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Savings account rates have slipped in recent weeks, yet rates remain far higher than a year prior. While high yields are surely paramount in your evaluation of a potential savings account, don’t forget to take fees, customer service and customer-friendly digital experience into account as well.

SAVINGS RATES TODAY
Average APY
High rate
$2,500 minimum deposit
0.23%
5.84%
$10,000 minimum deposit
0.24%
5.35%
Source: Curinos. Average APY accurate as of July 2, 2024.

Known as “statement savings accounts” in the banking business, savings accounts offered minuscule yields after the 2008 financial crisis when the Fed slashed short-term rates to near zero, and kept them there for years, in order to stimulate the economy.

The landscape, however, upended following the government’s extensive spending during the pandemic. The nation’s central bank countered the inflationary effects of lockdowns and rounds of stimulus bills by significantly increasing interest rates to offset soaring prices, prompting banks to raise rates for savers.

Savings account rates — $2,500 minimum deposit

The highest interest rate on a standard savings account today is 5.84%, per Curinos, the same as a week ago. Meanwhile, the average APY (annual percentage yield) for a traditional savings account, as reported by Curinos, is 0.23%, the same as last week.

APY represents the return your account will generate in a year, taking into account compound interest—the interest earned on both the principal and previously accumulated interest in your account.

For instance, if you were to invest $2,500 at a 5.84% rate (the current high) for one year, you would earn around $150 in interest, assuming daily compounding and no additional contributions.

Savings account rates — $10,000 minimum deposit

The average APY for savings accounts requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000 is 0.24%, a tick lower than last week. But remember that many banks offer significantly higher rates.

Some of the top high-yield savings accounts, for instance, currently feature rates of 4.00% or higher.

Per Curinos, the highest interest rate today on a savings account requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000 is 5.35%. If you were to invest $10,000 at a 5.35% rate (the current high) for one year, you would earn more than $550 in interest, assuming daily compounding and no additional contributions.

Methodology

To establish average savings account rates, Curinos focused on savings accounts intended for personal use. Savings accounts that fall into specific categories are excluded, including promotional offers, relationship-based accounts, private, youth, senior and student/minor. The average savings rates quoted above are based on a $2,500 or $10,000 minimum deposit amount.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The ideal savings account for you hinges on your priorities.

If you already have a relationship with a bank or credit union, such as a checking account or loan, opening a savings account should be straightforward. If you value face-to-face banking, consider an institution with physical branches near your residence.

A high-yield savings account is essentially a standard savings account that offers a higher interest rate on deposits. (It’s more of a description than a technical definition.) This rate can fluctuate based on the broader financial market and the specific bank or credit union’s business requirements.

A high-yield savings account is still a savings account—you can’t access your funds by writing checks and your withdrawals are typically limited.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Taylor Tepper

BLUEPRINT

Taylor Tepper is the lead banking editor for USA TODAY Blueprint. Prior to that he was a senior writer at Forbes Advisor, Wirecutter, Bankrate and Money Magazine. He has also been published in the New York Times, NPR, Bloomberg and the Tampa Bay Times. His work has been recognized by his peers, winning a Loeb, Deadline Club and SABEW award. He has completed the education requirement from the University of Texas to qualify for a Certified Financial Planner certification, and earned a M.A. from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York where he focused on business reporting and was awarded the Frederic Wiegold Prize for Business Journalism. He earned his undergraduate degree from New York University, and married his college sweetheart with whom he raises three kids in Dripping Springs, TX.

Megan Horner

BLUEPRINT

Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.

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