Key insights
- The article discusses high-yield savings options after the Federal Reserve held rates steady. It highlights CDs and high-yield savings accounts offering around 5.00%, and I bonds at 4.26% for the first six months. With inflation at 3.3% in March, these options provide a real return. The article suggests that while savings accounts are variable and will drop when the Fed cuts rates, CDs and Treasurys allow you to lock in your yield for a set period.
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After the Federal Reserve held rates steady this week, today’s top cash returns remain firmly intact—and could stick around longer than many expected, based on current market projections.
One CD is still offering 5.00%, holding its place among the top-paying cash options, while several CD terms saw rates tick higher this week. High-yield savings accounts continue to keep pace, with two options also offering 5.00% under certain conditions, while other accounts pay up to 4.40% with no strings attached.
Cash accounts at brokerages and robo-advisors, along with U.S. Treasurys, are generally paying in the mid-3% to upper-4% range. Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted I bonds just reset higher, with newly issued bonds paying a 4.26% composite rate for the first six months.
Inflation jumped to 3.3% in March, pushed up by a surge in oil prices triggered by the Iran conflict. That means your savings should earn at least that much to avoid losing purchasing power. Fortunately, today’s top cash options clear that bar by a solid margin.
Keeping your cash parked doesn’t mean it has to sit idle. The right account can turn even short-term savings into real earnings.
With a lump-sum savings deposit of $10,000, $25,000, or even $50,000, you can earn hundreds of dollars in interest if you choose one of today’s top rates. Whether you opt for a 3.25% cash management account, a top high-yield savings or money market account paying 5.00%, or something in between, here’s what different balances could earn over the next six months.
The rate you earn from a savings account, money market account, cash account, or money market fund is variable and will generally drop whenever the Fed cuts rates. In contrast, CDs and Treasurys allow you to lock in your yield for a set period.
For a low-risk return that still pays, today’s top cash options fall into 3 main categories—each with different trade-offs depending on how long you plan to keep your money parked.
You can choose one or mix and match based on your goals and timeline. Below, we break down the top rates in each category as of Friday’s market close—and where they’ve moved over the past week.
Investopedia tracks rates from more than 200 banks and credit unions each business day to identify top-paying accounts nationwide. Institutions must be federally insured and meet minimum deposit and availability criteria. Read our full methodology for details.
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