The average bank savings account interest rate is now 0.06%, while the average interest rate on money market accounts is 0.09%.
Money market accounts typically have the highest interest rates, followed by savings accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Even though it’s a good indicator of how interest rates are doing in general, the average savings account rate is not what you should accept.
Instead, strive for annual percentage yields (APYs) that are significantly higher than the US average, like those provided by high-yield savings accounts. Finding a high-yield savings account with a low or no minimum balance requirement and a competitive return is simple.
The surveys show that the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.18 percent. Savings rates at several online banks are more significant than the national average. The higher the interest rate, the more interest you will earn on your savings.
What is a savings account?
A savings account is an interest-bearing deposit account kept at a bank or another financial institution. These accounts offer relatively low interest rates, but their dependability and security make them a great option for keeping money on hand for emergency needs.
Although there are some restrictions on how frequently you can withdraw money from a savings account,
Overall, they provide exceptional flexibility that makes them perfect for creating an emergency fund, saving for an immediate need, such as a car or vacation, or simply moving extra money you don’t need into your checking account so it can earn more interest.
Advantages of Savings Accounts
- Savings accounts give you a place to keep your money apart from your regular banking requirements, enabling you to set money aside for emergencies or designate funds to reach a significant savings target.
- Savings accounts keep your cash secure and pay the average bank savings account interest rates, so it makes sense to save any extra money there rather than build it up in your checking account, where it would earn nothing.
- Savings accounts have highly liquid access to your money, as opposed to certificates of deposit, which charge you heavily if you take your money out too quickly.
- Deposits or withdrawals to your savings account from your checking account will be processed immediately as a transfer between accounts at the same institution. This makes it simple to move extra money out of your checking account.
- It may start earning interest right away or allow you to move money the other way if you need to pay for a sizable check transaction.
Disadvantages of Savings Accounts
- Savings accounts offer convenient access and dependable security, but at the expense of lower returns than other savings vehicles.
- If your time horizon is long enough, you can earn a more significant return by investing in stocks, bonds, Treasury bills, or certificates of deposit.
- A savings account’s liquidity is one of its main advantages, but it can also work against you because easy access to money may urge you to spend the money you’ve saved.
- If the account is tied to your checking account, taking money out of your savings account is much more challenging than selling a stock, a bond, or withdrawing money from a retirement account.
- Savings accounts are not a good option for money you need to access frequently. Savings accounts weren’t always a good place for these funds because rules used to limit withdrawals to six times per month, whether they were transfers or cash withdrawals at a branch or an ATM.
What Is the Function of a Savings Account?
Savings and other deposit accounts are significant funding sources for loans made by financial organizations. Because of this, you can open a savings account at any bank or credit union, whether they only do business online or also have physical locations.
Savings account facts
- Average bank savings account interest rates might vary. The only time banks and credit unions can’t change their rates is when they advertise a fixed rate until a certain date.
- Institutions may modify their deposit rates in response to changes in the federal funds rate. It would be worthwhile to look into some banks’ high-yield savings accounts.
- Some savings accounts don’t have a minimum balance requirement, but others do so that you don’t have to pay monthly fees or so you can get the highest rate.
- You can get to your savings account online, at a branch or an ATM, through an electronic transfer or direct deposit, or in person.
- Usually, transfers can be scheduled over the phone as well.
- Only the amount in the account may be withdrawn; there is no upper limit.
Average Interest Rates Offered By Major Banks In The Us
| Bank Name | Interest Rate |
| BB&T | 0.01% |
| Capital One | 3% |
| Chase Bank | 0.02% |
| Citibank | 3.10% |
| HSBC Bank | 0.05% |
| Huntington National | 0.01% |
| PNC Bank | 0.01% |
| Regions Bank | 0.01% |
| TD Bank | 0.02% |
| US Bank | 0.01% |
The average savings account interest rate across American banks recently dropped to 0.04%, which has since somewhat increased. However, several banks are providing rates far higher than the current average of 0.06%.
On their ordinary savings accounts, the biggest banks, which operate in brick-and-mortar locations, often only provide APYs up to 0.01%. So a $10,000 savings balance would earn barely ten cents annually at such a rate.
Most of the time, online savings accounts are a little bit better, with current interest rates reaching 0.50%.
Although these options typically don’t offer branch locations, technological advancements in digital banking have made it very simple for users to check savings balances and set up transfers from their smartphone screens.
Conclusion
When looking for a high-yield account, compare internet banks with bigger banks. Online banks are more likely to have reduced minimum balance requirements, no monthly fees, and possibly the same APY on all amounts. As a result, this APY will frequently be higher than that of savings accounts at a physical bank.
As a benchmark, use the country’s average savings rate. It should be easy to find a bank with an APY that is much higher than the average.
To understand what higher-interest earnings look like, compute the difference between the APY at a large bank and the yield at an internet bank. Your investment will eventually accrue interest thanks to the magic of compounding.
