What you need to know about the best savings accounts

What do the best savings accounts have in common?

The best savings account interest rates are around 5%. At a brick-and-mortar bank, you'll often find savings rates closer to the national average, which is currently 0.46%.

If you have a $10,000 savings balance, choosing an account that pays 5% will earn you about $500 in a year, while an account paying you 0.40% APY would earn about $40. The difference increases the more you deposit and the longer you keep it in the account.

Why should I care about the best savings account rates?

If you have money left in your checking account each month — or you can adjust your budget so that you do — you should have a savings account with a high rate. (Again, think around 5%.) It's always helpful to have money set aside for emergencies, and it'll earn you much more in an account that pays one of the best savings account rates than in a checking account.

Just make sure you can keep enough in your savings account to avoid monthly fees. Most online savings accounts don't charge these, but many traditional accounts do.

What monthly fees do savings accounts usually have?

The best savings accounts typically don’t charge monthly fees. You make your deposit and watch your balance grow as your money earns interest.

Why does NerdWallet pick online savings accounts as the best savings accounts?

It's easy to find a savings account at your local bank, but if you want to earn a high rate and pay the lowest fees, you should consider storing your savings in an online account. Without the added expenses of large branch networks, online banks and nonbank providers are able to offer more favorable returns than national brick-and-mortar banks.

Is my money safe in a savings account?

Yes, provided your money is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration.

» Dig deeper: Learn more about FDIC and NCUA insurance for deposit accounts.

Do the best savings account interest rates change over time?

Yes, rates are variable and can change over time. If you are looking for a fixed rate account, and can set aside funds for a specific time period without making a withdrawal, consider opening a certificate of deposit. NerdWallet's list of best CD rates features top options.

How often do interest rates change?

Financial institutions generally don’t change savings rates on an hourly, daily or even monthly basis. In fact, under normal circumstances, it’s common to see APYs remain the same for several months.

It’s important to note, however, that rates are variable and theoretically can change at any time. In addition, many providers will change their rates based on what their competitors are doing. You will often see groups of providers increase or decrease their APYs at around the same time, especially if the Federal Reserve recently increased or cut rates.

To get the best yield for your money, it’s a good idea to check out the best savings rates on a regular basis — at least once a month.

Savings account terms you need to know:

Savings account: A deposit account from a financial institution that typically earns interest.

Interest: Money a financial institution pays into an account over time.

Compound interest: Compound interest is the interest you earn on both your original money and on the interest you keep accumulating. In an account that pays compound interest, the return is added to the original principal at the end of every compounding period, typically daily or monthly. Each time interest is calculated and added to the account, the larger balance earns more interest.

Annual percentage yield: The annual percentage yield, or APY, is the amount of interest an account earns in a year. The calculation is based on the account’s interest rate and the number of times interest is paid during the year.

How can I earn high interest rates besides a savings account?

Here are a few options:

Money market accounts: These accounts are a type of savings account, but they might have higher minimum balances and offer perks such as check-writing, which is rare for savings accounts.

Certificates of deposit: These accounts lock your balance away for a specified period of time — often between one year and five years — in exchange for a higher interest rate. But if you withdraw any money during the term, you'll typically have to pay a penalty. CDs are also covered by FDIC insurance.

Is savings account interest taxable?

Yes, savings account interest is generally taxable. Your provider will probably send you a form reporting it if you earned more than $10 during the tax year. Note that you are likely to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.

Full list of editorial picks: best savings accounts

Here are all of NerdWallet's picks for the best savings accounts.