Key insights
- Despite the Federal Reserve holding rates steady in April, top CD yields have increased across various terms. High-yield savings accounts remain competitive, with some offering up to 5.00%. Brokerage cash accounts and U.S. Treasuries provide mid-3% to 4.99% returns, while I bonds offer 4.26%. Elevated inflation (3.8%) underscores the importance of these yields for maintaining purchasing power. The article highlights that current cash options generally exceed inflation, offering positive real returns, though variable rates on savings accounts may decrease if the Fed cuts rates.
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Every week, we track the best-paying cash options across savings accounts, CDs, brokerages, and Treasurys—bringing them together for easy comparison.
Top cash returns remain strong following the Federal Reserve’s April rate hold, and in fact, the top CD yields have actually been ticking higher. While the leading CD continues to offer 5.00%, the best APYs have moved higher across every CD term from 1 year to 5 years over the past month.
High-yield savings accounts are also keeping pace, with a few offering 5.00% under certain conditions, while others pay up to 4.40% with no strings attached.
Cash accounts at brokerages and robo-advisors are paying returns in mid-3% territory, while U.S. Treasuries currently range from upper-3% returns to as much as 4.99%. Meanwhile, I bond rates enjoyed a rate improvement on May 1, now offering a 4.26% rate for the first six months.
Inflation jumped to 3.8% in April, 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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