If you were planning to open a savings account, but don’t know where to start, bookmark this post. Opening a savings account is easier than what you might expect. This type of account should be a place to set aside your money for emergencies and safekeeping.
Continue reading below since we will be reviewing what you need to know and what steps to take in this guide.
American Express® High Yield Savings Account - You earn 0.60% interest rate along with no minimum deposits or monthly fees. Amex High Yield Savings account has been my favorite Hub account for the past 5 years. Using this account to Pull/Push your money is absolutely necessary when you have many accounts. Here's why: *No dollar limitations for ACH transfers - When you find a top bank rate account, you don't want to be limited to just $5K or $10K transfers. Amex Savings will let you transfers as much as you want whether you are pulling or pushing money from and to an external bank account. *1 to 2 business days ACH transfers speed - With top-notch user interface, you get your money to another external account or pull money from another bank account within a day or two. *No loss of interest during transfers - On the day you initiate your transaction on the high yield savings account website, the funds will be reflected in your Current Balance and begin earning interest. Some other features from American Express High Yield Savings Account include Free Wire Transfers, 3 maximum linked accounts, and maximum 6 ACH withdrawals per month. |
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Savings account offers are frequently updated. Find the best nationwide Savings/Money Market rates here, and the best Savings account bonuses here. The Axos Bank and CIT Bank accounts offer great rates available nationwide which I recommend. |
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| PROMOTIONAL LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| Chase SavingsSM | $150 Cash | Review |
| Axos My Savings Builder | Up to 0.70% APY | Review |
| Axos Bank High Yield Savings | 0.61% APY | Review |
| Axos Bank High Yield Money Market | 0.60% APY | Review |
| American Express High Yield Savings | 0.60% APY | Review |
| CIT Bank Money Market | 0.60% APY | Review |
| Simple | 0.60% APY | Review |
| Discover Bank Online Savings | 0.60% APY | Review |
Table of Contents
What To Consider Before Opening a Savings Account
Before you decide to open a savings account, you should first decide which bank or credit union you want to use. From there, the online financial institutions or local bank will have multiple options to choose from. However, you should consider the following factors to best suit your needs:
- Interest rates: You should look for banks with higher interest rates because that means the your balance earns more money. Online banks often offer higher interest rates.
- Access to money: You have to go to an ATM or wait for a bank-to-bank transfer to go through when you want to withdraw cash from an online bank.
- Fees and balance requirements: Check if you have to maintain a minimum balance and look out for other fees that counteract with your savings
What Do You Need To Open a Savings Account?
Before you go to open a savings account, make sure you have the following documents and information:
- Driver’s license, passport or military ID
- Proof of physical address
- Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number
Most places will require you to show two forms of identification. If you open a joint savings account, you’ll also have to provide the information for everyone in the account.
How To Open a Savings Account
You can open an account online from a computer and mobile device or you can go the bank in person. This might be the case if you had issues with your checking history or if you want to make a large deposit.
Here are the steps to opening a savings account:
- Before you open an account, compare banks’ interest rates and fees
- Bring your driver’s license or other government-issued ID and proof of residence.
- Apply for an account at a physical branch or online.
- Make an initial deposit if required.
Savings Account Alternatives
If a traditional savings account isn’t suited for you, there are other saving alternatives.
- Certificate of Deposit
- CD’s have higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts but have more restrictions. If you choose to go with a CD, your money will be locked in the account until the end date and you will be penalized if you withdraw early.
- Money Market Accounts
- If you’re looking for a saving account with higher interest rate, a money market account would be for you. Money market accounts come with features such as a debit card and checks. This type of account works well if you need to pull funds early.
Is It the Right Time To Open a Savings Account?
There is no real correct time to open a savings account. It should be based on your personal situation. If you are looking to meet financial goals, then it would be smart to open one up. You can also plan for your children’s future to help financially stabilize in the future.
Compare Savings Accounts
 • Enjoy a $150 bonus when you open a new Chase SavingsSM account, deposit a total of $10,000 or more in new money within 20 business days, and maintain a $10,000 balance for 90 days • Access to 16,000 Chase ATMs and nearly 4,900 branches • Link this account to your Chase checking account for Overdraft Protection. • Chase Mobile® app – Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more — all from your device. • Open your account online now. • Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com. |
 With the CIT Bank Savings Builders account: • Earn a top tier, competitive APY on your money—one of the top savings rates in the nation. Earn 0.55% APY on your funds - grow your savings faster. • Build a habit of savings. Pay yourself first. Start with $100 per month and build your habit of savings-—all while getting a top rate. • FDIC Insured |
 With the American Express® High Yield Savings Account: • Earn 0.60% APY on your deposits. Your High Yield Savings account earns interest daily and is posted to your account monthly. • Links easily with your current bank accounts. No need to switch banks. • FDIC Insured. Your account is insured to at least $250,000 per depositor. • No monthly fees, no minimum balance. • 24/7 Account Access |
 Bank, budget, and save with up to 0.60% APY. Simple’s Protected Goals Account is designed to help you save in a separate high-yield checking account. • Earn 0.60% APY on balances $10,000 and above • Earn 0.60% APY on balances $9,999 or less |
 Open a Discover Online Savings Account for all these features: • Earn high interest rate of 0.60% APY • No minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirement, and now no fees • Interest on Discover Online Savings Accounts is compounded daily and credited monthly • Manage your account online or with the Discover mobile app • FDIC insurance up to $250,000 See advertiser website for full details |
 • Earn 0.61% APY with interest compounded daily and no monthly fees with the Axos Bank High Yield Savings account • No minimum balance requirements • Free ATM card upon request • $250 minimum opening deposit • Free Incoming Wires |
Bottom Line
Opening a savings account is easy when you sit down and prepare. So before you commit to one, make sure that you know everything and what steps to take. You can look into the best rewards checking account and the best free checking accounts. While you’re here on HMB, you can also check out the best bank promotions to take advantage of.
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