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The Fed's Rate Decision Opens Doors—Discover the Best High-Yield Accounts for Your Cash! Exciting news! The top cash accounts are offering up to an impressive 5.50%

  • Writer: Stock Market Charlie
    Stock Market Charlie
  • Sep 21
  • 4 min read
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Key Takeaways

  • Exciting news for savers! You're still earning fantastic returns on cash, even after this week's Fed cut.

  • Top high-yield savings and money market accounts are offering an incredible up to 5.00%, and the best CD rate is a whopping 5.50% this week!

  • The leading brokerage and robo-advisor cash accounts are offering up to 4.18%, while U.S. Treasuries are yielding an impressive 4.75% today!

  • Imagine this: a $25,000 deposit could earn you over $500 in just six months with the right savings account. Larger deposits could rake in more than $1,000!

  • Check out our tables below to compare today's top rates from banks, credit unions, brokers, robo-advisors, and Treasuries. Don't miss out!


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Cash Yields Soar Up to 5.50%—Don’t Miss Out!

Is your cash working as hard as it could? Choosing the right account can put hundreds more in your pocket over time!

Great news for savers: today’s options are fantastic! One certificate of deposit (CD) is even offering an amazing 5.50%, although the offer is capped at $5,000 and ends next week. For larger amounts, the top rate remains the impressive 4.60% deal that led the charts last week.

This is despite the Federal Reserve cutting rates by a quarter point this week, a move everyone saw coming. With the central bank predicting another half-point in reductions before year’s end, deposit rates at banks, credit unions, and brokerages could change swiftly. That means today’s stellar yields might not stick around, making now the perfect time to maximize your cash with the best returns available!

How Much Can You Earn on $10K, $25K, or $50K?

With a lump-sum savings deposit of $10,000, $25,000, or even $50,000, you can rake in hundreds of dollars in interest by choosing one of today’s top rates. Whether you go for a 4.00% cash management account, a high-yield savings or money market account offering 5.00%, or something in between, here’s what different balances could earn over the next six months.


Six Months of Earnings at Various APYs

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Important

The rate you earn from a savings account, money market account, cash account, or money market fund can fluctuate and will likely decrease once the Fed starts cutting rates—if it hasn't already. Conversely, CDs and Treasuries enable you to secure your return for a specified term.

How To Choose the Best Place for Your Cash

Bank and Credit Union Products

Savings Accounts

Looking for a simple and flexible spot to park your money? A bank or credit union savings account is your go-to option, allowing you to deposit and withdraw funds whenever you like. But watch out! Your main bank might not offer the best rates—some offer almost no interest at all.

To maximize your savings, seek out a high-yield savings account and aim for the top rates nationwide.

Exciting news! Our daily ranking of the best high-yield savings accounts reveals 16 fantastic options offering 4.30% or more—some even reaching up to 5.00% APY! Keep in mind, though, savings account rates can change anytime.

Money Market Accounts

Want the convenience of writing checks? A money market account could be perfect for you. Compare the best money market accounts to find the right fit.

If check-writing isn't a priority, choose between money market or savings accounts based on which offers the better rate. Today's top money market account rate is 4.80%, on par with the best high-yield savings rate. Remember, money market rates are variable, just like savings accounts, so they can change.

Certificates of Deposit

Looking for a secure option with a fixed return? A certificate of deposit (CD) is your answer! CDs offer a fixed interest rate, guaranteeing a return over a set period, from three months to five years. Our daily ranking of the best nationwide CDs currently showcases 14 options paying at least 4.40%—with a new top rate of 5.50% APY! This amazing rate is available for balances up to $5,000 and must be opened by Sept. 27. For larger deposits, last week's leader offers 4.60% APY.

Remember, CDs are a commitment: cashing in early can result in an early withdrawal penalty.

Brokerage and Robo-Advisor Products

Money Market Funds

Unlike a bank's money market account, money market funds are mutual funds investing in cash, offered by brokerage and robo-advisor firms. Their yields vary daily, currently ranging from 3.96% to 4.18% at the major brokerages.

Cash Management Accounts

For uninvested cash at a brokerage or robo-advisor, funds can be swept into a cash management account to earn a return. Unlike money market funds, cash management accounts offer a specific interest rate that can be adjusted anytime. Currently, several popular brokers offer 3.58% to 4.00% APY on their cash accounts.

U.S. Treasury Products

Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds

The U.S. Treasury provides various short- and long-term bond options. Treasury bills have durations of four to 52 weeks, notes mature in two to five years, and bonds are long-term with 20- or 30-year maturities. Current rates range from 3.56% to 4.75%.

You can buy T-bills, notes, and bonds directly from TreasuryDirect or trade them on the secondary market at brokerages and banks. Selling a Treasury product before maturity might incur fees, but buying and redeeming at TreasuryDirect is fee-free.

Alternatively, purchase Treasury ETFs, which trade like stocks. Discover their benefits and limitations here.

I Bonds

U.S. Treasury I bonds adjust their rates every six months based on inflation. You can redeem an I bond after a year or hold it for up to 30 years, with the rate changing every six months.

I bond rates increased on May 1, from 3.11% to 3.98% for new bonds purchased from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2025. For existing I bonds, your next rate will also rise significantly.

How We Find the Best Savings and CD Rates

Every business day, Investopedia tracks rate data from over 200 banks and credit unions offering CDs and savings accounts nationwide, ranking the top-paying accounts. To qualify, institutions must be federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions), and the account's minimum deposit must not exceed $25,000. It also can't have a maximum deposit limit below $5,000.

Banks must operate in at least 40 states to be considered nationally available. While some credit unions require a donation to join if you don't meet other criteria (like living in a certain area or working a specific job), we exclude those with a donation requirement of $40 or more.


Best Regards,

Stock Market Charlie

 
 
 

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