Savings account types
Five account types cover almost every short-term and medium-term savings goal in the US. Here's the trade-off matrix in one view — rate, liquidity, deposit insurance, and what each one is best for.
High-Yield Savings Account
3.50–5.00%
HYSA· FDIC insured
Compare current high-yield savings account rates from major US banks. Learn how HYSAs work, how FDIC insurance protects your deposits, and what to verify before opening an account.
Certificate of Deposit
4.00–5.00%
CD· FDIC insured
Compare current CD rates by term length. Learn how CDs work, when they make more sense than a high-yield savings account, and how to build a CD ladder.
Money Market Account
3.00–4.75%
MMA· FDIC insured
Compare money market account rates and features. Understand the difference between FDIC-insured money market accounts (MMAs) and uninsured money market funds (MMFs).
Cash Management Account
2.00–5.00%
CMA· FDIC insured
Cash management accounts from Wealthfront, Betterment, Fidelity, and Schwab use sweep models to expand FDIC coverage above $250,000. Compare CMA rates and features.
Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
4.00–5.00%
T-Bills· US Treasury backed
Treasury bills are short-term US government debt sold at a discount. Compare T-bill yields, learn the state-tax exemption that boosts effective yield, and understand TreasuryDirect vs. brokerage purchase options.