Best High-Yield Savings & Cash Accounts of 2026, Compared

Start earning more on your savings. Open an FDIC-insured high-yield account and start growing your money with APYs (annual percentage yield)1 up to 10x higher than the national average.
Last updated Oct. 30, 2026 | By FinanceBuzz Editors
Estimated interest earnings
$2,200
per year on $50,000 at 4.40% APY2
$

Example assumes a $50,000 balance held for 12 months with no deposits or withdrawals. 4.40% APY is variable and may change after account opening. Results will vary.

Limited-Time: Up to $400 Cash Bonus
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2026 AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo
5.0
info
Learn More on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.40% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0
Bonus Offer
Up to $400 info
Why We Like It
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $400 cash bonus3plus a boosted up to 4.40% APY4on Savings (3.30% APY3with +1.10% APY Boost) for up to 6 months when you open a new account and set up eligible direct deposits. Terms apply.
  • No account, overdraft, or monthly fees.5
  • Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.6
  • Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million.7
  • Excellent 4.3/5
Learn More on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

4.6
info
Learn More on Live Oak Bank's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.00% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0.01
Bonus Offer
—
Why We Like It
  • Earn a 4.00% APY8to boost your savings.
  • No monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance to open.
  • Member FDIC. FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category.9
Learn More on Live Oak Bank's secure website, Member FDIC

4.6
info
Learn More on CIT Bank's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
3.65% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0
Bonus Offer
—
Why We Like It
  • Same Rate, Any Balance: Earn 3.65% APY whether you keep $100 or $100,000 in the account.10
  • No account opening or monthly service fees.
  • Open with $100 to start earning the full APY right away.
  • Interest compounds daily and credits to your account monthly.
  • FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category.
Learn More on CIT Bank's secure website, Member FDIC
4.8
info
Learn More on Wealthfront's secure website
APY
3.55% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0
Bonus Offer
3-Month APY Boost for new clients
Why We Like It
  • Earn a competitive 3.55%+ variable APY11on your cash. Terms and conditions apply. 3.55% base APY from program banks plus 3-month 0.75% APY boost for first-time Cash Account clients.
  • No minimum balance required to open your account.
  • Zero account fees12 so your money stays where it belongs.
  • Free 24/7 instant withdrawals to eligible accounts, even on weekends and holidays.13
  • Up to $8M in FDIC insurance eligibility through program banks.14
Learn More on Wealthfront's secure website

4.9
info
Learn More on Barclays' secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.25% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0
Bonus Offer
$400 info
Why We Like It
  • Earn 4.25% Annual Percentage Yield on all balance tiers with Select Savings from Barclays.1516
  • No monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance to open.
  • Set up easy direct deposits and online transfers to your linked accounts.
  • Special Offer: Earn a $400 Bonus when you open a new account, deposit at least $40,000 within 30 days, and maintain that balance for 120 consecutive days.17
Learn More on Barclays' secure website, Member FDIC

Is my money safe?

All of the accounts listed are FDIC-insured, meaning eligible deposits are protected by the U.S. government up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.


Compare Today's Top High-Yield Savings Accounts

Still deciding? Compare today's top high-yield savings accounts side-by-side to find the best rates.

Bank/Institution APY info Open Account Bonus Offer
Financebuzz awards badge
2026 AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo
5.0
info
4.40
% APY
With $0 min. balanceinfo
Learn More
on SoFi's secure website
Member FDIC
Limited-Time Offer: $50 or $400 Bonus with eligible direct deposit3 plus a +1.10% boost on Savings APY to up to 4.40% for up to 6 months on new accounts.4 Terms apply.
4.6
info
4.00
% APY
With $0.01 min. balance8
Learn More
on Live Oak Bank's secure website
Member FDIC
—
4.6
info
3.65
% APY
With $0 min. balanceinfo
Learn More
on CIT Bank's secure website
Member FDIC
—
4.8
info
3.55
% APY
With $0 min. balance11
Learn More
on Wealthfront's secure website
3.55% base variable APY via program banks. Earn a 3-Month 0.75% APY Boost for new clients. Terms and conditions apply.
4.9
info
4.25
% APY
With $0 min. balance15
Learn More
on Barclays' secure website
Member FDIC
Special Offer: Earn a $400 Bonus when you deposit at least $40,000 within 30 days and maintain that balance for 120 consecutive days.1716


Award-Winning Favorites

Not all savings accounts are created equal. The FinanceBuzz 2026 Best of Banking Awards recognize institutions delivering exceptional value, innovation, and customer experience — so you can skip the research and open an account you can trust.

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2026 AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo
SoFi Checking and Savings
5.0
info
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $400 cash bonus3plus a boosted up to 4.40% APY4on Savings (3.30% APY3with +1.10% APY Boost) for up to 6 months when you open a new account and set up eligible direct deposits. Terms apply.
  • No account, overdraft, or monthly fees.5
  • Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.6
  • Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million.7
  • Excellent 4.3/5
Learn More
on SoFi's secure website
Why They Won

Having your checking and savings accounts with the same financial institution can make money management a lot simpler. We chose SoFi® for best checking and savings account combo because it delivers on interest and additional features. 

For example, you could earn up to 4.40% APY on your savings balance — a 1.10% APY Boost added to the 3.30% APY — for up to 6 months when you 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. Terms apply.4 SoFi also offers more special features than any other account combo we looked at, including round-ups on debit spending, early payday6, a direct deposit cash bonus, and a suite of other online financial products that you'll get access to as a SoFi account holder. SoFi is also known for its easy-to-use app and website, as well as its excellent customer service. Member FDIC.7



Online High-Yield Savings 101

When picking a new savings account, there are a few key things to consider, like the APY they offer or the fees they charge. And remember, you don’t have to stick with just one account — opening different accounts can help you get the best rates and ensure your money is protected up to the legal limit.

Is my money safe in an online savings account?

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, 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.

Learn more about today's top online savings account pick

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

Savings account interest rates vary from bank to bank and over time. The FDIC indicates the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.38% APY (as of 10/19/26). That means if you see an account with a higher interest rate, it would allow you to beat the average.

View Bonus & APY Details for our most recommended savings account

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.

Read more about our top checking and savings pick

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. 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.

Learn more about the current deposit bonus offered by our most popular savings account option


How we chose these products

FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of bank accounts offered by our partners, looking at various criteria including interest rates, minimum deposit requirements, and more. We did not review all products in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the products.