Author: AskMyFinance Editorial Team

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

A money market account (MMA) is like a savings account with extra features. You get a high interest rate. You also get check-writing ability and sometimes a debit card. This makes it more flexible than a regular savings account.

Here are the best money market accounts of 2026.

Best Money Market Accounts of 2026

1. Vio Bank Cornerstone Money Market — 5.02% APY

Vio Bank pays one of the highest rates in the market. No monthly fee. The minimum opening deposit is $100. This is a great pick if rate is your top priority.

2. Sallie Mae Money Market Account — 4.65% APY

Sallie Mae offers a strong rate with no minimum balance and no fees. You might know Sallie Mae for student loans, but their money market account is excellent.

3. Discover Money Market Account — 4.25% APY

Discover charges no monthly fee. You get a debit card and check-writing. No minimum balance requirement. Discover also has strong customer service.

4. Ally Bank Money Market — 4.20% APY

Ally’s money market comes with a debit card, check-writing, and access to 43,000+ ATMs. No minimum balance. This is one of the most flexible options on the list.

5. CIT Bank Money Market — 1.55% APY

CIT’s money market rate is lower than their savings account, so it is not the best pick for pure rate. But if you need check-writing with a trusted online bank, it works.

6. Synchrony Bank Money Market — 2.25% APY

Synchrony offers check-writing and an ATM card. The rate is not the highest, but it is a reliable option with no monthly fee.

Money Market Account Rate Comparison

Bank	APY	Monthly Fee	Check Writing	Debit Card
Vio Bank	5.02%	None	Yes	No
Sallie Mae	4.65%	None	Yes	No
Discover	4.25%	None	Yes	Yes
Ally Bank	4.20%	None	Yes	Yes
Synchrony	2.25%	None	Yes	Yes (ATM only)
CIT Bank	1.55%	None	Yes	No

Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.

Money Market Account vs High-Yield Savings: Which Is Better?

Both account types pay high interest. The key difference is flexibility. A money market account usually lets you write checks. A high-yield savings account usually does not. If you need to occasionally pay bills directly from your account, an MMA is better. If you just want to park money and earn interest, a high-yield savings account often pays a slightly higher rate.

When Should You Choose a Money Market Account?

• You want high interest plus check-writing.
• You want a debit card for occasional withdrawals.
• You are building an emergency fund you might need quick access to.
• You run a small business and want easy access to cash reserves.

Are Money Market Accounts Safe?

Yes. Bank money market accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000. Credit union money market accounts are NCUA insured for the same amount. Do not confuse bank MMAs with money market mutual funds, which are not FDIC insured.

Use the AskMyFinance tool above to compare personalized options. Also check out our savings rate comparison and our guide to how much to keep in your emergency fund.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

CD rates are near historic highs right now. You can lock in rates above 4.50% APY for one year or more. When the Federal Reserve cuts rates, these high CD rates may disappear. Now is a good time to lock them in.

Here are the best CD rates of 2026.

Best 1-Year CD Rates 2026

Bank	APY	Minimum Deposit
Marcus by Goldman Sachs	4.90%	$500
Ally Bank High-Yield CD	4.80%	None
Discover CD	4.70%	$2,500
CIT Bank Term CD	4.65%	$1,000
Barclays Online CD	4.60%	None

Best 2-Year CD Rates 2026

Bank	APY	Minimum Deposit
Marcus by Goldman Sachs	4.50%	$500
Ally Bank	4.25%	None
Discover	4.20%	$2,500
Synchrony Bank	4.15%	None

Best 5-Year CD Rates 2026

Bank	APY	Minimum Deposit
Ally Bank	4.00%	None
Marcus	3.90%	$500
Discover	3.85%	$2,500

Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.

What Is a CD?

A CD (certificate of deposit) is a type of savings account. You agree to leave your money in the account for a set period of time — called the term. In return, the bank pays you a fixed interest rate. Terms usually range from 3 months to 5 years.

Early Withdrawal Penalties

If you take your money out before the CD matures, you pay a penalty. The penalty is usually several months of interest. For example, Ally charges 60 days of interest on 1-year CDs. Read the terms before you open a CD.

If you might need the money early, look at Ally’s No-Penalty CD. You can withdraw after 6 days with no fee. The rate is a little lower, but the flexibility is worth it for some people.

CD Laddering Strategy

A CD ladder is a smart strategy. Instead of putting all your money into one CD, you split it across multiple terms. For example:

• $2,000 in a 1-year CD
• $2,000 in a 2-year CD
• $2,000 in a 3-year CD

Each year, one CD matures. You get access to some cash while the rest keeps earning. When the 1-year CD matures, you reinvest in a new 3-year CD. This way, you always have one CD maturing soon in case you need money.

CDs vs High-Yield Savings Accounts

CDs pay a locked-in rate. HYSA rates float with the market. Right now, top CD rates are similar to top HYSA rates. But if the Fed cuts rates, HYSA rates will drop. Your CD rate stays the same. This makes CDs a safer bet if you think rates will fall.

See our full breakdown in CD vs High-Yield Savings Account. Also check our picks for best high-yield savings accounts and best money market accounts.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Should you put your savings in a CD or a high-yield savings account? Both pay great rates right now. But they work very differently. This guide will help you decide which one is right for you.

CD vs High-Yield Savings Account: Quick Comparison

Feature	CD	High-Yield Savings Account
Rate Type	Fixed (locked in)	Variable (changes over time)
Current Top Rate	Up to 4.90% APY (1 yr)	Up to 4.70% APY
Access to Money	Locked until maturity	Anytime
Early Withdrawal Penalty	Yes	No
FDIC Insured	Yes	Yes
Minimum Deposit	$0–$2,500 (varies)	Usually $0
Best For	Money you will not need soon	Emergency fund, short-term savings

Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.

How a High-Yield Savings Account Works

A HYSA is just a savings account that pays much more than average. Your rate can change at any time. Right now, top rates are around 4.35%–4.70% APY. You can take your money out whenever you want. There is no penalty for withdrawals. This makes it perfect for your emergency fund.

How a CD Works

A CD pays a fixed rate for a set time period. You put money in, and you agree not to touch it until the CD matures. If you need the money early, you pay a penalty — usually a few months of interest. The benefit is that your rate is locked. If the Fed cuts rates, your CD keeps paying the same amount.

Which Pays More Right Now?

Right now, CD rates and HYSA rates are similar. The top 1-year CD pays about 4.90% APY. The top HYSA pays about 4.70%. CDs pay slightly more for longer terms — but not by much. The difference is usually less than 0.50% APY.

When to Choose a High-Yield Savings Account

• You are building an emergency fund.
• You need access to your money at any time.
• You are saving for something in the next 6–12 months.
• You are not sure when you will need the money.

When to Choose a CD

• You will not need the money for at least a year.
• You think the Fed will cut rates soon and you want to lock in today’s rate.
• You have already built your emergency fund.
• You want a guaranteed, fixed return.

Can You Use Both?

Yes. A smart strategy is to keep 3–6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account. Then put extra money into a CD ladder. That way, your emergency fund is always accessible, and your extra savings earn more through CDs.

Read more about best CD rates of 2026 and current savings account interest rates.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

You do not need a lot of money to start investing. You can start with $100 — or even less. The most important thing is to start. Time in the market beats trying to time the market.

This guide is for beginners. No finance degree needed. Just clear, simple steps.

Step 1: Pick the Right Account Type

Before you buy any investment, you need an account. There are two main options:

Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is the best account for most beginners. You invest after-tax money. Your money grows tax-free. When you retire, you pay no taxes on withdrawals. You can invest up to $7,000 per year in 2026 (if you are under 50). To open one, you need earned income.

Learn more in our step-by-step guide to opening a Roth IRA.

Taxable Brokerage Account

A regular brokerage account has no annual limit. You can invest any amount. But you pay taxes on dividends and capital gains each year. It is more flexible than an IRA but less tax-efficient.

Step 2: Choose a Beginner-Friendly Brokerage

All three of these are excellent for beginners:

Fidelity

Fidelity has zero-fee index funds. No account minimum. Great education tools. This is the top pick for most beginners who want the full package.

Vanguard

Vanguard invented the index fund. They are known for low costs and long-term focus. Best for investors who plan to buy and hold for decades.

Charles Schwab

Schwab has no minimum, no trading fees, and excellent customer service. Good for beginners who want phone support.

Step 3: Buy a Simple Index Fund

With $100, do not try to pick individual stocks. Buy a low-cost index fund instead. An index fund buys a tiny piece of hundreds of companies at once. This gives you instant diversification.

Good options for beginners:

• Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX) — 0% expense ratio. No minimum.
• Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) — 0.03% expense ratio.
• Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) — 0.03% expense ratio. No minimum.

Step 4: Use Dollar-Cost Averaging

Do not try to buy at the “right time.” Just invest a set amount every month — no matter what the market is doing. This is called dollar-cost averaging. It removes emotion from investing and builds wealth steadily over time.

For example: invest $100 every month. At the end of a year, you have invested $1,200. Over 30 years with a 7% average return, that grows to about $121,000. And that is just from $100 per month.

Step 5: Understand Risk Tolerance

Investing always involves risk. The stock market goes up and down. But over long periods, it has always gone up. A good rule: only invest money you will not need for at least 5 years. Keep your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, not the stock market.

If you want something less risky, consider a bond index fund. The classic “60/40” portfolio is 60% stocks and 40% bonds.

What to Avoid as a Beginner

• Individual stocks — too much risk for one company
• Crypto — extremely volatile, treat like a small speculative bet only
• Day trading — 90% of day traders lose money
• High-fee actively managed funds — fees eat your returns

Once you are comfortable, explore how to maximize your retirement savings. See Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA and how much you should have saved for retirement by age.

Also see: best AI personal finance tools in 2026 — covering AI assistants alongside investment apps.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Investment apps have made it easier than ever to start investing. You can open an account in minutes and buy your first investment with as little as $1. But not all apps are created equal. Here are the best investment apps for beginners in 2026.

Best Investment Apps for Beginners 2026

1. Fidelity — Best Overall

Fidelity is the best all-around app for beginners. It has zero trading fees, no account minimum, and excellent education resources. Fidelity also offers zero-expense-ratio index funds you can only get through them. It is free to open a Roth IRA, traditional IRA, or regular brokerage account.

Best for: Beginners who want everything in one place

Fees: $0 trades, 0% expense ratio on Fidelity index funds

Minimum: $0

2. Robinhood — Best for Simple Stock Buying

Robinhood was the first app to offer commission-free trades. The interface is clean and easy. Great for buying individual stocks or ETFs. Limited education tools. Best for people who already know what they want to buy.

Best for: Simple, no-frills investing

Fees: $0 trades

Minimum: $0 (fractional shares available)

3. Acorns — Best for Hands-Off Saving

Acorns rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change. Buy a $3.50 coffee, and Acorns invests $0.50. You never have to think about it. The portfolios are pre-built and diversified. Monthly fee of $3.

Best for: People who want to invest without thinking about it

Fees: $3/month

Minimum: $5

4. Betterment — Best Robo-Advisor

Betterment is a robo-advisor. You answer a few questions about your goals and risk tolerance. Betterment builds and manages a diversified portfolio for you. It automatically rebalances and handles tax-loss harvesting. Annual fee of 0.25% of your balance.

Best for: Hands-off investors who want a managed portfolio

Fees: 0.25% per year

Minimum: $0

5. Wealthfront — Best Robo-Advisor for Tax Efficiency

Wealthfront is similar to Betterment but is known for stronger tax-loss harvesting features. It also offers a high-yield cash account. Annual fee of 0.25%.

Best for: Investors with larger balances who want tax efficiency

Fees: 0.25% per year

Minimum: $500

6. Stash — Best for Learning as You Go

Stash is designed to teach you about investing while you invest. You get a Stock-Back card that rewards you with fractional shares of companies you shop at. Good for beginners who want to learn by doing.

Best for: Beginners who want to learn

Fees: $3/month (Growth) or $9/month (+ plan)

Minimum: $0

7. Charles Schwab — Best for Customer Service

Schwab has a solid mobile app and outstanding customer service. You can talk to a real person on the phone anytime. Great for beginners who may have questions and want human help.

Best for: Beginners who want phone support

Fees: $0 trades

Minimum: $0

Investment App Comparison Table

App	Best For	Fees	Minimum	Auto-Invest
Fidelity	Overall best	$0	$0	Yes
Robinhood	Simple stock buying	$0	$0	No
Acorns	Round-up investing	$3/month	$5	Yes
Betterment	Managed portfolio	0.25%/yr	$0	Yes
Wealthfront	Tax efficiency	0.25%/yr	$500	Yes
Stash	Learning	$3/month	$0	Yes
Charles Schwab	Customer service	$0	$0	Yes

Which Investment App Is Right for You?

• Want the most control and lowest fees? Use Fidelity.
• Want investing to be automatic? Use Acorns or Betterment.
• Want help from a real person? Use Schwab.
• Just want to buy stocks fast? Use Robinhood.

Before picking an app, decide what type of account you need. Read our guide on how to start investing with $100. And if retirement is your goal, see how to open a Roth IRA and which IRA is right for you.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Index funds and ETFs are the two most popular ways to invest for beginners. They are very similar. But they have a few key differences. This guide breaks down both in plain language.

What Is an Index Fund?

An index fund is a type of mutual fund that tracks a market index. The most common is the S&P 500. The S&P 500 is a list of the 500 biggest U.S. companies. An index fund that tracks it buys all 500 stocks in the same proportions. You get instant diversification.

Index funds are bought and sold at end-of-day prices. You place an order, and it fills at the closing price. You can only buy full shares, not fractional shares (with some exceptions).

What Is an ETF?

An ETF (exchange-traded fund) is similar to an index fund, but it trades on a stock exchange like a regular stock. You can buy and sell it at any time during the trading day, just like Apple or Amazon stock. You can buy fractional shares at many brokerages.

Most ETFs track an index too. The most popular is VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF). It tracks the same 500 companies as an S&P 500 index fund.

Index Funds vs ETFs: Side-by-Side

Feature	Index Fund	ETF
Trades Like	Mutual fund (end of day)	Stock (anytime during market hours)
Minimum Investment	$0–$3,000 (varies)	Price of one share (or $1 with fractional)
Expense Ratios	Low (some 0%)	Low (often 0.03%–0.20%)
Tax Efficiency	Good	Usually better
Fractional Shares	Usually yes	Depends on broker
Auto-Invest	Easy to set up	Less common
Where to Buy	Mutual fund company	Any brokerage

Expense Ratios: The Hidden Cost

Both index funds and ETFs charge an expense ratio. This is an annual fee expressed as a percentage of your balance. A 0.03% expense ratio on $10,000 costs $3 per year. Always choose the lowest expense ratio you can find.

Fidelity offers zero-expense-ratio index funds like FZROX. Vanguard and Schwab offer funds and ETFs with expense ratios near zero.

Tax Efficiency

ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than index funds. This is because of how they handle investor redemptions. ETFs rarely trigger capital gains taxes within the fund itself. This matters more in taxable accounts. If you invest in a Roth IRA, tax efficiency inside the fund matters less.

Which Brokerages Offer the Best Index Funds and ETFs?

• Fidelity: Best for zero-fee index funds (FZROX, FZILX). Great for hands-off investors.
• Vanguard: Best for ETFs (VTI, VOO). Invented the index fund concept.
• Schwab: Great for both. Low-cost ETFs and solid index funds.

Which Should You Choose?

For most beginners, the answer is: it does not matter much. Pick either one at a low-cost brokerage and invest consistently. The most important factor is to start early and keep investing.

• If you want to auto-invest a fixed dollar amount every month, an index fund is easier.
• If you want more flexibility to trade during the day, an ETF is better.
• If you have less than $1,000 to start, an ETF with fractional shares may work better.

For more on how to get started, see our guide on how to start investing with $100. If retirement is your goal, learn how to open a Roth IRA and compare Roth vs Traditional IRA.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) pays you much more than a regular savings account. Right now, top rates are around 4.50% to 5.00% APY. The national average is only about 0.46% APY. That gap adds up fast.

In this guide, we cover the best high-yield savings accounts of 2026. We compare rates, minimums, and what makes each one stand out.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2026

1. Marcus by Goldman Sachs — 4.50% APY

Marcus has one of the most consistent rates in the market. There is no minimum deposit. There are no monthly fees. It is a simple, clean online savings account. Customer service is good. The app is easy to use.

2. SoFi High-Yield Savings — up to 4.60% APY

SoFi pays the highest rate when you set up direct deposit. Without it, the rate drops. Still, if you get paid through SoFi, this is a top pick. SoFi also offers checking, investing, and loans all in one app.

3. Ally Bank — 4.35% APY

Ally is one of the oldest and most trusted online banks. There is no minimum balance. No monthly fees. Ally also offers CDs, checking, and money market accounts. Great for people who want all their banking in one place.

4. Discover Online Savings — 4.25% APY

Discover pays a solid rate with zero fees. No minimum to open. Discover is also known for great customer service. If you already have a Discover credit card, linking accounts is seamless.

5. CIT Bank Platinum Savings — 4.70% APY

CIT Bank pays the highest rate on this list, but only if you keep $5,000 or more in the account. Below that balance, the rate drops to 0.25%. This account is best for people with larger balances.

6. UFB Direct — 4.55% APY

UFB Direct has no minimum balance and no monthly fee. It often beats Ally and Marcus on rate. The app is decent. UFB is a division of Axos Bank, which is FDIC insured.

Quick Rate Comparison

Bank	APY	Minimum Balance	Monthly Fee
CIT Bank Platinum	4.70%	$5,000	None
SoFi (with direct deposit)	4.60%	None	None
UFB Direct	4.55%	None	None
Marcus	4.50%	None	None
Ally Bank	4.35%	None	None
Discover	4.25%	None	None

Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.

What Is FDIC Insurance?

All of the banks above are FDIC insured. That means your money is protected up to $250,000 per person, per bank. If the bank fails, the government gives you your money back. You do not need to do anything special to get this protection.

How to Choose the Right HYSA

Here is a simple way to pick:

• If you have less than $5,000 — go with Marcus, Ally, or UFB Direct. No minimums. Great rates.
• If you have $5,000 or more — CIT Bank Platinum pays the most.
• If you want everything in one app — SoFi or Ally.
• If you value customer service — Discover or Ally.

Is a High-Yield Savings Account Right for You?

A HYSA is perfect for your emergency fund. Most experts say you should have 3 to 6 months of expenses saved. A HYSA keeps that money safe and earning interest. Use our emergency fund calculator to find your target amount.

If you want even higher rates and do not need access to your money for a while, look at money market accounts or CDs. If you are new to high-yield savings, check out our guide on the best HYSA for beginners.

Use the AskMyFinance tool above to get a personalized recommendation based on your balance and goals.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Savings account interest rates move fast. The Federal Reserve has raised rates several times since 2022. That is good news for savers. Online banks now pay far more than big banks like Chase or Bank of America.

This guide explains how savings rates work and shows you where to find the best rates today.

Best Savings Account Rates Right Now (May 2026)

Bank	APY	Account Type	Minimum
CIT Bank Platinum Savings	4.70%	High-Yield Savings	$5,000
UFB Direct	4.55%	High-Yield Savings	None
SoFi (with direct deposit)	4.60%	High-Yield Savings	None
Marcus by Goldman Sachs	4.50%	High-Yield Savings	None
Ally Bank	4.35%	High-Yield Savings	None
Discover	4.25%	Online Savings	None
National Average	0.46%	Regular Savings	Varies

Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.

National Average vs High-Yield Rates

The national average savings rate is 0.46% APY. That means if you have $10,000 in a regular savings account, you earn about $46 a year. Put that same $10,000 in a HYSA at 4.50% APY, and you earn $450. That is 10 times more money for zero extra work.

Why Do Online Banks Pay More?

Online banks do not have physical branches. They spend less money on buildings and staff. They pass those savings to customers in the form of higher interest rates. Big banks like Chase or Wells Fargo have thousands of branches to pay for, so they cannot afford to pay high savings rates.

How the Fed Affects Savings Rates

The Federal Reserve sets the federal funds rate. When the Fed raises rates, banks can charge more for loans. They also pay more on deposits. When the Fed cuts rates, savings yields tend to drop.

The Fed hiked rates aggressively in 2022 and 2023. Rates stayed high through 2024. In 2026, rates remain elevated, which is great for savers. But they may come down. Locking in a CD now could be a smart move. Read more in our guide to best high-yield savings accounts.

Online Banks vs Brick-and-Mortar Banks

Feature	Online Banks	Traditional Banks
APY	4.25%–4.70%	0.01%–0.10%
Monthly Fees	Usually none	Often $5–$15/month
ATM Access	Limited or reimburse fees	In-network ATMs
Physical Branch	No	Yes
Mobile App	Excellent	Good to excellent

How to Switch to a High-Yield Savings Account

It takes about 10 minutes to open an online savings account. You will need your Social Security number, a government ID, and your current bank account info. After you open the account, transfer your savings over. You can keep your old account open if you want. Many people keep a small amount at their local bank for ATM access.

Not sure which account is right for you? Use the AskMyFinance tool above. Or read our full comparison of savings account interest rates. You can also explore money market accounts if you want check-writing privileges with your savings.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Ally Bank and Marcus by Goldman Sachs are two of the most popular online savings accounts. Both have no monthly fees. Both have no minimum deposit. Both are FDIC insured. So which one should you choose?

This side-by-side comparison covers APY, mobile app, CD options, ATM access, and customer service.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Ally Bank	Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Savings APY	4.35%	4.50%
Minimum Balance	None	None
Monthly Fee	None	None
CD Options	Yes (many terms)	Yes (many terms)
Checking Account	Yes	No
ATM Access	Yes (Allpoint network + reimbursements)	No (savings only)
Mobile App Rating	4.7/5 (iOS)	4.8/5 (iOS)
Customer Service	24/7 phone, chat, email	24/7 phone
FDIC Insured	Yes	Yes

Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.

Savings APY: Marcus Wins

Marcus pays 4.50% APY. Ally pays 4.35%. On a $10,000 balance, that difference is $15 per year. It is not huge. But Marcus has consistently matched or beaten Ally on rates for the past few years.

ATM and Checking: Ally Wins

Ally has a full checking account with a debit card. You can use over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs for free. Ally also reimburses up to $10 per month in out-of-network ATM fees. Marcus is savings-only. No debit card. No ATM access. If you want easy access to cash, Ally is better.

CD Options: Tie

Both banks offer competitive CD rates. Ally has a wider range of CD types, including a No-Penalty CD that lets you withdraw early without a fee. Marcus offers straightforward CDs with clear terms. Both are good options for locking in today’s rates.

Mobile App: Near Tie, Marcus Edges Out

Both apps are excellent. Marcus scores slightly higher on the App Store, but Ally has more features since it includes checking. Day-to-day, both are smooth and easy to use.

Customer Service: Ally Wins

Ally offers 24/7 phone support plus live chat and email. Marcus offers 24/7 phone support only. Both have good reputations, but Ally gives you more options to reach a human.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Marcus if you want the highest savings rate and a clean, simple experience. It is great if you already have a checking account somewhere else.

Choose Ally if you want a full banking relationship — checking, savings, and CDs — in one place. Ally is also better if you need ATM access.

Want to compare more options? See our guide to the best high-yield savings accounts. You might also consider a money market account, which combines savings rates with check-writing ability. For emergency fund planning, use our emergency fund calculator.