Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. APY = Annual Percentage Yield.

Only about 18% of Americans have a high-yield savings account (HYSA), according to a recent CNBC survey. That means the vast majority of people -- 4 out of 5 -- are using low-interest accounts to store their hard-earned cash.

I've spent years writing about personal finance, and this one still baffles me. If you're going to keep cash in the bank, why not earn the most interest possible?

Let's take a look at how much interest $25,000 can earn in a top-tier HYSA today.

Earning interest at 4.00% APY

Right now, many of the best high-yield savings accounts pay around 4.00% APY. Rates do shift over time, but this gives us a good benchmark.

At 4.00% APY, a $25,000 balance would grow like this:

  • One year: $1,000 in interest
  • One month: About $83
  • One day: Roughly $2.75

Compare that to a traditional bank paying 0.01% APY, where $25,000 would generate just $2.50 in an entire year.

The gap is enormous. You can earn more interest in a single day with an HYSA vs. a whole year at a big bank.

Why high-yield savings beats traditional banks

The higher interest rate is the main attraction, but it's not the only good thing about HYSAs. Most top online banks also offer:

  • Low or no fees: Most fintech banks have no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Some even waive ATM fees and overdraft charges.
  • Better technology: Intuitive apps and online dashboards that make saving simple.
  • Fast transfers: Move money to and from your checking account in a day or two.
  • FDIC insurance: Just like any name brand bank, online banks offer the same protection for your money up to $250,000 per depositor.

Just because online banks don't have any physical branches, it doesn't mean they are less secure or don't offer as many features. You still get all the same benefits as a brick-and-mortar bank, but with more modern tech and way more interest.

A really strong pick right now is SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC). One app for checking and high-yield savings, no account fees, and up to 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) with direct deposit. See our full review here to learn more.

Rates as of Oct 05, 2025

When an HYSA makes the most sense

Checking accounts are perfect for everyday spending, like for groceries, bills, and getting paychecks deposited.

But a high-yield savings account is built for short- and medium-term goals.

Here are a few examples:

  • Emergency funds
  • Saving for a vacation or large purchase within the next year
  • Holding a down payment while shopping for a home
  • Parking money you might need soon but don't want tied up in investments

Another option worth considering is certificates of deposit (CDs). These work best for money you definitely don't need in the short term, and you want to lock in a set interest rate. Today's top CDs also pay upwards of 4.00% APY.

Make your money work harder today

If you're part of the 4 in 5 Americans without an HYSA, it may be time to reconsider where you keep your cash pile.

Especially if you have $25,000 (or more) earning pennies currently. Opening an HYSA means you'll start earning meaningful interest on your money, without any extra effort or risk.

Your money deserves more than pennies.

Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and start making your savings work harder today.

Our Research Expert