🏦 HYSA Comparison Calculator
If your money is sitting in a checking account earning 0.01%, you're leaving real money on the table. From Micro Moves, Macro Gains, Chapter 3.
📖 From the book: Get the full savings optimization chapter + all tools free with code MMMS2026 at checkout. Learn more →
Your checking earns: $1.00
Best Available Rate
LendingClub LevelUp Savings
5% APY
Monthly deposit required
$500.00
vs. $1.00 in checking
+$499.00 extra
Rate Comparison — 1 Year
Rates updated monthly · March 2026| Account | APY | Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|
Typical Checking Account Big bank average | 0.01% | $1.00 |
LendingClub LevelUp Savings Monthly deposit required | 5% | $500.00 |
UFB Direct Portfolio Savings Tiered rate | 4.83% | $483.00 |
SoFi Checking & Savings With direct deposit | 4.6% | $460.00 |
Marcus by Goldman Sachs No minimum | 4.5% | $450.00 |
Synchrony High Yield Savings ATM card available | 4.5% | $450.00 |
Ally Bank Online Savings No fees, no minimum | 4.35% | $435.00 |
American Express HYSA No minimum balance | 4.35% | $435.00 |
Discover Online Savings No fees | 4.25% | $425.00 |
Capital One 360 Performance No minimums | 4.25% | $425.00 |
⚠️ Rates are estimates for educational purposes. Verify current rates directly with each institution before opening an account. Rates change frequently. FDIC insured up to $250K.
💡 Why HYSA Matters
A High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) earns 400–500x more than a typical checking account with zero extra risk — your money is still FDIC insured up to $250,000.
The difference sounds small (0.01% vs 4.5%), but on $10,000 over 1 year, that's potentially $499.00 you're leaving behind.
Best use: emergency fund, short-term savings goals, house down payment fund. Keep your investing in a brokerage — HYSA is for cash you might need within 1-2 years.