Is there a downside to a high-yield savings account?
Some disadvantages of a high-yield savings account include few withdrawal options, limitations on how many monthly withdrawals you can make, and no access to a branch network if you need it. But for most people, these aren't major issues.
The cons of high-yield savings accounts
Interest rates on high-yield savings accounts are variable and can fluctuate at any time, so while a bank may advertise a high annual percentage yield (APY) when you apply, it likely won't last forever.
Safety: As noted, most high-yield savings accounts are either FDIC or NCUA insured for up to $250,000. Moreover, as deposit accounts, they're not susceptible to the ebbs and flows of the market, so there's little to no chance you'll lose the money you deposit into one.
Many HYSAs also have similar withdrawal limits to traditional savings accounts, traditionally six withdrawals per month. However, the Federal Reserve Board currently allows consumers to make unlimited withdrawals.
Is my money safe in a high-yield savings account? Putting your money in a federally insured high-interest savings account is safe. Funds at covered banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., or FDIC.
Millionaires Like High-Yield Savings, but Not as Much as Other Accounts. Usually offering significantly more interest than a traditional savings account, high-yield savings accounts have blown up in popularity among everyone, including millionaires.
As of April 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts. Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking with 7.50% APY and OnPath Credit Union High Yield Checking with 7.00% APY.
Although each financial situation is unique, it doesn't typically make sense for you to keep all of your money in a high-yield savings account.
Stampf recommends keeping six to 12 months' worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account for easy access to cash in case of an emergency and saving for larger expenses that are are coming in the short term, like buying a home.
Gaines reiterates that even most high-yield savings accounts lose value to inflation over time. “More than two months' worth of living expenses in a savings account is too much given the ability to earn around 5% from easily accessible money market accounts that should not fluctuate in price.”
Is there anything better than a high-yield savings account?
Certificates of Deposit
Like high-yield savings accounts, CDs usually offer substantially higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than traditional savings accounts. As of October 2023, the average CD rates range from 4.60% to 5.55%, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC).
How much of a difference does this make? If you deposit $50,000 into a traditional savings account with a 0.46%, you'll earn just $230 in total interest after one year. But if you deposit that amount into a high-yield savings account with a 5.32% APY,* your one-year interest soars to over $2,660.
The rate environment is favorable
In fact, rates on high-yield savings accounts are currently hovering around 5%, and you may be able to find something even higher if you shop around for an online bank. On a $10,000 deposit, that would equate to $500 after one year.
Do I have to pay taxes on HYSA? Yes, you have to pay taxes on the interest earned from a savings account. If you earn more than $10 in interest on your savings account, the bank holding your account will send you a Form 1099-T to include in your tax return.
Pros and cons of a high-yield savings account
A high-yield savings account offers a higher rate of return on your money compared to standard savings accounts. But some of these accounts charge fees, have minimum balances requirements, and offer variable interest rates that can go up and down over time.
Although opening a high-yield savings account can offer many benefits, it won't help you build a credit history. That's because bank account activity typically isn't reported to credit bureaus and doesn't affect your credit score.
While high-yield savings accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, they may not outpace inflation, potentially eroding your purchasing power over time. As a result, they're not typically recommended for long-term wealth-building or retirement savings.
Wealthy people do not leave large amounts of money in saving/checking accounts earning no interest or income. Instead they invest their money in stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual funds, etc.
According to Schwab's 2023 Modern Wealth Survey, Americans perceive an average net worth of $2.2 million as wealthy. Knight Frank's research indicates that a net worth of $4.4 million is required to be in the top 1% in America, a figure much higher than in countries like Japan, the U.K. and Australia.
- Northern Bank Direct – 5.60% APY.
- Apple Federal Credit Union – 5.40% APY.
- Expedition Credit Union – 5.40% APY.
- NexBank – 5.40% APY.
- CIBC Agility – 5.36% APY.
- TotalDirectBank – 5.35% APY.
- CFG Bank – 5.31% APY.
- Rising Bank – 5.31% APY.
How can I earn 7% interest on my money?
- Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking (7.50% APY) ...
- Digital Credit Union Primary Savings (6.17% APY) ...
- Popular Direct High-Yield Savings (5.20% APY) ...
- TAB Bank High Yield Savings (5.27% APY) ...
- High-yield savings accounts. ...
- Certificates of deposit (CDs) ...
- Money market accounts (MMAs)
Account | Forbes Advisor Rating | Annual Percentage Yield |
---|---|---|
UFB Secure Savings | 4.7 | Up to 5.25% APY |
Bask Interest Savings Account | 4.6 | 5.10% APY |
Quontic Bank High Yield Savings | 4.6 | 4.50% APY |
LendingClub High-Yield Savings Account | 4.6 | 5.00% APY |
If you're wondering where to put your money in a recession, consider a high-yield savings account, money market account, CD or bonds. They can provide safe places to store some of your savings.
A 401(k) is better for long-term retirement savings due to tax benefits and higher growth potential, while a high-yield savings account is suitable for short-term goals and immediate access.
Opening multiple savings accounts can help you earn more interest, but it's essential to read the fine print. Again, some banks have a tiered interest rate structure for savings accounts, meaning you may only earn the highest rates once your balance reaches a certain amount.
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