Best Bank Accounts for Saving Money in 2025
As interest rates rise, savers have real opportunities to earn solid returns—even with safe, flexible savings accounts. Here’s your guide to the most competitive bank accounts and high-yield options this year.
1. Varo Bank – Up to 5.00% APY
At the top of 2025’s savings charts is Varo Bank, offering an impressive 5.00% APY, significantly outpacing the national average of around 0.39% (AInvest, Global Finmate, Nathaniel Cowan). This rate is available with requirements like direct deposits and applies up to a certain balance—still, it’s one of the most rewarding risk-free ways to grow your money.
2. AdelFi & Fitness Bank – Also 5.00% APY
Two more banks matching that top-tier rate are:
- AdelFi – 5.00% APY (limited to new members and up to certain balances)
- Fitness Bank – 5.00% APY tied to physical activity (e.g., step count) (Global Finmate)
These creative features make them standout options for health-conscious savers or those new to high-APY accounts.
3. Other High-Yield Leaders: Rates Above 4.3%
Beyond the 5% leaders, several institutions offer rates in the 4.3–4.7% range—excellent options if you don’t meet requirements of the top tier:
- Axos Bank – 4.66% APY, no minimum deposit (Nathaniel Cowan, DMYAY)
- Openbank – Around 4.40% APY with a $500 opening deposit (Nathaniel Cowan, Bankrate)
- Bread Savings, Rising Bank, BrioDirect, Newtek Bank, My Banking Direct, and others – ranging from 4.30% to 4.35% APY (Global Finmate, Nathaniel Cowan, Bankrate)
- Newtek Bank, Vibrant Credit Union, Presidential Bank – hovering around the 4.5% mark (Global Finmate)
4. Other Strong Alternatives: HYSA & Features to Watch
A few additional standout accounts deserve mention:
- LendingClub LevelUp Savings – 4.40% APY, requires monthly deposits to maintain the rate (ConsumersWeek)
- Western Alliance Bank – 4.30% APY with $500 opening deposit, zero fees (ConsumersWeek)
- Synchrony Bank – 4.00% APY, no fees, ATM access, fee refunds (ConsumersWeek)
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs – 3.65% APY, no fees or minimums (ConsumersWeek)
- CIT Bank Platinum Savings – 4.10% APY (for balances above $5,000, lower ahead) (ConsumersWeek)
- SoFi High Yield Savings – Up to 3.80% APY with direct deposits or balances; base rate is lower (ConsumersWeek)
Why These Accounts Stand Out
- Unusually high APYs: Most traditional banks hover under 0.5%, making these accounts powerful tools for passive gains.
- FDIC/NCUA protection: All accounts are federally insured up to $250,000—your money is safe.
- Ease of access: These accounts typically allow withdrawals or transfers without penalties—ideal for emergency funds.
- Creative bonuses: Fitness Bank rewards healthy habits; LendingClub incentivizes consistent deposits (Global Finmate, ConsumersWeek).
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Savings
- Automate transfers: Set recurring transfers from checking to savings—one of the simplest ways to build wealth (The Finance Post)
- Maintain qualifying balances or deposits: Some high rates are tiered or conditional—stay informed to keep those APYs (The Finance Post, ConsumersWeek)
- Limit withdrawals: Too many pulls may drop you into lower tiers or exceed limitations (The Finance Post)
- Spread accounts by goals: Use different HYSAs for emergencies, vacations, etc.—easier tracking and targeting (The Finance Post)
- Shop and switch strategically: Rates change fast—check quarterly and move funds when needed (The Finance Post, The Motley Fool)
- Consider CDs if you can lock funds: If you’re okay with limited access, some CDs offer 5%+ on short terms (Investopedia)
Quick Comparison Chart: 2025’s Top Picks
| Account / Bank | APY | Highlights |
| Varo Bank | 5.00% | Top rate, FDIC insured, mobile banking |
| AdelFi | 5.00% | New members, limited balance but very competitive |
| Fitness Bank | 5.00% | Rate tied to physical activity |
| Axos Bank | 4.66% | No min deposit |
| Openbank & Quick Options | ~4.3–4.4% | Online banks, mobile-friendly, low to moderate thresholds |
| LendingClub, Synchrony, etc. | 3.65–4.4% | Strong features, good alternatives |
Final Thoughts
2025 is a great time to revamp how you save. With interest rates elevated, moving your cash into high-yield savings accounts—even modest balances—can earn you significant gains risk-free.
Whether you’re aiming for the absolute highest return or want simple, hassle-free accounts, these banking options give your money the chance to grow—passively and powerfully.
Let me know if you’d like personalized help choosing the fastest path to boost your emergency fund or savings goals!