LendEDU’s take: Bask Bank has garnered serious negative customer reviews for bad tech and poor customer service. Instead of Bask, we recommend choosing from these top-rated best savings accounts if you’re looking for a new bank.
Interest Savings
- Competitive interest rate
- No monthly fees
- FDIC insurance
- Inconsistent APYs
- Poor customer reviews
- Potential difficulties linking external bank accounts
| APY | 3.75% |
| Monthly fees | $0 |
| Min. balance requirement | $0 |
| FDIC insurance | Yes |
Mileage Savings
- Unique mileage structure
- No monthly fees
- FDIC insurance
- Only relevant for American Airlines AAdvantage members
- No actual interest accrued
- Poor customer reviews
- Potential difficulties linking external bank accounts
| Yield | 1.75 miles for every $1 saved |
| Monthly fees | $0 |
| Min. balance requirement | $0 |
| FDIC insurance | Yes |
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
- Competitive APY
- Short durations available
- FDIC insurance
- APY not significantly better than the savings account
- $1,000 minimum to open
- Poor customer reviews
| APY range | 3.65% – 3.85% |
| Durations | 3 – 24 months |
| Min. opening deposit | $1,000 |
| FDIC insurance | Yes |
Interest Checking
- High interest for checking
- No monthly fees
- FDIC insurance
- Large ATM network (55,000+)
- Poor customer reviews
- Potential difficulties linking external bank accounts
| APY | 1.00% |
| Monthly fees | $0 |
| Min. balance requirement | $0 |
| FDIC insurance | Yes |
Should you open a Bask bank account?
The short answer: I don’t recommend opening a bank account with Bask.
Despite the high APY promised by the Interest Savings and Interest Checking accounts and occasional promotions that offer APY boosts or bonus miles to entice you to sign up, Bask is not the best high-yield savings account (HYSA) out there. It’s not even close.
Trust me: I’m a huge fan of online banking and high-yield savings accounts, but when some offers seem too good to be true, you need to dive deeper.
Bask’s problem with customer reviews
Bask’s high-interest savings and checking accounts seem great on the surface, but if you actually research what customers are saying about their experience with Bask, you’ll see the bank’s poor tech makes for an abysmal mobile banking experience and, for many customers, leads to false fraud flags that keep them from accessing their hard-earned cash.
Many customers complain that they can’t link their external banks with Bask, which makes accessing their funds even more challenging.
Bask is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where it has a 2.83/5 rating and more than 20 complaints. Things are worse on Trustpilot, where Bask has a 2.4/5 rating overall, with almost 60% of customers giving it a 1-star rating.
Here’s what customers are saying on Trustpilot about Bask:
- “Worst bank ever”
- “Programming issues that they won’t address”
- “WORST WEBSITE”
- “Truly frustrating by how much time this required of me only to end up with a closed account”
- “Rude and incompetent employees”
- “DO NOT bank with this company”
- “Terrible customer service”
- “Stay away from this bank”
- “The worst bank to bet your money on”
I also pored through Reddit threads to find out what customers there thought of Bask, and, well, it isn’t pretty. Here’s a sampling of what I found:
Rather than tempt fate with the bad tech and poor customer service, I recommend sticking with a tried and true online high-yield savings account.
While I’ll still explore the pros and cons of Bask and share a little more about its products in case you’re still interested, I recommend everyone else head straight to the alternatives that I much more highly recommend.
About Bask
Though Bask can trace its roots to Texas Capital Bank way back in 1999, the fintech is a relative newcomer as its own entity, having launched in 2020. At first, Bask was known for its Mileage Account, which lets you earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every dollar saved. The fintech has since expanded to offer additional bank accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) through Texas Capital Bank.
Pros and cons
There are many red flags when you research Bask, but even I can’t deny the promise of high interest on the checking and savings accounts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons.
Pros
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High interest on savings account
Bask offers a 3.75% APY on its Interest Savings account.
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High interest on checking account
The Interest Checking account also has an attractive 1.00% APY.
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More than 55,000 ATMs
You can withdraw and deposit money fee-free at 55,000-plus in-network ATMs.
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Unique opportunity to earn miles
The Mileage Savings account is quite unique, and it might be nice if you regularly fly with American.
Cons
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Poor customer reviews
Bask earns an overwhelming number of negative reviews, with some customers raising real concerns about access to their money being shut off.
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Faulty tech
Customers also note that the tech has a lot of problems, which isn’t a good thing for an online-only bank.
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Inconsistent APYs
Though the APY is strong, it’s dropped tremendously over the last couple of years. There’s no guarantee the high APY will hold.
Bask Bank savings accounts, CDs, and checking accounts
The bank currently offers four banking products, completely online: two savings accounts, a selection of CDs, and a checking account.
Bask Interest Savings
Bask’s Interest Savings account earns 3.75% APY. While this is notably higher than the average interest rate for a deposit account, it’s not the highest you’ll find among online banks, and it’s notably lower than what it was two years ago. (That’s to be expected: As the Federal Reserve has slowly dropped rates, savings accounts’ APYs across the board have followed suit.)
While the interest rate is attractive, customers have complained about Bask preventing them from accessing their funds and difficulty connecting some external bank accounts to transfer money in and out of the account.
Notably, you won’t pay any monthly fees, and Bask doesn’t require a minimum balance for the savings account.
Bask Mileage Savings
Bask’s Mileage Savings is a much more unique offering. It’s what originally put Bask on the map. For every dollar saved each year, you’ll earn 1.75 American Airlines AAdvantage miles, which have a different monetary value depending on how they’re redeemed.
This can be an attractive offer if you’re a frequent flier with American Airlines, but I’d still encourage regular AA travelers to consider a cobranded airline credit card with travel rewards to earn more miles, and then take advantage of a better savings account that actually rewards them with cash for smart saving.
Like the Interest Savings account, the Mileage Savings account has no monthly fees and is FDIC-insured.
Bask Certificates of Deposit
Bask offers FDIC-insured certificates of deposit available at a variety of durations. The table below lists current terms and their corresponding rates.
| Deposit term | APY* |
|---|---|
| 3 months | 3.85% |
| 6 months | 3.85% |
| 9 months | 3.85% |
| 12 months | 3.75% |
| 18 months | 3.75% |
| 24 months | 3.65% |
While CDs are often a way to earn more interest than you would in a savings account, some of these pay out the same yield, or even a lower one, than the Bask Interest Savings account, and your money is inaccessible during the term.
If you had to keep your money with Bask, I’d advise opening an Interest Savings account rather than a CD. For the highest-quality competitors, check out our list of the best CDs.
Learn more about CDs vs. savings accounts.
Bask Interest Checking
I’ll give credit where credit is due: Bask’s Interest Checking account is appealing. It earns a base 1.00% APY, which is incredible for a checking account. Many don’t earn interest at all! Managing your money is also easy with Bask’s 55,000+ fee-free ATMs and the premium metal Visa debit card.
That said, the dysfunctional apps and reported struggles connecting external banks would still be enough to convince me to do my checking elsewhere.
3 better alternatives to Bask Bank
Despite the high APYs promised by Bask Bank, you’re much better off with one of these top-rated high-yield savings accounts. Unlike Bask, all three of these garner overwhelmingly positive customer reviews across review sites.
- Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/
- APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/
- Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
- Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
- ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
- Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
- Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
- 1.10% Savings APY Boost: Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/
- APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/
- Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
- Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
- ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
- Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
- Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
- 1.10% Savings APY Boost: Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/
- APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/
- Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
- Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
- ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
- Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
- Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
- 1.10% Savings APY Boost: Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bask Bank vs. Capital One
Capital One is LendEDU’s top-rated savings account (and my personal bank). The table below shares a quick rundown of the 360 Performance Savings and 360 Checking accounts.
| Savings interest | 3.30% APY |
| Checking interest | 0.10% APY |
| Monthly fees | $0 |
| ATM network | 70,000+ fee-free ATMs |
I highly recommend Capital One for high-yield savings and checking accounts for several reasons:
- Industry-leading mobile app: Capital One has long had one of the best (if not the best) mobile banking apps available. Managing your accounts, monitoring for fraud, and paying your bills is all super easy.
- No fees: Capital One was one of the first major banks to eliminate overdraft fees, and you won’t pay a cent for your savings or checking account.
- High APY: Capital One may not have the highest APY available in the online banking world, but it’s still significant.
- Customer experience: The digital customer experience with Capital One is unrivaled, but you can also get in-person help, even though it’s an online bank. Around the country, Capital One has “cafes” where you can go to deposit money, talk to a representative, and even grab a cup of coffee.
- Credit cards: Capital One also has some of the best rewards credit cards (and a secured credit card if you’re actively working on improving your credit score). Managing cards linked to a connected checking account in the app makes things super easy.
- Multiple savings accounts: Capital One lets you open and manage multiple savings accounts all in one place. This makes it easy for my family to track distinct savings goals, including our emergency fund, a vacation account, and home renovations. As a freelancer, I also save cash from client payments in a dedicated savings account until it’s time to send Uncle Sam my quarterly tax payment.
Bask Bank vs. SoFi
Another top high-yield savings account is SoFi, which actually combines your checking and savings accounts into one. This makes managing your money super simple.
The table below breaks down key terms for the high-interest savings and checking account.
| Savings interest | 3.30% APY |
| Checking interest | 0.50% APY |
| Monthly fees | $0 |
| ATM network | 55,000+ fee-free ATMs |
Bask Bank vs. Synchrony
Finally, I recommend Synchrony for a high-yield savings account because it has one of the best mobile apps available, and its CDs are more attractive than Bask’s. One noteworthy drawback, however, is that Synchrony doesn’t have a checking account.
| Savings interest | 3.65% APY |
| CD rates | 0.25% APY – 4.00% APY |
| Monthly fees | $0 |
How to choose the best high-yield savings account
Bask looks great on the surface if you’re looking for a high return on your savings, but, in my opinion, it’s not actually a great bank. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor, here’s how I go about choosing the best high-yield savings account when making recommendations to family, friends, clients, and readers:
1. Read reviews
The No. 1 thing you can do before making any financial decision is see what customers are saying. One or two negative reviews aren’t a good representation of a company.
But when almost all of the reviews are negative? That sets off alarm bells. I also read the comments left by real customers, on sites like Trustpilot, the Apple App Store (or Google Play), and on Reddit, to understand why they’re not satisfied with a financial product.
2. Test out the tech
I let a bank’s website and mobile app speak for themselves. If during my research, the app seems easy to use, or I’m able to find information quickly on the website, I take that as a good sign.
If the app isn’t intuitive or the website seems to deliberately omit information (which is common among many less-than-reputable lenders that often try to hide fees), I typically won’t recommend that bank.
3. Check out the APY history
One of the core reasons to choose a high-yield savings account is, well, the high yield. But don’t always be lured by a super-high APY.
Newly launched financial technology companies (fintechs) in particular need to attract customers, and fast, if they have any chance at succeeding, so they’ll typically offer above-average interest rates. But those rates don’t last forever.
Of course, rates rise and fall with the federal funds rate, but if you can see that an online bank’s APY has been a little more volatile over the years, it might not be worth opening the account.
4. Consider ease of access
I love online banking because there are usually no fees, and you earn much more interest on your deposits. But not having a physical branch does add challenges.
Look for a bank with a wide network of fee-free ATMs and easy electronic transfers to make managing your money easier.
5. Weigh bonuses cautiously
A new-customer promotion, like a temporary savings boost on a savings account or a monetary bonus for setting up direct deposit into a checking account, is a great reason to open a new bank account.
But before being lured in by the promotion, ask yourself, “Would I still be opening this account without the bonus?” If not, continue your search.
Article sources
At LendEDU, our writers and editors rely on primary sources, such as government data and websites, industry reports and whitepapers, and interviews with experts and company representatives. We also reference reputable company websites and research from established publishers. This approach allows us to produce content that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by reliable evidence. Read more about our editorial standards.
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About our contributors
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Written by Timothy Moore, CFEI®Timothy Moore is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) who has been featured on USA Today, Forrester, Forbes, Business Insider, SoFi, Chime, and other leading media outlets.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.