One of the main benefits of saving money is the ability to earn interest on your savings. However, interest rates can vary significantly from one savings account to another, and traditional savings accounts tend to offer relatively low interest rates. Luckily, there are several ways to earn interest if you look beyond your bank’s basic savings account. The following six options are some of the best ways to earn interest on your money.
1. High-yield savings account (HYSA)
Traditional savings accounts typically have relatively low interest rates, which means your money won’t have a very high rate of return. But, many modern online banks, such as CIT Bank with their Platinum Savings account, offer high-yield savings accounts with a rate of return much higher than a typical savings account. These high interest rates are possible because online banks save money by not having brick-and-mortar locations, which allows them to offer more attractive interest rates.
CIT Bank Savings
CIT Bank Savings
APY*
5.05%*
Minimum balance
$5,000
Monthly fee
$0
Disclosures
*Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of July 27, 2023: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 5.05% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.
For example, a traditional savings account might have an annual percentage yield (APY) of 0.19 percent, whereas a high-interest savings account could have an APY of 3.75 percent. The difference in earnings can be significant. In this instance, depositing $1,000 into a traditional account with a 0.19 percent APY would earn $1.9, whereas depositing that same amount into a 3.75 percent HYSA would earn $37.5.
2. Certificate of deposit (CD)
Another way to earn higher interest on your savings is to put your money into a certificate of deposit, or CD. With a traditional savings account, you can deposit and withdraw money as needed (within the account’s limits). Still, with a CD, you commit a lump sum for an agreed-upon amount of time (called a term), during which you can neither deposit nor withdraw from the account.
CD terms are typically between 6 months and 5 years. The CD interest rate is locked when the term begins and remains the same until the term ends. This makes a CD a predictable way of earning interest on your savings—but, there are pros and cons to stashing your money in a CD. On the plus side, banks like CIT offer rates up to 4.90% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)*. The downside is you have to deposit a minimum amount for a set period of time -- usually a year or more -- to get the highest rate.
CIT Bank CD No Penalty
CIT Bank CD No Penalty
Min. deposit
$1,000
More Details
Grow your money with a Certificate of Deposit account at U.S. Bank. Earn more by locking in an exclusive rate.
- This CD offers our most competitive, promotional rates - and great returns.
- Choose the term length that works best for you. The rate is guaranteed for the full length of whatever term you choose.
- As with all U.S. Bank CDs, the CD specials are FDIC-insured.
Rates
Grow your money with a Certificate of Deposit account at U.S. Bank. Now, get a higher rate of return by locking in an exclusive rate on balances up to $250,000:
- 7 months: current yield up to 4.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
- 11 months: current yield up to 4.95% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
- 15 months: current yield up to 4.85% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
- 19 months: current yield up to 4.85% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Rates vary by state and zip code. Click to see your rate before applying. Member FDIC.
To start, if market rates rise after the CD term begins, you will be stuck with the lower rate for the entire length of the CD. Depending on how much rates increase, this could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest. On the flip side, if interest rates go down after you open the CD, you’ll keep that same higher interest rate for the account term. Typically, the interest rate will be higher for CDs with longer terms.
Once the CD term has ended, you’ll have two choices: you can either withdraw the money or roll it into a new CD. The former means you can use the money to pay for a significant expense, such as a deposit on a home or car, an overseas vacation, or a medical bill. Rolling the money into a new CD means it will continue to earn interest, but the term will start over, and the money will be inaccessible to you until the term ends.
If you have the means, consider building a CD ladder, which is when you open several CDs with different maturity dates to stagger your access to your funds. A CD ladder allows you to take advantage of the higher-than-average returns of this type of account but still have access to a portion of the money in case of an emergency.
3. Money market account (MMA)
Opening a money market account, or MMA, can be another way to earn more interest on your money than with a traditional savings account. An MMA offers some of the benefits of a checking account, plus the ability to earn interest on the balance. For example, with an MMA like the Quontic Money Market Account, you can write checks or even use a debit card to pay for purchases as you would with a checking account. But, with an interest rate of 4.75%* ** (9 times over the national average), you will also be able to grow your money and benefit from withdrawing it when you need it.
However, it’s important to note that an MMA usually has a variable interest rate that can go up or down with the market. If you want a fixed interest rate, it’s better to open a CD or a high-yield savings account unless you need your money to be accessible whenever you need it.
4. Bonds
A bond is a loan to the issuing party—usually either a government or a company. The most common types of bonds are U.S. Treasury or Savings bonds, and you keep your money in a bond for a set period. Generally, bonds with longer terms earn you more on your savings since the entity can count on that money for a longer period. But, with a longer term, you cannot access your money for that entire time.
5. Rewards checking account
You might not think of a checking account when trying to maximize your interest earnings, but a rewards checking account can be a good option, like Upgrade Rewards Checking account. This type of account incentivizes you to keep a minimum balance in the account or make monthly direct deposits of a certain amount by awarding you cash bonuses, cashback, or interest on your balance. Depending on your chosen account, you might even see an APY similar to what you’d find in a high-yield savings account.
6. Bank bonuses
It’s wise to keep your eyes peeled for bonuses offered by banks for new customers. You might be perfectly happy with your current bank, but a new bank might provide you with a cash bonus for opening an account with them. However, it’s essential to read the paperwork carefully since some banks charge fees if you don’t meet specific requirements, such as a minimum balance, which could negate any earnings you make from switching.
FAQs
Before deciding the best way to maximize interest on your savings, you may have some additional questions. The following are some commonly asked questions about savings and how to earn as much interest as possible.
Where should I put my savings?
There are many options when it comes to where to stash your savings. The best option will likely be different from person to person. While you might see good returns by putting your savings in a high-yield savings account and opening a CD, your friend might prefer the benefits a money market account or a rewards checking account offers.
Consider your savings goals and go from there. If you want to earn as much interest as possible while still having access to your savings for emergencies, you’ll likely want to go with a high-interest checking or savings account or a money market account. But, if you have long-term savings goals and don’t need access to your savings, a CD or a bond might be a better choice. You can consult financial advisors if you need help planning your savings path.
Should I save money or pay off debt?
There are pros and cons to both, depending on your precise situation. If you have high-interest debt, it’s better to work on paying that off as much as possible before building up your savings. For example, if you have a high balance on a credit card with a 20 percent interest rate and your high-yield savings account pays 3 percent APY, you’ll be better off putting any extra money toward the debt to avoid accruing any additional interest.
However, it’s important to have some money saved in case of an emergency. Therefore, you’ll want to put money toward savings in addition to paying down your debt. If you’re not sure how to go about this, ask a financial advisor for some help.
How can I make 10% interest in a year?
Because interest rates fluctuate, it’s difficult to answer this question. Some higher-yield options include long-term stock market investments or even investing in real estate if your financial situation allows it. High-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts are great ways to earn interest on your savings, but you’re unlikely to make 10 percent in interest in a year with these options.
How much interest does $10,000 earn in a year?
That depends on the interest rate. With a rate of 3 percent on a high-yield savings account you would earn around $300 in interest. It pays to shop around to find the highest interest rate available to you so you can maximize your earnings.
*Interest rates current as of April 19th, 2023.
**Limit of 6 withdrawals per statement cycle.
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As a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of various savings and investment strategies, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article on maximizing interest on savings:
-
High-yield savings account (HYSA):
- Traditional savings accounts have lower interest rates.
- Online banks, like CIT Bank, offer high-yield savings accounts with significantly higher rates.
- High interest rates are made possible by online banks' cost-saving measures (no brick-and-mortar locations).
- CIT Bank's Platinum Savings account offers an attractive 5.05% APY for balances of $5,000 or more.
-
Certificate of Deposit (CD):
- CDs commit a lump sum for an agreed-upon term (6 months to 5 years), during which you can't deposit or withdraw.
- CD interest rates are locked from the beginning until the term ends.
- Pros include higher interest rates (e.g., CIT Bank CD No Penalty offers up to 4.90% APY) but require a minimum deposit for a set period.
- Consideration of CD laddering to stagger access to funds.
-
Money Market Account (MMA):
- MMAs offer benefits of checking accounts and interest on balances.
- Variable interest rates (e.g., Quontic Money Market Account with 4.75% interest).
- Allows check writing and debit card use, similar to a checking account.
- Important to note the variable interest rate that can change with the market.
-
Bonds:
- Bonds are loans to government or companies for a set period, with longer terms generally earning more.
- U.S. Treasury or Savings bonds are common types.
- Longer terms mean your money is tied up, limiting access.
-
Rewards Checking Account:
- Checking accounts like Upgrade Rewards Checking offer incentives for maintaining a minimum balance or making monthly direct deposits.
- Incentives can include cash bonuses, cashback, or high-interest rates.
-
Bank Bonuses:
- Banks may offer cash bonuses for new customers opening accounts.
- Careful consideration of terms, as some banks may have specific requirements like a minimum balance.
FAQs:
-
Where should I put my savings?
- Depends on individual goals. High-interest checking/savings or MMAs for accessibility, CDs or bonds for long-term goals.
-
Should I save money or pay off debt?
- Depends on the situation. High-interest debt should be prioritized, but having some savings for emergencies is crucial.
-
How can I make 10% interest in a year?
- Difficult due to fluctuating rates. Consider long-term stock market investments or real estate for higher returns.
-
How much interest does $10,000 earn in a year?
- Depends on the interest rate. For example, a 3% APY would yield around $300 in interest.
In conclusion, diversifying savings strategies and understanding individual financial goals are essential for maximizing interest on savings. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option and, if needed, seek advice from financial advisors for personalized guidance.
