The average savings account still pays just 0.41% APY — while the best high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are paying over 4% APY. On a $10,000 balance, that's the difference between earning $41 and $420 per year. We reviewed 12 top HYSAs so you can stop leaving money on the table.
Bottom line: For most people, Vio Bank (4.03% APY) or LendingClub (4.00% APY) offer the best combination of rate and zero-fee simplicity. If you already bank with a big name, Marcus by Goldman Sachs (3.50% APY) is a trusted alternative with no minimums.
APY rates are as of May 2026 and subject to change. All accounts below are FDIC-insured.
| Account | APY | Min. Deposit | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vio Bank ⭐ Best Rate | 4.03% | $100 | $0 | Highest APY |
| LendingClub | 4.00% | $0 | $0 | No Minimum |
| Bread Savings | 4.00% | $100 | $0 | Simple & Solid |
| UFB Direct | 4.01% | $0 | $0 | No Minimums |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs 🏅 Most Trusted | 3.50% | $0 | $0 | Brand Trust |
| SoFi Savings | 3.80% | $0 | $0 | Checking Combo |
| Ally Bank | 3.10% | $0 | $0 | Customer Service |
| American Express HYSA | 3.30% | $0 | $0 | Established Name |
| Capital One 360 | 3.30% | $0 | $0 | Full Banking |
The national average savings APY is just 0.41%. Every account below beats it by 7–10×.
Vio Bank — the online division of MidFirst Bank — consistently ranks at the top for raw APY. Their 4.03% rate applies to all balances with no tiered structure, which means even small deposits earn at the same rate as large ones.
The $100 opening deposit is a minor hurdle, but after that there are no monthly maintenance fees. Vio keeps it simple: no checking account, no debit card, just a straightforward savings account with one of the highest rates available anywhere.
MidFirst Bank, which backs Vio, is FDIC-insured and has been around since 1934 — so the underlying institution is rock-solid despite the lesser-known brand name.
Originally known as a peer-to-peer lending platform, LendingClub now operates as a full-service bank and their savings account is one of the best available with zero minimum deposit. You can open with $1 and still earn 4.00% APY.
LendingClub also offers a checking account, giving you the option to consolidate your banking relationship if you want. The combination of a top-tier rate, no minimums, and full banking services makes this a standout pick.
UFB Direct consistently lands in the top tier for high-yield savings. With 4.01% APY, no minimum balance, and zero monthly maintenance fees, it's hard to fault. The savings account comes with a free ATM card, which is unusual for HYSAs.
UFB Direct is a division of Axos Bank, a well-established online bank with over $20 billion in assets. The mobile app is well-reviewed and the customer service is responsive — rare qualities in the high-APY category.
Marcus is the consumer banking arm of Goldman Sachs — one of the most recognized names in global finance. While its 3.50% APY isn't the absolute highest, the institutional trust, clean interface, and perfect fee structure make it a top recommendation for people who want a recognizable brand.
There are no fees of any kind: no monthly fee, no minimum balance fee, no transfer fee. Goldman Sachs also has a 24/7 U.S.-based customer service line, which separates Marcus from many online-only competitors. If you want peace of mind above a fraction of a percent, Marcus is the call.
Marcus also competes as an Amazon Associates affiliate partner program — making it particularly relevant to our readers who use affiliate links on our site.
SoFi's savings account earns up to 3.80% APY when you set up direct deposit — one of the better rates from a fintech with full banking services. The key advantage: SoFi bundles savings with a checking account, investing account, credit card, and loans under one app, making it ideal if you want a financial "super-app."
Note: The 3.80% APY requires direct deposit enrollment. Without it, the rate drops significantly, so confirm that's set up if you open an account here.
Ally has been the gold standard for online banking customer service for over a decade. While the 3.10% APY isn't at the bleeding edge anymore, Ally makes up for it with a phenomenal mobile app, 24/7 phone support, and a "buckets" savings feature that lets you earmark money for specific goals within one account.
If rate isn't your #1 priority and you want a bank that actually picks up the phone and has a polished product, Ally remains one of the best overall choices in online banking.
Not all HYSAs are equal — and chasing the highest APY isn't always the right move. Here's what actually matters:
Some advertised APYs require direct deposit enrollment, a minimum balance, or a "relationship bonus" that disappears after 3 months. Always read the fine print before committing. Look for promotional vs. ongoing rates — the introductory rate sometimes drops sharply after 6 months (E*Trade is a common example of this).
Every account on our list is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. Never keep your emergency fund or savings in an account that isn't FDIC- or NCUA-insured, regardless of what rate it offers.
If you want a single app for checking, savings, and investing — SoFi or Ally makes sense. If you just want a pure savings vehicle with the best rate and don't care about bells and whistles — Vio Bank or LendingClub wins. Decide what matters to you before optimizing for APY alone.
Some HYSAs take 2–5 business days to transfer funds back to your checking account. This matters if you're using the account as an emergency fund. Marcus and Ally both have strong transfer speeds; some smaller online banks can be slower.
Rate reminder: HYSA rates are variable and tied to the Federal Funds Rate. When the Fed cuts rates (as happened in late 2024 and 2025), HYSA APYs drop. Monitor your account annually to make sure you're still competitive.
We evaluated each account across six factors. APY gets the most weight, but a great rate from an unstable or frustrating bank isn't worth it.
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