Table of Contents
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are popular among intelligent savers who want to ramp up their savings. Because of the recent increase in interest rates, many people are ready to take advantage of these accounts. However, misunderstandings persist.
What are the top 10 myths about high-yield savings accounts? This blog will list and dispel them. At Beem, we have assisted thousands of people in comparing high-yield savings accounts and dispelling the fallacies that prevent people from making more informed decisions about their money.
Myth 1: HYSAs Are Riskier Than Regular Savings Accounts
The Truth: FDIC and NCUA Protection Keep Your Funds Safe
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) offer higher interest rates, leading many individuals to believe they must be riskier than ordinary ones. However, it is not the situation at all. Your assets are protected up to a maximum of $250,000 per depositor with a high-yield savings account (HYSA), which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for bank accounts and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for credit union accounts. This is similar to the protection that is provided by standard savings accounts.
The Bottom Line
If you choose a reputable financial institution, your HYSA is as safe as any regular savings account.
Myth 2: You Need Thousands to Open One
The Truth: Many HYSAs Have No Minimum Deposit Requirements
There is a widespread misconception that a substantial initial deposit is required to open a high-yield savings account. In fact, many service providers offer accounts that do not require a minimum balance, making them available to a wider variety of individuals.
Beem can help you quickly compare different possibilities for a no-minimum HYSA, making it easier to select one suitable for your current financial circumstances.
Myth 3: The Higher APY Isn’t Worth the Hassle
The Truth: Small Differences in APY Add Up Over Time
Even though you might believe that a greater annual percentage yield (APY) does not significantly impact the situation, let’s take a closer look at it.
To illustrate, if you put $1,000 into an account that has an annual percentage yield of 0.01%, you would only receive $0.10 in interest after a year has passed. In contrast, if you were to deposit the same amount into an account offering an annual percentage yield of 4.00%, you would accumulate $40.00 in interest over the same period.
The Bottom Line
That difference is $39.90—a considerable amount for little extra effort. Beem makes it easy to compare APYs and helps you find the highest rates available with minimal research.
Myth 4: HYSAs Limit Access to Your Funds
The Truth: HYSAs Don’t Block Access to Your Money
Many individuals think that high-yield savings accounts limit the amount of money accessed. There is no reason to believe that your money is inaccessible, even though HYSAs normally limit the number of withdrawals you can make in a given month (typically six). With most providers, you may access your funds through mobile banking or instant online transfers.
The Bottom Line
You can access your money anytime, without long waits or delays. HYSAs offer mobile-friendly accounts that allow you to manage your savings on the go without sacrificing flexibility.
Myth 5: Online-Only Banks Can’t Be Trusted
The Truth: Digital Banks Are Fully Regulated and Secure
A common concern is whether online-only banks are trustworthy. Federal and state authorities fully regulate many digital banks and provide the same level of security as traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
Beem partners only with trusted, vetted HYSA providers that ensure your funds are safe and secure.
Myth 6: High-Yield Accounts Are Only for the Rich
The Truth: HYSAs Are for Everyone, Not Just the Wealthy
HYSAs aren’t for anyone looking to earn more on their savings. In fact, people from all walks of life are taking advantage of HYSAs, including:
- Students saving for tuition.
- Side hustlers saving for business expansion.
- Families looking to build an emergency fund.
With Beem, you can discover accessible savings options and see how everyday people can benefit from high-yield accounts.
Myth 7: All HYSAs Are Basically the Same
The Truth: Not All HYSAs Are Created Equal
One of the most persistent myths about high-yield savings accounts is that they’re all identical. However, rates, fees, and other features can vary significantly from one provider to the next. Some accounts offer daily compounding, while others might compound monthly. Fees and withdrawal limits also vary.
The Bottom Line
Use Beem to compare these features to find the best fit for your needs.
Myth 8: Switching Banks Is Too Complicated
The Truth: Moving Your Savings Is Easier Than You Think
Many people assume that transferring their savings to a new bank or HYSA provider will be a time-consuming, complicated process. However, moving your funds with modern tools and platforms is relatively easy.
Beem can guide you through the process and help you compare different options, ensuring a smooth transition.
Myth 9: You Could Lose Money in an HYSA
The Truth: HYSAs Are Deposit Accounts, Not Investments
Some people believe their money could lose value in an HYSA, but this is not true. HYSAs are deposit accounts, not investments. Your principal is always safe and not subject to market volatility. The only risk you face is inflation, which could erode the real value of your savings, but that’s a risk with any account.
The Bottom Line
Your money is safe in a HYSA, with guaranteed returns based on the interest rate, not the stock market’s performance.
Myth 10: HYSAs Are Only for Emergency Funds
The Truth: HYSAs Can Be Used for a Variety of Savings Goals
While emergency funds are great for HYSAs, they’re not the only purpose. People use HYSAs for a wide range of savings goals, including:
- Travel funds for vacations.
- Down payments for homes or cars.
- Tax savings for future obligations.
By automating deposits into your HYSA through Beem, you can align your savings goals and watch your funds grow toward your personal objectives.
Conclusion
The top ten misconceptions regarding high-yield savings accounts have been addressed, and it is now abundantly evident that there is a great deal more to these accounts than initially appears to be the case. Suppose you are searching for a more secure location to store your savings, a higher rate of return, or the opportunity to work toward specific objectives. In that case, HYSAs can be an intelligent and efficient instrument.
Whether you choose an online bank or a neobank like Beem, choose a HYSA that fits how you live, save, and manage your money. Download Beem, the personal finance app trusted by more than 5 million Americans, to open your HYSA, track interest in real time, and connect your savings to smarter money habits. In addition, Beem’s Everdraft™ lets you withdraw up to $1,000 instantly and with no checks.
