Best High-Yield Savings Accounts in 2025 (Up to 5.25%)

If you’re still parking your money in a traditional savings account earning 0.01% interest, you’re leaving serious money on the table. In 2025, high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are offering rates as high as 5.25% APY—and the best part? They’re safe, FDIC-insured, and require little effort to open.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top high-yield savings accounts in 2025, what to look for, and how to maximize your interest earnings without r is k.

Table of Contents

Why Use a High-Yield Savings Account?

A high-yield savings account is a type of savings account that earns significantly more interest than the national average.

Benefits:

Earn more on your money passively
FDIC or NCUA-insured (up to $250,000 per account)
Easy to access online or via mobile apps
No stock market r is k

If you’re saving for emergencies, short-term goals, or just want your money to work harder, an HYSA is a smart, low-r is k move.

Top High-Yield Savings Accounts in 2025

Below are the best high-yield savings accounts offering up to 5.25% APY as of April 2025.

1. UFB Direct – High Yield Savings

APY: 5.25%
Minimum Balance: $0
Monthly Fees: None
FDIC Insured: Yes
Why it’s great: One of the highest APYs in the country with no strings attached. Perfect for maximizing returns.

2. Bask Bank – Interest Savings Account

APY: 5.10%
Minimum Balance: $0
Monthly Fees: None
FDIC Insured: Yes
Why it’s great: Offers reliable rates, a sleek mobile app, and strong customer service. Great for hands-off savers.

3. Sallie Mae – SmartyPig Account

APY: Up to 5.00% (tiered)
Minimum Balance: $0
Monthly Fees: None
FDIC Insured: Yes
Why it’s great: Ideal for goal-oriented savers—you can set and track specific savings goals.

4. Synchrony Bank – High Yield Savings

APY: 4.75%
Minimum Balance: $0
Monthly Fees: None
FDIC Insured: Yes
Why it’s great: Includes an optional ATM card—rare for online-only savings accounts.

5. Ally Bank – Online Savings Account

APY: 4.40%
Minimum Balance: None
Monthly Fees: None
FDIC Insured: Yes
Why it’s great: Trusted brand with strong customer support and easy account integration.

Comparison Chart

Bank	APY	Min Balance	Fees	Access	FDIC Insured
UFB Direct	5.25%	$0	No	Online	✅
Bask Bank	5.10%	$0	No	Online	✅
SmartyPig (Sallie Mae)	Up to 5.00%	$0	No	Online	✅
Synchrony Bank	4.75%	$0	No	Online + ATM	✅
Ally Bank	4.40%	$0	No	Online	✅

What to Look for in a High-Yield Savings Account

When choosing the best HYSA, don’t just chase the highest APY. Make sure the account fits your financial goals.

Key Features to Compare:

APY (Annual Percentage Yield)
Fees & minimum balance requirements
Mobile app or online experience
FDIC or NCUA insurance
Ease of transfers to/from checking
Access to ATM (optional but useful)

How Much Can You Earn?

Let’s say you deposit $10,000 into a high-yield savings account with 5.25% APY.

After 1 year:
→ You’d earn $525 in interest—r is k-free.

Compare that to a traditional account earning 0.01% (just $1 annually), and it’s easy to see why HYSAs are a no-brainer.

Is It Safe to Keep Money in a HYSA?

Yes—as long as your account is FDIC- or NCUA-insured. That means your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank in case the bank fails.

These accounts are ideal for:

Emergency funds
Vacation or holiday savings
Down payments
Short-term financial goals

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

Automate your savings – Set up recurring transfers from checking.
Use HYSA as your emergency fund – Keep it liquid, but separate.
Avoid unnecessary fees – Choose no-fee accounts only.
Recheck rates every 6–12 months – APYs can change often.
Don’t mix savings with spending – Keeps you disciplined.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, there’s no excuse to leave your savings in a low-interest account. With HYSAs offering up to 5.25% APY, you can earn hundreds (or even thousands) in passive income each year—safely and effortlessly.

Take 10 minutes today to switch to a high-yield savings account. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.