Banking Savings & Money Market Accounts

8 Best Savings Accounts With No Minimum Balance Requirements [February 2026]

Many high-yield savings accounts offer excellent APYs with no minimum balance requirements to earn them. Here are some of the best currently available.

Updated Jan. 30, 2026
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According to the FDIC, the national average interest rate for savings accounts is just 0.39% (as of 1/20/26). That's the bad news. The good news? You can do a whole lot better, no matter how much you have to save. The last thing you want when you have a little money to put away is to get paid peanuts in interest.

Fortunately, there are many high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) with no minimum balance requirements that pay higher interest rates and have few fees. We've researched and rounded up eight of the best no-minimum savings accounts, with our picks offering varied but competitive annual percentage yields (APYs), features, fees, and more.

FinanceBuzz picks for high-interest savings accounts in February 2026
  • SoFi Checking and Savings
    • Up to 3.30% APY with direct deposit1
    • Accepts cash deposits
    • Why we like it: One of the only high-yield savings accounts we've found that's combined with a checking account
  • American Express High Yield Savings
    • 3.30% APY2
    • 1,900+ branch locations in the U.S.
    • Why we like it: American Express offers 24/7 customer service, which we don't see often
  • Synchrony High Yield Savings
    • 3.50% APY3
    • Comes with an ATM card
    • Why we like it: Synchrony savings accounts seem to always earn high rates, even when institutions change their yields
  • E*TRADE Premium Savings
    • 3.75% APY 4
    • Offers extended FDIC coverage5
    • Why we like it: You don't have to invest with E*TRADE to qualify, but it wouldn't hurt to consider investing some of your cash with the brokerage, too
  • Wealthfront Cash Account6
    • 3.50% APY7
    • Can spend directly from your account and invest extra
    • Why we like it: This isn't your average high-yield savings account, and it's a great choice if you want the option to withdraw your savings as cash
  • Capital One 360 Performance Savings
    • 3.40% APY
    • Accepts cash deposits
    • Why we like it: Capital One is known for providing an above-average digital banking experience, and it offers some in-person access, too
  • UFB Portfolio Savings
    • Up to 3.26% APY8
    • Comes with an ATM card
    • Why we like it: It's uncommon for a savings account to have an ATM card, and this one also offers fee-free access to more than 90,000 ATMs
  • LendingClub High-Yield Savings
    • Up to 4.00% APY9
    • Comes with an ATM card
    • Why we like it: This account almost forces you to add money to your savings every month, which we see as a useful benefit if you need this nudge

Limited-Time Offer
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AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo
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Learn More on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC
APY
4.00% info
Minimum Balance for APY
$0
Bonus Offer
Up to $300 info
Why We Like It
  • Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit10and up to 4.00% APY11 on your money
  • Limited-Time Offer: +0.70% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.00% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.11
  • No account, overdraft, or monthly fees12
  • Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit13
  • Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million14
Learn More on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

How we rate products

Compare top no-minimum savings account rates

Bank Account Annual percentage yield (APY) Great for
SoFi Checking and Savings
SoFi Checking and Savings
Up to 3.30% APY with direct deposit1 Linking direct deposit
American Express® High Yield Savings
American Express® High Yield Savings
3.30% APY2 Good customer support
Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings
Synchrony High Yield Savings Account
3.50% APY3 Consistently high savings rates
Premium Savings
E*TRADE Premium Savings
3.75% APY 45 Investing your savings
Wealthfront Cash Account
Wealthfront Cash Account6
3.50% APY7 ATM users
Capital One 360 Performance Savings Capital One 360 Performance Savings 3.40% APY Banking online or in person
UFB Portfolio Savings
UFB Portfolio Savings
Up to 3.26% APY8 No direct deposit requirements
LendingClub LevelUp Savings
LendingClub High-Yield Savings
Up to 4.00% APY9 Motivation to save

SoFi Checking and Savings

Great for: Linking direct deposit

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2026 AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking
5.0
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SoFi Checking and Savings
Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY10with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms Apply.11 FDIC Insured.14

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $012
  • Minimum deposit: $0
  • APY: Earn up to 3.30% APY on savings with direct deposit and up to 0.50% APY on checking with direct deposit 1
  • Requirements to earn highest APY: Enroll in SoFi Plus by receiving qualifying direct deposits each month, paying the SoFi Plus $10 subscription fee every 30 days, or depositing at least $5,000 every 31 days

SoFi Checking and Savings is a joint account that earns interest on your checking and savings balances, and it stood out in our research because you can earn interest on all your money. Normally, cash that sits in a checking account won't earn anything. But with SoFi, you'll get paid for whatever you have in the bank, regardless of your balance. 

Even though this account doesn't have a minimum balance requirement to open and earn interest, it does require monthly deposits as one option to unlock the highest rate. However, there's no minimum you need to meet — you just need to enroll in SoFi Plus with direct deposit to a SoFi Checking and Savings account (or pay the SoFi Plus subscription fee or make $5,000 in qualifying monthly deposits, but we don't recommend these options over direct deposit).

SoFi® also offers the option to set up "vaults" within your savings account. These are sub-accounts dedicated to saving for specific goals, such as buying a car, a dream vacation, or an emergency fund. I like this because it keeps your money separated, which isn't an option you'll have with every savings account. This is also one of the best joint accounts for couples, since you can set goals together and earn interest on your shared balance.

If you don't have direct deposit and won't be able to deposit at least $5,000 per month manually, consider other options on this list. Member FDIC.14

Pros
  • No maintenance fees or overdraft fees1215
  • Up to a $300 welcome bonus10
Cons
  • Cash deposits must be made at a Greendot Network retailer
  • Direct deposit or $5,000 monthly manual deposits are required to earn the most competitive rate on savings

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings | Read our SoFi Checking and Savings review.

American Express® High Yield Savings

Great for: Good customer support

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2026 AWARD WINNER Best Savings for Customer Service
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American Express® High Yield Savings
American Express® Savings - 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY)2
High Yield Savings Account. No Minimum Required Deposit or Balance.16 Terms Apply.

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $016
  • Minimum deposit: $0
  • APY: 3.30%2
  • Requirements to earn APY: None

Unlike most of the other savings accounts we reviewed for this list, the American Express High Yield Savings account offers access to 24/7 phone support. This, and the fact that the account earns a high annual percentage yield (currently 3.30%) without any minimums, is why we didn't think twice about adding it here.16 If you're a person who likes knowing you can get help with a bank account at a moment's notice, we recommend this account despite its slightly lower rate (bonus if you're already a happy American Express customer). This account has no balance or deposit requirements to earn the highest stated APY.

American Express National Bank is a member FDIC, so your funds are insured up to $250,000 per depositor. Interest compounds daily. Opening an account and starting to earn takes only a few minutes.

Pros
  • No minimum balance requirement or monthly fees 16
  • Interest compounds daily and is deposited monthly
Cons
  • No ATM card
  • Not the highest earning rate out there

Visit American Express® High Yield Savings | Read our American Express High Yield Savings review.

Synchrony High Yield Savings

Great for: Consistently high savings rates

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $0
  • Minimum deposit: $0
  • APY: 3.50%
  • Requirements to earn APY: None

Unlike some of the other high-yield savings accounts on this list, the Synchrony High Yield Savings account doesn't have any minimums to open or earn the highest interest rate. That means no deposit requirement, no direct deposit or activity minimum you have to meet, and no hoops to jump through.

Savings accounts earn variable interest rates, meaning a bank or company can "pull the rug out from under you" and change its yields at any time. The difference often isn't substantial when a bank changes its rates, often around 0.10% APY, but it can still make a difference in your savings and peace of mind.

Synchrony stands out for often offering one of the best savings rates available, remaining competitive even when consumer deposit rates fluctuate. It also offers perks like more ways to deposit money than many accounts and ATM access.

Pros
  • Optional ATM card
  • Six different ways to deposit new funds (including ACH, wire, and direct deposit transfers and checks)
  • Offers other competitive savings products
Cons
  • Synchrony doesn't offer checking accounts
  • Doesn't support cash deposits

Visit Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings | Read our Synchrony Bank review

E*TRADE Premium Savings

Great for: Investing your savings

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $0
  • Minimum deposit: $017
  • APY: 3.75%
  • Requirements to earn APY: None

Like Synchrony, the E*TRADE Premium Savings account has no minimum opening deposit requirements or monthly service fees. But the reason we chose it for this list is that, in addition to regularly offering a good rate even when the market is in flux, this account is designed for quick, easy transfers to and from other accounts. 

A lot of users report that transfers in and out of E*TRADE Premium Savings are painless, especially when moving money from here to an investing account. You don't have to invest with E*TRADE to be eligible for this account, which sets it apart from those offered through other investing platforms, but it would make for a smooth savings-to-investing pipeline. If you think you might find yourself with a bit of extra cash you want to tuck away in the stock market now and then, consider this HYSA for simplifying these deposits (bonus if you already invest with the discount brokerage). 

This account is offered through Morgan Stanley Private Bank, a member of the FDIC.

Pros
  • E*TRADE also offers a great rewards checking account
  • Makes it easier than most institutions to intiate transfers
  • Extended FDIC insurance coverage up to $500,000
Cons
  • Doesn't support cash deposits

Visit Premium Savings | Read our E*TRADE Bank review

Wealthfront Cash Account

Great for: ATM users

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2026 AWARD WINNER Best Savings for Large Deposits
5.0
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Wealthfront Cash Account
Wealthfront Cash Account - 3.50% APY7
High Yield Cash Management Account. $1 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $0
  • Minimum deposit: $1
  • APY: 3.50%
  • Requirements to earn APY: Refer friends for boosted rate.

You likely know Wealthfront for its investment offerings, but the Wealthfront Cash Account offers great benefits, too. While cash accounts aren't quite the same as a high-yield savings account, they function similarly. However, a major difference is the ATM access provided, as many online HYSAs do not provide ATM access (though there are some savings account options with ATM access). We chose the Wealthfront Cash Account for its ATM perks — which include up to two non-network ATM fees reimbursed monthly — and because we consistently see it offering one of the best savings rates out there. It even offers an APY boost of 0.65%, on top of the base rate of 3.50% APY, for the first three months after successfully referring a friend.

But we have to be honest: There technically is a minimum deposit for this account, and that's $1. Plus, if you have a large — and we mean large — amount of cash to deposit, you can get FDIC coverage for up to $8 million through its partner banks.

However, if you're the type of person who likes to make cash deposits, there's no way to accomplish this with Wealthfront. The only option is to deposit funds in another bank account and transfer them electronically.

Pros
  • FDIC-insured deposits up to $8 million through partner banks
  • Up to two non-network ATM reimbursements monthly
Cons
  • Does not offer separate checking and savings accounts
  • Difficult to make cash deposits
  • No in-person customer service

Visit Wealthfront Cash Account | Read our Wealthfront Cash Account review.

Capital One 360 Performance Savings

Great for: Banking online or in-person

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $0
  • Minimum deposit: $0
  • APY: 3.40%
  • Requirements to earn APY: None

For a big bank, Capital One 360 knows how to keep customers happy better than most. It offers an array of competitive accounts known for having no minimums and very few banking fees. The FDIC-insured bank is also unique for providing top-notch online access with limited in-person branches.

Capital One 360 Performance Savings is a well-liked account that we've always known to earn a respectable interest rate. Right now, it earns 3.40% APY with no minimum balance, minimum deposit, or direct deposit requirements to get it.

You won't find a Capital One branch on every corner or anything quite that convenient, but Capital One is among the only banks with a solid online savings account that you can also manage at a brick-and-mortar location. You can visit Capital One cafes in 18 states and Washington, D.C., where you can chat with a banker and/or grab a cup of coffee. Between its more traditional branches and less traditional cafes, the bank operates 265 locations in the U.S. This pales in comparison to Chase and Bank of America, larger banks with larger footprints, but it's better than online-only banks without branches altogether.

Pros
  • Limited in-person branch access
  • Highly rated mobile app and online platform
  • Cash deposits permitted at participating Walgreens and CVS locations
Cons
  • Not the highest savings rate possible
  • Fewer branch locations than many big banks

Read our Capital One 360 review.

UFB Portfolio Savings

Great for: No direct deposit requirements

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $0
  • Minimum deposit: $0
  • APY: Up to 3.26%8
  • Requirements to earn APY: None

The UFB Portfolio Savings account stood out in our research of the best high-yield savings accounts without minimums for a few reasons, not the least of which is its impressive earning rate. It yields up to 3.26% APY8, and that's without cumbersome activity requirements or minimums. Most savings accounts don't have direct deposit requirements, but some require you to meet a certain activity minimum to tap into the highest available rate. We prefer UFB's approach to this and recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to link their paycheck to a new account.

This account technically has balance tiers, but we've only ever seen the same rate across all of these. We also like this account because it includes a free ATM card for cash access, which is, like we mentioned, pretty rare for a true savings account. You can also get a higher rate if you open a UFB Freedom Checking account, but doing this does require direct deposits of at least $5,000 a month, which is a drag.

It's worth noting that UFB changes the names and details of its savings accounts more than other banks, but it always offers some version of a high-yield savings account that's always competitive.

Pros
  • Cash access with free ATM cards
  • Boosted earning rate with linked Freedom Checking account
  • Very highly rated mobile app
Cons
  • Limited account offerings
  • Checking bundle with direct deposit required for highest rate

Visit UFB Portfolio Savings

LendingClub LevelUp Savings

Great for: Motivation to save

Account details
  • Minimum balance: $0
  • Minimum deposit: $0
  • APY: 3.20% (as of 08/6/25) up to 4.00%
  • Requirements to earn APY: Deposit at least $250 per month

The LendingClub LevelUp Savings account is unique for two reasons: It includes an ATM card, and you have to make regular monthly deposits to earn the highest interest rate. Depending on how you save, one or both of these could be perks.

This account earns 3.20% (as of 08/6/25) automatically, but up to 4.00% if you deposit at least $250 into the account each month. We can all be tempted to spend before saving from time to time. Knowing you could earn a higher APY with regular deposits could either motivate you to save more or be a thorn in your side that stresses you out.

Choose LendingClub if you want to challenge yourself. But if you're trying to avoid minimums altogether and don't want to make recurring deposits, you could earn a better rate with the other no-minimum savings accounts on our list.

Pros
  • Free ATM card
  • No minimum balance, monthly maintenance, or service fees
Cons
  • No non-network ATM reimbursement
  • No in-person customer support

Read our LendingClub High-Yield Savings account review.

How to choose a high-yield savings account

Finding the best savings account should start with looking for high APYs, but not end there. You also have to consider other factors that can impact how you'll save and bank, including not only minimum requirements but also fees and accessibility.

  • Minimum opening deposit: This is the minimum amount required to open an account. Savings accounts commonly require lower opening deposits than other accounts, with many ranging from $0 to $50 or $100.
  • Minimum balance: This is the average daily balance you need to maintain to keep an account or avoid monthly service fees, if these apply. Many of the best savings accounts have no or very low minimum balance requirements (such as $1).
  • Fees: Be sure to research what kind of fees each savings account might have. It's best to avoid monthly service fees altogether for savings.
  • ATM card: An ATM card can help you make deposits or withdrawals easily. This is a less common perk, but it is possible to find savings accounts with ATM cards. However, beware of ATM fees for out-of-network machines.
  • Online portal or app: If the bank has a website or a mobile banking app, it can help you manage your account easily. One of the conveniences of online banking is that you don't have to find a physical branch to manage your money.

Tip
Check out the best banks to use for everything from saving and checking to cash access and flexibility.

Why you should avoid minimum balance requirements for savings accounts

  • Many no-minimum-balance accounts have the best savings rates.
  • A minimum balance requirement can keep you from earning interest or result in fees.

Not dipping into your savings is great, but you can't avoid it forever. Life happens, and minimum balance requirements can be a problem when you need to use your savings.

With a savings account with no minimum balance, you can spend your money without fear of dipping too low. And when accounts also have no minimum deposit requirements, which is common, you can open multiple savings accounts for different goals (e.g., a house, college education, car, or wedding).

To maximize your return on investment (ROI), choose a high-yield savings account with no minimum balance. These are a lot easier to find than they used to be, especially with online banks, fintechs, and credit unions. Even if you're pretty sure you'll have enough in savings that a minimum doesn't scare you, not thinking twice about it when you have to withdraw funds for an emergency or opportunity is better.

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AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY10with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.11 FDIC Insured.14
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FAQs

Is my money safe in an online savings account?

Money in an online savings account is protected if the account provider is FDIC-insured, which includes most major banks. You'll typically see it stated as "member FDIC."

FDIC stands for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The FDIC insurance covers accounts up to $250,000, so if your bank goes under financially, you will still get back all your money up to that amount. The National Credit Union Administration provides similar insurance for credit unions.

What is a good interest rate for an online savings account?

The best high-yield savings account rates vary from bank to bank and over time. The FDIC indicates the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.39% (as of 1/20/26) APY. (This rate is set by the Fed.) That means if you see an account with a higher interest rate, it would allow you to beat the average.

What do I need to have to open an online savings account?

Requirements to open an online savings account vary by the financial institution. You generally need to provide your full name, address, contact details, and a Social Security number. Some banks also require you to provide your driver's license information. If you are planning to fund the new account with money from a different bank or credit union, you will also need that account information.

How do I deposit or withdraw money from an online savings account?

The process for depositing and withdrawing money from online savings accounts varies by bank or credit union. Generally, you can fund an online savings account via electronic transfer from another bank account, by direct deposit, or by depositing a check. You may also complete a bank-to-bank transfer, request a check, or use a debit card if your bank allows it.

Previously, a federal regulation called Regulation D limited you to no more than six monthly withdrawals for a savings deposit account, but the Federal Reserve lifted this restriction in April 2020.

Bottom line

Savings accounts without minimum balance requirements can help you save more and stress less, and they're not hard to find anymore (plus, they're some of the easiest bank accounts to open online). But some are far better than others. You can find great options with SoFi, American Express, Wealthfront, UFB, and LendingClub.

Accounts from these issuers all stood out in our research for offering more value and convenience than other savings accounts, and we included some accounts with unique perks like ATM access, unlimited deposits, and boosted rates for linking a checking account.

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AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking
High APY of up to 4.00% on Savings (3.30% APY10 with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.11
Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit13
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees12
Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults
Access to a large ATM network18