Rates

Where cash pays right now.

One table, updated by hand, checked July 2026. The federal funds rate sits at 3.50% to 3.75%, and every number below hangs off it. The dollar column shows what each rate earns on $10,000 in a year.

Before you compare

Rates are variable and move without notice. This table shows the range mainstream FDIC or NCUA insured accounts paid when we last checked, as of July 2026. The bank's own site is the only current source; confirm the APY there before you open or move anything. This page is education, never a recommendation for your situation.

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Where the cash sits	APY range	On $10,000 / yr
High-yield savings (online banks) The default home for an emergency fund. Variable rate that follows the Fed.	3.9% to 4.2%	$390 to $420
Money market accounts Savings with checks or a debit card bolted on. Compare against HYSAs by APY alone.	3.8% to 4.2%	$380 to $420
12-month CDs Locks the rate for a year. Early withdrawal usually forfeits about 3 months of interest.	3.7% to 4.3%	$370 to $430
US Treasury bills (4 to 52 weeks) Bought at TreasuryDirect or through a brokerage. Interest is exempt from state income tax.	3.6% to 4.0%	$360 to $400
Big-bank checking and savings The rate most people actually earn. Moving the money once fixes it.	0.01% to 0.05%	$1 to $5

The reasoning

Where to park cash, ranked by what it pays

Read the article

The mechanics

Why a bank pays 0.01% and lends at 7%

Read the banking guide