Money Management

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The stock market is down 10% this year, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. That’s scary for those of us who are investing for retirement and have watched our portfolios drop.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. But for long-term investors, a stock market dip is an opportunity to make even bigger profits.Buying stocks when prices are lower can set you up for bigger gains later. Think of it like shopping during a big sale: You’re getting more for your money.Here’s why now is a smart time to invest, and how you can start even if you’re brand new to the world of stocks.Why investing during a downturn is smartWhen the stock market drops, a lot of people panic and sell their investments. But smart investors know that downturns are bound to happen sometimes — and the market has always rebounded.Here’s an example. Back in March 2020, the stock market crashed as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The S&P 500 fell more than 30% in just a few weeks. But investors who stayed the course — or better yet, bought stocks during the drop — were rewarded.By March 2024, the S&P 500 had more than doubled from its low point, gaining over 100% in just four years.Historically, the stock market has always bounced back from downturns and gone on to reach new highs. If you invest now and hold your stocks long enough, you’ll likely be glad you started during a “bad” market.A smart and easy way to start investingIf you’re just starting out, you might wonder where you should put your investments. One of the best places to begin is an individual retirement account (IRA).Here’s why:Investments made through an IRA are exempt from capital gains tax and dividend tax. This benefit alone could save you thousands.Traditional IRAs let you deduct your contributions from your taxable income, so you get an upfront tax break. Roth IRAs instead let you withdraw money tax free once you reach age 59 1/2.Anyone who earns income can open a traditional IRA, and Roth IRAs are available to anyone whose income is under a certain threshold.In 2025, you can contribute up to $7,000 to an IRA (or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older). The only “catch” with IRAs is that you can’t withdraw the funds without paying a penalty until you’re 59 1/2 (with some exceptions). And that’s more of a feature than a bug, because these accounts are meant for retirement savings.How to open an IRAOpening an IRA is fast and easy. Here’s how it works:Pick a brokerage: Choose an online broker that offers IRAs. Look for one with low fees, good customer service, and an easy-to-use website or app.Choose your IRA type: If you want a tax break now, go with a traditional IRA. If you’d prefer to get tax-free income in retirement, choose a Roth IRA (if you qualify).Fund your account: You can link your bank account and transfer money directly into your IRA.The whole process usually takes minutes. Once your account is open, you’ll need to choose and purchase investments through your broker’s platform.Ready to open your own IRA and start investing the tax-savvy way? Check out our list of the best IRA brokers to get started.A great first investment for new investorsIf you’re not sure what to buy, an S&P 500 index fund is one of the best options for beginners.Here’s what you’re getting:Instant diversification: An S&P 500 index fund invests in 500 of America’s largest companies. That means your money is spread across many industries.Strong track record: Over time, the S&P 500 has delivered average returns of about 10% per year.Low cost: Most S&P 500 index funds have very low fees compared to other types of funds.Buying one is easy, too. After you open your IRA, just search for an S&P 500 index fund on your broker’s site and place an order. You don’t have to buy individual stocks or become an investing expert. You’re investing in most of the U.S. market at once.Keep calm and invest onNow might feel like a scary time to invest. But if you can look past the short-term panic, it’s actually a golden opportunity. Lower stock prices today could mean bigger rewards tomorrow.Starting with an IRA and a simple S&P 500 index fund is one of the smartest moves you can make — even if you’re brand new to investing. The important thing is just to start.The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time? Right now.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”:”

The stock market is down 10% this year, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. That’s scary for those of us who are investing for retirement and have watched our portfolios drop.

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.

But for long-term investors, a stock market dip is an opportunity to make even bigger profits.

Buying stocks when prices are lower can set you up for bigger gains later. Think of it like shopping during a big sale: You’re getting more for your money.

Here’s why now is a smart time to invest, and how you can start even if you’re brand new to the world of stocks.

Why investing during a downturn is smart

When the stock market drops, a lot of people panic and sell their investments. But smart investors know that downturns are bound to happen sometimes — and the market has always rebounded.

Here’s an example. Back in March 2020, the stock market crashed as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The S&P 500 fell more than 30% in just a few weeks. But investors who stayed the course — or better yet, bought stocks during the drop — were rewarded.

By March 2024, the S&P 500 had more than doubled from its low point, gaining over 100% in just four years.

Historically, the stock market has always bounced back from downturns and gone on to reach new highs. If you invest now and hold your stocks long enough, you’ll likely be glad you started during a “bad” market.

A smart and easy way to start investing

If you’re just starting out, you might wonder where you should put your investments. One of the best places to begin is an individual retirement account (IRA).

Here’s why:

• Investments made through an IRA are exempt from capital gains tax and dividend tax. This benefit alone could save you thousands.
• Traditional IRAs let you deduct your contributions from your taxable income, so you get an upfront tax break. Roth IRAs instead let you withdraw money tax free once you reach age 59 1/2.
• Anyone who earns income can open a traditional IRA, and Roth IRAs are available to anyone whose income is under a certain threshold.

In 2025, you can contribute up to $7,000 to an IRA (or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older). The only “catch” with IRAs is that you can’t withdraw the funds without paying a penalty until you’re 59 1/2 (with some exceptions). And that’s more of a feature than a bug, because these accounts are meant for retirement savings.

How to open an IRA

Opening an IRA is fast and easy. Here’s how it works:

• Pick a brokerage: Choose an online broker that offers IRAs. Look for one with low fees, good customer service, and an easy-to-use website or app.
• Choose your IRA type: If you want a tax break now, go with a traditional IRA. If you’d prefer to get tax-free income in retirement, choose a Roth IRA (if you qualify).
• Fund your account: You can link your bank account and transfer money directly into your IRA.

The whole process usually takes minutes. Once your account is open, you’ll need to choose and purchase investments through your broker’s platform.

Ready to open your own IRA and start investing the tax-savvy way? Check out our list of the best IRA brokers to get started.

A great first investment for new investors

If you’re not sure what to buy, an S&P 500 index fund is one of the best options for beginners.

Here’s what you’re getting:

• Instant diversification: An S&P 500 index fund invests in 500 of America’s largest companies. That means your money is spread across many industries.
• Strong track record: Over time, the S&P 500 has delivered average returns of about 10% per year.
• Low cost: Most S&P 500 index funds have very low fees compared to other types of funds.

Buying one is easy, too. After you open your IRA, just search for an S&P 500 index fund on your broker’s site and place an order. You don’t have to buy individual stocks or become an investing expert. You’re investing in most of the U.S. market at once.

Keep calm and invest on

Now might feel like a scary time to invest. But if you can look past the short-term panic, it’s actually a golden opportunity. Lower stock prices today could mean bigger rewards tomorrow.

Starting with an IRA and a simple S&P 500 index fund is one of the smartest moves you can make — even if you’re brand new to investing. The important thing is just to start.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time? Right now.

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.

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I used to keep all my money in one place — Chase Bank. It’s the same ‘ol bank I’ve been using for years. But when my emergency fund grew past $10,000, I realized I could make way more money in interest by opening an online high-yield savings account (HYSA.)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. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Chase for everyday checking activities.But my emergency fund is now earning over 4% interest in an HYSA.Last year this added up to an extra $798 in my pocket!Why I switched to an online HYSADid you know that online banks can offer rates up to 10 times the national average on savings accounts!? They’re lightyears ahead of old-school brick-and-mortar banks, and crush the rates offered for traditional checking accounts.I’m talking about earning 4%-5% interest, vs. the 0.01% offered at most traditional banks.When I first learned this, It took me about five minutes to choose a large, reputable online bank and open an HYSA. Once I transferred my savings, interest started accruing (and compounding!) immediately.It’s incredible to see my money grow without any effort, and in 2024 I earned $798 in interest — for doing nothing.How much interest can you earn?The more cash you have in savings, the more potential interest you can earn.Here’s a quick look at how much your savings could grow in a year, at different balances and rates:Savings Balance0.01% APY (Big Bank)4.40% APY (Online HYSA)$1,000$0.10$45$5,000$0.50$224$10,000$1$448$20,000$2$897$50,000$5$2,242Data source: Author’s calculations.The APY attached to your bank account makes a massive difference. Cash stored in a plain old checking account earning 0.01% earns you pennies. But with an APY over 4%, you could easily earn hundreds in interest a year — with no added effort.Three extra benefits I didn’t expectSeparating my emergency fund into its own high-yield account came with some other cool upsides:Mental separation. Keeping savings away from my day-to-day checking made it harder to “accidentally” dip into for non-emergencies.Motivation to save more. Watching my savings grow with interest gave me a psychological boost — and made me want to add even more.Simplified budgeting. With savings in a different place, it became easier to track and stick to my spending plan without mixing funds.It’s wild how a small change like moving money to a new account can lead to bigger behavior shifts.Explore more options: Compare all the top HYSAs right now that offer up to 4.40% APY.What are you waiting for?Moving my savings to an online HYSA has paid off big time. Over the years I’ve earned more than $3,000 in interest on my emergency fund. And you can earn similar money if you make the switch too.Your mission this week: Check your current interest rate at your bank. If it’s less than about 3.60%, it’s time to pick a new online HYSA and start earning more interest as soon as possible.You can still keep your old bank around for everyday checking needs! Just move any bigger amounts of cash savings over to snag that higher interest rate.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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I used to keep all my money in one place — Chase Bank. It’s the same ‘ol bank I’ve been using for years. But when my emergency fund grew past $10,000, I realized I could make way more money in interest by opening an online high-yield savings account (HYSA.)

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.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love Chase for everyday checking activities.

But my emergency fund is now earning over 4% interest in an HYSA.

Last year this added up to an extra $798 in my pocket!

Why I switched to an online HYSA

Did you know that online banks can offer rates up to 10 times the national average on savings accounts!? They’re lightyears ahead of old-school brick-and-mortar banks, and crush the rates offered for traditional checking accounts.

I’m talking about earning 4%-5% interest, vs. the 0.01% offered at most traditional banks.

When I first learned this, It took me about five minutes to choose a large, reputable online bank and open an HYSA. Once I transferred my savings, interest started accruing (and compounding!) immediately.

It’s incredible to see my money grow without any effort, and in 2024 I earned $798 in interest — for doing nothing.

How much interest can you earn?

The more cash you have in savings, the more potential interest you can earn.

Here’s a quick look at how much your savings could grow in a year, at different balances and rates:

The APY attached to your bank account makes a massive difference. Cash stored in a plain old checking account earning 0.01% earns you pennies. But with an APY over 4%, you could easily earn hundreds in interest a year — with no added effort.

What are you waiting for?

Moving my savings to an online HYSA has paid off big time. Over the years I’ve earned more than $3,000 in interest on my emergency fund. And you can earn similar money if you make the switch too.

Your mission this week: Check your current interest rate at your bank. If it’s less than about 3.60%, it’s time to pick a new online HYSA and start earning more interest as soon as possible.

You can still keep your old bank around for everyday checking needs! Just move any bigger amounts of cash savings over to snag that higher interest rate.

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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash
CD rates are buzzing right now, especially for terms of six to 12 months. The best rates range from 4.50% to 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 possible Fed cuts on the horizon, it could be wise to grab a CD soon. Don’t wait if you want the best deal.Below is a selection of the top CD rates today — perfect for boosting your savings.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 17, 2025.Why we chose these CDsExtremely competitive rates. Some CDs have slightly higher rates, but most come with a catch.Low minimum deposits. Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $5,000 or more, while the CDs above let you deposit as little as $500.Available nationwide. Some high-yield CDs are offered by regional credit unions that not everyone can easily join. The CDs above come from banks that anyone in the U.S. can join without jumping through hoops.Online convenience. All the CDs on our list can be opened and managed quickly and conveniently on the bank issuer’s website, from the comfort of home.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?In mid-2024, CD rates started to decline as the Fed cut rates for the first time in four years. Despite this dip, CDs are still a solid choice. The Fed is keeping rates steady now, but further cuts could occur later this year.Here’s why CDs are worth considering:They offer stable and safe returnsThey protect against future rate drops during the CD termThey have FDIC insurance protection up to $250,000 per depositor, per bankCDs provide low-risk, steady returns on your savings. But if you have a longer investment timeline or can take on more risk, the stock market might offer greater growth potential.Steps to open a CDWhen you’re ready, you can open a CD in just a few simple steps:Shop around and compares rates to find the best APY for the term you want.Read the fine print and make sure you can meet any minimum deposit requirements.Apply for your new CD on the bank’s website or mobile app, or over the phone. You’ll likely be approved and ready to invest in minutes.Link an existing bank account to transfer funds to a new CD.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.Once you’ve opened your CD, keep an eye on its maturity date. When a CD matures, the bank will typically do one of two things unless you say otherwise:Pay out your initial deposit plus your earnings as cashReinvest your funds in a new CD with the same term (but potentially a different APY)Most banks give you a grace period of seven to 10 days after the CD’s maturity date to make a decision.Earn up to 4.40% APY without giving up access to your fundsIf you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, a high-yield savings account will allow you to deposit and withdraw money whenever you want and transfer money to other accounts quickly and easily. You can leave your money in the account as long as you want, with no time requirement.Unlike CDs, savings accounts have variable rates, meaning they can change any time at the issuer’s discretion. But right now, high-yield savings account rates are nearly on par with the best CD rates, making either one a great choice, depending on your savings goals.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. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

CD rates are buzzing right now, especially for terms of six to 12 months. The best rates range from 4.50% to 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 possible Fed cuts on the horizon, it could be wise to grab a CD soon. Don’t wait if you want the best deal.

Below is a selection of the top CD rates today — perfect for boosting your savings.

Why we chose these CDs

• Extremely competitive rates. Some CDs have slightly higher rates, but most come with a catch.
• Low minimum deposits. Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $5,000 or more, while the CDs above let you deposit as little as $500.
• Available nationwide. Some high-yield CDs are offered by regional credit unions that not everyone can easily join. The CDs above come from banks that anyone in the U.S. can join without jumping through hoops.
• Online convenience. All the CDs on our list can be opened and managed quickly and conveniently on the bank issuer’s website, from the comfort of home.

Should you open a CD?

In mid-2024, CD rates started to decline as the Fed cut rates for the first time in four years. Despite this dip, CDs are still a solid choice. The Fed is keeping rates steady now, but further cuts could occur later this year.

Here’s why CDs are worth considering:

• They offer stable and safe returns
• They protect against future rate drops during the CD term
• They have FDIC insurance protection up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank

CDs provide low-risk, steady returns on your savings. But if you have a longer investment timeline or can take on more risk, the stock market might offer greater growth potential.

Steps to open a CD

When you’re ready, you can open a CD in just a few simple steps:

1. Shop around and compares rates to find the best APY for the term you want.
2. Read the fine print and make sure you can meet any minimum deposit requirements.
3. Apply for your new CD on the bank’s website or mobile app, or over the phone. You’ll likely be approved and ready to invest in minutes.
4. Link an existing bank account to transfer funds to a new CD.

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.

Once you’ve opened your CD, keep an eye on its maturity date. When a CD matures, the bank will typically do one of two things unless you say otherwise:

1. Pay out your initial deposit plus your earnings as cash
2. Reinvest your funds in a new CD with the same term (but potentially a different APY)

Most banks give you a grace period of seven to 10 days after the CD’s maturity date to make a decision.

Earn up to 4.40% APY without giving up access to your funds

If you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, a high-yield savings account will allow you to deposit and withdraw money whenever you want and transfer money to other accounts quickly and easily. You can leave your money in the account as long as you want, with no time requirement.

Unlike CDs, savings accounts have variable rates, meaning they can change any time at the issuer’s discretion. But right now, high-yield savings account rates are nearly on par with the best CD rates, making either one a great choice, depending on your savings goals.

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. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash
Don’t let your money just sit and do nothing. Savings account rates are as high as 5.00% APY right now, far above the national average. Stashing your money in one of these accounts is a quick and easy way to let your money grow.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. Every day, we sift through the options to bring you only the best rates, saving you time and effort. Regardless of whether you’re saving for the future or the unknown, consider a high-yield savings account to maximize your earnings.Here are some of today’s top high-yield savings account rates.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 17, 2025.Why we chose these savings accountsThe 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 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 a high-yield savings account now?Got extra cash sitting stagnant in a standard savings account? Now’s a great time to make a change. With overall rates still high, high-yield savings accounts let your money grow steadily and securely.Consider a high-yield savings account if:You want to earn more interest without locking away your moneyYou appreciate safety — most accounts come with FDIC insuranceYou want easy online access with no or low feesYou prefer flexibility over fixed termsHigh-yield savings accounts offer returns comparable to CDs, except you won’t lose access to your money while it grows. They’re a perfect place to stash your cash for emergencies, home projects, or upcoming trips. Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.How to open a high-yield savings accountGetting started with a high-yield savings account is easy and usually takes just a few minutes:Compare your options. 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 the amount you want to deposit.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.Don’t want to deal 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 American Express® High Yield Savings (Member FDIC), 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”:”

Don’t let your money just sit and do nothing. Savings account rates are as high as 5.00% APY right now, far above the national average. Stashing your money in one of these accounts is a quick and easy way to let your money grow.

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.

Every day, we sift through the options to bring you only the best rates, saving you time and effort. Regardless of whether you’re saving for the future or the unknown, consider a high-yield savings account to maximize your earnings.

Here are some of today’s top high-yield savings account rates.

Why we chose these 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.

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 today
• Banks With Savings Buckets — Track your savings goals separately

Should you open a high-yield savings account now?

Got extra cash sitting stagnant in a standard savings account? Now’s a great time to make a change. With overall rates still high, high-yield savings accounts let your money grow steadily and securely.

Consider a high-yield savings account if:

• You want to earn more interest without locking away your money
• You appreciate safety — most accounts come with FDIC insurance
• You want easy online access with no or low fees
• You prefer flexibility over fixed terms

High-yield savings accounts offer returns comparable to CDs, except you won’t lose access to your money while it grows. They’re a perfect place to stash your cash for emergencies, home projects, or upcoming trips. 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:

1. Compare your options. 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 the amount you want to deposit.
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?

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.

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