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Updated April 2026 | Editorial Review

Best High Yield Savings Accounts of 2026

Make your money work harder

Stop leaving money on the table. Compare the best high yield savings accounts and start earning more on your cash today.

1
Sofi Checking and Savings
★★★★★ 4.5

Earn up to $400 Cash Bonus² & up to 4.00% APY⁸ on Savings Balances

  • Limited Time Offer: New Savings Accounts Earn a 0.70% APY Boost to 4.00% for Up to 6 Months with Eligible Direct Deposit⁸
  • Earn 0.50% APY¹ on Checking Balances
  • $0 Monthly Fees⁴ & Free Overdraft Coverage⁵
  • 2-day-Early-Paycheck⁶
View Rates
2
American Express® Savings
★★★★ 4.1
View Rates
3
Barclays Bank Savings Account
★★★★ 4.2
View Rates
4
Synchrony Bank
★★★★ 3.9
View Rates

How Much Could You Earn?

Adjust the numbers to see what a high-yield account would earn on your balance.

$
$1K $250K
%
%
YEARLY EARNINGS — TRADITIONAL
$100
YEARLY EARNINGS — HYSA
$1,000
YEARLY DIFFERENCE
+$900
Over 5 years: +$4,500
See top accounts that pay up to 4.00% APY

Simple-interest illustration. Actual earnings depend on compounding frequency and rate changes. APY subject to change.

Checking vs Savings vs HYSA

Not all accounts are created equal. Here's how they stack up side by side.

Feature Checking Traditional Savings High Yield Savings
APY 0.01% 0.01 – 0.10% 4.00 – 5.00%+
Monthly Fees $5 – $15 $0 – $5 $0
Min Balance $500+ $25 – $300 $0
FDIC Insured Yes Yes Yes
Debit Card Yes No No
Best For Daily spending Basic saving Maximizing earnings
$10K Earned / 1 Year +$1 +$1 – $10 +$400 – $500

A HYSA gives you the safety of a savings account with dramatically better returns — no extra risk, no lock-in.

Exclusive Offer
💰 Up to $400 Cash Bonus with eligible direct deposit

SoFi Checking & Savings: One Account That Does It All

Most banks make you choose between checking and savings. SoFi combines both into one account — so you can spend, save, and earn up to 4.00% APY, all in one place. Plus, earn up to $400 in bonuses when you set up direct deposit.

🔄
2-in-1 Checking & Savings

One account for everyday spending and high-yield saving. No need to juggle multiple accounts or apps.

Up to 4.00% APY on Savings

Earn up to 4.00% APY with direct deposit (3.30% base). Interest compounds daily, credited monthly.

💰
Up to $400 Cash Bonus

New members can earn up to $400 in bonuses when they set up qualifying direct deposit.

No Fees, Period

No monthly fees, no minimum balance, no overdraft fees. Your money stays yours.

Up to $3M FDIC Insurance

Far above the standard $250K — through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program with partner banks.

🏦
55,000+ Fee-Free ATMs

Use your SoFi debit card at AllPoint ATMs nationwide — no fees.

Get Paid Up to 2 Days Early

Set up direct deposit and access your paycheck before payday.

Learn More About SoFi

In-Depth Reviews

A closer look at our top-rated high yield savings accounts

1
★★★★★ 4.5

This high yield savings account offers a competitive APY with no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Interest compounds daily, helping your money grow faster than in a traditional savings account.

APYCompetitive (variable)
Min Deposit$0
Monthly FeesNone
FDIC InsuredYes, up to $250,000
CompoundingDaily
Mobile AppiOS & Android
Standout FeatureHigh-yield savings

Pros

  • + Competitive APY above national average
  • + No monthly fees
  • + FDIC insured
  • + Easy online account opening

Cons

  • - Online-only — no branch access
  • - Variable rate may change
2
★★★★ 4.1

The American Express High Yield Savings Account offers a competitive 3.10% APY — well above the national average — backed by the trusted American Express brand. Interest compounds daily and is credited monthly. With no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance, and 24/7 customer support, it's a straightforward choice for savers who value reliability and ease of use.

APY3.10% (variable, as of 5/19/2026)
Min Deposit$0
Monthly FeesNone
FDIC InsuredYes, up to legal limits
CompoundingDaily, credited monthly
Cash BonusUndisclosed
Mobile AppAmerican Express App (iOS & Android)
Standout FeatureTrusted brand + 24/7 support

Pros

  • + Trusted American Express brand
  • + No monthly fees or minimum balance
  • + Daily compounding for maximum earnings
  • + 24/7 customer support
  • + Easy online account management and mobile app

Cons

  • - APY not the highest in market (3.10%)
  • - No ATM access (savings account only)
  • - Cash bonus details undisclosed
3
★★★★ 4.2

The Barclays Tiered Savings Account delivers a strong 3.75% APY with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance. Its tiered rate structure rewards higher balances, and interest compounds daily. It's a compelling option for savers looking to maximize returns with a reputable global bank.

APY3.75% (as of 4/14/2026)
Min Deposit$0
Monthly FeesNone
FDIC InsuredYes, up to $250,000
CompoundingDaily
Mobile AppiOS & Android
Standout FeatureTiered rates reward higher balances

Pros

  • + 3.75% APY — among the most competitive
  • + Tiered rates reward higher balances
  • + No fees at all — no monthly, no minimum, no hidden
  • + Daily compounding
  • + FDIC insured up to $250,000

Cons

  • - Online-only — no branch access
  • - Tiered rates mean lower balances earn less

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about high yield savings accounts

What is a high yield savings account?

A high yield savings account (HYSA) is a savings account that offers a significantly higher APY than traditional banks — typically 4-5%+ compared to the national average of 0.01%. They are most commonly offered by online banks, which have lower overhead and pass the savings on to customers as higher rates.

Are high yield savings accounts safe?

Yes, HYSA deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution — the same protection as any traditional bank. Some institutions offer extended coverage through partner bank networks.

What is APY and why does it matter?

APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is the real rate of return you earn on your savings over one year, including the effect of compound interest. It's the best way to compare savings accounts because it accounts for how often interest compounds — two accounts with the same interest rate can have different APYs.

How much should I keep in a high yield savings account?

Financial experts recommend keeping 3-6 months of living expenses in an easily accessible account as an emergency fund. Beyond that, any cash you don't need for daily spending can earn significantly more in a HYSA than sitting in a regular checking or savings account.

Can I lose money in a high yield savings account?

No, your principal is fully protected by FDIC insurance. Your balance will never decrease due to market fluctuations. However, APY rates are variable and can change with market conditions and Federal Reserve rate decisions.

How do I open a high yield savings account?

Most HYSAs can be opened online in just a few minutes. You'll typically need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and a funding source to make your first deposit. Many have no minimum deposit requirement.

Sofi Checking and Savings

  1. 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 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/

  2. APY disclosures
    Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

  3. Fee Policy
    We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
    Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 3/31/26) 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 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

American Express® Savings

*The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of 05/19/2026. Interest rate and APY  are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened.  Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded.

1. There is no minimum balance required to open your Account, to avoid being charged a fee, or to obtain the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed to you.

2. iOS and Android™ only. See app store listings for operating system info.

Barclays Bank Savings Account

* Barclays Tiered Savings Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) are accurate as of 01/13/2025 and may change at any time without prior notice, before or after the account is opened. The APYs are determined by the Balance Tiers (Tiers) and the amount deposited. The same rate may apply to multiple Tiers and Tiers may change without notice. APY is calculated based on the Tier into which the end of day account balance falls. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. No minimum balance to open, but for interest to post to your account you must maintain a minimum balance that would earn you at least $0.01. Please see the Compare Account Page for current Tier and APY information. The APY for the Barclays Tiered Savings account for balance tiers greater than $250,000 are currently 10X the national average of 0.46% APY, based on the national average of savings account rates published in the FDIC's National Rates and Rate Caps, accurate as of 09/16/2024.

Synchrony Bank

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.