high rate.

Benefits of opening a high-yield savings account

Whether you want to open a savings account for a short-term financial goal or to build an emergency fund, a high-yield savings account can help you reach your goals sooner. Even after rates fall this year, high-yield savings accounts will continue to offer significantly better APYs than traditional ones.

So, don’t let anticipated rate drops stop you from making the switch. This week’s Consumer Price Index release has paused some talk of rates going down relatively soon. The price of goods rose by 3.1% in January, as the US struggles to shake off inflation for good.

Here’s what makes HYSAs stand out:

• High rates: HYSAs often have APYs 10 times higher (or more) than the national FDIC average.
• Low or no fees: Monthly maintenance fees can eat into your savings. Many online banks can charge low or no fees thanks to their lower operating costs.
• Liquidity: You can access money in your HYSA anytime without penalty (as long as you mind any withdrawal limits). CDs, another popular savings product, charge a penalty if you take out funds before the term is up.
• Accessibility: If you open an HYSA at an online bank, you’ll enjoy 24/7 account access through its mobile app. You may also have lots of customer service options, including by phone, online chat and secure messaging.
• Low risk: HYSAs are protected by federal deposit insurance if they’re held at a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or credit union insured by the National Credit Union Administration. That means your money is safe up to $250,000 per account holder, per account type.

If you’re earning less than 1% with your current savings account -- some big banks offer as little as 0.01% APY -- you don’t have to close your existing account to enjoy higher rates. You can open a new account from an online bank in minutes and set up recurring transfers or direct deposits to start funding it.

What to look for when comparing savings accounts

High-yield savings accounts usually have higher APYs than traditional savings accounts. But you should consider more than just the APY before opening a HYSA. Keep these factors in mind when comparing savings accounts:

• Minimum deposit requirements: Some HYSAs require a minimum amount to open an account -- typically, from $25 to $100. Others don’t require anything. How much you have to deposit initially can help you narrow down your options.
• Fees: Monthly maintenance and other fees can eat into your balance. Avoid unnecessary charges by looking for a bank with low or no fees.
• Accessibility: If in-person banking is important to you, look for a bank with physical branches. If you’re comfortable managing your money digitally, look for an online bank with a user-friendly app with all the features you need.
• Withdrawal limits: Some banks charge an excess withdrawal fee if you make more than six monthly withdrawals. If you think you may need to make more, consider a bank without this limit.
• Federal deposit insurance: Look for a bank that belongs to the FDIC or a credit union that belongs to the NCUA. Accounts at these institutions are protected up to $250,000 per account holder, per category in the event of bank failure
• Customer service: You want a bank that’s responsive and offers convenient support options if you ever need assistance with your account. Read online customer reviews to see what current customers say about their experiences. You can also contact customer service to get a feel for what it would be like to work with the bank.

Methodology

CNET reviewed savings accounts at more than 50 traditional and online banks, credit unions and financial institutions with nationwide services. Each account received a score between one (lowest) and five (highest). The savings accounts listed here are all insured up to $250,000 per person, per account category, per institution, by the FDIC or NCUA.

CNET evaluates the best savings accounts with a set of established criteria that compares annual percentage yields, monthly fees, minimum deposits or balances and access to physical branches. None of the banks on our list charge monthly maintenance fees. An account will rank higher for offering any of the following perks:

• Account bonuses
• Automated savings features
• Wealth management consulting/coaching services
• Cash deposits
• Extensive ATM networks and/or ATM rebates for out-of-network ATM use

An account will rank lower if it doesn’t have a professional-looking website or doesn’t provide an ATM card, or if it imposes restrictive residency requirements or fees for exceeding monthly transaction limits.