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Banking · Comparison

Best high-yield savings accounts

Quick answer: the highest APY we verified is 4.20% at Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub) (4.20% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits; standard rate 3.00% APY). The best rate with no conditions or promo attached is 4.05% at Bread Savings.

Every figure checked on the bank’s or credit union’s own website on . By the SmartRates Editorial Team.

Our picks by need

Highest headline APY

Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)

LevelUp Savings

4.20%

4.20% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits; standard rate 3.00% APY.

Best with no strings

Bread Savings

High-Yield Savings Account

4.05%

No published conditions, promo period or monthly fee.

No minimum to open

Axos Bank

Summit Savings

4.01%

$0 to open and $0 monthly fee per the bank’s page.

Full ranking by verified APY

Accounts paying 2% APY or more. The 1-year interest column assumes the APY holds all year on a $10,000 balance.

  1. #1 · Online bank · FDIC

    Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)

    LevelUp Savings

    APY
    4.20%Base 3.00%
    Rate as of
    Oct 31, 2026
    Monthly fee
    Not stated
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $420

    Conditions: 4.20% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits; standard rate 3.00% APY.

    lendingclub.com now redirects to happen.com; deposits are provided by Happen Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Monthly fee not stated on the page we checked.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  2. #2 · Online bank · FDIC

    Bread Savings

    High-Yield Savings Account

    APY
    4.05%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $100
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $405

    $100 minimum opening deposit; balances up to $1 million.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  3. #3 · Online bank · FDIC

    Axos Bank

    Summit Savings

    APY
    4.01%Promo
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $401

    Conditions: 'Up to' rate for up to 6 months includes a 0.26% new-customer boost.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  4. #4 · Online bank · FDIC

    UFB Direct

    Portfolio Savings

    APY
    4.01%Promo
    Rate as of
    Not shown
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $401

    Conditions: 'Up to' rate for up to 6 months with a promo code.

    Page did not show an as-of date for the rate.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  5. #5 · Online bank · FDIC

    Vio Bank

    Online Savings Account

    APY
    4.01%
    Rate as of
    Oct 23, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $100
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $401

    Conditions: Same APY on all balances.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  6. #6 · Online bank · FDIC

    Live Oak Bank

    Personal High Yield Savings

    APY
    4.00%
    Rate as of
    Oct 26, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $400

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  7. #7 · Online bank · FDIC

    Sallie Mae Bank

    High-Yield Savings

    APY
    4.00%
    Rate as of
    Nov 2, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $400

    The bank's page stated its rate was accurate as of 11/02/2026 when we read it on 11/01/2026.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  8. #8 · Online bank · FDIC

    Popular Direct

    Exclusive Savings

    APY
    3.90%
    Rate as of
    Not shown
    Monthly fee
    Not stated
    Min. to open
    $100
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $390

    Read from the bank's homepage; the product page returned an error.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  9. #9 · Online bank · FDIC

    CIT Bank

    Platinum Savings

    APY
    3.75%Base 0.25%
    Rate as of
    Jul 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $100
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $375

    Conditions: 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000+; 0.25% APY below $5,000.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  10. #10 · App-based (fintech) · FDIC

    Varo Bank

    Savings Account

    APY
    3.75%Base 1.00%
    Rate as of
    Oct 5, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $375

    Conditions: 3.75% APY on up to $5,000 when monthly qualifications are met; otherwise 1.00% APY.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  11. #11 · Online bank · FDIC

    Synchrony Bank

    High Yield Savings

    APY
    3.75%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $375

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  12. #12 · Online bank · FDIC

    E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley Private Bank)

    Premium Savings

    APY
    3.75%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $375

    Conditions: Base APY. A separate limited-time promotion is advertised; see the bank's terms.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  13. #13 · Online bank · FDIC

    Barclays

    Tiered Savings

    APY
    3.65%
    Rate as of
    Oct 7, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $365

    Conditions: Top tier ('up to'); lower balances earn less.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  14. #14 · Online bank · FDIC

    Marcus by Goldman Sachs

    Online Savings Account

    APY
    3.50%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $350

    Bank page says no fees and no minimum deposit; maximum balance limits apply. A referral rate boost is advertised separately and is not included here.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  15. #15 · Branch bank / credit union · FDIC

    U.S. Bank

    Bank Smartly Savings

    APY
    3.50%
    Rate as of
    Not shown
    Monthly fee
    $5
    Min. to open
    $25
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $350

    Conditions: 'Up to' rate requires qualifying relationship balances; standard rates are much lower.

    Page did not show an as-of date for the rate.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  16. #16 · Branch bank / credit union · FDIC

    Citibank

    Citi Savings

    APY
    3.50%Base 0.05%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    Not stated
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $350

    Conditions: 3.50% 'Premium Boost' APY requires a Regular Checking account and Required Activities (e.g. $5,000 in direct deposits/qualifying transactions); standard APY 0.05%.

    Monthly fee depends on relationship tier; not captured.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  17. #17 · App-based (fintech) · FDIC

    Upgrade

    Premier Savings

    APY
    3.30%
    Rate as of
    Sep 18, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $330

    Conditions: APY applies to balances of $1,000+.

    Upgrade is not a bank; deposits are held at partner banks.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  18. #18 · App-based (fintech) · FDIC

    SoFi Bank

    Savings (with Checking)

    APY
    3.30%
    Rate as of
    Oct 20, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $330

    Conditions: Requires eligible direct deposit or qualifying deposits; limited-time boosts may be advertised separately.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  19. #19 · Online bank · FDIC

    American Express National Bank

    High Yield Savings Account

    APY
    3.20%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $320

    No minimum balance; minimum opening deposit not stated as a dollar figure on the page we checked.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  20. #20 · Online bank · FDIC

    FNBO Direct

    Online Savings

    APY
    3.00%
    Rate as of
    Not shown
    Monthly fee
    Not stated
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $300

    Conditions: Same rate regardless of balance.

    Read from the bank's homepage; the product page returned an error.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  21. #21 · Online bank · FDIC

    Citizens Access

    Savings

    APY
    2.80%
    Rate as of
    Jul 17, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $280

    Conditions: Same APY on all balance tiers.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

Best rates with no conditions or promos

  1. #1 · Online bank · FDIC

    Bread Savings

    High-Yield Savings Account

    APY
    4.05%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $100
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $405

    $100 minimum opening deposit; balances up to $1 million.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  2. #2 · Online bank · FDIC

    Live Oak Bank

    Personal High Yield Savings

    APY
    4.00%
    Rate as of
    Oct 26, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $400

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  3. #3 · Online bank · FDIC

    Sallie Mae Bank

    High-Yield Savings

    APY
    4.00%
    Rate as of
    Nov 2, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $400

    The bank's page stated its rate was accurate as of 11/02/2026 when we read it on 11/01/2026.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  4. #4 · Online bank · FDIC

    Popular Direct

    Exclusive Savings

    APY
    3.90%
    Rate as of
    Not shown
    Monthly fee
    Not stated
    Min. to open
    $100
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $390

    Read from the bank's homepage; the product page returned an error.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  5. #5 · Online bank · FDIC

    Synchrony Bank

    High Yield Savings

    APY
    3.75%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $375

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  6. #6 · Online bank · FDIC

    Marcus by Goldman Sachs

    Online Savings Account

    APY
    3.50%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    $0
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $350

    Bank page says no fees and no minimum deposit; maximum balance limits apply. A referral rate boost is advertised separately and is not included here.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

  7. #7 · Online bank · FDIC

    American Express National Bank

    High Yield Savings Account

    APY
    3.20%
    Rate as of
    Nov 1, 2026
    Monthly fee
    $0
    Min. to open
    Not stated
    1 yr on $10,000
    ≈ $320

    No minimum balance; minimum opening deposit not stated as a dollar figure on the page we checked.

    Verified Nov 1, 2026Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

What the rate difference is worth

BalanceAt 4.20%At 4.05%At 0.01%
$5,000$210$203$1
$10,000$420$405$1
$25,000$1,050$1,013$3
$50,000$2,100$2,025$5

Approximate interest over one year if the APY did not change. The last column is the lowest standard savings APY we verified at a branch bank (Wells Fargo).

How we ranked these accounts

We read each APY on the bank’s own product page (or homepage, where noted) and sorted by the top published rate. We do not accept payment for rankings, and accounts without a readable rate are excluded from this list rather than estimated. You can see every account, including those, on the savings accounts page.

Before you switch, compare your current bank’s rate with the FDIC national average, check the new account’s conditions, and confirm FDIC membership with BankFind.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a high-yield savings account?

There is no legal definition. In practice it means a savings account that pays well above the national average savings rate, usually at an online bank. On this page we only include accounts whose APY we could read on the bank’s own website.

Is the highest APY always the best choice?

No. Check whether the top rate needs monthly deposits, a minimum balance or a promo code, and whether it ends after a few months. A slightly lower rate with no conditions can earn more over a year.

How much interest will $10,000 earn in a high-yield savings account?

At a 4.00% APY held for a full year, $10,000 earns about $400. At 0.01%, it earns about $1. Variable rates change, so real results will differ.

Is interest on a high-yield savings account taxable?

Yes. Interest is generally taxable as ordinary income in the year it is credited, and banks typically send Form 1099-INT when you earn $10 or more. See IRS Topic No. 403.

How do I move money into a high-yield savings account?

Open the account, link your existing checking account, and start an ACH transfer. Many people test with a small transfer first. Keep enough in checking to cover bills while the transfer settles.

Official sources