High-Yield Savings Account Rates Today: May 21, 2025

Forbes

21-05-2025

Rates on savings accounts are the same compared to one week ago. You can now earn as much as 5.84% on your savings.
Searching for an account where you can save for a rainy day or retirement? Here's a look at some of the best savings rates you can find today.
Related: Find the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2025
Traditional savings accounts, often called "statement savings accounts" in the banking industry, were notorious for paying puny interest rates for more than a decade after the Great Recession. But you can find much higher yields now, especially from online banks and credit unions.
The highest yield on a standard savings account with a $2,500 minimum deposit amount within the last week has been 5.84%, according to data from Curinos. If you spot a basic savings account with a rate in that ballpark, you've done well for yourself.
Today's average APY for a traditional savings account is 0.22%, Curinos says. APY, or annual percentage yield, accurately represents the actual amount your account will earn during one year. It factors in compound interest, which is the interest that builds up on the interest in your account.
High-yield savings accounts typically pay substantially more interest than conventional savings accounts. But the catch is you may have to jump through some hoops to earn that higher rate, such as becoming a member of a credit union or putting down a large deposit.
On high-yield accounts requiring a minimum deposit of $10,000, today's best interest rate is 4.88%. That's about the same as last week.
The average APY for those accounts is now 0.23% APY, unchanged from a week ago.
On high-yield savings accounts with a minimum opening deposit of $25,000, the highest rate available today is 4.40%. You'll be in good shape if you can get an account offering a rate close to that.
The current average is 0.24% APY for a high-yield account with a $25,000 minimum deposit.
Interest rates on savings accounts typically fluctuate in response to other rate changes throughout the economy. Savings rates are primarily influenced by the Federal Reserve's rate moves, and the central bank has finally begun reducing its benchmark federal funds rate as inflation has fallen closer to the Fed's 2% goal.
Financial institutions usually adjust borrowing and savings rates soon after the Fed changes rates. The Fed votes to adjust rates eight times per year during meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
Curinos determines the average rates for savings accounts by focusing on those intended for personal use. Certain types of savings accounts—such as relationship-based accounts and accounts designed for youths, seniors and students—are not considered in the calculation.
The best high-yield savings account pays 5.84% now, according to Curinos data, so you'll want to aim for an account that delivers a yield in that ballpark.
But rates aren't everything. You want an account that charges few fees, offers great customer service and has a track record of being a stable institution.
Savings yields are variable and can change depending on economic conditions or a bank's particular financial need. Usually rates are influenced by the federal funds rate, meaning that a bank tends to raise or lower its rates along with the Fed.
Online banks and credit unions tend to offer the best yields because they can pass along savings from low overhead while also striving to attract new customers.