High-yield savings

What is a high-yield savings account?

A high-yield savings account is a savings account that pays a much higher rate than a typical bank savings account. It is usually at an online bank, insured by the FDIC up to $250,000, and you can withdraw any time.

A jar under the sun

$10,000 earns $400 a year at 4% APY, $50 at 0.5%

0.50% APY

  • Interest on $10,000 in a year$50

4.00% APY

  • Interest on $10,000 in a year$400

1Why the rate is higher

Online banks have fewer branches and pass some savings on as interest. Rates move with the Fed's rate decisions.

2Check the insurance

Look for FDIC insurance at a bank or NCUA at a credit union. It covers up to $250,000 per depositor per bank.

Source: FDIC

3Good uses

An emergency fund and sinking funds for known costs. The money stays safe and ready.

4What to compare

The APY, monthly fees, minimum balance and how fast transfers reach your checking account.

How to do it in Oaktally

A good rate helps the money you put in. Oaktally helps you keep putting money in, every month.

  1. Add the accountAdd your high-yield savings account with its balance.
  2. Give it a goalIn Plan, add a goal like an emergency fund and choose Target date.
  3. Add money each paydayThe ring shows how far along you are.
Get personal early access
Oaktally goal editor: $2,400 getaway goal, $1,540 set aside, target date Apr 27, 2027 shows $150 a month.

Try it with your numbers

Enter your monthly costs and how many months you want covered.

Size your emergency fund

Frequently asked questions

Are high-yield savings accounts safe?

Yes, at an FDIC-insured bank, up to $250,000 per depositor per bank.

Can the rate go down?

Yes. Most rates are variable and change when the Fed changes rates.

Further reading

FDIC: Financial products that are insured ↗

Educational examples, not individual financial advice.

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