Best high-yield savings accounts of September 2026 (Up to 4.10%)

Best high-yield savings accounts for September 2026

Note: APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC-insured banks or NCUA-insured credit unions in its editorial listings.

In recent years, savings account APYs declined, partially in response to the six Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024 and 2025. The Fed held rates steady at its first five rate-setting meetings in 2026, and competitive APYs also remained about the same. In September, officials hiked the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 375-400 — or 3.75-4.00% — and some banks may respond by raising their APYs in coming weeks or months.

Meanwhile, inflation has crept back up: The Consumer Price Index rose 3.4% annually in August 2026, matching July’s reading and up from 2.4% in February, with the war with Iran contributing to some of the recent increase. That means a saver earning a less-than-competitive APY is likely losing purchasing power.

It's not just inflation working against savers — it's where they keep their money. Many of the nation's largest brick-and-mortar banks pay just 0.01% APY on their standard savings accounts. That translates to only $1 in interest per year on a $10,000 balance. Meanwhile, online-only banks — with far lower overhead than big banks with branches — sometimes offer APYs up to 400 times greater.

Whether or not top APYs climb higher or hover around 4%, keeping your money in a bank that’s paying a competitive rate helps you grow your savings more quickly. And a federally insured savings account remains a safe place for easy access to money set aside for emergencies or short-term goals.

It’s worth noting that typically, the country’s largest brick-and-mortar banks don’t make Bankrate’s top list — their savings account APYs sit at 0.01%, which is a fraction of what’s available elsewhere. That said, various high-earning accounts didn’t land on our list, yet they might work for you. Here are some strong options to consider:

When shopping around for the right account, take a look at Bankrate’s expert reviews of popular banks, many of which offer competitive rates. Also consider these important features when choosing the best high-yield savings account:

Research methodology

Bankrate researches over 100 banks and credit unions, including some of the largest financial institutions, online-only banks, regional banks and credit unions with both open and restrictive membership policies.

To find the best high-yield savings accounts, we rated these institutions on their savings account’s APYs, monthly fees, minimum deposit requirements, access to funds and more. Banks and credit unions receive penalties against their overall scores for each consent decree, penalty in a case brought by a federal regulator or in a certified, federal class-action lawsuit, or adverse federal judgment for harming deposits customers.

The highest-rated savings accounts from broadly-available banks and credit unions, that also had the highest APYs, made our list. Learn more about how we choose the best banking products and our methodology for reviewing banks.