Best High-Interest Accounts of August 2026 (up to 5.12%)

Hope Credit Union’s checking account pays 5.12% APY on balances up to $10,000 each month that you meet a few requirements: Have a direct deposit to or an automatic payment out of your account, make at least 12 debit card transactions, opt into e-statements and log into your account online or on the mobile app at least once. If you don’t meet the requirements, you’ll earn 0.10% APY on your balance. Balances over $10,000 earn 0.50% APY. The account also offers up to $20 in ATM fee reimbursements. To join Hope Credit Union, you can pay a $10 membership fee, $5 of which goes to an affiliated nonprofit.

Connexus Credit Union’s Xtraordinary Checking account offers 4.50% APY on up to $25,000 to customers who opt-in to e-statements, either make a minimum of 15 debit card purchases or spend at least $500 per month, and receive a direct deposit or ACH deposit of at least $500. This account also provides up to $15 in rebates per month for fees at out-of-network ATMs. If a customer doesn’t meet the requirements, they won’t earn any interest or get the rebates for ATM fees.

Lake Michigan Credit Union’s Max Checking doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement or monthly fees. The account pays 4.00% on balances up to $15,000, but customers must meet several monthly requirements: opt for e-statements, receive at least one direct deposit, have at least 10 posted debit or credit card purchases, and log into your account at least four times. Interest isn’t paid on balances over $15,000, and interest isn’t paid if requirements aren’t met. The credit union will also reimburse up to $10 per month in out-of-network ATM fees.

New memberships are currently available to residents of all states except California.

Anyone can become a member of NASA Federal Credit Union, and its excellent share certificate rates could make it worthwhile to join. You’ll need to deposit at least $1,000 to open an account, which is comparable to the minimum requirement at other credit unions. Terms from six months to five years are available.

The online bank TAB Bank provides CDs with strong rates at a somewhat low minimum of $1,000. Term lengths range from one to five years, with interest compounded daily.

Sallie Mae Bank’s CD rates are highly competitive. Term lengths range from six months to five years, with interest compounded daily and interest credited monthly. The $2,500 minimum deposit requirement is lower than what some banks require, though some banks don’t have a minimum requirement at all.

The Forbright Bank Growth Saving account earns a base interest rate of 3.85% APY, but new customers who have never had a Forbright account before can earn a 0.30% APY Boost. To get the boost, you have to open a Growth Savings account and reach a one-time minimum balance of $1,000 before Aug. 31, 2026, then you’ll earn the boosted APY through Dec. 31, 2026.

One drawback to this account is that cash withdrawals and deposits are not available. To move money in or out of your account, you’ll have to make an online transfer.

You’ll need a deposit of at least $50 to open the Climate First Super Duper Savings account, but its competitive 4.01% APY is incentive to deposit more. There is no minimum balance required to earn interest, and there are no monthly fees for this account, except for a $5 fee if you opt in to receive paper statements. In addition to its excellent savings account, Climate First Bank stands out also because of its focus on environmental sustainability and social justice.