When you’re working hard to build savings, the last thing you need is bank fees eroding your progress. And there’s no need to settle for a savings account that charges monthly fees or has strict requirements to maintain to waive those fees.
No-fee, or “free,” savings accounts won’t nickel-and-dime you with costly charges that can add up fast. Even better, these accounts can boost your earnings with competitive annual percentage yields, or APYs.
A high-yield savings account that doesn’t tack on monthly fees will help you reach your financial goals faster. Here are CNET’s picks for the top no-fee savings accounts that allow you to keep more of your hard-earned money.
The best no-fee savings accounts
We narrowed down the best no-fee savings accounts below. These top-yielding accounts offer competitive APYs, are widely accessible and are insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or National Credit Union Administration.
|
LendingClub |
4.80% to 5.30% | $0 |
| Newtek Bank | 5.25% | $0 |
| Bread Savings | 5.10% | $100 |
| Bask Bank | 5.10% | $0 |
| TAB Bank | 5.02% | $0 |
| Laurel Road | 5.00% | $0 |
| Varo Bank | 3.00% to 5.00% | $0 |
| UFB Direct | 4.83% | $0 |
| CIT Bank | 0.25% to 4.70% | $100 |
| Upgrade | 4.69% | $1,000 |
| Panacea Financial | 4.50% | $25 |
Rates updated as of Sept. 25, 2024.
LendingClub
LevelUp Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 4.80% to 5.30%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements.
- Banking app supports mobile check deposits.
- Cash deposits accepted at select ATMs.
- Unlimited non-network ATM fee reimbursements.
LendingClub recently launched a LevelUp Savings account that rewards consistent savers with competitive rates. You’ll qualify for the highest rate if you deposit at least $250 per month. Deposits from any source — such as direct deposit or electronic transfers — count towards the minimum monthly requirement.
If your monthly deposit drops below $250 after the first two months, then the standard APY will apply. Both rates apply to the entire balance.
We also like that the LevelUp Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly fee or have a minimum balance requirement. Learn more about this account and its features in our CNET review.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements.
- Banking app supports mobile check deposits.
- Cash deposits accepted at select ATMs.
- Unlimited non-network ATM fee reimbursements.
LendingClub recently launched a LevelUp Savings account that rewards consistent savers with competitive rates. You’ll qualify for the highest rate if you deposit at least $250 per month. Deposits from any source — such as direct deposit or electronic transfers — count towards the minimum monthly requirement.
If your monthly deposit drops below $250 after the first two months, then the standard APY will apply. Both rates apply to the entire balance.
We also like that the LevelUp Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly fee or have a minimum balance requirement. Learn more about this account and its features in our CNET review.
Newtek Bank
Personal High-Yield Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.25%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- No service or transaction fees
- Limit of six withdrawals per statement cycle
- 24/7 live customer support
Newtek Bank is the online-only arm of Newtek One. The 5.25% APY applies to all balance levels, but you’ll be limited to six withdrawals per statement cycle. However, the account doesn’t come with an ATM card. You can open as many personal banking accounts as needed, all of which can be managed through an online banking account or mobile app. So if you don’t want to manage your account online or need to make more than six withdrawals per statement cycle, it may not be the best option for you.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- No service or transaction fees
- Limit of six withdrawals per statement cycle
- 24/7 live customer support
Newtek Bank is the online-only arm of Newtek One. The 5.25% APY applies to all balance levels, but you’ll be limited to six withdrawals per statement cycle. However, the account doesn’t come with an ATM card. You can open as many personal banking accounts as needed, all of which can be managed through an online banking account or mobile app. So if you don’t want to manage your account online or need to make more than six withdrawals per statement cycle, it may not be the best option for you.
Bread Savings
High Yield Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.10%
- Min. deposit to open
- $100
- No monthly fees
- Monitors and adjusts APYs based on market conditions to remain competitive
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bread Financial offers a high-yield savings account through its consumer arm Bread Savings. There’s a $100 minimum deposit to qualify for its competitive APY. There are no monthly maintenance fees and you can make unlimited free deposits via mobile check, ACH transfer and wire transfer. There are a few common fees, including $25 for outgoing wire transfers, $15 for official check requests and $5 for paper statements per statement. And Bread Savings doesn’t offer ATM cards.
- No monthly fees
- Monitors and adjusts APYs based on market conditions to remain competitive
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bread Financial offers a high-yield savings account through its consumer arm Bread Savings. There’s a $100 minimum deposit to qualify for its competitive APY. There are no monthly maintenance fees and you can make unlimited free deposits via mobile check, ACH transfer and wire transfer. There are a few common fees, including $25 for outgoing wire transfers, $15 for official check requests and $5 for paper statements per statement. And Bread Savings doesn’t offer ATM cards.
Bask Bank
Interest Savings Account
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.10%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Two savings account options available: one earns American Airlines miles, the other earns interest
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bask Bank is an online-only subsidiary of Texas Capital Bank that offers two savings accounts. The Interest Savings Account allows you to earn one of the most competitive APYs available.
There aren’t any deposit or balance requirements. However, Bask Bank reserves the right to close your account if it sits unfunded for 60 days. It allows six withdrawals per month from your account, but it doesn’t offer debit or ATM cards.
One major drawback is that the savings accounts don’t permit joint ownership. And Bask does not offer checking or money market accounts, which can be limitations for some if you want to keep your checking and savings accounts together or want to add a joint account holder.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Two savings account options available: one earns American Airlines miles, the other earns interest
- Doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards with savings account
- Mobile check deposits via app
Bask Bank is an online-only subsidiary of Texas Capital Bank that offers two savings accounts. The Interest Savings Account allows you to earn one of the most competitive APYs available.
There aren’t any deposit or balance requirements. However, Bask Bank reserves the right to close your account if it sits unfunded for 60 days. It allows six withdrawals per month from your account, but it doesn’t offer debit or ATM cards.
One major drawback is that the savings accounts don’t permit joint ownership. And Bask does not offer checking or money market accounts, which can be limitations for some if you want to keep your checking and savings accounts together or want to add a joint account holder.
TAB Bank
High Yield Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.02%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- $5 monthly fee for paper statements
- Full suite of deposit accounts available
- Mobile check deposits via app and text alerts
- Extended customer service hours
TAB Bank doesn’t require a minimum balance or initial deposit, and you’ll only need one cent in your account to start earning interest.
Because TAB Bank is an online-only bank, we like that you can receive mobile alerts and text messages. For example, you’ll get a message about withdrawals when your account falls below a certain limit. Another benefit is that TAB has extended customer service hours — Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST, excluding federal holidays.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- $5 monthly fee for paper statements
- Full suite of deposit accounts available
- Mobile check deposits via app and text alerts
- Extended customer service hours
TAB Bank doesn’t require a minimum balance or initial deposit, and you’ll only need one cent in your account to start earning interest.
Because TAB Bank is an online-only bank, we like that you can receive mobile alerts and text messages. For example, you’ll get a message about withdrawals when your account falls below a certain limit. Another benefit is that TAB has extended customer service hours — Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST, excluding federal holidays.
Laurel Road
High Yield Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 5.00%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Debit cards are not available with the High Yield Savings account
Laurel Road’s savings account doesn’t require a minimum deposit or balance to earn its competitive 5.00% APY. According to its website, your interest rate may vary based on a few factors, such as your relationship with the bank and balances on other Laurel Road accounts. However, Laurel Road doesn’t accept cash deposits, so you’ll need to transfer funds and manage your account online.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Debit cards are not available with the High Yield Savings account
Laurel Road’s savings account doesn’t require a minimum deposit or balance to earn its competitive 5.00% APY. According to its website, your interest rate may vary based on a few factors, such as your relationship with the bank and balances on other Laurel Road accounts. However, Laurel Road doesn’t accept cash deposits, so you’ll need to transfer funds and manage your account online.
Varo Bank
Online Savings Account
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 3.00% to 5.00%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Roundup tools to automate savings
- Highest APY available limited to balances up to $5,000
- Minimum of $1,000 in monthly direct deposits required to earn APY
Varo Bank is another bank on our list with a tiered savings rate that benefits lower balances. Savings accounts that maintain a maximum daily balance of $5,000 for the entire monthly billing cycle earn 5.00% APY. Amounts above $5,000 will earn 3.00% APY.
To qualify for any interest at all, you’ll need to have $1,000 in direct deposits every month. And you’ll need to have a positive balance in both your Varo Bank and Savings account at the end of each month. While Varo presents a tempting APY for those with lower balances, once your account balance exceeds $5,000, you’ll drop down to the lower APY.
However, we like that Varo offers more wiggle room to grow your stash with automatic round-ups to move your change from deposits and transactions to your savings.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via app
- Roundup tools to automate savings
- Highest APY available limited to balances up to $5,000
- Minimum of $1,000 in monthly direct deposits required to earn APY
Varo Bank is another bank on our list with a tiered savings rate that benefits lower balances. Savings accounts that maintain a maximum daily balance of $5,000 for the entire monthly billing cycle earn 5.00% APY. Amounts above $5,000 will earn 3.00% APY.
To qualify for any interest at all, you’ll need to have $1,000 in direct deposits every month. And you’ll need to have a positive balance in both your Varo Bank and Savings account at the end of each month. While Varo presents a tempting APY for those with lower balances, once your account balance exceeds $5,000, you’ll drop down to the lower APY.
However, we like that Varo offers more wiggle room to grow your stash with automatic round-ups to move your change from deposits and transactions to your savings.
UFB Direct
UFB Premiere Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 4.83%
- Min. deposit to open
- $0
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
- Expanded insurance protection available up to $150 million
- ATM card available
UFB Premier Savings has a highly competitive APY that applies to all balances — unlike some banks highlighted above that reserve top APYs for specific balance tiers.
In addition to great rates, we like that UFB Direct’s savings account comes with a free ATM card and unlimited free transfers between accounts. However, there’s a limit of six withdrawals a month and after that, there’s a $10 excessive transaction fee. That doesn’t apply to ATM cards, though. As an online-only bank, UFB Direct doesn’t offer physical branches, but you can handle deposits and transfers through its mobile banking app, online and SMS mobile banking.
- No monthly fees, minimum deposit or balance requirements
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
- Expanded insurance protection available up to $150 million
- ATM card available
UFB Premier Savings has a highly competitive APY that applies to all balances — unlike some banks highlighted above that reserve top APYs for specific balance tiers.
In addition to great rates, we like that UFB Direct’s savings account comes with a free ATM card and unlimited free transfers between accounts. However, there’s a limit of six withdrawals a month and after that, there’s a $10 excessive transaction fee. That doesn’t apply to ATM cards, though. As an online-only bank, UFB Direct doesn’t offer physical branches, but you can handle deposits and transfers through its mobile banking app, online and SMS mobile banking.
CIT Bank
Platinum Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 0.25% to 4.70%
- Min. deposit to open
- $100
- No monthly fees
- $100 minimum deposit required
- Three savings account options available
- Mobile check deposits via app
- $5,000 balance required to earn the highest APY
- Rebates up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees
CIT Bank is the online division of First Citizens Bank. It offers three types of savings accounts. The Platinum Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee but requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account. You can receive up to $30 per month in reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees.
A 0.25% APY applies to balances below $5,000, otherwise, you’ll earn a competitive 4.70% APY on any balance of $5,000 or more. CIT’s app makes mobile check deposits and transfers easy.
- No monthly fees
- $100 minimum deposit required
- Three savings account options available
- Mobile check deposits via app
- $5,000 balance required to earn the highest APY
- Rebates up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees
CIT Bank is the online division of First Citizens Bank. It offers three types of savings accounts. The Platinum Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee but requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account. You can receive up to $30 per month in reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees.
A 0.25% APY applies to balances below $5,000, otherwise, you’ll earn a competitive 4.70% APY on any balance of $5,000 or more. CIT’s app makes mobile check deposits and transfers easy.
Upgrade
High-Yield Premiere Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 4.69%
- Min. deposit to open
- $1,000
- No monthly or transfer fees
- $1,000 balance required to earn APY
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
Upgrade’s Premier Savings accounts are held at Cross River Bank, a federally-insured bank in New Jersey. There are no monthly or transfer fees. However, only accounts with balances of $1,000 or more will earn the competitive APY. While Upgrade’s savings account doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards, you can initiate deposits or withdrawals through ACH transactions or wire transfers.
- No monthly or transfer fees
- $1,000 balance required to earn APY
- Mobile check deposits via mobile app
Upgrade’s Premier Savings accounts are held at Cross River Bank, a federally-insured bank in New Jersey. There are no monthly or transfer fees. However, only accounts with balances of $1,000 or more will earn the competitive APY. While Upgrade’s savings account doesn’t offer ATM or debit cards, you can initiate deposits or withdrawals through ACH transactions or wire transfers.
Panacea Financial
High-Yield Savings
-
APY
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
- 4.50%
- Min. deposit to open
- $25
- No monthly fees or balance requirements
- Minimum $25 deposit required
- Mobile check deposits via app
- 24/7 live customer support
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements
Panacea Financial is a financial institution that was created by doctors for doctors, but it’s open to everyone nationwide. It offers a high-yield savings account with a competitive APY that applies to all balance levels. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 live customer support by calling 833-472-6223.
- No monthly fees or balance requirements
- Minimum $25 deposit required
- Mobile check deposits via app
- 24/7 live customer support
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements
Panacea Financial is a financial institution that was created by doctors for doctors, but it’s open to everyone nationwide. It offers a high-yield savings account with a competitive APY that applies to all balance levels. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 live customer support by calling 833-472-6223.
Common savings account fees to avoid
Bank fees can cut into your interest earnings, so avoid them if you can. Here are some common charges associated with savings accounts that you should keep an eye out for.
Monthly maintenance fee
A monthly maintenance fee is charged by financial institutions for maintaining an account. It can often be waived by meeting certain criteria, such as signing up for electronic statements or depositing a monthly minimum.
Unless you can easily meet the requirements, experts suggest avoiding accounts with monthly maintenance fees. If you have a change in employment and no longer meet the direct deposit criteria, for example, this fee can eat into your savings and negate any interest earnings.
Minimum balance fee
Some savings accounts require you to maintain a minimum balance. It’s a good idea to avoid savings accounts that charge minimum balance fees, especially if you don’t normally keep sufficient funds in your account.
Excessive withdrawal fee
Many banks still charge a fee if you exceed a maximum of six withdrawals per month, even though the Federal Reserve Board rule, Regulation D (which limited the number of withdrawals and transfers permitted), is no longer in effect. Although the rule was removed in 2020, many banks still enforce it, so you should track your transactions just to be safe.
ATM fees
If you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank is likely to charge you an ATM fee. If you frequently rely on cash withdrawals, look for an account that offers ATMs in your area or reimburses ATM fees.
Paper statement fee
Many financial institutions charge a fee for receiving paper statements by mail. Opting in to receive electronic statements will eliminate this fee.
Account closure fee
Closing your savings account within a certain window may also trigger a fee. This window is generally 90 days or less and is in place to discourage account churning — opening and closing accounts in rapid succession to receive new account bonuses. Make sure to review any policies regarding these fees before closing your account.
Additional no-fee savings account perks to consider
Finding a savings account with fewer or no fees is a win. Other types of perks can also contribute to a positive banking experience.
“You may want to look for a bank with 24/7 customer support, especially if it’s an online bank with no physical locations,” said Jenn Schell, financial researcher for Annuity.org. “You could also look for accounts with convenient features like mobile check deposit or online bill pay.”
Here are a few other features worth considering for your savings goals.
- High APYs: Look for a no-fee savings account that offers a competitive APY. A higher rate means your savings will grow faster over time, helping you maximize your return.
- Account access: To guarantee access to your savings when you need it, look for physical branch access, a mobile and online platform or a combination of both. Make sure the bank you choose offers easy and convenient access to suit your needs.
- Geographic and ATM access: Review your bank’s ATM network and any fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. Consider banks with an extensive network of ATMs or that reimburse you for out-of-network fees. You might also consider banks with physical branches or in-network ATMs closest to where you live and work.
- Customer service: Many no-fee banks offer phone, email or live chat support if you have a problem with your account — and some offer 24/7 access to a representative. If you want in-person service, look for a no-fee bank with physical branches, like Capital One.
- Incentive programs: Many banks offer incentives like free educational series to help you learn more about finances and build good money habits. Some accounts have programs to round up your change to the nearest dollar and deposit the difference into your savings.
- Savings sub-accounts: Sub-accounts allow you to separate your savings into accounts so you can organize your funds based on specific savings goals.
- Relationship benefits: Combining a no-fee savings account with other deposit accounts or services, such as credit cards or loans, at the same institution could get you more favorable interest rates, fee waivers or preferred customer status.
- Sign-up bonuses: Although rare, some no-fee savings accounts may offer a cash incentive to open a new account. Ranging from $50 to $500 or more, these cash bonuses often require certain criteria to be met first.
How to open a no-fee savings account
Opening a no-fee savings account is a simple process. Once you’ve reviewed your options and selected an account, follow these steps to complete the process.
-
Gather the necessary information and documents. Banks usually ask for contact information, a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
-
Submit an application. Visit the financial institution in person or complete the application online.
-
Fund your account. Make an initial deposit once your application is approved. Some accounts require a minimum deposit account.
-
Set up online banking. If available, set up online or mobile banking access to manage your savings account remotely and easily.
Choose a no-fee account to save money
No-fee savings accounts cut out the excess fees so you can keep more money in your pocket. Carefully review the terms and conditions when you’re shopping around for savings accounts to understand any potential future fees. Remember that some banks charge fees for non-routine services such as wire transfers or paper statements. Compare different options to find the best account for your needs.
FAQs
Many banks or credit unions may charge some fee even if the account is advertised as a no-fee or free savings account. Always review the fee schedule for a list of all potential fees that a savings account may incur. Oftentimes, the fee schedule is available on the bank or credit union’s website. You may need to reach out to the financial institution directly if that information is not readily available.
If the bank, credit union or financial institution is a member of the FDIC or NCUA, then the free savings account is federally insured for up to $250,000 per person, per institution. To verify whether your bank is insured, use the FDIC’s BankFind tool or visit the NCUA’s website.
It’s best to choose an account that advertises as a no-fee or free savings account. These accounts generally don’t charge a fee for monthly maintenance services, have a minimum balance requirement or incur transaction fees. It’s important to review the fee schedule to understand additional fees that may be associated with the savings account, such as excess withdrawals or wire transfer fees.
