Best High-Yield Savings Account Rates Today, May 1, 2025: Up to 5.00%

Motley Fool
01 May

KEY POINTS

  • The best high-yield savings account rate today: 5.00% APY.
  • High-yield savings accounts allow your money to grow, while ensuring you can still access it whenever necessary.
  • Most HYSAs can be opened right from your mobile phone or computer.

After a series of rate cuts from the Federal Reserve starting in late 2024, experts expect yields to trend lower as the year goes on. That makes right now a smart time to benefit from one of the highest-paying savings accounts before the next move.

Many high-yield savings accounts are still offering APYs above 4.00%, with some standout offers pushing even higher. If you're looking for a low-risk place to grow your emergency fund or stash some short-term savings, these accounts are worth a serious look.

We review rates from top banks every day to find the best deals available. Below are today's top savings account offers.

Bank Account APY Minimum Account Balance
Varo Savings up to 5.00% Max APY on up to $5,000, 2.50% APY after
Axos ONE® up to 4.66% $1,500
Pibank Savings 4.60% $0
Peak Bank Envision High Yield Savings up to 4.54% $100 to open, 2.02% APY on balances of $10,000,000 and above
Presidential Bank Advantage Savings up to 4.50% $5,000 to open. Must maintain an Advantage Checking Account to be eligible for top APY.
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 30, 2025.

Why we chose these high-yield savings accounts

The accounts above stood out to us for several key reasons:

  • High APYs. These are among the most competitive interest rates available, helping your money grow faster.
  • Low barriers to entry. Some accounts have low or no minimum deposit requirements to open or earn interest.
  • Available nationwide. These banks let you open an account from anywhere in the U.S. without needing to join a local credit union.
  • Online convenience. Every account listed can be opened and managed entirely online from your phone or computer.

If you're not earning more than 4.00% APY on your savings, it might be time to switch. Rates have been mostly flat since the end of 2024, but several online banks are leading the pack without requiring huge balances. We like Barclays Tiered Savings account because it pays 4.10% with no account minimums. Pro tip: Be careful with teaser rates that drop after a few months. Always check the fine print. Click here to open a Barclays Tiered Savings account today.

Our Picks for the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025

ProductAPYMin. to Earn
American Express® High Yield Savings Account
Member FDIC.
APY
3.70%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. 3.70% annual percentage yield as of May 1, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. to earn
$0
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings Account

On American Express's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
3.70%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. 3.70% annual percentage yield as of May 1, 2025. Terms apply.
$0
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings Account

On American Express's Secure Website.

CIT Platinum Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. 4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
Min. to earn
$100 to open account, $5,000+ for max APY
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings

On CIT's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. 4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
$100 to open account, $5,000+ for max APY
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings

On CIT's Secure Website.

Barclays Tiered Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
4.10%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Balances less than $250,000 earn 4.10%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 4.30%.
Min. to earn
$0
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings

On Barclays' Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
4.10%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Balances less than $250,000 earn 4.10%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 4.30%.
$0
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings

On Barclays' Secure Website.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate savings accounts on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). We evaluate all savings accounts across four main criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand and reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and perks that really make a difference -- think ATM access, linked checking accounts, or even branch access.

Our scores are weighted as:

  • APY: 50%
  • Brand and reputation: 20%
  • Fees and minimums: 15%
  • Other perks: 15%

Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate savings accounts on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). We evaluate all savings accounts across four main criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand and reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and perks that really make a difference -- think ATM access, linked checking accounts, or even branch access.

Our scores are weighted as:

  • APY: 50%
  • Brand and reputation: 20%
  • Fees and minimums: 15%
  • Other perks: 15%

Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.

Should you open a high-yield savings account now?

Got extra cash in a regular savings account earning peanuts? It's a good time to think about switching. With the Fed holding rates steady so far this year, high-yield savings accounts offer a way to grow your money without losing access.

Opening a high-yield savings account could make sense if:

  • You want to earn more interest without locking up your money
  • You prefer flexibility over committing to a fixed term
  • You want an account with no or low fees and easy online access
  • You value safety -- most accounts are FDIC insured

High-yield savings accounts give you a better return while keeping your cash handy. They're great for emergencies, home repairs or upgrades, or vacations you're planning. Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.

How to open a high-yield savings account

Getting started with a high-yield savings account is easy and usually takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Compare accounts. Look for the best APY, but also consider fees, ease of access, and minimum balance rules.
  2. Apply online. Most accounts can be opened from your phone or computer -- no paperwork required.
  3. Fund your account. Link an existing checking or savings account and transfer your money.
  4. Set up recurring deposits (optional). Some accounts offer higher APYs when you make regular monthly contributions.
  5. Track your balance and earnings. Interest usually compounds daily and is paid monthly, helping your savings grow faster over time.

Don't want to deal with monthly deposit requirements?

Some high-yield savings accounts give you great rates without any catches. You don't need to make regular deposits, keep a minimum balance, or worry about monthly fees. If you want something easy, check out the Discover® Online Savings account. It offers a 3.60% APY, and you don't need a minimum deposit to open the account.

    • https://www.varomoney.com/high-yield-savings-account/
    • https://www.axosbank.com/personal/bank/axos-one
    • https://www.pibank.com/pibank-savings/
    • https://www.peak.bank/peak-bank/savings
    • https://www.presidential.com/personal/banking/savings

FAQs

  • Yes. Now is a great time to open a high-yield savings account and take advantage of competitive rates up to 5.00% APY. HYSAs not only help your money grow faster compared to low-yield, but also offer flexibility and access to your cash when you need it. Plus, managing your account is simple from mobile and online apps.

  • It's possible savings account rates could increase in 2025. Rate hikes depend on the Federal Reserve's actions and economic shifts. If inflation rises, banks may boost rates to attract deposits. However, at this time, experts expect that rates will decrease before the end of the year.

  • The biggest downside of a high-yield savings account is that interest rates can fluctuate. Unlike the fixed rates of CDs, the interest rate on savings accounts can change based on market conditions, potentially reducing your earnings over time. This variability means your returns might not be as predictable as with other fixed-rate investments.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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