March 1, 2024 – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Rates on savings accounts are the same compared to one week ago. You can now earn 5.84% or higher on your savings.

Searching for an account where you can save for a rainy day or retirement? Here’s a look at some of the best savings rates you can find today.

Related: Compare the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts

Traditional Savings Account Rates Today

Traditional savings accounts, called “statement savings accounts” within the banking industry, are notorious for paying paltry interest rates. That’s now changing, thanks to the Fed’s campaign of interest rate hikes to combat inflation.

Today’s highest rate on a standard savings account with a $2,500 minimum deposit requirement is 5.84%, according to data from Curinos. If you land a basic savings account with a rate in that range, you’ve found a good deal. One week ago, the best yield also was 5.84%.

Today’s average APY for a traditional savings account is 0.23%, Curinos says. That’s the same as a week ago. 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 substantially higher interest than conventional savings accounts. But the catch is you may have to jump through some hoops for the bank or credit union. Often, that means making a large deposit to open the account.

On high-yield accounts requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000, today’s best interest rate is 4.51%. That’s unchanged from one week ago.

On high-yield savings accounts with a minimum opening deposit of $25,000, the highest rate offered today is 4.89%. You’ll be in good shape if you can get an account offering a rate close to 4.89%. Last week at this time, the best rate was a similar 4.89%.

The current average is 0.25% APY for a high-yield account with a $25,000 minimum deposit. That’s above last week’s 0.25%.

How To Shop for a Savings Account

When you’re hunting for a traditional savings account, high-yield savings account or MMA, you’ll want to consider some essential points.

A great interest rate is important, but it’s not the only factor that matters when choosing an account to hold your savings. Another major consideration is whether the account has a minimum deposit—and whether you can meet that requirement.

You’ll also want to understand the fees. Savings accounts can come with monthly maintenance fees, excess transaction fees (if you ignore limits on withdrawals) and other annoying charges that can eat into your returns.

And before you apply for an account, look into a financial institution’s reputation and safety. You should trust your bank or credit union and feel like you’re in good hands. Read the reviews, see what account holders have to say about customer service and find out how the financial institution responds to consumer questions.

Search for an account that’s insured by the FDIC or, in the case of credit unions, the NCUA. Those federal agencies provide up to $250,000 in insurance per depositor and per bank for each account ownership category.

How High Can Savings Rates Go?

That’s tough to say—it depends on the path of inflation and the overall economy.

The highest interest rates in recent history were seen in the early 1980s when the Fed hiked the federal funds rate to over 19%. That was in response to record-breaking inflation that had prices rising at a rate of over 14% annually.

In the early 1980s, the average five-year CD paid almost 12%, compared to less than 2% today, according to Bankrate data. Savings rates eventually fell as inflation cooled and the federal funds rate was brought back down.

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.