High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are one of the easiest ways to earn more on money you’re already saving. While big banks still pay close to 0.40% APY (if you’re lucky), many online banks and credit unions have 3% to 5% APYs right now.
We found standout options from Synchrony, SoFi, Betterment, Capital One, and more. Here’s what makes each one great.
Table of Contents
High-yield savings accounts to consider this month
1. Capital One

Best Mobile Experience
About Capital One 360 Performance Savings
Why we think it’s great
If you do most of your banking on your phone, Capital One’s 360 Performance Savings is a standout. The mobile app is one of the highest-rated in the App Store (4.9 stars with nearly 10 million reviews in September 2025), so managing your money really does feel seamless.
The account itself is solid too: 3.50% APY, no fees, and no minimum balance requirements. You can deposit checks, set up automatic transfers, and even pop into a Capital One Café or branch if you like the in-person option.
2. Barclays

Best Institutional History
About Barclays Online Savings
Why we think it’s great
Barclays has a long history: It’s been around since 1690. (Yes, you read that right!) It’s likely not going anywhere anytime soon. Its Online Savings is perfect if you don’t want to worry about account minimums. You can open an account with any amount and still earn a strong 3.70% APY. That’s about five times the national average.
There are no monthly fees, and you’ll get easy online transfers, direct deposit options, and FDIC protection. It’s simple, reliable, and a great option if you’re just starting out or prefer to keep your savings flexible without jumping through hoops.
3. SoFi

New Bank With Capital Strength
About SoFi’s online HYSA
APY | 1.00% – 3.80% |
Required opening deposit | $0 |
Minimum balance | None |
Monthly fee | $0 |
ATM card | No |
Mobile check deposit | Yes |
Checking accounts available | Yes (automatically comes with savings account) |
CDs available | No |
FDIC or NCUA insured | FDIC insured (up to $3 million) |
BBB rating | A+, Not accredited; Customer reviews = 1.38/5 |
Trustpilot rating | 4.2/5 |
Why we think it’s great
SoFi offers a modern banking experience backed by solid financials and rapid growth. With $41 billion in assets and up to $3 million in FDIC insurance, it combines digital innovation with strong capital reserves.
It’s a great starter savings account because it makes saving feel easy (and even kind of fun). When you open an account, you can earn up to a $300 cash bonus and unlock rates up to 4.50% APY for the first six months. That’s a nice head start if you’re just beginning to build savings.
We also love the extras: Vaults for organizing goals, roundups that stash your spare change, and automatic transfers so saving happens in the background. Plus, your SoFi savings comes with a free checking account.
4. CIT Bank

Diverse Savings Options
About CIT Savings Accounts
Why we think it’s great
CIT Bank is all about rewarding how you save. With its Platinum Savings account, you’ll earn a strong 3.85% APY if you keep at least $5,000 in your account. Drop below that threshold and the rate falls to just 0.25%, so it pays (literally) to keep a higher balance here.
Its other savings options include the Savings Connect account, which you can open with a deposit of at least $100. It doesn’t require a minimum balance to earn its 3.75% APY.
CIT even offers a Money Market account and a Savings Builder account, which starts at 1.00% APY but tracks your savings and rewards you with a higher interest rate as you develop a consistent savings habit.
5. Synchrony

Competitive HYSA and CD Rates
About Synchrony High Yield Savings
Why we think it’s great
There’s plenty to like about Synchrony’s high-yield savings account. For one, you can get an optional ATM card, something most savings accounts don’t offer. That means if an emergency hits, you don’t need to wait days for a transfer. You can just swipe your card and access your money right away.
The 3.80% APY is competitive, and we love that you don’t need to jump through hoops to earn it. Compared to big banks like Chase or Bank of America, where you’d earn pennies, Synchrony’s rate consistently comes out ahead.
6. Betterment

Best FDIC Insurance
About Betterment Cash Reserve
APY | 3.75% – 4.40% (new customer offer with qualifying deposit) |
Required opening deposit | $10 |
Minimum balance | None |
Monthly fee | $0 |
ATM card | No |
Mobile check deposit | No |
Checking accounts available | Yes |
CDs available | No |
FDIC or NCUA insured | FDIC insured through partner banks |
BBB rating | A–, Accredited; Customer reviews = 1.73/5 |
Trustpilot rating | 1.6/5 |
Why we think it’s great
Betterment’s Cash Reserve isn’t your typical savings account. It’s technically a cash account tied to your brokerage. But that’s part of what makes it powerful. You get a competitive APY (up to 4.40% with current promos), no fees, and FDIC insurance up to $4 million for joint accounts, and $2 million for individual accounts.
Another feature that sets it apart is the automation tools. You can create multiple savings goals, turn on recurring transfers, and let Betterment’s system nudge you toward progress without lifting a finger.
And if you ever decide you’re ready to invest, your money is already sitting inside Betterment’s platform, so you can move it straight into an investment portfolio. If you’re a saver who loves to “set it and forget it,” this one checks all the boxes.
7. BrioDirect

Great for Larger Deposits
About Brio HYSA
Why we think it’s great
BrioDirect is a strong choice if you have a larger chunk of cash to set aside. You’ll need at least $5,000 to open the account, but once you’re in, you’ll earn a competitive 4.30% APY with no monthly fees.
This account is backed by Webster Bank, so your money is FDIC insured, and you can manage everything online or through the mobile app. BrioDirect is the online banking arm of Webster Bank, so you manage your account through the mobile app.
Honorable mentions
These are high-yield savings accounts we think are also worth considering at the time of writing.
8. Ally

Great for Frequent Transfers
About Ally Bank High Yield Savings
Why we think it’s great
Ally’s savings account is hard to beat if you move money around often. Unlike many banks, there are no withdrawal penalties, so you can transfer funds as much as you need. On top of that, Ally has some of the best savings tools out there, like “buckets” to organize your goals, round-ups that sweep spare change into savings, and even a feature that analyzes your spending and shifts extra money automatically.
On a personal note: I’ve had Ally checking and savings since 2014, and I still love them. The tools are helpful, the customer service is excellent, and it’s the bank I recommend to friends again and again.
9. Discover

Great for Joint Accounts
About Discover Savings
Why we think it’s great
Discover’s Online Savings Account is a strong pick for couples or families who want a simple, fee-free place to grow savings together. You’ll earn a solid 3.50% APY with no minimum deposit and no monthly fees, so it works for any budget.
10. Marcus by Goldman Sachs

Great for Long-Term Savers
About Marcus HYSA
Why we think it’s great
Most banks make you wait a couple of business days to move money in or out of an external bank account, but Marcus lets you transfer up to $100,000 the same day. That’s a big deal if you need quick cash for an emergency or want to act fast on a big purchase, like finally spotting the right car.
Plus, you’ll earn a competitive 3.65% APY and enjoy no fees or minimum balance requirements.
11. PenFed Credit Union

Great for Credit Union
About PenFed Premium Online Savings
Why we think it’s great
If you’re a credit union fan, PenFed makes it easy to join with just $5. Its Premium Online Savings earns 2.80% APY and comes with no monthly fees. You can deposit money through mobile check deposit, transfers, or at a branch, and your savings are NCUA-insured.
The APY isn’t the highest on our list of great high-yield savings accounts. However, PenFed’s long history and member-first approach make it a solid pick if you prefer credit union banking.
12. Varo

Great for Small Balances
About Varo HYSA
Why we think it’s great
Varo’s online savings account stands out because you get both checking and savings in one (complete with a debit card for everyday spending). Plus, all you need is $1,000 in monthly direct deposits to unlock a huge 5.00% APY on up to $5,000, one of the highest rates available. Balances above that earn 2.50%, which is still far above the national average.
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account is just like a regular savings account, only it pays you way more interest, so your money grows faster.
For reference, big banks often pay around 0.01% APY (aka pennies on your money), but many high yield savings account interest rates are around 3% to 5% APY. That difference can add up fast, especially if you’re saving for an emergency fund or a big goal.
Why APYs vary between banks
Ever wonder why one bank offers 0.10% APY and another promises 3.50%? It mostly comes down to strategy and overhead. Online banks and fintechs can afford to pay more because they don’t have the same expenses as traditional banks with branches, tellers, and big buildings to maintain.
Some larger banks also stick to lower rates, knowing many people won’t shop around. That’s why it’s always worth it to research the best savings accounts.
Should I save money in a HYSA, money market account, CD, or somewhere else?
These can all be great accounts, but it ultimately comes down to what you’re saving for.
- A HYSA is best for emergency funds or savings you might need in the near future.
- A money market account can offer similar rates to a HYSA, but usually comes with debit card or check-writing privileges.
- CDs (certificates of deposit) lock in your APY for a set term (so it can’t dip if the Fed cuts rates, for example), but you’ll pay a penalty if you withdraw early.
- Traditional savings accounts at big banks are the safest bet for convenience or in-person banking, but they usually pay next to nothing in terms of interest. And most of them are riddled with monthly fees and other charges that further eat away at your savings.
How to open a high-yield savings account online
Opening an online savings account usually takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- Find which account you’d like to open. (The best savings accounts on this list are an excellent place to start.)
- Apply online. Provide your name, address, Social Security number, and ID.
- Fund the account. Many HYSAs let you open an account with $0, but you’ll want to transfer at least $1 so it doesn’t get closed due to inactivity. You can usually link your current bank account to fund your HYSA.
- Set up extras. Add direct deposit or automatic transfers to grow savings faster.
When is the best time to open a high-yield savings account?
The best time is now. Rates on HYSAs move up and down with the Federal Reserve, so today’s 3% or 5% APYs could drop in the future.
But even when the Fed cuts rates, HYSAs almost always outperform traditional savings accounts, so waiting rarely pays off.
If you have cash sitting in a low-rate account, moving it into a HYSA is one of the easiest ways to make your money work harder, no matter what the economy is doing.
Recap of the best high-yield savings accounts
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.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Rates and Rate Caps – September 2025
- Chase, Chase Savings Interest Rates
- Bank of America, Bank Account Interest Rates and APYs
- Synchrony, High Yield Savings
- SoFi, Online Savings Account
- App Store, Capital One Mobile
- Capital One, Online Performance Savings Account
- CIT Bank, Platinum Savings
- Barclays, Barclays Online Savings
- Ally Bank, Online Savings Account
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs, High Yield Savings
- PenFed Credit Union, Premium Online Savings
- Varo Money, Varo High-Yield Savings Account
About our contributors
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Written by Cassidy Horton, MBA
Cassidy Horton is a finance writer passionate about helping people find financial freedom. With an MBA and a bachelor's in public relations, her work has been published more than 1,000 times online.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MAT
Kristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.