Should you ditch your traditional savings account for a high-yield savings account?
When you’re trying to save, stashing your money in a traditional savings account can feel futile given the tiny interest rates that some banks pay.
If you’re looking to earn more on your money but want to keep it in a federally insured account, there’s another option to consider: a high-yield savings account.
Key Points
- High-yield savings accounts often provide a much higher yield than traditional savings accounts.
- Returns on high-yield accounts fluctuate with interest rate changes.
- Most high-yield savings accounts are federally insured.
High-yield savings account vs. traditional savings account
Any savings account offers an easy way to set money aside for emergencies or large planned purchases, but the small amount of interest you earn on many savings accounts can be discouraging.
A high-yield savings account might offer rates that are several percentage points higher (or even more) than traditional savings accounts at brick-and-mortar banks. That’s the key difference. Other than that, both account types feature:
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance up to $250,000 (as long as the institution is insured).
- Easy access to your money at any time.
- Fee-free accounts, depending on the bank.
Interest rate vs. APR vs. APY
When comparing high-yield savings accounts and traditional savings accounts, you’ll see the interest rate shown as an annual percentage yield (APY). The APY is the total interest you’ll earn over a year for keeping your money in a savings account. It’s different from the interest rate you pay on a loan, which is known as the annual percentage rate (APR).
- Interest rate vs. APR. When you’re borrowing money, the interest rate is a cost you pay, because the bank is lending you money and wants to earn interest on that amount. The interest rate is expressed as a percentage. The APR includes the interest rate charges plus any fees on an annual basis.
- Interest rate vs. APY. When you deposit money in a savings account, you earn interest. The APY reflects the interest rate the bank gives you and how often the interest is added to your balance (compounded).
Generally, the higher the APY, the more interest you’ll earn. But it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a high-yield savings account before moving all your money.
Pros and cons of a high-yield savings account
Although a high APY is attractive, there are some things to be aware of when comparing a high-yield savings account with a traditional savings account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-yield accounts typically pay a higher APY than traditional savings accounts. | When rates fall, yields often fall as well, although they may remain higher than those offered for traditional savings accounts. |
| Many accounts feature online tools for money management from anywhere. | To get the best yield, you might need to meet certain account minimums. |
| Security in knowing your money is backed by FDIC insurance. | Some banks that provide high-yield accounts are only available online and have no branches. |
Before opening a high-yield savings account, consider your financial goals and budget. Also, many high-yield savings accounts are offered by online-only banks. Be aware that if you want to go into a branch and bank in person, it might not be possible.
Don’t forget to check account minimums to see if the APY is tiered based on your balance. You might not qualify for the highest yield advertised if you don’t maintain a minimum balance.
How to open a high-yield savings account
In many cases, opening a high-yield savings account is much like opening a traditional savings account. It’s often possible to complete the application online, but you’ll need certain documents to open a high-yield savings account:
- Driver’s license or other state-issued ID
- Address and phone number
- Social Security number
- Email address
- Routing and account numbers from an existing bank account to transfer money
Depending on the bank, you may need to transfer money immediately to open a high-yield savings account. Read the fine print to understand the requirements. Although there are many fee-free choices, not all accounts are the same. Some online-only banks offer savings accounts with higher-than-average yields without calling them high-yield savings accounts.
What to look for when comparing savings accounts
As you consider the pros and cons of high-yield savings accounts and compare different savings account choices, there are some things to consider:
- APY. The annual percentage yield is the figure to note. Look for the highest possible yield you can get without paying a fee or being subject to a minimum balance you can’t meet.
- Account minimums. Pay attention to the minimum balance needed for the best yield. In some cases, a high-yield account reels you in with the promise of a high yield, but you need to maintain a specific balance to qualify. Moving your money might not be worthwhile if you only get a marginally higher rate because you can’t maintain a higher balance.
- Fees. Many savings accounts charge no fees—but not all. Watch out for hidden maintenance and other fees. A fee-free savings account is the best choice.
- Customer service. Does the bank meet your needs? Some high-yield savings accounts are only available through online banks, so you must use the Internet or a mobile app to manage your money. If you prefer in-person banking, it may be more difficult to get the highest yield.
- FDIC insurance. Some institutions offer products that seem like savings accounts but aren’t FDIC-insured. Verify that the account you open is held in an FDIC-insured institution so you’re protected for up to $250,000 on individual accounts.
The bottom line
A high-yield account can offer a way to squeeze a bit more out of a savings account. The purpose of a savings account isn’t usually to build wealth. Instead, it’s designed to provide relatively risk-free and easily accessible funds to use in an emergency or to make long-term planned purchases.
Even a high-yield savings account won’t usually help you build long-term wealth for a big goal like retirement, although getting a bit more for your emergency fund or to help you save up for your next vacation can feel good. Compare your choices and budget to see if a high-yield savings account is worth the hassle of moving your money from a traditional savings account.