Key takeaways
- Inflation rose slightly in May, making it more likely that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting.
- Multiple banks are offering a top-tier APY of 4.30% — giving savers plenty of competitive options despite recent dips.
- Now is still a favorable time to open a high-yield savings account, as the Federal Reserve continues to hold interest rates steady, though future Fed rate cuts could lead to lower returns down the line.
The annual inflation rate ticked up slightly to 2.4 percent in May, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will hold off on cutting its benchmark federal funds rate during its meeting later this week.
While we at Bankrate have seen slight dips in annual percentage yields (APYs) over the past month, yields remain robust as the federal funds rate remains elevated. That trend is expected to hold if the Fed continues to hold interest rates steady.
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account can be a safe haven for earning interest on your money while keeping it easily accessible for emergencies and planning for economic downturns. Learn more about the benefits of depositing your money in a savings account, and the latest top APYs, with Bankrate’s guide to Best High-Yield Savings Accounts.
Here’s what’s going on in today’s market as it pertains to high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs).
What are today’s best savings account rates?
As of mid-June, multiple banks remain in a five-way tie for today’s top yield, which remains at 4.30% APY. That’s good news for savers, as it gives consumers a wide array of choices, especially because the top five banks all have different minimum opening deposit requirements.
Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) are as of June 16, 2025. APYs for some products may vary by region.
The latest news from the Federal Reserve
With inflation rising in May — and with President Donald Trump’s tariffs threatening to drive it up even further — experts anticipate that the Fed will keep interest rates steady. After all, the reason the central bank ratcheted up interest rates in the first place was to tame runaway inflation.
Holding rates steady gives the U.S. central bank more time to assess whether its previous hikes are having the intended effect without risking an unnecessary economic slowdown. Many economists believe that if inflation remains sticky or climbs further, the Fed could even delay any future rate cuts into late 2025.
“After a year of falling yields, 2025 is shaping up to be more stable. With the Fed pausing its rate cuts, savings rates have entered a holding pattern for now. What we’re seeing is a more competitive landscape, especially among digital banks and fintech platforms.”
— Cetin DuransoyU.S. Chief Executive Officer | Raisin
For consumers and savers, this means interest rates on deposit accounts such as HYSAs could stay attractive for a bit longer. While HYSA APYs are variable, meaning they can change at any time, an elevated federal funds rate tends to support higher APYs — making now a potentially smart time to take advantage before the tide turns.
Is it still a good time to open a high-yield savings account?
Yes. For now, high-yield savings accounts remain a solid option for earning more on your cash. With the Fed holding interest rates steady, APYs have stayed elevated, offering savers the opportunity to lock in stronger returns than they could have just a few years ago.
However, these rates won’t stick around forever. If the Fed resumes rate cuts later this year, banks may start lowering yields. So, if you’re thinking about moving your money into a HYSA, acting sooner rather than later could help you make the most of today’s higher returns.
Other high-yielding options you could consider during this time include money market accounts (MMAs) and certificates of deposit (CDs), which offer fixed yields for the duration of the term. The fixed rate guarantees that you’ll earn a high yield for the period of the CD’s term, especially if you open a multi-year CD, such as a five-year CD.
Bankrate’s guide on what to look for in a high-yield savings account
- A high APY: The higher the APY, the faster your money will grow.
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Fees and account requirements
- No monthly maintenance fees: Even low monthly maintenance fees can cut into your savings over time. Accounts that come without fees — effectively free — will help maximize the cash you contribute to your savings account.
- Low or no minimum deposit: This only really matters when first opening an account, but if you don’t have a lot of money on hand at the start, you’ll want to search for an account that has a low (around $100 or so) or no minimum deposit requirement.
- Federal insurance protection: Ensure your chosen bank is FDIC-insured (or NCUA-insured at a credit union), protecting your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per financial institution, per ownership category. This federal backing means your money is safe even if the bank fails.
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Access and convenience: Consider the way you bank and how often you’ll need to access your money:
- Mobile app quality and online banking features
- ATM access: Some online banks reimburse ATM fees
- Transfer speed: How quickly can you move money to your checking account?
- Customer service availability and quality
Bottom line
With inflation still a concern and the Fed likely to hold interest rates steady, high-yield savings accounts continue to offer compelling returns. While these rates won’t last forever, opening an account with a robust yield now can help you take advantage before the market shifts.
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