Savings Account: What It Is and How to Use One
Key takeaways
A savings account is a bank or credit-union deposit account for holding cash while earning interest.
It offers liquidity and safety—funds are typically accessible and insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.
* Interest is taxable income and rates are usually lower than long‑term investments; shop around for competitive (often online) rates.
What is a savings account?
A savings account stores money you don’t need for day‑to‑day spending and pays interest on the balance. It’s well suited for emergency funds, short‑term goals (e.g., a car or vacation), or keeping a cash buffer while earning modest returns.
How savings accounts work
Financial institutions use deposited funds for lending and other activities, and pay interest to savers in return.
Interest rates vary by bank and can change at any time. Online banks often offer higher yields because of lower overhead.
Some accounts advertise promotional rates for a limited time or only on balances up to a cap—read the fine print.
Historically there was a federal six‑withdrawal limit on certain transfers, but rules changed; individual banks may still impose limits, fees, or account conversions, so check account terms.
Account rules and access
Deposits and withdrawals are available online, in‑branch, at ATMs, by electronic transfer, or by direct deposit.
Minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, or tiered rates may apply depending on the account.
* Up to $250,000 of deposits are insured by the FDIC (banks) or NCUA (credit unions) per depositor, per institution, for most account types.
Tax treatment
Interest earned is taxable income. Institutions typically issue Form 1099‑INT if you earn more than $10 in interest in a year.
Your tax liability depends on your marginal tax rate.
Pros and cons
Pros
Simple to use and widely available
Easy linkage to checking accounts for fast transfers
Funds are liquid and accessible
Deposits insured up to applicable limits
Cons
Lower returns compared with CDs, Treasury securities, or invested assets
Easy access can make it tempting to spend savings
* Some accounts require minimum balances or charge fees
Maximizing returns from a savings account
Compare rates across banks and credit unions—online banks frequently offer higher yields.
Beware of promotional offers that expire or apply only to limited balances.
Avoid accounts with fees that offset interest earned.
Consider keeping an emergency cushion in a savings account and investing amounts you don’t need short term to seek higher returns.
How to open a savings account
Typical requirements:
Government‑issued photo ID
Social Security number or taxpayer identification number
Contact information (address, phone)
Initial deposit (varies by institution; some let you fund later)
You can open accounts in person at a branch or online for banks that support remote openings.
How much to keep in savings
For an emergency fund, aim for about three to six months of living expenses.
Amounts for short‑term goals vary by goal and timeline.
* If you hold more than $250,000 in deposits, consider spreading funds across institutions or account owners to maintain full insurance coverage.
Kids and student accounts
Minors typically cannot open accounts alone in many places; custodial or joint accounts with a parent or guardian are common.
Student accounts often have age limits and lower fees but may offer lower interest rates as well.
Common questions
How do you open a savings account?
* Provide identification, SSN/TIN, contact info, and an initial deposit (if required). Many banks allow online applications.
Which savings account earns the most?
* Rates change frequently. Online high‑yield savings accounts commonly offer the best rates; compare current offers and read terms for caps or promotional periods.
How do you close a savings account?
* Close in person, by phone, or via written request; the bank will usually transfer or send your remaining balance.
Bottom line
Savings accounts are an easy, safe place to keep cash you may need soon while earning modest interest. For higher returns, compare high‑yield options and consider a mix of savings and longer‑term investments according to your goals and risk tolerance.