The 4 Safest Places to Keep Your Cash in 2026
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Letting your money sit in a checking account might feel safe, but it could cost you a lot in missed interest. The national average interest rate on checking accounts is just 0.07% in early 2026, according to the FDIC, which is basically pennies.
Meanwhile, you can easily get up to 4.00% APY, or more, with a few other low-risk alternatives. That's 50 to 60 times the growth, without compromising liquidity or safety.
Here's where to park your money with confidence this year.
1. High-yield savings accounts are the MVP
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is still the most flexible way to grow your money safely in 2026.
These accounts are typically offered by online banks, and the best ones are paying between 3.80% and 4.20% APY this year. Many come with:
- FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor
- No monthly fees or account minimums
- Instant access to your cash anytime
They're great for emergency funds, short-term savings goals, or monthly spending buffers.
My favorite HYSA right now? Check out the LendingClub LevelUp Savings account, offering 4.00% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits.
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LendingClub LevelUp Savings
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- Competitive APY
- No fees
- Easy ATM access
- Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
- Requires you to make monthly deposits to earn the best APY
- ACH outbound transfers limited to $10,000 per day for some accounts
- No branch access; online only
The LendingClub LevelUp Savings account has a lot to offer. At the top of the list is its high APY, though you must deposit monthly to earn the best rate. Next is zero account fees, a strong and straightforward perk. Finally, you get a free ATM card, which you can use to withdraw from thousands of ATMs nationwide. Interested? You can open an account with $0.
2. Treasury bills offer stability and tax perks
U.S. Treasury bills (T-bills) are government bonds, often overlooked but incredibly useful for preserving cash with minimal risk.
In 2026, yields on 3- to 6-month T-bills are holding strong around 3.60%. Longer-term bills are available at slightly higher rates, if you have a longer outlook.
T-bills are backed by the full faith of the U.S. government, exempt from state and local taxes, and easy to buy through TreasuryDirect or simple ETFs. They work especially well for laddering, giving you steady, ultra-safe cash flow as bonds mature throughout the year.
3. Money market accounts: safe and simple
Money market accounts (MMAs) are savings products that usually offer higher yields than regular savings accounts, and they're FDIC insured up to $250,000.
You'll find them at banks and credit unions, and some are currently offering around 4.00% APY.
Some MMAs offer unique features like check-writing capabilities or debit card access. But many come with higher minimums or limited transactions per month.
If I'm being honest, personally, I don't see a huge advantage over high-yield savings accounts. If you're already banking at an institution with a competitive MMA rate, it's worth keeping. But if you're starting fresh, I'd lean toward a more flexible HYSA instead.
4. CDs (and CD ladders) help you lock in yields
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are solid tools when used wisely. In 2026, top short-term CDs are offering around 3.30%-3.75% APY, with odd-term options slightly higher (eg. 14-month).
The challenge most people find with CDs is locking up their money and not touching it. That's when the CD ladder strategy comes in.
Here's how it works:
- Split your cash into equal parts
- Invest in CDs with staggered terms: 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month
- As each matures, reinvest or access the funds as needed
This keeps your money working while giving you regular access points to cash throughout the year.
It's ideal for folks with upcoming expenses or anyone who wants a safer alternative to long-term bonds or market volatility.
Turn safe savings into steady growth
If you've got extra cash sitting in a low-yield checking account, now's the time to act.
Interest rates remain strong in 2026, and there's no shortage of safe places to put your money to work.
Compare the best high-yield savings accounts and start earning more today.
Our Research Expert
Joel O’Leary is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, covering credit cards, bank accounts, investing, mortgages, and other personal finance topics. Joel has been writing about personal finance since 2018, previously leading editorial content for the How To Money podcast and serving as a resident writer at Budgets Are Sexy. He bought his first rental property at age 18, funding the down payment with savings from his high school job at McDonald’s -- a testament to his lifelong passion for smart money decisions. His work aims to make personal finance accessible and actionable for everyday readers. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys surfing and spending time with his family.
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