One of the highest savings account APYs right now: Primis Bank’s savings account.
Primis Bank’s current high-yield savings APY: 4.35%
Primis Bank is a tech-first financial institution with all of the security and insurance of a big bank and the digital-first approach of a tech company. It currently offers a personal checking account, savings account, and CDs, as well as business checking and savings options. You can also apply for a mortgage or personal loan through Primis.
The Primis Bank savings account took the #1 spot on our best high-yield savings accounts list for its 4.35% APY (as of Feb. 21, 2023), which is more than 13 times the national average. What’s more—savers can take advantage of this sky-high APY by opening an account with just $1. This savings account doesn’t charge any service fees, ATM fees, or incoming wire fees, and there are no transaction limits. Bonus: Interest on your balance is compounded monthly, giving your funds extra opportunities to grow and work for you.
Customers who bank with Primis will also have 24/7 access to representatives via phone, email, and live chat. The downside: This account isn’t available for savers who are located in Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories.
Is it worth opening an account with Primis for the APY?
Opening a new savings account solely to benefit from a high APY isn’t generally the best idea long-term. The APY on savings accounts is a variable rate, meaning that your APY can increase or decrease without notice at your bank’s discretion depending on how the economy is doing, changes in the federal funds rate, and several other external factors.
Primis Bank’s savings account may be a viable option if you’re looking for a decent APY and want an account that won’t eat into your savings with hidden costs and fees. Primis does have a few offices in the U.S., but unless you live in or around Virginia, you’ll be doing most of your banking online or via the bank’s mobile app which has an average rating of 4.3 stars on Google Play and the App Store.
A high APY may be one reason to consider a new savings account, but it shouldn’t be the only reason. Before opening a new savings account, it’s important to think about how that account will help you hit your savings goals and whether the features, fees, and other perks associated with it make sense for you long-term.
Other ways to boost your savings
A high-yield savings account can be an effective tool in boosting your savings, but it’s not the only way to grow your balance.
- Consider a certificate of deposit (CD): A CD is a type of savings account that offers a high fixed interest rate on a lump-sum deposit for a set period of time. This means that you don’t have to worry about fluctuating APYs hurting your savings potential. The catch: Withdrawing your funds before your CD matures at the end of your term will likely result in hefty fees, so this option may only be worth your while if you know you won’t need your funds before then.
- Pay down high-interest debt: Carrying large debt balances can seriously impact your ability to save. If you have significant credit card debt, a steep car payment, or a personal loan you haven’t paid off, it could be worth your while to knock out those balances first so that you can redirect the money used for those monthly payments toward your savings account. “Replenishing a savings account typically comes from surplus cash flow, selling an asset, or receiving a bonus or inheritance. Disciplined budgeting as always is the primary goal of any savings plan,” says Brian Kuhn, CFP®, CLU®, CLTC®, and a financial adviser at Wealth Enhancement Group.
- Automate your savings strategy: If you do decide to open a new savings account, be sure to automate where you can. Your savings balance will only grow if you’re consistent about making contributions to your account. Enroll in auto-pay so that a set amount is deposited into your account from each paycheck. That way, each time you check your account, your balance will likely be a bit more substantial and it’s one less financial to-do on your list.
The takeaway
When you’re working on building your savings account balance, where you choose to park your funds is half the battle. Read the fine print to understand how a potential savings account may help or hurt your ability to hit your savings goals according to your timeline.
