The best high-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.50% annual percentage yield as of Aug. 25, 2026, compared with the FDIC’s recorded national average savings rate of 0.38%. These accounts can help savers earn more on emergency funds, vacation savings and other cash while retaining easier access than with a certificate of deposit. Fortune partnered with Curinos, a financial-services data firm with more than 30 years of industry experience, to track savings and CD APYs from a broad range of institutions each business day. High-yield accounts are generally offered by online banks with lower operating costs than branch-based banks, although APYs are variable and can change when Federal Reserve policy shifts. A $5,000 balance earning 5.00% APY would generate an estimated $256 over a year, compared with $22 at 0.40% APY. Savers should compare APY, minimum balances, fees, access rules and FDIC or NCUA insurance, which generally protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution and ownership category. Interest earnings are taxable, and inflation can still reduce purchasing power. Following Federal Reserve rate cuts in late 2025, some banks may lower savings rates further if additional cuts are anticipated in 2026.