Best High-Yield Savings Accounts
of September 2024

Money in an online savings account is covered by protections as long as the account provider is FDIC insured, and virtually all major banks are. 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 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.

Savings account interest rates vary from bank to bank and over time. The FDIC indicates the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.45% (as of 7/22/24) APY. That means if you see an account with a higher interest rate, it would allow you to beat the average.

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.

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. Withdrawals can generally also be completed by bank-to-bank transfer, or you may be able to 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 withdrawals per month for a savings deposit account, but the Federal Reserve lifted this restriction as of April 2020.