Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2026
Which High-Yield Savings Account Is Right for You?
If you’re still keeping your money in a traditional savings account earning little to no interest, you could be missing out on significant growth. A high-yield savings account (HYSA) can help your emergency fund and savings work harder while keeping your money accessible.
Three of the most popular choices today are:
At Travel And Your Money, we believe your savings should earn as much as possible while staying safe and easy to access. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, a home, an emergency fund, or retirement, choosing the right high-yield savings account is an important financial decision.
Let’s compare these three excellent options.
Forbright Bank
Best For: Maximizing Your Savings
Forbright Bank has become increasingly popular among savers because of its consistently competitive interest rates and simple banking experience. It focuses on helping customers earn more on their deposits without charging monthly maintenance fees.
Pros
- Competitive annual percentage yield (APY)
- No monthly maintenance fees
- FDIC-insured deposits
- Easy online account management
- Low minimum balance requirements
Cons
- Limited banking products compared to larger financial institutions
- No extensive branch network
Our Opinion
If your primary goal is earning as much interest as possible while keeping your money safe, Forbright Bank deserves serious consideration. It keeps things simple and focuses on helping customers grow their savings.
Travel And Your Money Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Best For: Simplicity and Trust
Marcus combines the financial strength and reputation of Goldman Sachs with a straightforward online savings experience. It has become one of the most recognized names in online savings.
Pros
- Competitive APY
- No monthly fees
- No minimum deposit to open
- User-friendly website and mobile experience
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- No checking account option
- Fewer banking products than full-service banks
Our Opinion
Marcus is an excellent choice for savers who want a simple, trusted, and reliable place to grow their money. It removes many of the common banking frustrations by eliminating unnecessary fees and minimum balance requirements.
Travel And Your Money Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
American Express High Yield Savings
Best For: Existing American Express Customers
American Express is known worldwide for its credit cards, but its High Yield Savings Account is also a strong option for people looking to earn more interest on their money.
Existing American Express customers may appreciate having multiple financial products under one trusted brand.
Pros
- Competitive savings rates
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Backed by a well-known financial institution
- Easy online account access
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- No ATM card
- Limited banking products compared to traditional banks
Our Opinion
If you’re already an American Express customer, opening a High Yield Savings Account can simplify your financial life while helping your savings grow. The company’s reputation and customer service make it a dependable choice.
Travel And Your Money Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Forbright Bank | Marcus | American Express HYSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fees | None | None | None |
| FDIC Insured | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | Low | None | None |
| Mobile Banking | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Physical Branches | No | No | No |
| Best For | Highest Earnings | Simplicity | Existing Amex Customers |
Which High-Yield Savings Account Should You Choose?
Choose Forbright Bank if…
- Your top priority is maximizing interest on your savings.
- You want a straightforward online banking experience.
- You’re building an emergency fund or saving for future goals.
Choose Marcus if…
- You prefer a trusted financial brand.
- You want a simple savings account with no unnecessary fees.
- You’re looking for an easy-to-use online banking experience.
Choose American Express High Yield Savings if…
- You’re already an American Express customer.
- You want your banking with a well-known financial company.
- You value strong customer service and a seamless digital experience.
Helpful Tips Before Opening a High-Yield Savings Account
To get the most from your savings account:
- Compare current APYs regularly because rates can change.
- Confirm the account is FDIC insured before opening it.
- Read the account disclosures to understand any limitations.
- Set up automatic transfers from checking to savings each month.
- Keep an emergency fund equal to three to six months of living expenses.
- Avoid withdrawing from your savings unless necessary so your balance can continue growing.
Why a High-Yield Savings Account Matters
A traditional savings account often pays very little interest. By moving your money into a competitive high-yield savings account, you can earn substantially more over time while keeping your money accessible and protected.
Whether you’re saving for:
- An emergency fund
- A dream vacation
- A down payment on a home
- Holiday expenses
- College tuition
- Retirement
…a high-yield savings account can help you reach your financial goals faster.
Final Thoughts
All three of these high-yield savings accounts are excellent choices, but each appeals to a different type of saver.
- Forbright Bank is our top recommendation for people focused on maximizing their savings growth.
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers simplicity, reliability, and a trusted name.
- American Express High Yield Savings is a great fit for customers who already use American Express products.
At Travel And Your Money, we encourage readers to compare interest rates, fees, account features, and customer service before opening any savings account. A little research today can lead to better financial results tomorrow.
Visit Travel And Your Money for more expert comparisons of banks, credit unions, travel rewards credit cards, investing platforms, budgeting strategies, and personal finance tips. Our mission is to help you make smarter money decisions so you can save more, invest wisely, and travel more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account is a savings account that typically pays a much higher annual percentage yield (APY) than a traditional savings account, helping your money grow faster.
Are high-yield savings accounts safe?
Yes. As long as the account is FDIC insured (or NCUA insured for eligible credit unions), your deposits are protected up to applicable federal limits.
Which high-yield savings account earns the most interest?
Interest rates change frequently, so compare the latest APYs before opening an account. Forbright Bank, Marcus, and American Express have all been competitive options.
Can I withdraw money anytime?
Most high-yield savings accounts allow withdrawals, although banks may have policies or limitations you should review before opening an account.
Is a high-yield savings account better than a checking account?
For money you don’t need for everyday spending, a high-yield savings account generally earns much more interest than a standard checking account while still providing access to your funds when needed.