You don’t think of a Pope as being involved in business and economics, but Francis was.
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Pope Francis, who died this morning, was the 266th head of the Catholic Church. While popes aren’t typically seen as economic influencers, Francis defied this perception by consistently challenging traditional business ideas and advocating for financial systems that prioritize human dignity over profit margins. Unlike his predecessors, Francis approached economic issues with unvarnished…
Make these mistakes, and your credit score could suffer.
Cast Of Thousands / Shutterstock.com
Your credit score is one of those numbers that can feel like a mystery until you dig into what’s behind it. According to FICO.com, it’s built from five big pieces: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and types of credit used—in that order of importance. That makes sense, right? But even if you think you’ve figured it out, some sneaky little habits might drag your…
In these major metro areas, in-person shopping is getting a big boost in demand.
Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com
Traditional retail has faced major headwinds over the past two decades, first driven by the rise of e-commerce and then accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As online shopping grew, physical retailers struggled to compete, leading to widespread closures of department stores, malls, and independent shops. The pandemic dealt a final blow to many, with lockdowns and shifting consumer habits…
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
CD rates are uber-competitive right now for six to 12-month terms, offering returns between 4.50% and 4.65%.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. With potential Fed rate cuts looming, locking in a CD now could be a great choice. Act fast to grab the best rates before they drop.Check out our compilation of today’s top CD rates.BankAPYTermMinimum DepositOMB4.65%7 Months$1,000United Fidelity Bank4.60%10 Months$1,000T Bank4.60%6 Months$500Brilliant Bank4.55%9 Months$1,000T Bank4.50%12 Months$500Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 20, 2025.Why we picked these CDsThe CDs in our list above offer extremely competitive rates with APYs among the highest we found. They have low minimum deposits, allowing you to start with as little as $500, unlike some CDs that require a minimum deposit of $5,000 or more.Additionally, these CDs are available nationwide and are offered by banks that anyone in the U.S. can join without dealing with the membership requirements a lot of credit unions impose. One final perk: Each of these CDs can be easily opened online, directly from the bank issuer’s website. It’s never been quicker to get started.While the CDs above offer some of the most competitive rates available today, they’re not the only strong options worth considering. Discover offers a solid alternative, with CDs that are budget friendly, easy to open, and are available in a huge variety of terms. If you value a smooth online experience and the recognition of a trusted digital bank, they’re worth a look. Explore Discover® Bank rates here.Should you open a CD now?CD rates are still historically high, though they’ve dropped since mid-2024. The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady for now, but experts agree that rate cuts are likely later in 2025.Now could be a great time to lock in a CD if:You want safe, guaranteed returns on your cashYou want to protect your savings from near-term interest rate cutsYou have cash that you can leave untouched for the full CD termThe best CDs are covered by FDIC insurance, so deposits up to $250,000 per person are safe. There’s virtually zero risk in CD investing, though you may be able to earn higher returns elsewhere, like the stock market.How to open a certificate of depositWhen you’re ready, you can open a CD right from the comfort of home. Here’s how:Do your research and choose a bank: Begin by researching different banks and financial institutions to compare available CD rates and terms to find the best rate for your savings timeline.Visit the website and find CDs: Go to the official website of your chosen bank and navigate to their Certificates of Deposit section, which might be listed under personal banking or investment products.Select your CD and begin application: Look through the available CD options and choose the one that suits your preferences. Start the online application by clicking the option to open a new CD account.Enter personal information and funding details: Provide the required personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. Select a funding source to transfer money from an existing bank account.Review CD terms and submit your application: Carefully read the terms and conditions of the CD, paying attention to any early withdrawal penalties, before agreeing to them. Then, submit your completed application.Make note of when your CD matures: Most banks provide a grace period of anywhere from seven to 10 days after the CD’s maturity date for you to either withdraw your initial deposit plus interest or reinvest in a new CD. It’s a good idea to have this date marked on a calendar and a plan in mind for what you will do with your funds at the end of the CD term.Remember, each CD allows only one deposit. Plan your amount wisely. When you’re ready, click here to explore the best CD rates and open a high-yield CD today.Earn up to 4.40% APY without restricting access to your fundsThe best high-yield savings accounts offer more flexibility, less commitment, and allow you to:Deposit and withdraw money whenever you want.Quickly transfer money to other accounts.Leave your cash on deposit as long (or not) as you want.Savings accounts have variable rates, however, meaning banks can raise or lower your APY at their discretion. High-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs, so you won’t give up much in interest earnings to retain the flexibility that a savings account provides.If you want to earn a competitive APY without losing access to your cash for a minimum of several months, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc and Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
CD rates are uber-competitive right now for six to 12-month terms, offering returns between 4.50% and 4.65%.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
With potential Fed rate cuts looming, locking in a CD now could be a great choice. Act fast to grab the best rates before they drop.
Check out our compilation of today’s top CD rates.
Bank
APY
Term
Minimum Deposit
OMB
4.65%
7 Months
$1,000
United Fidelity Bank
4.60%
10 Months
$1,000
T Bank
4.60%
6 Months
$500
Brilliant Bank
4.55%
9 Months
$1,000
T Bank
4.50%
12 Months
$500
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 20, 2025.
Why we picked these CDs
The CDs in our list above offer extremely competitive rates with APYs among the highest we found. They have low minimum deposits, allowing you to start with as little as $500, unlike some CDs that require a minimum deposit of $5,000 or more.
Additionally, these CDs are available nationwide and are offered by banks that anyone in the U.S. can join without dealing with the membership requirements a lot of credit unions impose. One final perk: Each of these CDs can be easily opened online, directly from the bank issuer’s website. It’s never been quicker to get started.
While the CDs above offer some of the most competitive rates available today, they’re not the only strong options worth considering. Discover offers a solid alternative, with CDs that are budget friendly, easy to open, and are available in a huge variety of terms. If you value a smooth online experience and the recognition of a trusted digital bank, they’re worth a look. Explore Discover® Bank rates here.
Should you open a CD now?
CD rates are still historically high, though they’ve dropped since mid-2024. The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady for now, but experts agree that rate cuts are likely later in 2025.
Now could be a great time to lock in a CD if:
You want safe, guaranteed returns on your cash
You want to protect your savings from near-term interest rate cuts
You have cash that you can leave untouched for the full CD term
The best CDs are covered by FDIC insurance, so deposits up to $250,000 per person are safe. There’s virtually zero risk in CD investing, though you may be able to earn higher returns elsewhere, like the stock market.
How to open a certificate of deposit
When you’re ready, you can open a CD right from the comfort of home. Here’s how:
Do your research and choose a bank: Begin by researching different banks and financial institutions to compare available CD rates and terms to find the best rate for your savings timeline.
Visit the website and find CDs: Go to the official website of your chosen bank and navigate to their Certificates of Deposit section, which might be listed under personal banking or investment products.
Select your CD and begin application: Look through the available CD options and choose the one that suits your preferences. Start the online application by clicking the option to open a new CD account.
Enter personal information and funding details: Provide the required personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. Select a funding source to transfer money from an existing bank account.
Review CD terms and submit your application: Carefully read the terms and conditions of the CD, paying attention to any early withdrawal penalties, before agreeing to them. Then, submit your completed application.
Make note of when your CD matures: Most banks provide a grace period of anywhere from seven to 10 days after the CD’s maturity date for you to either withdraw your initial deposit plus interest or reinvest in a new CD. It’s a good idea to have this date marked on a calendar and a plan in mind for what you will do with your funds at the end of the CD term.
Earn up to 4.40% APY without restricting access to your funds
The best high-yield savings accounts offer more flexibility, less commitment, and allow you to:
Deposit and withdraw money whenever you want.
Quickly transfer money to other accounts.
Leave your cash on deposit as long (or not) as you want.
Savings accounts have variable rates, however, meaning banks can raise or lower your APY at their discretion. High-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs, so you won’t give up much in interest earnings to retain the flexibility that a savings account provides.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc and Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The median existing-home price as of February 2025 is $398,400, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And as of late 2024, first-time home buyers were paying a median 9% down, while repeat buyers were paying 23% down.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. That means the typical down payments are:First-time buyers: $35,856Repeat buyers: $91,632It’s important to note that home values swing wildly from state to state. Homes in California have a much bigger sticker price than say, Alabama. Also, first-time buyers tend to purchase lower-cost homes than repeat buyers.Regardless, saving up a down payment is no easy task. If buying a home is on your radar soon, it’s worth having a game plan for your savings.How much should you really put down?Ideally, home buyers should shoot for a 20% down payment. That way you’ll avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and have cheaper monthly payments.But data shows the median down payment is only 9% among first-time buyers.Here’s a breakdown of the most common loan types used by first-time buyers in 2024, and the minimum down payment required for each:Conventional loans: Minimum down payment is typically 3%. But, depending on your income and existing debts, lenders may bump this minimum up to 5%-10%.FHA loan: These loans require a 3.5% minimum down payment and are more flexible for lower credit scores. They are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).VA loan: These are only available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses that meet specific requirements. VA loans offer 0% down and no PMI, making them one of the most affordable options — if you qualify.How much you should put down is a personal choice. But don’t feel pressured to buy before you’re financially ready. It’s better to keep building up your savings than to stretch yourself too thin.How to start saving for your down paymentSaving for a down payment takes discipline and smart financial choices. Here are some practical steps:Open a high-yield savings account: Earn more interest and keep your down payment funds separate.Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to save consistently each month.Use windfalls: Direct any bonuses, tax refunds, or other unexpected funds toward your savings goal.Cut back non-essential expenses: Cut back on discretionary spending to increase savings.Take action today: Compare the top high-yield savings accounts that earn up to 4.40% APY on your savings.Mortgage rates in 2025: What to expectAs of April 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.62%, per Freddie Mac. That’s slightly down from earlier in the year, giving buyers a bit more breathing room this spring.Experts expect rates to hover between 6% and 7% through the rest of the year. So if you’re buying soon, it’s smart to shop around and lock in a rate when it dips.The bottom lineSaving up $35,000 to $100,000 for a down payment is a daunting financial task. But with the right savings strategy and consistent habits, it’s totally possible.If you’re serious about buying a home in 2025, get started by opening a high-yield savings account, and shopping around for a top mortgage lender.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
The median existing-home price as of February 2025 is $398,400, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And as of late 2024, first-time home buyers were paying a median 9% down, while repeat buyers were paying 23% down.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
It’s important to note that home values swing wildly from state to state. Homes in California have a much bigger sticker price than say, Alabama. Also, first-time buyers tend to purchase lower-cost homes than repeat buyers.
Regardless, saving up a down payment is no easy task. If buying a home is on your radar soon, it’s worth having a game plan for your savings.
How much should you really put down?
Ideally, home buyers should shoot for a 20% down payment. That way you’ll avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and have cheaper monthly payments.
But data shows the median down payment is only 9% among first-time buyers.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common loan types used by first-time buyers in 2024, and the minimum down payment required for each:
Conventional loans: Minimum down payment is typically 3%. But, depending on your income and existing debts, lenders may bump this minimum up to 5%-10%.
FHA loan: These loans require a 3.5% minimum down payment and are more flexible for lower credit scores. They are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
VA loan: These are only available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses that meet specific requirements. VA loans offer 0% down and no PMI, making them one of the most affordable options — if you qualify.
How much you should put down is a personal choice. But don’t feel pressured to buy before you’re financially ready. It’s better to keep building up your savings than to stretch yourself too thin.
How to start saving for your down payment
Saving for a down payment takes discipline and smart financial choices. Here are some practical steps:
Open a high-yield savings account: Earn more interest and keep your down payment funds separate.
Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to save consistently each month.
Use windfalls: Direct any bonuses, tax refunds, or other unexpected funds toward your savings goal.
Cut back non-essential expenses: Cut back on discretionary spending to increase savings.
As of April 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.62%, per Freddie Mac. That’s slightly down from earlier in the year, giving buyers a bit more breathing room this spring.
Experts expect rates to hover between 6% and 7% through the rest of the year. So if you’re buying soon, it’s smart to shop around and lock in a rate when it dips.
The bottom line
Saving up $35,000 to $100,000 for a down payment is a daunting financial task. But with the right savings strategy and consistent habits, it’s totally possible.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Let your money work for you. High-yield savings accounts offer rates up to 5.00% APY — more than 10 times the national average. They offer a simple way to boost your savings while keeping access to your cash.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We check high-yield savings offers daily to find the best for you. Whether saving for a rainy day or future plans, these accounts allow you to earn more on the money that’s just sitting there.Check out the top high-yield savings account rates we found today.Bank AccountAPYMinimum Account BalanceVaro Savingsup to 5.00%Max APY on up to $5,000, 2.50% APY afterAxos ONE®up to 4.66%$1,500Pibank Savings4.60%$0Peak Bank Envision High Yield Savingsup to 4.54%$100 to open, 2.02% APY on balances of $10,000,000 and abovePresidential Bank Advantage Savingsup 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 20, 2025.Why we picked these high-yield savings accountsAttractive returns. Enjoy some of the top APYs available to boost your savings quickly.Easy start. Some accounts require little or no deposit to open and begin earning interest.Digital convenience. Open and manage these accounts fully online from your phone or computer.Nationwide access. Open an account from anywhere in the U.S. without needing to join a local credit union.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 LendingClub LevelUp Savings account because it pays a competitive APY in exchange for a fairly low amount in monthly deposits. Pro tip: Be careful with teaser rates that drop after a few months. Always check the fine print. Read our full LendingClub LevelUp Savings review to learn more.Want to grow your money without locking it up?High-yield savings accounts combine flexibility with competitive interest. If you value easy access to your funds and no long-term commitment, an HYSA may be the perfect fit.Explore more options:Best High-Yield Savings Accounts — See our top picks todayBanks With Savings Buckets — Track your savings goals separatelyShould you open an HYSA now?Got extra money sitting in a checking or standard savings account earning pennies? It’s time to make your money work harder for you. High-yield savings accounts are offering great rates now, as the Federal Reserve has yet to lower rates so far this year.With flexibility, low fees, easy online access, and FDIC insurance, there’s really no reason not to choose a high-yield savings account for your cash. Let your money grow while staying accessible. HYSAs are perfect for your emergency fund, home or auto repairs, or funding your next vacation. Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.How to open an HYSA in five stepsGetting started with a high-yield savings account is easy and usually takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:Compare accounts. Look for the best APY, but also consider fees, ease of access, and minimum balance rules.Apply online. Most accounts can be opened from your phone or computer — no paperwork required.Fund your account. Link an existing checking or savings account and transfer your money.Set up recurring deposits (optional). Some accounts offer higher APYs when you make regular monthly contributions.Track your balance and earnings. Interest usually compounds daily and is paid monthly, helping your savings grow faster over time.Fed up with monthly deposit requirements?Some high-yield savings accounts offer competitive rates with no strings attached — no recurring deposit requirements, no minimum balance to earn the top APY, and no monthly fees. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, learn more about the Discover® Online Savings account, which offers a competitive APY with no minimum deposit.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Ally is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Axos Financial, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial Services, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc, Charles Schwab, Discover Financial Services, and HSBC Holdings and recommends the following options: short June 2025 $85 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Let your money work for you. High-yield savings accounts offer rates up to 5.00% APY — more than 10 times the national average. They offer a simple way to boost your savings while keeping access to your cash.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We check high-yield savings offers daily to find the best for you. Whether saving for a rainy day or future plans, these accounts allow you to earn more on the money that’s just sitting there.
Check out the top high-yield savings account rates we found today.
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 20, 2025.
Why we picked these high-yield savings accounts
Attractive returns. Enjoy some of the top APYs available to boost your savings quickly.
Easy start. Some accounts require little or no deposit to open and begin earning interest.
Digital convenience. Open and manage these accounts fully online from your phone or computer.
Nationwide access. Open an account from anywhere in the U.S. without needing to join a local credit union.
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 LendingClub LevelUp Savings account because it pays a competitive APY in exchange for a fairly low amount in monthly deposits. Pro tip: Be careful with teaser rates that drop after a few months. Always check the fine print. Read our full LendingClub LevelUp Savingsreview to learn more.
Want to grow your money without locking it up?
High-yield savings accounts combine flexibility with competitive interest. If you value easy access to your funds and no long-term commitment, an HYSA may be the perfect fit.
Got extra money sitting in a checking or standard savings account earning pennies? It’s time to make your money work harder for you. High-yield savings accounts are offering great rates now, as the Federal Reserve has yet to lower rates so far this year.
With flexibility, low fees, easy online access, and FDIC insurance, there’s really no reason not to choose a high-yield savings account for your cash. Let your money grow while staying accessible. HYSAs are perfect for your emergency fund, home or auto repairs, or funding your next vacation. Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.
How to open an HYSA in five steps
Getting started with a high-yield savings account is easy and usually takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:
Compare accounts. Look for the best APY, but also consider fees, ease of access, and minimum balance rules.
Apply online. Most accounts can be opened from your phone or computer — no paperwork required.
Fund your account. Link an existing checking or savings account and transfer your money.
Set up recurring deposits (optional). Some accounts offer higher APYs when you make regular monthly contributions.
Track your balance and earnings. Interest usually compounds daily and is paid monthly, helping your savings grow faster over time.
Fed up with monthly deposit requirements?
Some high-yield savings accounts offer competitive rates with no strings attached — no recurring deposit requirements, no minimum balance to earn the top APY, and no monthly fees. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, learn more about the Discover® Online Savings account, which offers a competitive APY with no minimum deposit.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Ally is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Axos Financial, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial Services, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc, Charles Schwab, Discover Financial Services, and HSBC Holdings and recommends the following options: short June 2025 $85 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Tarra “Madam Money” Jackson is a financial educator, international speaker, author, and wealth empowerment strategist helping you heal, build, and grow your wealth.
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