Savings Account Interest Rates are Nearing Zero. Here are More Rewarding Alternatives

Savings accounts have long been a way to stash your money away and earn a little bit of interest.

And while they are still a less risky way to earn money, national interest rates have been steadily dropping this year. Back in September 2019, the national rate was 0.09%, according to the FDIC. As of Sept. 4, 2020, the rate had dipped to 0.05%.

Even high-yield savings accounts, some flaunting rates close to 3% last year, have faltered.

So if you’re staring at your savings account statement wondering why you only earned 2 cents in interest last month, you’ve got your answer.

But what you might not know is there are alternatives out there that could still reward you for saving money:

1. Bank a Welcome Bonus

With interest rates being so low, it might be time to stop focusing on earning interest and start focusing on other perks — like banking a sign-up bonus.

Some of these welcome bonuses are pretty good, and it could mean you get a few hundred extra dollars to stash away.

When looking for a good bonus offer, take note of the minimum deposit requirement and make sure you can meet it. For instance, a bank may advertise a $2,000 welcome bonus, but it might require a $250,000 opening deposit.

Sometimes these bank bonuses can be difficult to hunt down, so you might need to do some research — check out this monthly list of bank bonuses — or call customer service and see if they have any special promotions.

 

2. Earn Airline Miles When You Save

Normally credit cards offer travel rewards, but we found a bank that gives its account holders airline miles for every dollar they keep in their savings.

Through its partnership with American Airlines, Bask Bank sends AAdvantage miles to people who don’t spend their money and instead add money to their savings.

No, you probably won’t use these travel rewards this year, but you can start stacking them up so you can book a free flight once the pandemic is over.

3. Ride the Pandemic Out With a High-Yield Savings Account

High-yield savings accounts have taken a hit this year, too, but a number of them are still doing better than traditional savings accounts.

Before you make the switch, take a look at the minimum balance requirements. For instance, CIT Bank is offering 0.08% APY as of Sept. 4, but you’ll need to deposit at least $100.

Don’t feel like you just have to stick with the national name-brand accounts, either. Credit unions also offer good perks. In the D.C. area, Pentagon Federal Credit Union is paying out 0.90% APY.

Though we can’t predict when, interest rates will eventually bounce back, and these accounts should reflect that recovery accordingly.

4. Stick Your Money in a CD

Here’s one more option you might look into: a certificate of deposit (CD). These often earn higher interest rates than a traditional savings account, but they work a bit differently. With a CD, you deposit a set amount of money with fixed withdrawal dates and a fixed interest rate.

Here’s an example: Old Dominion National Bank has a CD with a minimum deposit of $500. You’ll leave your money in the account for a fixed two years and earn 1.21% interest (as of Sept. 4).

You’ll want to be careful with this, though, because if you need your money before the fixed period is up, you’ll likely face a penalty, so be confident you can do without.

Eventually, national interest rates will bounce back, but in the meantime, it’s time to find the best savings alternative for you and your money.