Editor’s note: This is a transcript of the audio file.
They offer security for your money, but savings accounts come with some costs, too. I’m Kristin Arnold with your Bankrate.com personal finance minute.
One loss that savings account holders face is the opportunity to get higher returns from other savings instruments. For example, a mutual fund or an account with an online bank could more than double the interest rate of traditional savings.
Banks sometimes offer introductory teaser rates on savings and money-market accounts that are more than 2 percent for the first three months but then drop below 1 percent. A better way to snag more money for your savings is to find a bank that offers a cash bonus for opening an account.
It’s important to know all the facts about your account, or you could make a low return on your money even worse. Fees for not keeping a minimum balance for making more withdrawals than are allowed can eat up what return you would have made on your savings. Read the fine print before choosing a savings account that works for you.
For more tips on savings and other accounts, go to Bankrate.com. I’m Kristin Arnold.
