Savings Rates Are Still Over 4%, but That Could Change Next Year. Today’s Savings Rates, Dec. 24, 2024

With only one week left in the year, the best high-yield savings account can still help you earn an annual percentage yield close to 5% on your savings. Rates are likely to go down in the coming year, especially if the Federal Reserve carries out additional interest rate cuts. 

“HYSAs still have pretty good rates, even after rates have started to fall,” said Danielle Flores, a CNET Money expert and founder of I Like to Dabble. “I signed up for a HYSA last month with a 4.1% rate that fell to 3.9% last week, but I am still earning a decent amount of money on my balance.” 

An HYSA allows you to earn interest on money earmarked for your short-term goals or needs, such as a car repair or emergency fund. Although rates could dip, this type of account can still provide better returns than a traditional savings account. 

Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a savings account to get the best APY possible. Enter your information below to get CNET’s partners’ best rate for your area.

Why a high-yield savings account is a good fit for short-term goals

Despite rates falling from last year’s record highs, Flores recommends setting up an HYSA with money you’re already stashing away. 

Unlike a high-yielding savings account, a traditional savings account usually offers just pennies on your savings. 

For example, if you make a one-time deposit of $500 into a traditional savings account with a 0.01% APY, you’ll earn two cents over six months. If you deposit that same amount into a HYSA with a 4% APY (assuming rates don’t change for the next six months), you’ll earn about $10 in interest over the same amount of time. The $10 you earn for stashing the money in a HYSA might not seem like much, but every dollar counts toward your savings goal. 

How to choose a high-yield savings account

It doesn’t hurt to shop around for better rates to earn more interest while high rates are around. Experts recommend comparing rates, offers and fees once a year. 

Here are some things to look for in a HYSA:

• Minimum deposit requirements: Some HYSAs require a minimum amount to open an account, typically between $25 and $100. Others don’t require anything.
• ATM access: Not every bank offers cash deposits and withdrawals. If you need regular ATM access, check to see if your bank offers ATM fee reimbursements or a wide range of in-network ATMs, said Lanesha Mohip, founder of the Polished CFO and CNET expert review board member.
• Fees: Look out for fees for monthly maintenance, withdrawals and paper statements, said Mohip. The charges can eat into your balance.
• Accessibility: If you prefer in-person assistance, look for a bank with physical branches. If you’re comfortable managing your money digitally, consider an online bank.
• Withdrawal limits: Some banks charge an excess withdrawal fee if you make more than six monthly withdrawals. If you may need to make more, consider a bank without this limit.
• Federal deposit insurance: Make sure your bank or credit union is insured with the FDIC or the NCUA. This way, your money is protected up to $250,000 per account holder, per category, if the bank fails.
• Customer service: Choose a bank that’s responsive and makes it easy to get help with your account if you need it. Read online customer reviews and contact the bank’s customer service to get a feel for working 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 using 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

A savings account may be rated lower if it doesn’t have an easy-to-navigate website or if it doesn’t offer helpful features like an ATM card. Accounts that impose restrictive residency requirements or fees for exceeding monthly transaction limits may also be rated lower.

*APYs as of Dec. 23, 2024, based on the banks we track at CNET. Weekly percentage increase/decrease from Dec. 16, 2024, to Dec. 23, 2024.

**Varo offers 5% APY only on balances of less than $5,000

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