Average Savings Account Interest Rates for 2020: Compared Across Banks
Average Savings Account Interest Rates for 2020: Compared Across Banks
The average interest rate on savings accounts currently stands at 0.05%, according to the FDIC. This rate applies to both non-jumbo deposits of below $100,000 and jumbo deposits above $100,000.
However, that rate can fluctuate significantly based on factors like the type of financial institution you’re banking with and your account balance — and, as this list demonstrates, it can pay to shop around. This article explores the average savings account interest rates at the biggest banks in the U.S., as well as rates for savings accounts at online-only banks and for linked checking and savings accounts.
Interest rates for savings accounts at the biggest banks in the U.S.
Below are the current APYs for the standard savings account offerings at the biggest banks in the U.S., as determined by their assets under management. Our research consistently found that rates at many of these traditional banks almost never offer the best return for your savings, especially when compared to online savings accounts offered by digital banks.
Keep in mind that these rates may change depending on your location, your account balance and other factors. Also note that the rates below — and in subsequent sections — refer to the accounts’ annualized percentage yield (APY), which takes into account the interest rate and the compounding period in order to provide a single rate that represents how much you will earn from your deposit within one year.
Interest Rates for Savings Accounts at the Biggest U.S. Banks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Savings APY* | Minimum Balance |
| Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| Bank of America | 0.01% | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| Citibank | 0.04% | $0 |
| U.S. Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| BB&T | 0.01% | $0 |
| PNC | 0.01% | $1 |
| TD Bank | 0.05% | $0 |
| Capital One | 0.50% | $0 |
| Charles Schwab Bank | 0.05% | $0 |
| Note that the order in which these banks appear are from largest to smallest, as measured by assets under management. Rates are accurate as of 11/13/2020. | ||
Interest rates for savings accounts at online banks
Online-only banks are famous for offering higher interest rates on savings accounts. Since they have lower overhead costs, they are often able to pass on those savings to their customers through higher rates.
You can see this in practice by comparing the chart above of the savings account interest rates at the biggest banks in the U.S. to the rates in the chart below, which lists the top savings account rates for online-only banks.
Remember, rates may vary based on your location, account balance or other factors.
Savings Account Interest Rates at Online Banks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Savings APY* | Minimum Balance |
| Affirm Bank | 1.00% | $0 |
| ConnectOne Bank | 0.90% | $2,500 |
| Fitness Bank | 0.85% | $100 |
| SmartyPig | 0.80% | $0.01 |
| First Foundation Bank (Online Savings) | 0.75% | $0.01 |
| SFGI Direct | 0.67% | $1 |
| TAB Bank | 0.65% | $1 |
| Popular Direct | 0.65% | $0 |
| Axos Bank | 0.61% | $0 |
| Salem Five Direct | 0.61% | $0 |
| Rates are accurate as of 11/13/2020 | ||
Interest rates for linked checking and savings accounts
In recent years, many savers have been stashing their cash in a different type of account — a cash management account. These accounts operate as hybrid checking-savings accounts and while they are offered by fintech companies instead of by actual banks, they are still able to offer FDIC protection by partnering with banks that act as custodians for your deposits. One of the many perks of cash management accounts is that they often offer higher APYs than traditional savings accounts.
Below are the top cash management accounts according to DepositAccounts, based on factors including APY, zero monthly maintenance fees and an overall focus on banking rather than investing. Note that these rates may vary based on geographical location, and some may require you to meet certain requirements (such as using your linked debit card a certain number of times each month) to receive the APY.
Savings Account Interest Rates for the Top Cash Management Accounts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Financial Institution | Savings APY* | Min Balance |
| Aspiration Plus | 1.00% | $0 |
| Simple | 0.60% | $0.01 |
| Betterment Cash Reserve | 0.40% | $0 |
| Wealthfront Cash Account | 0.35% | $0 |
| Empower | 0.25% | $0 |
| SoFi Money | 0.25% | $500 |
| Rates are accurate as of 11/13/2020 | ||
Chris is a Product Manager for ValuePenguin with years of experience in addressing critical questions about mortgages and homeowners insurance. He spends his time evaluating insurance providers and policy features to understand where consumers might find the most cost-effective coverage. Chris has contributed insights to the New York Times and many other publications.