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Savings Account: What is it and How Does it Work?

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Lendstart Updated: June 26, 2023 • 4 min read

What is a Savings Account?

A saving account is a type of bank account that allows you to save money for a later date. It usually offers a higher interest rate than the common checking account without the requirement to pay a monthly fee.

A savings account is different from other types of bank accounts because it has more restrictions on how and when you can access the money. For example, you may not be able to withdraw funds from your savings account until the end of the month or be limited to a certain number of transactions per a given period of time. This prevents people from taking out money at will and spending it without thinking about whether they have enough funds to cover their expenses.

In addition, account holders can deposit and withdraw money at any time, they generally have to pay a fee to do so. Therefore, this type of account is commonly used for short-term savings purposes and emergencies.

How Do Savings Accounts Work?

Savings accounts are a type of deposit account that provides a higher level of interest than normal checking accounts. With a savings account, you deposit money and earn interest on it. The more money you deposit, the higher your interest rate will be. You can withdraw your money anytime without paying any penalties if it is used for an emergency or if you are transferring to another account that is not a savings account.

Savings accounts are used to save money for the future while checking accounts are used to pay bills and make purchases in the present. Using this type of account is an easy way to make sure your money is working for you.

What are the Benefits of a Savings Account?

Savings accounts are a great way to save money and see your funds grow. They work by paying interest on the money in the account, which is typically a percentage (APY) of what’s in there. The more you put in, the more you can earn.

Savings accounts don't charge a monthly fee unless they're linked to a checking or another type of account. Some banks offer rewards on savings accounts that offer higher interest rates or other perks like cash-back bonuses and discounts at retailers who partner with them.

Saving accounts interest rates range

Interest rates on savings account for the general public range from about 0.01% to 2%. High-yield savings account rates, such as those supplied by online banks, are reserved for those with higher balances and more substantial banking histories. The difference between savings account interest rates is primarily driven by the bank's cost of funds and its profit margins. Banks with lower funds costs will typically have higher interest rates for savers.

Compare the best online saving account

How to Make the Most of Your Savings Account?

Savings accounts are generally a safe place to store your money. In order to optimize your yield, make sure to shop around for accounts that offer higher interest rates. This way, your stored funds can make more money. Furthermore, it is recommended that you set automated transfers to your savings account. This way, you save a chunk of money off your paycheck and let it work for you.

 

You can look at such an account as your personal ‘piggy bank.’ While this type of account isn’t the best option for saving big money for future purposes, it definitely is a good way to put some money aside for emergencies or occasional big expenses.

Which is the best savings account

The best savings account for you depends on your needs. This type of account can be considered a “safe place” to invest your money and earn rates with a smaller risk (as opposed to stocks or other investments). Some people look to keep some money aside with low risk, and a savings account offers them a decent return on investment. Others want to save as much as possible with the lowest fees possible.

There is no best savings account for everyone; it all depends on what your needs are and what type of risk you want to take on.

 

Conclusion

A savings account is a type of basic bank account that allows you to deposit your money for later use. Although it isn’t as available to use as the funds stored in your checking account, it is a way to deposit money that you don't need in the short term. It typically allows one to earn a modest amount of interest on the deposited sum.

The best savings account for you depends on your needs, but one thing is for certain - the more you save, the more you earn interest on that money.

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