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Best Savings Accounts for November 2024

The best savings accounts offer more than just competitive APYs.

A savings account is an interest-earning deposit account at banks, credit unions and other financial institutions, including online-only banks, designed to help you save for future expenses or financial goals. 

A savings account typically allows unrestricted access to your money, allowing you to add or withdraw cash as needed. A savings account is ideal for an emergency fund that can cover unexpected expenses such as an accident or job loss. Savings accounts at federally insured financial institutions are covered in the case of loss for up to $250,000 per person, per institution, making them a safe and low-risk place to park your cash.

Best Savings Accounts
  • Ally Bank 4.00% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • EverBank 5.05% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Capital One Bank 4.00% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, Yes Branch access
  • TAB Bank 4.52% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Newtek Bank 5.25% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Discover 4.00% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Laurel Road 4.50% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Synchrony Bank 4.30% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Varo Bank 3.00% - 5.00% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Bask Bank 4.85% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • LendingClub 4.00% to 5.00% APY , $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • BMO Alto 4.60% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
  • Marcus by Goldman Sachs 4.10% APY, $0 Min. deposit to open, No Branch access
Helpful Definitions
Savings account

A deposit account issued by banks, credit unions and neobanks used to store money and earn a small amount of interest. Typically, these accounts are insured for up to $250,000 per account owner, per institution.

High-yield savings account

An interest-bearing account similar to a traditional savings account that pays a much higher annual percentage yield, or APY, than the average savings account. They are also typically insured for up to $250,000 per account owner, per institution.

Certificate of deposit (CD)

A type of savings account in which a lump-sum deposit accrues interest at a fixed rate for a fixed term, usually with an early withdrawal penalty.

Money Market Account (MMA)

Similar to a savings account but with the added feature of check-writing privileges and a debit card to access cash, often with limitations on the number of monthly withdrawals.

Annual percentage yield (APY)

An interest rate that represents the return from the compounded interest you’ll earn in 12 months on your deposit. The higher the APY, the faster your money grows.

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards, banking and consumer spending. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.
Toni Husbands is a staff writer with CNET Money who enjoys exploring topics that promote financial wellness. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book, The Great Debt Dump. Previously, she contributed as a freelance writer for websites, including CreditCards.com, Centsai and Wisebread. She was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV, and her work has been featured on Yahoo News. Being a part-time real estate investor and amateur gardener also brings her joy.
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