Introduction: Why High-Interest Savings Accounts Matter in 2025
In 2025, with inflation still impacting household budgets, many Americans are looking for safe, accessible, and high-yield places to store their money. High-interest savings accounts (often called high-yield savings accounts, or HYSAs) have become the go-to choice for building emergency funds and parking short-term savings while still earning meaningful interest.
The good news? Competition among U.S. banks and credit unions is driving interest rates higher than we’ve seen in years. Some accounts now offer APYs above 5.00%, far outpacing traditional savings accounts that still pay near 0.05%.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 best high-interest savings accounts available to U.S. customers in 2025, including rates, features, pros, cons, and tips to choose the right one.
What Makes a Great High-Interest Savings Account?
Before jumping into the list, here are the key factors we evaluated:
- Annual Percentage Yield (APY) – The higher, the better, but stability matters too.
- FDIC or NCUA Insurance – Protects deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per bank.
- Fees & Minimums – Ideally no monthly fees and low/no minimum deposit.
- Accessibility – Easy online and mobile banking, fast transfers.
- Reputation & Customer Service – Trust matters when it comes to your money.
Top 10 High-Interest Savings Accounts in the USA (2025)
1. UFB Direct – High Yield Savings
- APY: 5.25%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Among the highest APYs nationwide
- No minimum balance to earn the top rate
- User-friendly mobile app
- Cons:
- Limited branch access (online-only)
- Best For: Savers who want the maximum APY without restrictions.
2. SoFi Checking & Savings
- APY: 4.60% (with direct deposit)
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Combined checking and savings account
- No overdraft fees
- Up to $250 cash bonus for new accounts
- Cons:
- Requires direct deposit for highest APY
- Best For: People who want both spending and saving in one account.
3. Ally Bank – Online Savings Account
- APY: 4.35%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Reputable, well-established online bank
- Buckets feature to organize savings goals
- No monthly fees
- Cons:
- APY slightly below top rates
- Best For: Long-term savers who value excellent customer service.
4. Discover® Online Savings Account
- APY: 4.40%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- No minimum balance requirement
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support
- Cons:
- No physical branches for in-person banking
- Best For: People who prefer brand recognition and reliability.
5. Marcus by Goldman Sachs – High Yield Online Savings
- APY: 4.50%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Strong bank backing
- No transaction fees
- Easy transfers from external accounts
- Cons:
- No checking account option
- Best For: Savers focused solely on maximizing interest.
6. Capital One 360 Performance Savings
- APY: 4.25%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Branch access in select states
- Linked checking options available
- Cons:
- APY not as high as some online-only banks
- Best For: People who want both digital and in-person banking.
7. CIT Bank – Platinum Savings
- APY: 5.05% (with $5,000 balance)
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Competitive APY for higher balances
- Mobile-friendly platform
- Cons:
- Must maintain $5,000 to earn highest APY
- Best For: Savers who keep larger account balances.
8. Varo Bank – Savings Account
- APY: Up to 5.00% (on balances up to $5,000 with qualifying activity)
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Instant transfers between Varo accounts
- Cons:
- High APY limited to $5,000 balance
- Best For: Savers who keep small-to-medium balances.
9. Bask Bank – Interest Savings Account
- APY: 5.10%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Consistently competitive rates
- No balance requirements
- Cons:
- No ATM access
- Best For: Online-only savers seeking pure rate maximization.
10. LendingClub High-Yield Savings
- APY: 4.65%
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- FDIC Insured: Yes
- Pros:
- Competitive rates
- Linked checking account option
- Cons:
- Limited branch network
- Best For: People who want integrated checking and savings.
How to Choose the Best Account for You
When deciding, consider:
- Rate Stability – Will your bank keep rates competitive if the Fed cuts interest rates?
- Your Balance Size – Some accounts only offer the highest APY on certain amounts.
- Banking Needs – Do you need ATM access or checking integration?
Comparison Table – Quick Reference
| Bank / Account | APY | Min Deposit | FDIC Insured | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFB Direct | 5.25% | $0 | Yes | None |
| SoFi | 4.60% | $0 | Yes | None |
| Ally Bank | 4.35% | $0 | Yes | None |
| Discover | 4.40% | $0 | Yes | None |
| Marcus | 4.50% | $0 | Yes | None |
| Capital One | 4.25% | $0 | Yes | None |
| CIT Bank | 5.05% | $100 | Yes | None |
| Varo | 5.00% | $0 | Yes | None |
| Bask Bank | 5.10% | $0 | Yes | None |
| LendingClub | 4.65% | $100 | Yes | None |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are online banks safe for high-interest savings?
Yes—if FDIC or NCUA insured, deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor.
Q: Do I pay taxes on savings account interest?
Yes, in the U.S., interest earned is taxable and reported on Form 1099-INT.
Q: Can I lose money in a savings account?
No, as long as your balance is within FDIC/NCUA limits and the bank is insured.
Q: How often do banks change APYs?
APYs can change anytime based on Federal Reserve policy and market conditions.
Final Thoughts
High-interest savings accounts in 2025 offer a rare combination of security, liquidity, and attractive returns—especially compared to the last decade of low rates. The key is finding an account that balances APY, accessibility, and trust.
Whether you want the absolute highest rate (UFB Direct, Bask Bank) or a well-rounded banking relationship (SoFi, Ally), the options above give U.S. savers multiple strong choices.