A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is a bank account that pays significantly more interest on your deposits than a standard savings account. Banks offer these higher rates because they operate primarily online, which cuts their costs. If you're wondering how these accounts work, what interest rates mean, or whether one makes sense for your money, this section covers the basics of how HYSAs function and what to expect when you use one.
The articles here answer common questions about opening and managing an HYSA: how interest compounds and gets added to your balance, what the difference is between an HYSA and a regular savings account, how to move money in and out, and what to watch for regarding account limits or fees. You'll also find information about how to compare rates between banks and understand what annual percentage yield (APY) actually tells you about your earnings.