How much would a $150,000 high-yield savings account earn at today's rates?

CBS News

a day ago

If you've been fortunate enough to accumulate $150,000 in savings, you may currently be contemplating your next move. Perhaps you're considering diving into the stock market, exploring real estate investments or even looking at riskier investment strategies, like cryptocurrency, to maximize what you earn. But while these options might offer higher potential returns, they also come with significantly more risk and volatility, especially right now, as inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions continue to create waves across the economic landscape.
At the same time, letting $150,000 sit in a traditional savings account feels almost wasteful. With most brick-and-mortar banks offering savings rates that are well below 1%, leaving your money in this type of account would essentially cause it to lose value to inflation over time. So, for someone with a substantial nest egg like this, every month that money sits and earns a low rate in a traditional savings account represents a lost opportunity to earn big returns.
This is where high-yield savings accounts can be a compelling middle ground. These accounts offer significantly higher rates than traditional savings accounts. And, for someone with $150,000 to deposit, the difference between a traditional savings account and a high-yield option could be quite substantial. Here's what that could look like at today's rates.
Compare today's top savings account rates and find the right option for you.
Predicting exact earnings from a high-yield savings account requires some educated assumptions, since these accounts feature variable interest rates that can shift based on Federal Reserve policies and broader economic conditions. The Fed has kept rates steady through most of 2025 so far, but many economists anticipate potential rate adjustments before year's end. That said, high-yield savings accounts don't typically move in lockstep with Fed decisions, and many banks have maintained competitive rates even during periods of monetary policy uncertainty.
So, using today's competitive rate environment as our baseline, here's what a $150,000 deposit could realistically earn, assuming a 4.35% APY remains constant throughout the calculation period:
These calculations demonstrate the significant earning potential of parking a substantial sum in a high-yield savings account. Even after just three months, you'd earn over $1,600 in interest, which is money that would be essentially nonexistent in a traditional savings account. Over a full year, that $150,000 could generate more than $6,500 in interest earnings, representing a substantial boost to your overall financial position.
It's worth noting that these figures assume the interest rate remains stable, which isn't guaranteed. However, even if rates decline somewhat, you'd still be earning far more than traditional savings options. Many of today's top high-yield accounts also compound interest daily and credit it monthly, meaning your earnings start generating returns almost immediately.
As you're shopping for a high-yield savings account for this amount of money, pay attention to factors beyond just the advertised APY. Look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees, reasonable minimum balance requirements and strong customer service ratings. Some banks also offer additional perks like ATM fee reimbursements or mobile banking features that can enhance your overall experience.
Learn how much you could earn with the right high-yield savings account now.
For someone with $150,000 in savings right now, a high-yield savings account represents an opportunity to earn substantial returns while maintaining safety and flexibility. The potential to generate over $6,500 in annual interest, compared to roughly $570 in a traditional savings account, makes this decision almost inevitable for savvy savers.
While the rate environment may shift over time, opening an account and earning at today's elevated rates means you'll benefit from strong returns while they last. You'll want to act promptly, though. Every month you delay represents hundreds of dollars in potential earnings walking away, and with most high-yield accounts requiring minimal opening deposits and offering quick online applications, there's little reason to postpone capturing these returns.