Choose Wisely: Find the Perfect Savings Account for Your Future
If you’re looking to put money aside for future needs and watch it grow, a savings account can be a great option.
Not all savings accounts are created equal, however. There are actually several different types to choose from, and the best choice for you will depend on your goals, how you want to access your money, and how soon you’ll need it.
If you’re looking for easy, in-person access to your savings, for example, you might like a traditional savings account. If getting a high return is your priority, a high-yield savings, CD, or online bank account may be a better option. There are also speciality accounts for longer-term savings goals, like retirement.
Here’s the lowdown on the different types of savings accounts to have and how to choose the best one (or ones) for your needs.
Traditional Savings Account
“What types of savings accounts should I have?” is a common question. And a typical place to start is with a regular savings account that you can open at a bank or credit union.
If your bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), then your deposits are insured for up to $250,000. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) provides similar insurance for credit unions.
You can typically open a basic savings account with a small minimum deposit. And, while the interest rates on these accounts tend to be low compared to other savings options, they offer fairly easy access to your funds.
All savings accounts, however, may come with some limits on how many transactions you can make each month. While federal law used to cap withdrawal limits and transfers from savings accounts to six per month, the rule was lifted in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, many banks still limit electronic and online transactions to six per month.
There are no restrictions on the number of In-person withdrawals and transfers (at the teller or ATM) you can make on a basic savings account.
Online Savings Account
Brick–and–mortar financial institutions aren’t the only place where you can shop for a savings account. If you’re comfortable doing your banking online or from your mobile device, you might consider an online bank vs. traditional bank for your savings account.
Because online-only financial institutions tend to have lower overhead costs than traditional banks, they often pass that savings on to customers in the form of higher interest rates and lower, or no, fees.
While you can’t meet with a bank representative face-to-face, these accounts often come with well-designed and user-friendly websites and mobile apps, along with customer service representatives available by phone.
Like other basic savings accounts, online savings accounts typically have restrictions on the number of transactions you can make per month (typically six) without incurring a penalty fee. ATM withdrawals are unlimited, however.
If you choose an online savings account from an institution with FDIC insurance, then your funds will be protected, even if the online bank were to go out of business.
High-Yield Savings Account
Also known as high-interest savings accounts, this type of savings vehicle tends to come with higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts and often lower fees.
You may be able to open a high-yield savings account where you already bank, but the highest rates are often available from online banks (as noted above).
Depending on the financial institution, a high-yield savings account will likely be insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor.
Like other savings accounts, withdrawals from high-yield savings accounts may be limited to six per month, and going over the withdrawal limit may trigger a fee.
Money Market Account
Money market accounts can be found at both traditional and online-only banks and are similar to traditional savings accounts in terms of liquidity, safety, and transaction limits.
Money market accounts, however, tend to come with higher interest than a traditional savings account. And, unlike most basic savings accounts, money market accounts often come with a debit card and checkbook, which can make it a little easier to access your money. In other words, you get some of the benefits of checking accounts plus the perks of a savings account in one place.
On the downside, money market funds generally require a much larger initial deposit than a basic savings account. And, you could be charged fees if the balance goes below a minimum amount.
Due to the potentially higher interest rates and check-writing/debit access, money market accounts can be a good choice for emergency funds if you’ve already saved enough to meet the initial deposit.
It can be important to know the distinction between money market accounts vs. money market funds, too. The latter is a type of investment account and not guaranteed by the FDIC or NCUA.
Certificate of Deposit (CD)
Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are available at both brick-and-mortar and online institutions, and can be a good savings tool if you don’t need quick access to your money.
CDs come with a specific term — often between three months and five years — during which you need to keep your money in the account.
In return for leaving your money untouched for that time period, CDs generally offer higher returns than standard savings accounts. Generally, the longer term, the higher the yield.
While savings and money market accounts pay variable interest rates (meaning your rate can change after you’ve opened the account) CDs typically pay fixed rates, so your rate is likely to be locked in once you’ve deposited the cash. You’ll know these funds are safe if they’re FDIC-insured. However, if you pull your cash before the maturity date, you will usually pay a penalty, which might mean losing any interest earned. (There are some no-penalty CDs, but the interest rate is probably lower than you’d otherwise earn.)
Cash Management Account
A cash management account is an interest-bearing account that is usually offered not by a bank or credit union but by a brokerage firm, an investment firm, or a robo-advisor.
They are often well-suited for people who want accessibility plus safety. Though they are not held by banks, they may be insured by the FDIC via a partner bank. Not all are, so be sure to check if you are thinking of opening one.
Cash management accounts, sometimes referred to as CMAs, may provide many of the conveniences of traditional spending accounts. For instance, you may have access to a debit card, paper checks, and auto bill pay. Plus, they often have low or no fees.
Speciality Savings Accounts
The types of savings accounts listed above can be great places to grow your emergency fund or save money for a downpayment on a house. But if you’re looking to save for a more specific or longer-term goal, such as retirement or a child’s future education, you may want to open a more specialized account.
Specialty savings types can be helped along by accounts that are designed to serve a specific financial goal. There are a variety of these accounts, and they can earn interest to help you grow your money, just like other savings accounts. Some of these accounts, however, are investment vehicles, which means they can yield higher returns over the long term, but may also involve some risk.
Among the most common specialty accounts are 529 college savings plans, 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and custodial accounts for a child (so they can have money for education or other expenses when they turn 18).
Opening a specialty savings account can make sense if you have a singular purpose for saving money. You may want to keep in mind, however, that there may be restrictions on when and how you can withdraw those funds later. Some specialty accounts, such as IRAs, 529s and HSAs, have strict tax rules for making withdrawals.
The Takeaway
There are many different types of savings accounts, and the best option for you will likely depend on how and when you want to access your money.
You might like a traditional savings account if you want to bank in person. For better interest rates and lower fees, you might prefer an online high-yield savings account or, if you won’t need the money for a while, a CD.
For more specific savings goals, such as preparing for retirement, covering health expenses, or saving for your child’s education, you may want to open a specialty savings account in addition to a more liquid savings vehicle.
As you make your decision, see what SoFi offers. When you open a SoFi bank account with direct deposit, you’ll earn an ultra competitive 2.50% APY and you’ll pay no fees, both of which can help your money grow faster. Plus, you’ll spend and save in one place and have access to tools that help you organize your money, set savings goals, and save your change with Vaults and Roundups.
FAQ
What type of account is best for savings?
There are different kinds of savings accounts that suit different goals and money styles. If you like banking in-person, a traditional bank might work fine. If you prefer the convenience of an online bank, you are likely to be rewarded with higher interest rates and lower fees. If you are saving for a specific goal, a specialty account might work best. For instance, a 529 account if you are stockpiling funds for a child’s future college tuition.
How do I choose a savings account?
Choosing a savings account depends on your needs and goals. If you are looking for an in-person banking relationship, a traditional savings account at a bricks-and-mortar bank could be best. If you want a high-yield account, low fees, and convenience, an online bank’s offerings might better suit your needs. If you’re able to keep your money in an account for a specific time period to earn a set interest rate, consider a certificate of deposit.
Is it better to have a savings account or invest?
This depends on your goals. Savings accounts offer a changing rate of interest, currently from a fraction of a percentage to, say, 2%, but the funds are insured. Investing your funds might earn you a higher return, but the market can be volatile, and your funds are not insured so there is the risk of loss.
Disclaimers:
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 2.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on all account balances in their Checking and Savings accounts (including Vaults). There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for 2.50% APY. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. Rate of 2.50% APY is current as of 09/30/2022. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
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