Erin Bendig
High-yield savings accounts give you a chance to reach your savings goal quickly. How? By offering you rates that outpace inflation with no account fees or minimums.
However, you want to act fast to maximize gains. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates twice this year and might do so again when it meets in December.
While rate cuts can lower how much you earn, rates are still high enough to help you outpace inflation. Here's a look at the best top high-yield savings accounts to consider, how much you can earn and the pros and cons of using one.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The best high-yield savings accounts for November 2025
Here are some of the best options we found:
Account | APY | Min. opening deposit |
|---|---|---|
4.35% | $0 | |
4.25% | $2,500 | |
4.20% | $100 | |
4.05% | $0 | |
4.02% | $500 | |
4.00% | $1,000 | |
4.00% | $5,000 |
How much can high-yield savings accounts earn you?
Unlike traditional savings accounts, which offer, on average, lower returns, high-yield options allow you to grow your money fast.
If you select our top choice, Newtek Bank, here's how much you can earn in one year with varying deposits:
- $10,000: $443.78 in earned interest
- $25,000: $1,109.65 in earned interest
- $50,000: $2,218.89 in earned interest
- $100,000: $4,437.78 in earned interest
Rates on high-yield savings accounts are always changing, so a good way to check the most up-to-date rates is by using our savings tool, below, powered by Bankrate:
Pros and cons of high-yield savings accounts
As with all savings products, there are pros and cons associated with high-yield savings accounts. It's important to compare all aspects of an account to make sure it meets your needs before opening it.
Pros:
- Higher APYs: Since high-yield savings accounts have higher APYs than traditional savings accounts, you’ll accrue more interest over time. Plus, interest in these accounts is compounded daily.
- Safety: Many high-yield accounts are FDIC or NCUA insured, meaning that if something were to happen to the bank (or credit union) your account is with, your money will still be safe.
- Accessibility: While there are limitations on the number of free withdrawals you can make from a savings account, your money is still readily accessible whenever needed.
Cons:
- Harder to access than traditional savings accounts: If you have a savings account with a different bank than your checking account, you may have to wait a few days for funds to transfer from one to the other. Plus, you won't be able to easily view account details for both accounts in one place unless you have the right budgeting app.
- Not suited for long-term goals: If you're looking to save for long-term goals, like retirement, other investments, like stocks, are usually a better choice for your money. The rate of inflation can be higher than what you earn in interest.
- Variable interest rates: Since interest rates are variable, the APY on the account can decrease from the rate it was when you opened the account if the Fed decides to cut rates again in the future.
- Minimum deposit requirements and fees: Many high-yield savings accounts charge a monthly fee and/or require a minimum deposit to earn the advertised APY.
- Online banks: Since most high-yield accounts are offered by online banks, you likely won't have branch access. Therefore, contacting customer service or accessing a fee-free ATM might be more challenging.
Bottom line on high-yield savings accounts
Opening a high-yield savings account is an excellent option to consider. High-yield savings accounts offer higher rates than traditional savings accounts, meaning your cash will accrue more interest by simply sitting in a high-yield account than it would in a standard account. And there's no risk, either.
The downside? Since rates on high-yield savings accounts fluctuate with the market, take advantage of the best rates while you still can.
Related Content
-
6 Changes to IRAs, 401(k)s and HSAs in 2026Changes to IRAs — Roth and traditional — and 401(k)s may mean more money for you in retirement.
-
Turkey, Tariffs, and Grocery Taxes: The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner 2025Food Taxes For some who celebrate, Thanksgiving can mean a full table, family, and a sense of gratitude. But in this year, it also means a focus on the bottom line.
-
Amazon Haul Gift Guide: Under-$20 Gifts That Keep Your Holiday Budget in TactFrom stocking stuffers to budget-friendly crowd pleasers, these are the best under-$20 gifts on Amazon Haul right now.
-
When Helping Mom and Dad Hurts Your WalletNew research shows how assisting an aging parent with expenses can strain your own finances.
-
6 Quick Money Moves to Make Before the Year EndsFinish the year strong with smart money moves that can boost savings, trim taxes and set you up for a better 2026.
-
Want to Change Banks? Try This 'Soft' StrategyThe "soft switching" banking trend allows you to explore a new bank account while keeping your primary one. See how it could benefit you.
-
I'm an Attorney and a CPA: Charitable Giving Just Got a Little Easier, But Also a Little HarderThe OBBB shakes up charitable deductions with a little help for non-itemizers and a new challenge for itemizers this holiday season.
-
I'm 57 With a Great Remote Job, but My Company Wants Me in the Office Full-TimeWe asked career planning and human resources experts for advice on how to handle return-to-work orders.
-
Four Big Airport Rule Changes for FlyersChanges are afoot for domestic flights — and for some international trips, too.
-
To Tip or Not to Tip: Updated GuidelinesIf you’re weary of widespread prompts to leave a gratuity, follow these guidelines for when it’s customary — and when you can skip it.
