Savings
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of March 2026
The difference between a traditional savings account at a big bank (0.01% APY) and a high-yield savings account at an online bank (4.00-4.75% APY) is staggering. On a $25,000 emergency fund, that is the difference between earning $2.50 per year and $1,100+ per year. For doing absolutely nothing differently except where your money sits. High-yield savings accounts are FDIC-insured, free to open, and take about 10 minutes to set up.
We track rates across 40+ online banks and credit unions monthly to find the highest-paying accounts with the best features. Here are our current top picks, ranked by a combination of APY, account features, and overall user experience.
Our methodology
We evaluated each account on APY competitiveness (40%), account features and flexibility (25%), fees and minimums (20%), and mobile app quality and customer satisfaction (15%). All accounts listed are FDIC or NCUA insured. APYs shown are current as of March 2026 and are variable, they can change at any time based on Federal Reserve rate decisions.
Editorial note. These rankings reflect our independent analysis and opinion and are not financial advice. Rates, fees, and terms were accurate as of March 2026 and change frequently. Confirm current details directly with the lender before you apply.
Wealthfront Cash Account
APR
4.50% APY
- Consistently among the highest APYs available
- No minimum balance, no monthly fees
- FDIC insured up to $8 million through partner banks
- Unlimited free transfers
- Integrates with Wealthfront investment accounts for automated savings
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
APR
4.40% APY
- Backed by Goldman Sachs, one of the largest financial institutions
- No minimum deposit, no monthly fees, no transaction fees
- Easy-to-use mobile app with goal-setting tools
- Up to 6 free withdrawals per month
- Highly rated customer service
Ally Online Savings
APR
4.20% APY
- Full-service online bank, pair with Ally checking for a complete banking setup
- Buckets feature lets you organize savings goals within one account
- No minimum balance, no monthly fees
- 24/7 customer support by phone, chat, and email
- Consistently competitive rates for over a decade
Capital One 360 Performance Savings
APR
4.25% APY
- Access to Capital One Cafes and branch locations nationwide
- No minimum balance, no monthly fees
- Strong mobile app with easy transfers and budgeting tools
- Can be paired with Capital One 360 checking
- FDIC insured and backed by one of the top 10 U.S. banks
Discover Online Savings
APR
4.25% APY
- No minimum balance to open or earn the full APY
- No monthly fees of any kind
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer service
- FDIC insured up to $250,000
- Easy to pair with Discover checking (which earns 1% cash back on debit purchases)
The bottom line
For pure rate maximization, Wealthfront currently leads with 4.50% APY and the massive $8 million FDIC coverage through partner banks. If you prefer a familiar name, Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers nearly identical rates with an excellent user experience.
For people who want a complete online banking relationship (checking + savings), Ally is the best all-in-one option with its Buckets feature and full-service platform. And if occasional in-person service matters to you, Capital One 360 is the only high-yield account offering branch access. Any of these accounts will earn you hundreds of dollars more per year than a traditional bank savings account.