Standout High-Yield Savings And Cash Accounts
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Saving money in a high-yield savings account or a cash account provides individuals with a secure and accessible way to grow their savings. Both high-yield savings and cash accounts from non-banking financial institutions typically offer access to better APYs than traditional savings accounts, which average only 0.38%* APY.
The accounts not only have FDIC Insurance for the principal amount and minimum risk but also offer liquidity, enabling quick access to funds in emergencies or for short-term financial goals. Moreover, the predictable earnings from interest help in building wealth steadily over time, making them ideal vehicles for conservative investors or those prioritizing financial stability and flexibility. Additionally, online HYSA and cash accounts typically offer convenience through online banking and mobile access, simplifying account management and encouraging regular savings habits.
You could earn thousands with a high-yield savings product!
Earnings after 5 years, $10K initial deposit.
| Bank/institution | Rating | APY | Bonus | Product type | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.35% With $0 min. balance for APY | 0.25% APY Boost 3.10% base variable APY + 0.25% boost through 9/30/26. Base APY may change at any time. | Cash management account | Learn moreon partner's site at Vanguard | ||
Up to 4.30% With $1 min. balance for base APY | Max 1% APY Boost 3.30% base APY + 0.75% (3 months for new clients) + 0.25% w/ Direct Deposit. Terms apply. | Cash management account | Learn moreon partner's site at Wealthfront | ||
4.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | Cash management account | Learn moreon partner's site at Betterment | ||
Up to 4.10% With $5,000 min. balance for APY | 0.35% APY Boost Earn up to 4.10% APY for 6 months on balances of $5,000 or more. Terms apply. | High-yield savings account | Learn moreon partner's site at CIT Bank, Member FDIC | ||
3.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | High-yield savings account | Learn moreon partner's site at Capital One, Member FDIC | ||
3.65% With $0 min. balance for APY | $200 $200 Bonus with qualifying activities. Terms Apply. | High-yield savings account | Learn moreon partner's site at Barclays, Member FDIC |
Learn moreon partner's siteat VanguardNerdWallet ratingLearn moreon partner's siteat VanguardAPY
3.35%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
0.25% APY Boost
3.10% base variable APY + 0.25% boost through 9/30/26. Base APY may change at any time.
Product type
Cash management account
Learn moreon partner's siteat WealthfrontNerdWallet ratingLearn moreon partner's siteat WealthfrontAPY
Up to 4.30%
With $1 min. balance for base APY
Bonus
Max 1% APY Boost
3.30% base APY + 0.75% (3 months for new clients) + 0.25% w/ Direct Deposit. Terms apply.
Product type
Cash management account
Learn moreon partner's siteat BettermentNerdWallet ratingLearn moreon partner's siteat BettermentAPY
4.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Product type
Cash management account
Learn moreon partner's siteat CIT Bank, Member FDICNerdWallet ratingLearn moreon partner's siteat CIT Bank, Member FDICAPY
Up to 4.10%
With $5,000 min. balance for APY
Bonus
0.35% APY Boost
Earn up to 4.10% APY for 6 months on balances of $5,000 or more. Terms apply.
Product type
High-yield savings account
Learn moreon partner's siteat Capital One, Member FDICNerdWallet ratingLearn moreon partner's siteat Capital One, Member FDICAPY
3.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Product type
High-yield savings account
Learn moreon partner's siteat Barclays, Member FDICNerdWallet ratingLearn moreon partner's siteat Barclays, Member FDICAPY
3.65%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
$200
$200 Bonus with qualifying activities. Terms Apply.
Product type
High-yield savings account
Should I get a high-yield savings account or a cash account?
Choosing between a cash account and a high-yield savings account (HYSA) largely depends on your financial goals and liquidity needs. A cash account typically provides immediate access to your funds with very high liquidity, making it ideal if your primary focus is flexibility and immediate availability for frequent transactions or emergencies. On the other hand, an HYSA can offer significantly higher interest rates, helping you earn more on your savings over time while still providing relatively quick access to your money, typically within a day or two. If you want your money to grow steadily while retaining accessibility for short-to-medium-term goals, an HYSA is generally more beneficial; however, if your primary concern is instant access without any transfer delay, a cash account might suit your needs better.
How do I choose the best high-yield account?
Start by looking for banks with the highest rates; these days, anything above 3.5% APY is a solid return. Then take a look at the requirements to open the account. With some banks, you must have a certain minimum deposit while others offer a competitive rate without minimums or restrictions. Don't forget to consider ATM access, customer service, and the mobile app/remote deposit features. NerdWallet’s account reviews take all these factors into consideration.
Also, be willing to look beyond the larger, well-known banks. Many other institutions — including online banks and apps — feature good rates and low deposit requirements.
Should I spread my savings across multiple accounts?
Having multiple savings accounts can be helpful in organizing separate savings goals. For example, you could open one savings account to cover emergencies and another to save for your next vacation.
The bottom line
The best high-yield savings accounts and cash accounts can help you grow your money faster than basic options. They pay many times more than the national average of 0.38%.
*The national average annual percentage yield ("APY") is listed as 0.38% as reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as of May 18, 2026.
**10x more interest based on the national average annual percentage yield ("APY") of 0.38% (as reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as of May 18, 2026) as compared to online banks with interest-bearing savings account APYs of 0.40% or more. Estimated annual earnings result assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for one year and interest rates and APY do not change. Estimated annual earnings are for informational purposes only. Interest rates and APY are subject to change and specific results cannot be guaranteed.
NerdWallet's Standout High-Yield Savings And Cash Accounts
- Vanguard Cash Plus Account - Paid non-client promotion: 3.35% APY
- Wealthfront Cash Account - Paid non-client promotion: Up to 4.30% APY
- Betterment Cash Reserve – Paid non-client promotion: 4.00% APY
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings: Up to 4.10% APY
- Capital One 360 Performance Savings™: 3.00% APY
- Barclays Tiered Savings Account: 3.65% APY