Questions You May Have

A savings account is a simple bank account that allows you to deposit money, keep it safe, and withdraw funds, all while earning interest on the amount deposited. Savings accounts offered by most banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions are insured by the government. Most banks limit the number of transactions you can make with a savings account, which can be a good thing if you’re trying to rein in spending and “save.”

A high-yield savings account is a lot like a traditional savings account with one big exception: It offers higher interest rates. These accounts are commonly found at online banks, which means you sacrifice the convenience of branch banking. They may also require higher minimum deposits than regular savings accounts.

When you lend money, you typically get your money back plus a little bit extra. That extra is the "interest," or your compensation for letting somebody else use your money. The same is true when you deposit funds into a savings account. Most savings accounts pay “compound interest,” which means you earn interest on the principal plus on any interest you have earned previously. You can calculate interest earned using our spreadsheet calculator.

Savings accounts are designed to keep your money safe while paying a modest amount of interest on your account balance. Most banks will limit the number of transactions you can make with your savings account. A checking account is designed for frequent transactions, and you can use your money in a variety of ways—paper checks, electronic payments, debit cards, ATMs, and more.

Most banks and credit unions make it pretty easy to open a savings account. In fact, the hardest part may be choosing a bank or credit union. Once that’s done, you provide the bank with some details, fund the account, and you’re on your way.