The right amount of money in the wrong place is still wasted money. So Jen and Jill spent years testing different savings accounts, earning thousands in passive income along the way, to find out which HYSAs truly deliver the best savings. In this episode, they walk us through the best accounts this fall season and compare who they’re really good for.
You could be missing out on thousands of dollars in savings just by keeping your emergency fund in the wrong place.
#FrugalFriendsNote
What is a HYSA?
Jen explains that a high-yield savings account (HYSA) is a type of savings account that offers a significantly higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. It’s FDIC-insured, fully online, and easy to use.
Jill adds that it’s almost just the same with traditional banks except that it has higher interests, low minimum balance requirements, and your funds are easy to access whenever you need them, making them the new standard. That’s why they love it.
The Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025
- SoFi. 4.5% for 6 months, then drops to 3.8%. You’ll need to enroll in checking and set up direct deposit. Honestly, not worth it because there are better options out there.
- CIT Platinum Savings. 3.85% on balances over $5,000 with a $100 minimum to open. Best to deposit before 12/8/25 with a minimum deposit of $25,000 so you get a $225 bonus
- CIT Savings Connect. 3.75% with only $100 to open and no other hoops. Great for anyone just starting their savings journey.
- Raisin. 4.25–4.36% with no hoops. Sign up once and easily switch between HYSAs for the best rate. Perfect for flexible fund movers.
- Use code jennifers072771 to earn up to a $1,000 bonus!
- Varo. 5% on your first $5,000, then 2.5% after. Requires checking, $1,000/month direct deposit, and positive balances. Ideal for side hustlers with regular deposits.
- AdelFi. 5% up to $5,000, 2.25% for $5k–$10k for new members. With a min. Balance of $1,000. Best for sinking funds and savers who don’t want to bother with direct deposit.
- Use promotional code NEW2025 in the membership/account application.
- Crew. 3.7% with no minimums or fees. Great for families or kid accounts, with easy budgeting “buckets” built in.
How many HYSAs do you have and why?
Jen has one for the emergency fund and one for the sinking fund. Jill, on the other hand, has one.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Allison for sharing your bill about lowering your internet bill! From $117 – $85 (savings apx. $400/yr) – locked in for 5 years!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews of our book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and we especially loved this one from:
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Refreshing approach to money management!
Jen and Jill have a practical and refreshing approach to values based spending and money management. They offer an accessible, realistic way to make decisions. Each chapter is filled with practical information, and ends with a “lightning round” reflection question and action step. If you like their podcast, The Frugal Friends, you will love this book!
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