Banking Savings & Money Market Accounts

6 Best High-Yield Savings Accounts That Don't Require a Minimum Balance (Plus a Fun Bonus)

Knowing you can open a high-yield savings account without a minimum balance may encourage you to save more. Here are the best of the best.

Updated Oct. 30, 2024
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The last thing you want when you have a significant amount of money saved is to not earn interest, but according to the FDIC, the national deposit rate for savings accounts is just 0.46% (as of 9/16/24). That would pay you peanuts, no matter how much money you have.

Fortunately, there are a large number of high-yield savings accounts with no minimum balance that pay higher interest rates and have little to no monthly fees. I’ve rounded up six of the best high-yield savings accounts to help in your search for the best place to park your funds, whether an emergency fund or cash you’re saving for another goal.

I’ve provided a wide variety of choices from HYSAs that require direct deposit, have higher FDIC insurance limits, or include a debit card (not all savings accounts do). Check out this list of the best HYSAs to see which offers the features, APY, and fees that fit your needs.

Featured High Yield Savings Accounts

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Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier - 4.81% APY1

Western Alliance Bank offers a powerful 4.81% APY to help grow your money. FDIC insured, no fees,2$500 minimum deposit, $0.01 minimum balance to earn APY.

Learn More
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SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit

Earn up to 4.20% APY3 and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.4 FDIC Insured.5

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How we evaluate products

The best high-yield savings accounts that don’t require a minimum balance

Comparing the best high-yield savings accounts that don’t require a minimum balance

Bank Account Annual percentage yield (APY) Great for Most notable feature
SoFi Checking and Savings Up to 4.20% APY with direct deposit46 Direct deposit Could earn up to a $300 bonus with direct deposit of $1,000 to $5,000+ if you qualify3
American Express® High Yield Savings Account 4.00% (as of October 24, 2024) APY7 $0 minimum average balance requirement8 Interest compounds daily and pays out monthly
Wealthfront Cash Account9 5.00% APY10 ATM users Includes checking account features, including an ATM card and bill pay services
EverBank Performance Savings 5.05% (as of 10/1/24) APY No minimum opening balance Everyone earns the same high APY and there aren’t any tiers
BMO Alto Online Savings Account 4.60% (as of 10/28/24) APY Frequent withdrawals Allows unlimited withdrawals
LendingClub High-Yield Savings 5.30% (as of 10/10/24) APY Motivation to save Pays a “leveled up” rate if you deposit $250 per month

SoFi Checking and Savings

Great for: Direct deposit

SoFi Checking and Savings offers the best of both worlds with options on how you earn the maximum APY on your savings and checking account. Direct deposit is the easiest way to earn the APY because you never have to remember to make deposits to earn the APY, and there’s no minimum required. If you choose manual deposits, though, there is a $5,000 minimum deposit required to earn the higher APY.

SoFi® also offers the option to set up “vaults” within your savings account. These are sub-accounts dedicated to saving for specific goals, such as buying a car, a dream vacation, or an emergency fund. I like this option because it keeps the money separated, so you have a better visual of your progress toward each goal.

If you don’t have direct deposit and won’t be able to deposit at least $5,000 per month manually, consider other options on this list of the best high-yield savings accounts. Member FDIC.

Pros
  • Earn up to 4.20% APY with direct deposit4
  • No maintenance fees or overdraft fees1112
  • Up to a $300 welcome bonus3
Cons
  • Cash deposits must be made at a Greendot Network retailer
  • Direct deposit or $5,000 monthly manual deposits are required to earn the most competitive rate on savings

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings | Read our SoFi Checking and Savings review.

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SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit

Earn up to 4.20% APY3 and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.4 FDIC Insured.5

Learn More

American Express High Yield Savings Account

Great for: No minimum average balance required

The American Express High Yield Savings Account offers a simple way to earn a high annual percentage yield (currently 4.00% (as of October 24, 2024)) without worrying about any minimum opening or ongoing balances. This is a great way to keep your money growing, and you don’t have to worry about monthly fees taking away from your earnings.

American Express National Bank is a member of the FDIC, so your funds are insured up to $250,000 per depositor. You can seamlessly manage your account online or access customer service 24/7, and interest compounds daily. Opening an account and starting to earn takes only a few minutes.

However, you can only open an American Express checking account if you currently have an American Express credit card. So if you don't have an American Express credit card, don't intend to get one, but you like to keep your checking and savings accounts in the same place, then you may need to look elsewhere.

Pros
  • Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 4.00% (as of October 24, 2024)7
  • No minimum balance requirement or monthly fees 8
  • Interest compounds daily and is deposited monthly
Cons
  • No ATM card
  • Limited options for checking account

Visit American Express® High Yield Savings | Read our American Express HYSA review.

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American Express® High Yield Savings

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Wealthfront Cash Account

Great for: ATM users

You likely know Wealthfront for its investment offerings, but its cash account offers great benefits, too. While cash accounts aren't quite the same as a high-yield savings account, they function similarly. However, a major difference is the ATM access provided, as many online HYSAs do not provide ATM access. But with the Wealthfront cash account, you get excellent ATM access plus up to two non-network ATM fees reimbursed monthly. In addition, the Wealthfront Cash Account offers online bill pay and you can get same-day withdrawals if you initiate a withdrawal by 9 p.m. ET, including weekends and holidays.

All it takes is $1 to start saving, and there are zero account fees. Plus, if you have a large amount of cash to deposit, you can get FDIC coverage for up to $8 million through its partner banks. You also don’t have to worry about a minimum balance to earn the advertised APY.

However, if you’re the type of person who likes to make cash deposits, there’s no way to accomplish this with Wealthfront. The only option is to deposit funds in another bank account and transfer them electronically.

Pros
  • Excellent 5.00% APY
  • FDIC-insured deposits up to $8 million
  • Up to two non-network ATM reimbursements monthly
Cons
  • Does not offer separate checking and savings accounts
  • Difficult to make cash deposits
  • No in-person customer service

Visit Wealthfront Cash Account | Read our Wealthfront Cash Account review.

Wealthfront Cash Account - 5.00% APY10

High Yield Cash Management Account. $1 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.

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EverBank

Great for: No minimum opening balance

The EverBank Performance Savings Account offers exceptional features without account minimums at opening or ongoing. Everyone earns the same APY, which is subject to change but is currently 5.05% (as of 10/1/24). You also don’t have to worry about any monthly maintenance fees, regardless of your average monthly balance.

You can open an EverBank savings account with any amount, and your balances are FDIC-insured up to the basic limits of $250,000. While EverBank doesn’t offer cash deposits or an ATM card, you can set up direct deposits, make mobile deposits, or link external accounts to transfer funds.

Although savings accounts aren’t meant to withdraw funds frequently, this account doesn’t include a debit card. If you prefer ATM access to your funds, consider the EverBank Performance Money Market.

Pros
  • No minimum deposit or maintenance fees
  • Interest compounds daily
  • FDIC-insured
Cons
  • No local branches
  • No ATM card

Visit EverBank

BMO Alto

Great for: Frequent withdrawals

BMO Alto is an entirely online high-yield savings account. This means you can’t access your funds or talk to bankers at a local branch. In exchange, you get a higher APY and unlimited withdrawals on your account without incurring additional fees.

While the account doesn’t offer access to Zelle, cash deposits, or an ATM card, you can access your funds online and even transfer funds to and from external accounts without any limits. With no minimum balance to open an account and no balance to keep up, you can grow your money without hassle. Member FDIC.

Pros
  • Competitive APY of up to 4.60% (as of 10/28/24)
  • No minimum deposit requirements to open an account
  • Also offers CDs
Cons
  • No option for Zelle or wire transfers
  • No option for in-person banking

Visit BMO Alto

LendingClub High-Yield Savings

Great for: Motivation to save

The LendingClub High-Yield Savings account takes only minutes to open and includes a free ATM card. What I love most is the higher rate for monthly deposits. We are all prone to spending before saving, but knowing I will receive a higher APY for transferring just $250 a month motivates me to save more. You can even make multiple deposits monthly to meet the $250 minimum.

Of course, if you don’t meet it, you still earn a rather healthy APY and make your money grow. The HYSA is FDIC-insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, and the robust app makes it easy to manage your funds. You never have to worry about fees, even if your balance decreases or you miss a deposit.

Pros
  • Competitive APY up to 5.30% (as of 10/10/24)
  • Free ATM card
  • No minimum balance, monthly maintenance, or service fees
Cons
  • No non-network ATM reimbursement
  • No in-person customer support

Visit LendingClub | Read our LendingClub High-Yield Savings account review.

Why you shouldn’t settle for a minimum balance

A minimum balance requirement is problematic if you are right at the minimum amount required but need to withdraw funds. Life happens.

If you open a savings account with no minimum balance, you can use your money as you please. Because you won’t need a bunch of cash to start each account, you can even open more than one savings account for any goal imaginable (e.g., a house, college education, car, or wedding).

To maximize your return on investment (ROI), search for a high-yield savings account with no minimum balance. This is ideal if you need to withdraw your savings for a dire situation—such as medical bills—or for an investment opportunity with higher returns.

What to consider when comparing high-yield savings accounts

As robust as the above high-yield savings accounts are, comparing your options is important before choosing one. Consider the following:

  • Minimum opening deposit: This is the least amount required to open an account at a financial institution.
  • Fees: Be sure to research what kind of fees each savings account might have.
  • APY: The annual percentage yield is the annual return on your balance, which includes the effect of compounding. The higher the interest rate on your account, the more opportunity you have to make some money with no effort.
  • ATM card: An ATM card can help you make deposits or withdrawals easily; however, beware of ATM fees.
  • Inactivity Fees: Although it may seem counterintuitive, some financial institutions will charge you an account fee for inactivity. A typical fee can be $10.
  • Online portal or app: If the bank has a website or a mobile banking app, it can help you manage your account easily. One of the conveniences of online banking is that you don't have to find a physical branch to manage your money.

Every bank offers something different, so don’t just settle for the first one you find, no matter how good it sounds.

Overall, the most important thing is to get started. Don’t let the idea of a savings account requiring a high minimum balance slow you down or prevent you from taking steps toward your personal finance goals. Opening a savings account with no minimum balance is a simple way for eager savers to get started on a successful financial journey.

FAQs

Is my money safe in an online savings account?

Money in an online savings account is protected if the account provider is FDIC-insured, which includes most major banks. You'll typically see it stated as "member FDIC."

FDIC stands for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The FDIC insurance covers accounts up to $250,000, so if your bank goes under financially, you will still get back all your money up to that amount. The National Credit Union Administration provides similar insurance for credit unions.

What is a good interest rate for an online savings account?

The best high-yield savings account rates vary from bank to bank and over time. The FDIC indicates the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.46% (as of 9/16/24) APY. (This rate is set by the Fed.) That means if you see an account with a higher interest rate, it would allow you to beat the average.

What do I need to have to open an online savings account?

Requirements to open an online savings account vary by the financial institution. You generally need to provide your full name, address, contact details, and a Social Security number. Some banks also require you to provide your driver's license information. If you are planning to fund the new account with money from a different bank or credit union, you will also need that account information.

How do I deposit or withdraw money from an online savings account?

The process for depositing and withdrawing money from online savings accounts varies by bank or credit union. Generally, you can fund an online savings account via electronic transfer from another bank account, by direct deposit, or by depositing a check. You may also complete a bank-to-bank transfer, request a check, or use a debit card if your bank allows it.

Previously, a federal regulation called Regulation D limited you to no more than six monthly withdrawals for a savings deposit account, but the Federal Reserve lifted this restriction as of April 2020.

Other popular high-yield savings accounts

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Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier Benefits

  • Earn 4.81% APY1from a top-rated U.S. bank with $70B+ in assets14
  • Enjoy 24/7 online access to your account and funds
  • Interest is compounded daily and posted to your account monthly
  • No fees,2$500 minimum deposit, $0.01 minimum balance to earn APY
  • Enhanced security and FDIC insured
Click here to open a Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier Account

Author Details

Laura Dunn

Laura Dunn is a personal finance freelance writer. Laura writes from personal experience, as she herself is paying off credit card debt and student loans.

Author Details

Samantha Hawrylack

Samantha Hawrylack is a writer with more than five years of experience. Her work has been published in Newsweek, MarketWatch, USA Today, Rocket Mortgage, BiggerPockets, Crediful, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and she was previously a brokerage investment professional with Series 7 and 63 licenses at Vanguard.