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Why a High-Yield Savings Account?
The national average savings account rate is around 0.46% APY (FDIC, 2024). High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) — typically offered by online banks — pay 10–15× more.
On a $1,000 settlement payout over 1 year:
- Traditional big bank (0.01% APY): earns $0.10
- Average bank (0.46% APY): earns $4.60
- High-yield savings (4.50% APY): earns $45
On larger amounts (like a $5,000 personal injury settlement), the difference is $220+ per year.
What to Look For
- APY (Annual Percentage Yield) — higher is better; look for 4%+ in the current rate environment
- FDIC or NCUA insured — your money is protected up to $250,000
- No monthly fees — fees eat into your earnings
- No minimum balance — ideal for smaller settlement amounts
- Easy transfers — link to your checking account for transfers in 1–2 business days
HYSA vs. Other Options
Depending on your timeline, you may also consider:
- CDs (Certificates of Deposit) — often slightly higher rates but money is locked in for a term (3 months to 5 years)
- Money Market Accounts — similar to HYSAs, often with debit card access
- Treasury Bills (T-Bills) — government-backed, competitive rates, but require a brokerage account
- I-Bonds — inflation-adjusted, purchased directly through TreasuryDirect.gov; limited to $10,000/year
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