Best Certificate of Deposit & High Yield Savings Accounts
By: Conor Keenan, AWMA® | Updated: November 13, 2026 | We check the rates shown against the providers’ published information. Rates and terms can change. Use the links below to visit each provider’s website for current rates, requirements, and full offer details.
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® designee with 10+ years covering banking & investing. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters & Yahoo Finance.
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Compare high yield savings + short & longer term CDs to see which account is right for you now.
High Yield Savings Accounts:
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
3.20% APY
APY as of November 13, 2026
On American Express® National Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
Best For: High Yield Savings + World-Class Service
Earn a competitive 3.20% Annual Percentage Yield1 (APY) as of November 13, 2026 with the American Express® High Yield Savings Account — a top-tier rate from a brand known for trust, stability, and exceptional service.
Interest compounds daily and is deposited monthly, helping your savings grow effortlessly.
Enjoy no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements2, and 24/7 U.S.-based customer support.
Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, offering you complete peace of mind. Terms Apply.ⓘ
Manage your savings easily through the American Express® App, where you can check balances, deposit funds, track transactions, and stay in control — anytime, anywhere.
If you're looking for a secure, reliable place to grow your savings — backed by world-class service — the American Express® High Yield Savings Account is a clear standout.
See American Express National Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
Terms Disclosure:
1. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of November 13, 2026. Interest rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened. Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded
2. There is no minimum balance required to open your Account, to avoid being charged a fee, or to obtain the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed to you.
3. iOS and Android only. See app store listings for operating system info.
4. For purposes of transferring funds to or from an external bank, business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Transfers can be initiated 24/7 via the website or phone, but any transfers initiated after 7:00 PM Eastern Time or on non-business days will begin processing on the next business day. Funds deposited into your account may be subject to holds. See the Funds Availability section of your Consumer Deposit Account Agreement and Savings Schedules for more information.
Up to $400 Bonus
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
4.40% APY
with qualifying activities
On SoFi®'s Secure Site,
Member FDIC
Best For: Bonus Seekers + Large Deposits
SoFi redefines banking with a commitment to no fees—no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no account minimums.
Bonus: up to $400 with direct deposit.ⓘ
In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy up to 4.40% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances with qualifying activities and 0.50% APY on checking balances, fee-free overdraft coverage up to $50 and access your direct deposit funds up to two days early, giving you greater financial flexibility. Terms applyⓘ.
The current savings APY without direct deposit or $5,000+ in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period is 0.80%. Although this is still higher than the national average, if you don't plan on setting up direct deposit or depositing $5,000+, you should look at the other offers on this list.
Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor and you can also access up to $3,000,000 of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks. Ensuring your money stays safe and secure. Earn a $50 or $400 bonus with direct deposit, terms apply.
Limited Time Offer: New account holders earn +1.10% boost to 4.40% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply.
1. $50 or $400 Bonus
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 1.10% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
3.75% APY
On Synchrony Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC
Best For: High APY From a Fortune 500 Bank
Synchrony Bank is offering a 3.75% APY (annual percentage yield) on its High Yield Savings Account, that’s many times the national average. The account has no minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirements, so you can start earning more without jumping through major hoops.
Synchrony is a strong fit if you want more ways to access your money. Unlike other accounts on this list, Synchrony offers an optional ATM card and reimburses up to $5 per month in out-of-network ATM fees.
It may not always have the highest APY on the list, but it stands out if occasional cash access matters to you. That makes it worth considering for an emergency fund, short-term savings goal, or cash you want to keep liquid while still earning a competitive rate.
Synchrony also makes managing your account easy: their mobile app gives you 24/7 access to your balance and transactions. Interest compounds daily, posts monthly and with FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, you’ll have peace of mind while your savings grow. Terms Applyⓘ
Founded in 2003, Synchrony is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest consumer banks in the U.S., serving millions of customers nationwide.
See Synchrony Bank's Secure Site For More Details.
Short Term CDs:
3.90% APY
On Raisin's Secure Site
for Ponce Bank,
FDIC Insured
Best For: High APY + Short Term
Term: 3 Month
Exclusively through the Raisin platform, Ponce Bank currently offers 3.90% APY on their 3 Month CD with no monthly fees and a minimum initial deposit of $1.00.
Deposits are insured through the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor and interest compounds daily.
The Raisin platform also offers you the opportunity to access up to $10 million in federal deposit insurance through its network, all from a single secure login.
Interest compounds daily and is posted to your account monthly.
Ponce Bank was born in The Bronx in 1960 and has earned the title of a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
They earned CDFI status by investing more than 80% of their assets in low and moderate income communities.
When you invest your savings with Ponce Bank you're helping underserved communities in America.
See Raisin's Secure Site For Ponce Bank to Get More Details.
Longer Term CDs:
To recap our recommendations.
Best Savings Accounts According To CompareAccounts™
American Express® High Yield Savings Account: 3.20% APY as of November 13, 2026
American Express® High Yield Savings Account: 3.20% APY as of November 13, 2026
NexBankTM High-Yield Savings Account: up to 4.15% APY
SoFi® Checking and Savings: 4.40% APY & Earn up to $400 with qualifying activities
To recap our recommendations.
Best Certificate of Deposits According To CompareAccounts™
Ponce Bank® Certificate of Deposit Account: 3.90% APY - 3 Month Term
Customers Also Viewed These Checking Accounts
STILL COMPARING?
A cash bonus.
A savings boost.
Explore SoFi Checking and Savings.
with Direct Deposit①
with Eligible Direct Deposit
Limited Time Offer: +1.10% boost on new accounts with Eligible Direct Deposit.
① Bonus eligibility and Direct Deposit requirements apply. APY is variable. See SoFi for full offer terms.
Up to $400 Bonus
up to
4.40%
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
- Checking & Savings Account
- Min. to Open: $0
- Bonus: up to $400 with Direct Depositⓘ
- $0 Monthly Fees
- FDIC Insured up to $250,000
- Earn $50 or $400 with direct deposit, terms apply
- Limited Time Offer: +1.10% Boost to 4.40% APY for up to 6 Months on New Accounts with Eligible Direct Deposit.
- Terms Applyⓘ
- See Site for Details
1. $50 or $400 Bonus
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 1.10% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
On SoFi's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
What to Look for in a Certificate of Deposit Account
It’s always wise to compare your options when opening a new certificate of deposit account.
Small differences in interest rates and fees can quickly add up over time, especially if you’re keeping a large balance in the account.
Here are the top features to look for and compare:
1. Interest Rate
The interest rate of a certificate of deposit is one of its most important features. However, a very high interest rate can get completely wiped out if you have to pay a penalty fee because you need to withdrawal your funds before the term is complete.
Besides interest rate, term length is the second most important factor. Other important features of your certificate of deposit account include the required initial deposit, and minimum balance required.
2. Term Length
Most banks will charge you what’s called a “penalty fee” for withdrawing your funds before the term length has been completed.
This means, that if you open a 12-month CD, but withdraw your funds within 6 months, then you’ll pay a penalty fee.
Therefore, you need to decide when you’ll need these funds again.
For any term less than a year, we recommend a high-yield savings account.
If this is your first CD account, we recommend starting with a 12 – 15 month term.
If you’ve opened a CD account in the past, then you choose which term is right for you and your unique situation.
3. Required Initial Deposit
Initial deposit is another important factor when deciding to open up a certificate of deposit. Most banks require at least a $500 initial deposit to open a CD account.
While others require much more than $500 to open the account.
Again, because the initial deposit is in the hundreds if not thousands, we recommend you open a high-yield savings account if you need these funds within a year.
*National Savings Rate Average as published by FDIC