Best High-Yield Savings Accounts 2026: Top 10 Banks
Published January 11, 2026 · Rates updated monthly
Updated January 11, 2026 — Rates updated monthly. Check each bank for current APY.
High-yield savings accounts (HYSA) earn 4-5% APY on your money—10x+ higher than traditional banks. We reviewed 10 top banks based on rates, fees, FDIC insurance, and customer service.
Quick Answer
Highest Rate: American Express 4.90% APY
No Fees: Marcus, Ally, Amex, Discover (all $0 fees)
Lowest Minimum: $0 at most banks
FDIC Insured: All featured banks up to $250,000
Best Overall: Marcus (4.85% rate, 4.8/5 rating, $0 minimum)
Current Rates (Updated January 11, 2026)
National Average APY: 4.85% (high-yield), 0.01% (traditional savings)
Quick Comparison Table
| Bank | Current APY | Min Deposit | FDIC | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus | 4.85% | $0 | ✓ | 4.8/5 |
| Ally | 4.75% | $0 | ✓ | 4.7/5 |
| American Express | 4.90% | $0 | ✓ | 4.6/5 |
| CIT Bank | 4.80% | $100 | ✓ | 4.5/5 |
| Discover | 4.85% | $0 | ✓ | 4.6/5 |
| Capital One | 4.70% | $0 | ✓ | 4.4/5 |
Top Recommendations
1. Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Best overall. High rates, no fees, exceptional customer service.
- APY: 4.85%
- Minimum: $0
- Fees: None
- FDIC Insured: Yes ($250,000)
2. American Express Personal Savings
Highest APY. Premium customer service for Amex cardholders.
- APY: 4.90% (highest)
- Minimum: $0
- Best For: Amex customers
3. Ally Bank
Best for multi-product banking. HYSA + checking + no fees.
- APY: 4.75%
- Checking APY: 0.20%
- ATM Fee Reimbursement: Yes (unlimited)
How to Maximize High-Yield Savings
- Keep 3-6 months expenses in HYSA for emergency fund
- Automate deposits to accumulate savings quickly
- Avoid frequent transfers (limited to 6 per month)
- Monitor rates monthly and switch if better rates appear
- Use multiple banks to maximize FDIC insurance coverage
FAQ
Are high-yield savings accounts safe?
Yes. All banks listed are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account.
What’s the difference between HYSA and regular savings?
HYSA rates: 4-5% APY. Regular savings: 0.01% APY. HYSA earns 400-500x more!
Can I withdraw money from HYSA anytime?
Yes. Federal law allows 6 transfers per month (recently unlimited). Check your bank’s policy.