A high yield savings account is a type of savings account that offers a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts. This allows your money to grow faster through the power of compound interest. But how exactly do high yield savings accounts work and what should you look for when opening one? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know.
What is a High Yield Savings Account?
A high yield savings account is simply a savings account offered by banks and credit unions that pays a higher interest rate than regular savings accounts.
While the average interest rate on traditional savings accounts is currently around 0.06%, high yield savings accounts can offer rates as high as 2% or more. high-yield savings accounts are currently offering rates upwards of 5%, thanks to the recent rise in interest rates. Some accounts even reach as high as 5.35% APY.
This means your money earns significantly more interest over time.
The main benefits of high yield savings accounts include:
- Higher interest rates
- Compounding interest
- FDIC insurance protection
- Easy access to your money
- Low or no fees
These accounts function similarly to regular savings accounts. You can deposit money, allow it to earn interest, and withdraw funds when needed. The main difference is the higher rate.
How Do High Yield Savings Accounts Work?
High yield savings accounts work by paying an elevated interest rate on your balance. Your money earns this interest rate through daily, monthly, or quarterly compounding.
Here’s a quick overview:
- You open a high yield savings account with an online bank or credit union.
- You transfer money from another bank account to fund your high yield savings account.
- Your balance earns a higher interest rate than a regular savings account.
- The interest compounds based on the account’s terms. This could be daily, monthly, etc.
- The compound interest helps your balance grow faster.
- You can withdraw money whenever you want, although some accounts limit transactions.
The higher interest rate and compounding effect allows your money to grow significantly more over time compared to keeping it in a traditional savings account.
Where Do You Get High Yield Savings Accounts?
The top high yield savings accounts are typically offered by online banks and credit unions. These institutions can pay higher interest because they have lower overhead expenses than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Some of the most popular high yield savings accounts include:
- Ally Bank
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs
- Axos Bank
- Syncrony Bank
- Alliant Credit Union
- Cit Bank
When shopping around, pay attention to any fees, minimum balances, and accessibility of your funds. Make sure your deposits are FDIC insured.
What Interest Rates Do High Yield Savings Accounts Pay?
Interest rates on high yield savings accounts can vary, but you can typically find accounts offering 2x to 10x the national average.
As of February 2023, the average interest rate on traditional savings accounts is 0.06% APY according to the FDIC.
Meanwhile, top high yield savings accounts offer rates up to 2.15% APY. Rates this high allow your money to grow significantly faster.
Always compare the annual percentage yield (APY), not just the interest rate. The APY factors in the effect of compound interest over one year.
How Does Compounding Interest Work?
One of the biggest advantages of high yield savings accounts is that they compound interest. This means you earn interest not only on your balance, but also on the interest that’s already accrued.
Compounding frequency varies by institution, but common options include:
- Daily compounding
- Monthly compounding
- Quarterly compounding
More frequent compounding leads to higher returns.
For example, let’s say you deposit $10,000 into a high yield savings account with a 2% APY. Here is how your balance would grow with different compounding frequencies after 1 year:
- Daily: $10,201
- Monthly: $10,200
- Quarterly: $10,200
The daily compounding results in $1 more interest because your balance earns incremental interest every day as opposed to monthly or quarterly.
What Are The Benefits of High Yield Savings Accounts?
Here are some of the biggest advantages of using a high yield savings account:
Higher interest rates – Earn over 10X more interest than the average savings account. This allows your money to grow significantly faster through compounding.
Easy access – Unlike CDs, you can withdraw your money anytime without penalties. High yield savings accounts offer complete liquidity.
FDIC insurance – Your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor when deposited at an FDIC insured institution.
Low fees – Many high yield savings accounts have no monthly fees if you meet minimum balance requirements. Some have no fees at all.
Flexible funding – You can add more money to your account anytime. Easy to automate transfers from checking.
Compounding interest – More frequent compounding increases your returns.
Great for short term savings – Perfect for emergency funds, vacations, or saving up for a large purchase.
What Are The Downsides of High Yield Savings Accounts?
While very beneficial overall, high yield savings accounts do come with a few drawbacks:
- Variable interest rates – Rates fluctuate so your return isn’t fixed like a CD. Rates can drop in reaction to Federal Reserve policy changes.
- Lower returns than investing – While better than regular savings accounts, investment accounts carry more potential for growth.
- Limitations on withdrawals – Some accounts restrict the number of withdrawals you can make monthly. Excess withdrawals incur a fee.
- Minimum deposit and balance – Some high yield savings accounts require an initial deposit and minimum balance.
- Vulnerable to inflation – Rate of return may not outpace inflation, leading to loss of purchasing power over decades.
Who Should Use a High Yield Savings Account?
High yield savings accounts can benefit many types of savers, especially:
- Those building an emergency fund
- Anyone saving up for a large purchase like a house, car, or wedding
- Those who want to earn more interest on excess cash
- Parents saving for college tuition
- Individuals saving for a vacation
- People temporarily storing cash from the sale of assets
- Retirees who need liquid cash reserves
A high yield savings account provides the flexibility to access funds anytime. This makes them preferable over investments and CDs for short-term savings goals.
The accounts are less practical for very long-term goals like retirement. The stock market carries greater growth potential over decades.
How To Choose The Best High Yield Savings Account
When comparing high yield savings accounts, pay attention to:
- Interest rate and APYÂ – Make sure to factor in compounding frequency using the APY.
- Minimum deposits and balances – Some accounts require you deposit or maintain a set amount.
- Withdrawal limits – Understand any monthly limits on transactions.
- Fees – Look for no monthly maintenance or excess withdrawal fees.
- Promotional offers – Some accounts offer temporary rate boosts for new customers.
- Customer service – Check reviews and test out the customer support.
- Convenience – Assess the account’s digital features and accessibility.
Finding the right mix of highest return, convenience, and account terms can take some research. But it’s worth comparing all the options.
The Bottom Line
A high yield savings account can help grow your money faster by paying an elevated interest rate with compounding. Just be sure to compare accounts closely to find one that best suits your needs. Pay attention to rates, fees, and accessibility. Used properly, a high yield savings account provides a flexible and relatively low-risk way to maximize your savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are high yield savings accounts safe?
Yes, as long as your account is FDIC insured for up to $250,000 per depositor. Always verify FDIC coverage.
How often do interest rates change on these accounts?
Interest rates can fluctuate at any time in response to market conditions and Federal Reserve policy. Expect your rate to change occasionally.
What’s the difference between APY and APR?
APY (annual percentage yield) factors in compound interest over one year. APR (annual percentage rate) does not. Always use APY when comparing accounts.
Can I withdraw money from my high yield savings account?
Yes, you can access your money anytime. But some accounts limit you to 6 monthly withdrawals before charging fees.
What happens if my balance drops below the minimum?
If your balance goes below the minimum, you may stop earning interest or start incurring monthly maintenance fees. Read terms closely.
