Bankrate's guide to choosing the right savings rate

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• Best Savings Rates Details
• Savings Account FAQs
• Benefits and risk of a savings account
• Savings account vs. money market account vs. mutual fund
• Uses for savings account
• Summary of Best Savings Accounts

Overview: Best Online Savings Accounts in December 2018

Bankrate's experts have analyzed the best savings accounts and here are our top rates:

1. Citizens Access - 2.25% APY, $5,000 minimum balance (no ATM access)

Overview: Citizens Access is the online bank division of Citizens Bank. It offers a high yield online savings account as well as CD rates ranging from 6 month to 5 year terms.

Perks: Citizens Access has a competitive savings account rate of 2.25% (vs. the 0.12% national average), which brings it to the top of the available offers from Bankrate. Additionally, there are no sign-up or monthly fees.

What to watch for: There is a $5,000 minimum balance to obtain the high APY. If you’re looking for a savings account that also has a checking option, keep in mind that Citizens Access does not offer check writing.

2. CIT Bank - 2.25% APY, $25,000 minimum balance to open an account

Overview: CIT Bank is a nationwide direct bank and is a division of CIT Bank, N.A. CIT Bank, N.A. is a subsidiary of CIT Group Inc., a financial holding company founded in 1908.

Perks: CIT offers competitive yields on its accounts and has a couple of options for savers. Both the Savings Builder and the Premier High Yield Savings accounts have daily compounding. But the Savings Builder – as long as you open it with at least $100 and keep making at least $100 in monthly deposits – earns a very competitive 2.25% APY.

What to watch for: In order to get the 2.25% APY on the Savings Builder account, you need to maintain a $25,000 balance or open the account with at least $100 and make at least $100 monthly deposits. If you have under $25,000 or don’t make monthly deposits of at least $100, you’ll earn a variable rate, which is currently 1.14% APY.

3. CIBC Bank USA - 2.16% APY, $1 minimum balance to open an account

Overview: CIBC Bank USA, formerly The PrivateBank and Trust Company, was founded in 1991 and is based in Chicago. It was rebranded as CIBC Bank USA and offers one of the most competitive APYs on a savings account.

Perks: If you don’t like maintenance fees, the CIBC Bank USA Agility Online Savings Account might be for you. The bank proudly states that this account has no maintenance fee. CIBC Bank USA also has a mobile app for both Apple and Android.

What to watch for: CIBC Bank USA has a great combination of one of the highest savings APYs and one of the lowest minimum balances, which is $1. You can make an external transfer to an account owned by you at another bank. But during the first 90 days from account opening, external transfers in CIBC Bank USA NetBanking aren’t available.

4. Barclays Bank - 2.05% APY, no minimum balance to open an account

Overview: Barclays is often known for its credit cards and personal loan products, but it's also a major player in the savings product category. Indeed, Barclays provides both a high-interest online savings account and a number of online CDs. And it's typically a top contender on its interest rates. Products from Barclays are only available online in the U.S. Fortunately, for savers, that means the bank can limit overhead costs and pass its savings on to its customers. For its online savings account, the online bank is offering one of the top rates in the nation and requires no minimum to open.

Perks: Among the perks of an online savings account at Barclays, you'll find a very competitive interest rate, no minimum to open, 24/7 access to funds, online transfers to and from other banks and direct deposit. Additionally, Barclays has a mobile savings app that also allows you to deposit/transfer funds.

What to watch for: If you're looking for a full-service banking institution, Barclays isn't a great option. The bank doesn't offer a checking account option, an ATM network, or branch locations. It's best for those who like to bank online and want an outside institution for its savings options.

5. Marcus by Goldman Sachs - 2.05% APY, $1 minimum balance (no ATM access)

Overview: The well-known investment firm, Goldman Sachs, opened Marcus as its consumer banking arm. And it's been very competitive on rates from the start. In fact, it's often one of the best-paying banks in the savings products category. Much of that is due to its status as an online-based bank, allowing it to save on overhead costs and pass those savings on to its customers. In addition, Marcus has loose requirements for opening an account, making its offer tough to beat. The savings account option from Marcus requires no minimum deposit to open and a $1 minimum to earn the APY. But Marcus provides more than just savings products to consumers. It also has a range of personal loan options, from debt consolidation to home improvement.

Perks: Along with a high interest rate, the savings account product from Marcus comes with easy-to-meet requirements and the benefits of an online bank. You can access your account at any time, and you'll pay no fees for transactions.

What to watch for: You won't find any branches at Marcus. And it also doesn't have a mobile app. That means you'll need to call customer service on weekdays or look at the FAQ section to get answers about your account. There's also no checking account option at Marcus, limiting your liquidity options.

6. Synchrony Bank - 2.05% APY, no minimum balance (ATM access)

Overview: Synchrony Bank provides a range of depository products for consumers. That includes a savings account, money market account and a number of CDs. As an online bank, it has limited overhead cost, which means it can return those savings to customers in the form of higher rates. Indeed, its savings account and other depository products are consistently among the top-paying accounts. Synchrony also has a highly rated customer service department available by online chat or by phone seven days per week. And customers get a lot of perks, including complimentary identity theft resolution and travel and leisure discounts. You'll even get a dedicated customer service number as a "Diamond" customer. That's in addition to access to webinars, three free wire transfers per statement cycle and unlimited ATM reimbursements.

Perks: At Synchrony, you'll get very competitive rates. But you'll also gain access to other perks, including the ability to manage your account 24/7 online.

What to watch for: Synchrony Bank doesn't offer a checking account. It's not a full-service bank. So, if you're looking for liquidity, you might want to stash your cash elsewhere.

7. Ally Bank - 2.00% APY, no minimum balance with free checking account

Overview: Ally Bank started in 2004 and is headquartered in Sandy, Utah. In 2009, GMAC Bank was transformed into Ally Bank. Ally Bank exceeded 1 million Ally Bank customer accounts in 2012 and currently has 1.5 million customers.

Perks: You can deposit checks remotely with Ally eCheck Deposit. This account compounds interest daily. The Online Savings Account also has no monthly maintenance fees. Ally Bank also has 24/7 live customer care.

What to watch for: Like many online banks, you won’t be able to deposit cash in this account. Deposits can be made via direct deposit, online transfers, wire transfers, mail and via remote check deposit. Also, like many direct banks, this account doesn’t include checks or a debit card.

8. American Express National Bank - 2.00% APY, $1 minimum balance to open an account

Overview: Though American Express is known mainly for its credit card business, it's also making some waves in personal savings. Its online personal savings account competes heavily with other online banks — it has a solid rate and no fees. Plus, the account allows you to link up to three of your online banking accounts to the American Express platform, so there's no need to switch banks. The company also offers a range of highly competitive certificates of deposit, making it a serious contender among online banks.

Perks: The online personal savings account from American Express provides a competitive rate. It doesn't charge any monthly fees, and it doesn't require a minimum balance. The ability to link current bank accounts offers an easy solution if you have outside accounts that you'd like to view on one platform.

What to watch for: Similar to other online banks, American Express does not have any branch locations. If you're looking to talk to someone in person, you'll have better luck with another bank. It also isn't a full-service bank — there's no checking account option, for instance. And there's no mobile check deposit option — American Express reserves mobile apps for its credit card customers.

Savings Account FAQs

Important terminology

• Compound interest: Method of calculating interest where interest earned over time is added to principal. Compounding is usually done on a daily or monthly basis. The more often the compounding, the faster your savings will grow.
• Interest: Money that you earn for having your funds deposited with a bank.
• Annual Percentage Yield: takes into account the effects of compounding during the year. The best way to compare interest, using an apples-to-apples approach.
• Minimum balance requirement: How much you have to keep in the savings account in order to avoid a monthly maintenance fee.
• Money market account: Is a type of savings account that may offer check writing and may offer an ATM card for ATM withdrawals. Here is more information on the best money market accounts.

What is a savings account?

A savings account is a type of financial tool found at both banks and credit unions. These federally insured accounts typically pay interest, but often at lower rates than other interest-bearing financial products insured by the government, like certificates of deposit.

In exchange for lower rates, they offer more liquidity, allowing for up to six types of withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle.

That makes savings accounts ideal for stashing money you may need access to if unexpected costs arise.

Indeed, savings accounts can play a crucial part in your financial health. Because there's no set term for maturity with a savings account, they provide a good spot to park your emergency fund.

And safety is the name of the game with these savings products. Savings accounts are insured up to at least $250,000 at banks by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) and at credit unions by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).

If you are applying for a savings account, consider interest rates (APY), minimum deposits, and your financial goals when choosing a savings account. The best savings accounts will provide a high-yield APY but also give you the flexibility to securely withdraw or transfer money each statement period.

"Savings accounts and money market accounts offer the security of federal deposit insurance and complete liquidity so you can access your cash at any time. Seek out competitive returns so you can preserve your buying power and benefit as interest rates rise further."

- Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst.

How do savings accounts work?

Savings accounts are liquid bank accounts that usually offer a higher annual percentage yield (APY) than a checking account. They are referred to as liquid because you should be able to access most savings accounts at any time. This differs from a CD, which usually has an early withdrawal penalty and requires you to keep your savings in it for a certain term.

Savings accounts aren’t meant to be active transaction accounts. They are limited by Regulation D, a rule that prevents you from performing more than six transfers or withdrawals from the account per calendar month or statement cycle of at least four weeks. There are some unlimited transactions that don’t apply toward your six-transaction limit. Withdrawing money from an ATM is one of the unlimited transactions. Many banks offer some sort of ATM accessibility for savings accounts.

Why get an online savings account?

Online savings accounts have a few distinct benefits over savings vehicles found at brick-and-mortar institutions.

Most notably, online savings accounts tend to offer higher interest rates and lower fees. That's because online banks don't carry the same overhead costs compared with walk-in branches, and can pass on that savings to customers.

In exchange for being able to visit a branch and talk to a teller, online banks often offer round-the-clock customer service. And cutting-edge technology is also a big perk, which typically allows for things like online bill payment, mobile check deposit and often a larger ATM network.

What is the average interest rate(s) on a savings account?

Over the past several years, since the financial crisis, interest rates on savings accounts have been historically low. But they have been inching up lately.

The average interest rate on a savings account is 0.09 percent APY.

Fortunately, many banks and online institutions offer savings account rates well above that average. That makes it crucial to shop around for the best deal when you're in the market for a savings vehicle.

"The top-paying savings accounts and money market accounts are perfectly suited for that emergency fund that we all need or as a temporary parking place for that bonus check or proceeds from a home sale."

- Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst.

What are typical fees associated with a savings account?

Savings accounts may have a maintenance fee if you don’t keep the minimum balance required in the account. If you stay above the minimum balance required, you should be able to avoid fees in your savings account. There are some savings accounts that have no minimum balance or a $1 minimum balance. Some of these low minimum balance accounts also have a competitive APY.

You could incur fees if you withdraw from a foreign ATM (an ATM outside of your bank’s network or an ATM abroad). Others may charge a fee for sending a wire transfer or purchasing a cashier’s check or official bank check.

Can I take money out of my savings account?

Savings accounts are liquid bank accounts that allow withdrawals. Check with your bank to see the methods for withdrawing funds or if there are any restrictions.

Some banks may give you an ATM card, and others may include a savings account on a debit card for ATM access. Depending on the bank, you may be able to electronically transfer the money to an account that you own at another bank. Other possible withdrawal options are via a cashier’s or official bank check or by initiating a wire transfer, which generally is the most expensive option of those previously listed.

Can I write a check from my savings account?

Savings accounts typically don’t have check-writing abilities. Some alternative methods may be using an ATM to withdraw cash, sending a wire transfer or a person-to-person transfer, using bank services such as Zelle to transfer the money, transferring the money to a checking account or a money market account that has check-writing ability or requesting a cashier’s check or an official bank check. Depending on your bank, the wire transfer will probably be the most expensive option, and there may be a fee for the official check.

What is considered a high-yield savings account/rate?

High-yield savings accounts traditionally have the highest APYs. Direct banks – banks that have only an online presence and don’t have brick-and-mortar locations – typically pay the highest yields. A high-yield savings account may have a low minimum balance.

Do savings accounts have compound interest?

When choosing a savings account, it's important consider how often the account compounds interest. Generally, all savings accounts compound, but some do it more often than others — on a daily, monthly, quarterly or even annual basis.

Daily compounding is ideal. The more frequently interest is compounded, the faster your savings will grow.

Keep in mind that because of compound interest, even small deposits can add up to big amounts over time.

You can use our compound interest calculator to calculate your potential earnings on a savings account.

Is savings account interest (APY) taxable?

The IRS considers any interest earned on a savings account to be taxable. If you earn interest from your savings product, you'll be required to submit at 1099-INT form to the IRS.

Fortunately, you don't have to pay interest on your savings account's balance, only on the interest earned. So, if your savings account has $1,000 and you earn $10 in interest for the year, you only pay taxes on that $10 gain.

Is a savings account worth it? Who should get one? Who shouldn’t?

If you’re not earning interest on your current savings account or if you have a low interest rate, you should consider opening a savings account. Everyone should have some sort of emergency fund and additional savings to achieve their financial goals. Anyone who has money that they intend to grow for some amount of time should have a savings account.

A savings account is not worth it for someone who can’t keep the minimum balance – especially if that means incurring a fee. But with saving accounts without a minimum balance requirement or others with a $1 minimum, you should be able to find a savings account that fits your circumstances.

Benefits and risks of a savings account

Savings accounts, like all financial tools, come with benefits and risks. It's wise to weigh the pros and cons to see if one of these accounts is ideal for your financial situation.

Watch for changing savings account rates

Some banks have been gradually increasing interest rates in response to the Federal Reserve, which has increased its benchmark interest rate multiple times in recent months. The Fed hiked rates in September by a quarter percentage point. It’s anticipated that the central bank’s rate-setting committee will increase rates one more time in 2018. Though this could mean you’ll pay more interest on credit cards and auto loans, it also could mean higher interest rates on savings accounts. Keep an eye out for the ripple effects of the Fed’s decisions. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a guaranteed return, compare the best savings rates with the top CD rates.

Savings account vs. money market account vs. mutual fund

Here's a quick comparison of the three:

FDIC

The best savings accounts are federally insured. Your money is safe and insured for up to at least $250,000 if it’s in a savings account at an FDIC-insured bank. It’s imperative to choose an account with FDIC insurance, since it is backed by the U.S. government.

Savings accounts, money market accounts and mutual funds often get lumped into the same broader "savings" category. But they have some differences. Between the three, savings accounts and money market accounts are most alike. They are both insured by the government at banks and credit unions up to $250,000.

However, money market accounts typically pay a higher interest rate than savings accounts. Money market accounts also offer check-writing and debit card capabilities, a degree of liquidity not often found with savings accounts.

Another big difference between the two is what can be done with your deposited savings. Banks and credit unions can use the money you deposit into a money market account to make low-risk investments in financial products like CDs. But with a savings accounts, institutions can only use your savings to make loans to other customers.

Online vs. brick and mortar banks

It usually doesn’t matter where you live in the United States in order to bank with a direct or online bank. Some online banks may limit its customers to certain states or the continental United States. But generally, location isn’t a factor for online banks, as long as you reside in the U.S. Location is everything a lot of the time with brick-and-mortar banks. Most of the time if you don’t live near a brick-and-mortar bank, it wouldn’t make sense to bank with that institution. A potential exception to that rule may be if that bank offers reimbursement on foreign ATM fees – ATM withdrawals at a different bank which usually would incur a fee. But if you have a brick-and-mortar bank account, you should at least be near one of its locations.

What to consider when applying:

• 

  Safety: Savings and money market accounts at an FDIC-insured bank are insured up to at least $250,000, while money market mutual funds are not FDIC insured. Since savings accounts and money market accounts have this protection, these are safe places for your money. Money market mutual funds are still considered low-risk investments.

• 

  Liquidity: Savings accounts and money market accounts are liquid accounts, so you can withdraw from them at any time – there are no early withdrawal penalties. Savings and money market accounts offer up to six withdrawals or transfers per month. Some banks will allow you to make ATM withdrawals from these accounts. And money market accounts may have limited check-writing authority. Money market mutual funds allow you to redeem shares at any time for the current net asset value.

• 

  Earnings: Money market mutual fund accounts typically pay more than traditional savings accounts. But there are some savings accounts these days that have both a very competitive APY and low minimum balances. But money market mutual funds often pay more than both money market and savings accounts.

• 

  Fees: All of these types of savings vehicles may come with some fees. But thanks to minimal minimum balances on some savings and money market accounts, you should be able to find a solution that makes the maintenance fee a non-factor.

Rather than letting money stagnate in a no- or low-interest savings account, consider Bankrate’s best online savings accounts to prepare for your future financially.

Uses for a savings account

Tips to save for the future

For more information, Bankrate's experts have compiled the following reasons for opening a savings account.

• Saving for a child's future education: Saving for college is one of the biggest expenses a parent faces. Saving for it should be a marathon, not a sprint.
• Saving for retirement: A savings account is one of the vehicles that should be used to prepare for retirement. It should be a part of your retirement plan.
• Other short-, mid- and long-term goals: Different savings circumstances are going to require different savings plans.
• Build emergency savings: It’s critical to have an emergency savings account. This account should be able to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses.
• Being prepared is a top reason to save: There are many reasons that you need to save. The most important is because you never know what the future holds.

How to save at different points in your life

Bankrate's experts have compiled the following articles to help you save, customized to your age.

• Saving in your 20s: This is a time to develop good saving habits and set a solid foundation for the future.
• Saving in your 30s: This is an important age where many will have important life events.
• Saving in your 40s: At this age, it’s time to assess how you’ve done previously and whether you need to alter your savings plan moving forward.
• Saving in your 50s: Saving to cover health care costs is one thing to save for at this age.

Summary: Best Online Savings Accounts

Bankrate regularly surveys approximately 4,800 banks and credit unions in all 50 states to provide you with one of the most comprehensive comparisons of interest rates. All of the savings accounts below are insured by the FDIC at banks or the NCUA at credit unions. When selecting the best savings account for you, look for the highest yield while also considering introductory rates, minimum balances and accessibility.