With interest rates fluctuating and inflation still a concern in 2025, putting your money in a regular savings account just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you want your money to work smarter, not harder, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) is a powerful tool to grow your savings safely and passively.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best high-yield savings accounts you can open today, how they compare, and how to choose the right one for your financial goals.
🔹 What is a High-Yield Savings Account?
A high-yield savings account is a type of savings account that offers a much higher interest rate than traditional bank savings accounts — often 10x or more. These accounts are typically offered by online banks with lower overhead costs, allowing them to pass on the savings to you.
🔝 Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025
Here are the top-performing HYSAs this year — ranked by APY, fees, features, and ease of use.
1. Ally Bank High-Yield Savings Account
- APY: 4.25%
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: Great mobile app, buckets for saving goals
- Best For: General savings, beginners
2. American Express® High Yield Savings Account
- APY: 4.30%
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: Trusted brand, strong customer service
- Cons: No checking account option
- Best For: Emergency funds or long-term savings
3. Discover® Online Savings Account
- APY: 4.20%
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: No overdraft fees, user-friendly app
- Best For: Those who already bank with Discover
4. Marcus by Goldman Sachs
- APY: 4.40%
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: High APY, great for setting up auto-deposits
- Cons: No ATM card
- Best For: Automated savers
5. SoFi Checking & Savings
- APY: Up to 4.60% (with direct deposit)
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: Includes checking + savings, early paycheck
- Best For: Full-service online banking
6. CIT Bank Savings Connect
- APY: 4.50%
- Minimum balance: $100
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: Strong APY for larger balances
- Cons: No physical branches
- Best For: Online-only savers
7. Bread Financial High-Yield Savings
- APY: 5.00%
- Minimum balance: $100
- Monthly fees: $0
- Pros: Industry-leading rates
- Cons: Less-known brand, limited services
- Best For: Maximizing interest on parked cash
🧮 How Much Can You Earn?
Here’s how your savings could grow with a $10,000 deposit over 1 year:
| Bank | APY | Earnings (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bread Financial | 5.00% | $500 |
| Marcus by GS | 4.40% | $440 |
| Ally Bank | 4.25% | $425 |
| Amex | 4.30% | $430 |
| Traditional Bank (e.g., Chase) | ~0.01% | ~$1 |
💡 Pro Tip: Compounding monthly interest means the sooner you start, the more you earn.
🔍 What to Look for in a High-Yield Savings Account
- High APY – Aim for 4.00%+ in 2025
- No fees – Avoid monthly maintenance or withdrawal penalties
- Easy access – Strong mobile banking, no delays on withdrawals
- FDIC Insurance – Protects up to $250,000 per account holder
- Automation options – Auto-transfer helps grow savings effortlessly
✅ Benefits of High-Yield Savings Accounts
- Safe & secure – Unlike investments, your balance won’t drop
- Perfect for goals – Emergency fund, vacation, home down payment
- Liquid – Funds can be withdrawn anytime without penalties
- No risk – Guaranteed returns backed by the bank and FDIC