Fortune, working with financial data firm Curinos, reports that the most generous high-yield savings accounts paid up to 4.70% APY as of Oct. 26, 2026. That top advertised yield stands in sharp contrast with the national average savings rate of 0.38%, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation figures cited in Fortune’s report.
What Fortune and Curinos measured
Fortune said it partners with Curinos to analyze daily reports of savings- and certificate-of-deposit rates across a broad set of U.S. institutions. The collaboration is presented as a way to identify banks and online lenders that consistently offer higher annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings balances. Fortune’s Oct. 26 snapshot identified a top available APY of 4.70% among the accounts it tracked.
- Top advertised APY: 4.70% (as of Oct. 26, 2026, Fortune/Curinos)
- FDIC national average savings rate: 0.38% (as cited by Fortune)
- Method: Fortune says it uses Curinos’ daily rate reports covering savings accounts and CDs at many financial institutions
Why some savers see higher rates
The report explains there is no special legal category called a “high-yield savings account.” Rather, the term describes accounts from institutions—often online banks with limited branch networks—that offer interest rates substantially above the industry average. Traditional banks with large branch systems and broad product lines tend to offer lower rates on basic savings accounts, the report notes.
Fortune and Curinos present their list as a tool for savers who want to place emergency funds or other short-term savings where they can earn more interest than the average bank account. The coverage includes a range of APYs and points readers to full rate listings to compare options and account features.
What this means for savers
Higher advertised APYs can materially increase interest earned on cash held in savings, but advertised rates can change and often come with terms such as balance tiers, promotional periods or limited availability. Fortune’s roundup highlights the gap between the best advertised online yields and the national average reported by the FDIC. Readers considering a move to a higher-rate account should review each bank’s terms and disclosures before opening an account or moving funds.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest advertised savings APY (Fortune/Curinos) | 4.70% APY (as of Oct. 26, 2026) |
| FDIC national average savings rate | 0.38% |
Fortune’s list is a snapshot based on Curinos’ rate collection and analysis. Advertised APYs, account terms and eligibility criteria vary by institution and can change frequently.
