Best Savings Rates Today -- APYs Remain High Following Inflation Data, July 12, 2024 (2024)

Now’s the time to open one of the top high-yield savings accounts. That’s because, after two years of elevated savings rates, annual percentage yields, or APYs, have likely plateaued.

You can still earn up to 5.45% APY with one of today’s best high-yield savings accounts, but the clock is ticking. Yesterday’s Consumer Price Index report revealed yet another month of cooling inflation numbers, leaving room for possible rate cuts as early as September.

So, now’s the time to take advantage of high APYS, because waiting could mean leaving money on the table.

Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a savings account to get the best APY possible. You can enter your information below to see CNET’s partners’ rates in your area.

Today’s best savings rates

Here are some of the top savings account APYs available right now:

How the Fed influences savings rates

The Fed doesn’t directly impact savings rates, but its decisions have ripple effects on the everyday consumer.

When the Fed raises the federal funds rate -- the interest rate US banks use to lend or borrow money to each other overnight -- banks tend to increase their rates for savings accounts. Inversely, when the Fed lowers rates, banks drop savings rates, too.

Keep in mind savings rates are variable, which means banks can change the rate on your savings account at any time.

How long will savings rates stay high?

High savings rates have been the story for the better part of the last two years as the Fed regularly hiked rates to fight record inflation.

However, as inflation began to show signs of cooling in late 2023, the Fed opted to maintain its target range of 5.25% to 5.5% at its last seven Federal Open Market Committee meetings. As a result, savings rates have remained attractive, barely budging as banks anticipate the Fed’s next move. My Banking Direct cutting its high-yield savings account APY from 5.55% to 5.45% today is the first change we’ve seen to the accounts we track since May 31.

Experts anticipate rate drops before the end of the year, which means savings rates are likely to drop, too. While some expect rate drops as soon as July, others are hesitant to say a rate cut could happen that soon.

“For the Federal Reserve to consider lowering interest rates, they need to see a continued drop in inflation and assurance that it will not rise again,” said Anthony Saccaro, president at Providence Financial and Insurance Services. “Currently, the economic data does not justify a rate cut.”

Based on CNET’s weekly tracking, here’s where rates stand compared to last week:

Top reasons to open a high-yield savings account today

High-yield savings accounts provide a low-risk way to grow your savings while taking advantage of compound interest. Compound interest can help your money grow faster because you aren’t just earning interest on your initial deposit -- your interest also earns interest.

Here’s what else makes HYSAs stand out:

• High rates: HYSAs often have APYs 10 times higher (or more) than the national average, as tracked by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
• Low or no fees: Monthly maintenance fees can eat into your savings. Many online banks can charge low or no fees thanks to their lower operating costs.
• Liquidity: You can access money in your HYSA anytime without penalty (as long as you mind any withdrawal limits).
• Accessibility: If you open an HYSA at an online bank, you’ll have 24/7 access through its mobile app. You may also have lots of customer service options, including by phone, online chat and secure messaging.
• Low risk: HYSAs are protected by federal deposit insurance if they’re held at an FDIC-insured bank or credit union insured by the National Credit Union Administration. That means your money is safe up to $250,000 per account holder, per account type.

Factors to consider when comparing savings accounts

Though a high APY is important, you should consider more than just the APY before opening a high-yield savings account.

“Some accounts have mandatory minimums, transaction fees or other charges you might not expect,” said Ben McLaughlin, chief marketing officer and president of digital savings marketplace Raisin. “These hidden fees can chip away at your savings, so be sure you are satisfied with the terms and conditions before opening an account.”

Consider the following to find an account that complements your financial goals:

• Minimum deposit requirements: Some HYSAs require a minimum amount to open an account -- typically, from $25 to $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 reimbursem*nts or a wide range of in-network ATMs.
• Fees: Look out for fees for monthly maintenance, withdrawals and paper statements. These 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 think you may need to make more, consider a bank without this limit.
• Federal deposit insurance: Make sure your bank or credit union is either insured with the FDIC or the NCUA. This way, your money is protected up to $250,000 per account holder, per category, if there’s a bank failure.
• 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.