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Key Takeaways
- Savings account yields are much higher than a few years ago
- Top rates may fall as the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates
- Online banks tend to offer the best yields available
Rates on savings accounts are falling. You can now earn 6.35% or higher on your savings.
Searching for an account where you can put some money aside? Here’s a look at some of the best savings rates you can find today.
Related: Find the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2025
Highest Savings Account Rates Today
Source: Curinos. Data accurate as of January 7, 2025.
Traditional Savings Account Rates Today
Traditional savings accounts, called “statement savings accounts” in the banking world, have been notorious for paying paltry interest in past years, especially after the Great Recession. That’s changed more recently, and you can find rates 10x than those offered by traditional financial institutions if you opt for an online bank or a credit union.
Today’s highest APY on a standard savings account with a $2,500 minimum deposit requirement is 6.35%, according to data from Curinos. If you spot a basic savings account with a rate in that ballpark, you’ve found a good deal. One week ago, the best yield was 6.82%.
Today’s average APY for a traditional savings account is 0.23%, Curinos says. APY, or annual percentage yield, reflects the actual return your account will earn in a year. It includes compound interest, which is interest that builds on the interest already in your account.
High-Yield Savings Account Rates Today
High-yield savings accounts generally pay considerably more interest than conventional savings accounts. But the catch is you may have to jump through some hoops to earn that higher rate, such as becoming a member of a credit union or putting down a large deposit.
On high-yield accounts requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000, today’s best interest rate is 6.35%. That’s down from 6.82% one week ago.
The average APY for those accounts is now 0.23% APY, about the same as a week ago.
On high-yield savings accounts with a minimum opening deposit of $25,000, the highest rate available today is 6.35%. You’ll be in good shape if you can find an account offering a rate close to 6.35%. Last week at this time, the best rate was 6.82%.
The current average is 0.24% APY for a high-yield account with a $25,000 minimum deposit. That’s about the same as last week’s APY.
How To Choose A High-Yield Savings Account
Start by comparing the best yields available on the market. There’s no point in opening a high-yield savings account if you’re not actually earning a high yield.
But the interest rate shouldn’t be the only factor you take into account. Consider whether a prospective account has a minimum deposit—and if you can meet it.
You’ll also want to watch out for fees. Savings accounts can come with monthly maintenance fees, excess transaction fees (if you make more than a certain number of withdrawals in a given month) and other pesky charges that can eat into your returns.
And before you apply for a new account, explore the reputation and safety of the bank or credit union by checking the reviews, seeing what people have to say about customer service and finding out how the financial institution responds to consumer questions.
Choose a bank that’s insured by the FDIC or a credit union insured by the NCUA. Those agencies provide up to $250,000 in insurance per depositor and bank for each account ownership category.
Methodology
Curinos determines the average rates for savings accounts by focusing on those intended for personal use. Certain types of savings accounts—such as relationship-based accounts and accounts designed for youths, seniors and students—are not considered in the calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good interest rate for a savings account?
The best high-yield savings account pays 6.35% now, according to Curinos data, so you’ll want to aim for an account that delivers a yield in that ballpark.
But rates aren’t everything. You want an account that charges few fees, offers great customer service and has a track record of being a stable institution.
How are savings account interest rates determined?
Savings yields are variable and can change depending on economic conditions or a bank’s particular financial need. Usually rates are influenced by the federal funds rate, meaning that a bank tends to raise or lower its rates along with the Fed.
Online banks and credit unions tend to offer the best yields because they can pass along savings from low overhead while also striving to attract new customers.