Top 5 High-Yield Savings Accounts With Best Rates in 2025

Looking to earn more from your savings without taking big risks? You're not alone. With inflation making everything more expensive, your money should work harder for you — even when it's just sitting in a savings account.

That’s where high-yield savings accounts come in. These accounts offer significantly better interest rates than regular savings accounts at traditional banks. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which one is best for you?

We’ve done the research for 2025 and rounded up the top 5 high-yield savings accounts that are not only safe but also easy to use and packed with great features. Whether you're saving for a rainy day or building up your emergency fund, these accounts can help you make the most out of your money.

What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly break it down. A high-yield savings account is just like a regular savings account — but with much better interest rates. While big-name banks may offer 0.01% to 0.10% APY (Annual Percentage Yield), high-yield accounts can offer 3%, 4%, or even 5% — which means more money in your pocket over time.

Best part? They’re generally low risk and FDIC-insured, so your money’s protected up to $250,000.

Top 5 High-Yield Savings Accounts in 2025

Here are the standouts this year based on APY, fees, ease of use, and overall benefits:

1. Varo Money High-Yield Savings Account

• APY: Up to 5.00%
• Monthly Fees: None
• Minimum Balance: $0

If you want the best return around, Varo’s savings account takes the crown. With an APY as high as 5.00%, it offers one of the highest returns in the market right now.

Varo is a fully online bank, so you won’t find a brick-and-mortar branch. But if you’re comfortable doing your banking through an app or website, this account is hard to beat. I personally tried Varo for a travel savings goal last year, and the interface was super user-friendly. Plus, no fees meant every dollar stayed where it belonged — in my account.

2. Axos ONE® Savings Account

• APY: 4.51%
• FDIC-Insured
• User-Friendly Online Tools

Next up is Axos, which offers strong interest rates paired with an easy-to-navigate platform. Even if you’re not too tech-savvy, you’ll find Axos’s tools straightforward and helpful.

If you value good customer service and strong online security — something we all should — Axos is a solid pick. It’s a great match for people who want to manage their savings on the go while still earning big-time interest.

3. SoFi Checking and Savings Account

• APY: 3.80% (up to 4.50% for 6 months with direct deposit)
• No Account Fees
• Both Checking & Savings Combined

SoFi gives you the flexibility to keep your checking and savings in one place, making budgeting a breeze. And here's a neat trick — if you set up direct deposit, you can boost your interest rate up to 4.50% for the first six months. That’s a nice head start if you’re just beginning your savings journey.

The SoFi app is clean and packed with features — goal-setting tools, auto-savings, and even options for investing. If you like having everything in one ecosystem, this one’s definitely worth a look.

4. Barclays Online Savings Account

• APY: 3.90%
• No Monthly Maintenance Fees
• No Minimum Balance

Trusty and reliable, Barclays’ online savings account is a good choice for those who prefer to keep things simple. While there’s no physical branch or checking option, Barclays’s online tools are top-notch and easy to use.

Barclays has been consistent over the years with its competitive rates, and for people who prefer a no-fuss experience with zero monthly fees, this could be a perfect fit.

5. American Express® High Yield Savings Account

• APY: 3.50%
• Daily Compounding Interest
• No Minimum Balance or Fees

Yes, the same American Express known for credit cards also offers a fantastic savings account. Amex's high-yield savings option earns you daily interest and comes without the hassles of monthly fees or balance requirements.

It’s ideal for those who value strong customer service and the backing of a well-established financial institution. If brand-name trust matters to you (and it does to many folks!), this one’s a top contender.

How to Choose the Best High-Yield Savings Account for You

While all five of these accounts offer terrific value, one might suit your needs better than the others. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. APY (Annual Percentage Yield)

This is the interest you’ll earn over a year — including the effects of compounding. A higher APY equals more money earned, plain and simple.

2. Fees & Minimum Balances

Watch out for monthly charges or minimum deposit requirements. You want your savings to grow, not shrink due to fees.

3. Ease of Access

Think about how you’ll use the account. Do you want ATM access? A mobile app? Easy transfers between accounts? Make sure the account fits your day-to-day life.

4. FDIC Insurance

This protects your savings up to $250,000 per person, per bank. Always choose an FDIC-insured bank to keep your money safe.

Why High-Yield Savings Accounts Matter in 2025

The financial landscape is always changing — interest rates go up, prices go up, life gets expensive. In this kind of environment, having your money sit in a savings account that earns almost nothing just doesn’t make sense anymore.

With a high-yield savings account, your money does more work. Whether you’re putting away cash for a home, vacation, or emergency expenses, the extra interest can really add up over time.

Let’s say you put $10,000 into an account with a 4.5% APY. In a year, you’d earn around $450 in interest — compare that to $10 at a traditional bank, and the difference couldn’t be clearer.

Final Thoughts

There’s never been a better time to switch to a high-yield savings account. You deserve to get more from your money – without stress, without big risks, and without hidden fees.

To recap:

• Varo: Best overall APY
• Axos: Strong online features and security
• SoFi: Ideal for all-in-one banking
• Barclays: Simple and consistent
• American Express: Trusted brand with daily compounding

The right savings account is the one that fits your needs — and helps you hit your goals faster. Consider what matters most to you, then make the move. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

Ready to start earning more from your savings? Compare your options and open a high-yield savings account today!