Best High-Yield Savings Accounts — October 2026

Savings rates are variable and change often — the APYs below are as of early October 2026. The national average is still under 0.5%, so any account here earns roughly 6–8x more than a typical branch bank.

By Financialist · October 17, 2026

Last updated: October 9, 2026 · Fact checked ✓

Affiliate disclosure: Financialist.com may earn a commission when you click a link on this page and open an account. This never changes our ratings. Our picks are based on independent research.

Savings rates are variable and change often — the APYs below are as of early October 2026. The national average is still under 0.5%, so any account here earns roughly 6–8x more than a typical branch bank.


1. EverBank Performance℠ Savings — 4.8/5

Best for: Highest straightforward APY

  • APY: 4.20%
  • Minimum to earn APY: $0
  • Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • Top rate with no hoops
  • No minimum balance
  • No monthly fee

Cons

  • Fewer banking products than big online banks
  • App is basic

Apply now


2. Marcus by Goldman Sachs — 4.8/5

Best for: Beginners

  • APY: 3.50%
  • Minimum to earn APY: $0
  • Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • Simple, clean experience
  • Goldman Sachs backing
  • No minimums or fees

Cons

  • No checking account to pair it with
  • No ATM access

Apply now


3. SoFi Checking and Savings — 4.7/5

Best for: All-in-one banking

  • APY: Up to 3.30% on savings (up to 4.20% with limited-time boost — check current); 0.50% on checking
  • Requirement for top rate: Eligible direct deposit or $5,000+ in qualifying deposits per 31 days
  • Monthly fee: $0
  • Bonus: $50–$400 with qualifying activities (check current)

Pros

  • Checking + savings in one app
  • Extra perks (career coaching, discounts)
  • Big sign-up bonuses

Cons

  • Top rate requires direct deposit
  • Without it, savings drops to 1.00%

Apply now


4. Ally Bank Savings — 4.7/5

Best for: Customer service

  • APY: 3.10%
  • Minimum to earn APY: $0
  • Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • 24/7 customer service, highly rated
  • Savings buckets for goals
  • No minimums or fees

Cons

  • Rate trails the leaders
  • No physical branches (one partner ATM network)

Apply now


5. Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings — 4.6/5

Best for: Solid rate, no gimmicks

  • APY: 3.55%
  • Minimum to earn APY: $0
  • Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • Above-average rate with zero requirements
  • No fees
  • ATM card available

Cons

  • Less-known brand
  • App is just okay

Apply now


6. Capital One 360 Performance Savings — 4.5/5

Best for: In-person banking access

  • APY: 3.10%
  • Minimum to earn APY: $0
  • Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • Capital One Cafés and branches exist
  • Easy if you already use Capital One cards
  • No fees or minimums

Cons

  • Rate is middle of the pack
  • Nothing special beyond the branch access

Apply now


How we picked these

We compared APYs, minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, and ease of use across the most popular online savings accounts. Rates are variable and were last verified in early October 2026 — always check the bank's site for the current APY.

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Guides are for general information, not personalized financial advice.