California savings account rates range from 2.50% to 6.18% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 13, 2026. The best savings rates for California include F&A Federal Credit UnionF&A Federal Credit Union2625 CORPORATE Pl, MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.14%Real return: +3.38%APY minus 2.8% CPI (February 2026) Youth Savings at 6.18% APY, Sun Community Federal Credit UnionSun Community Federal Credit Union1068 Broadway Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 2315A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.05%Real return: +3.20%APY minus 2.8% CPI (February 2026) Hello Summer Savings at 6.00% APY, USC Credit UnionUSC Credit Union3720 S Flower St FL 4, Los Angeles, CA 90089A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.49%Real return: +3.20%APY minus 2.8% CPI (February 2026) SmartStart Savings at 6.00% APY, LBS Financial Credit UnionLBS Financial Credit Union4436 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.34%Real return: +3.20%APY minus 2.8% CPI (February 2026) Summer Savings Accounts at 6.00% APY, and Glendale Area Schools Credit UnionGlendale Area Schools Credit Union1800 BROADVIEW DR, GLENDALE, CA 91208A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.04%Real return: +3.20%APY minus 2.8% CPI (February 2026) Summertime Savings at 6.00% APY.
Use the tables below to compare savings rates across California side-by-side. California savings rates currently reach as high as 6.18% APY from F&A Federal Credit Union at 2625 CORPORATE Pl, MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754. Rates are continually updated, so we recommend checking back frequently.
Savings rates reflect recent market quotes and representative offers available to depositors in California and the surrounding area. Last Updated and Verified: October 13, 2026
Youth up to age 261/2 earn a preferred rate on balances up to $1,000.
Club Accounts
Balance: $0.01 - $1,000
Balance: $25 - $2,500; Summertime Savings***; $2,500 is the maximum balance for this rate.****
Certificated and classified school employees of our Board approved SEGs are eligible for our Summertime Savings Account bonus rate.
Term: June 15, 2026 - June 15, 2027; One great rate, all Chaffey Members. Originally designed to help educators during the summer months when they expect less income, the Chaffey Summer Savings Club is available to all Chaffey FCU members ! Deposit $50 - $2,000 each month via direct deposit or payroll deduction and earn 5.80% APY* (5.678% APR)* for the entire program year. Dividends paid quarterly and at account maturity on June 15, 2027. Monthly direct deposit or payroll deduction of $50 - $2,000 must be set up for account; money transfer apps (i.e.: Zelle, Venmo) do not count as direct deposit. After 60 days of no deposits, account will be closed, and funds will be transferred to your regular savings account. Account will not be closed if there are no deposits during the summer months, but will be closed if deposits do not start by October 1, 2026. Earnings transferred to chosen savings account at account maturity. Account automatically renews at maturity with the updated r
Balance: $0 - $500. Checking account required to open
Balance: $0 - $499.99; Deposit or withdraw as needed. No monthly service fee
Balance: $1.00 - $2,500.00
Up to 5.00% APY; Dividends credited Monthly
Balance: $100.00 - $5,000.99 earns APY 5.00%; Balances $5,001.00 and above earn APY 0.20%; Requires open checking account under same membership number; Must be 22 or older; One per Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Number; Minimum Balance/Average Daily Balance: $5/$100
Balance: $5 - $5000; Qualifying balance up to $5,000.00; Balances exceeding $5,000 earn 0.100% APY
Qualifications Required: Member has a First Entertainment Checking Account and has requested eStatements only (member must discontinue receipt of paper statements); Member must also have either active online Bill Pay service or Direct Deposit. Active is defined as one transaction every ninety (90) days for either service.; First500 Youth Accounts will earn 5.00% APY on account balances up to $500 with Digital Banking enrollment and eStatements only. Balances above $500 in qualifying accounts and any balance in a non-qualifying First500 Account will earn the First500 Savings Base Rate. One First500 Account per Social Security Number. Rates subject to change without notice and may vary. In certain instances when the minimum balance is not maintained and no other services or accounts are open, a low balance monthly fee may apply. Check with the credit union for complete details.
Qualifications Required: Digital Banking and eStatements; First500 Youth Savings Accounts are available to any minor with a Social Security Number. Must have a parent or legal guardian as Joint Owner. Joint Owner must be a member in good standing. Balances above $500 in qualifying accounts and any balance in a non-qualifying First500 account will earn the First500 Savings Base Rate. One First500 Account per Social Security Number. Rates subject to change without notice. Call us for current rates, or visit firstent.org/rates . Earned dividends are reported as income under the minor's name and Social Security Number. Transactions can only be performed by the account custodian. Custodian can close the account anytime, as long as it is in the best interest of the minor. Due to the nature of custodial accounts, they cannot be opened online at this time. For assistance, please give us a call at 888.800.3328 or schedule an appointment to meet with one of our branch staff. Balance: up to $500.00
Balance: $0-$499.99
Bonus dividend rate for balances of $0.01 to $2,500: 4.88%; Non-Bonus Rate is 0.05% with anticipated APY of 0.05% for balances of $2500.01 and greater
Balances between $5,000.01-$10,000 will earn the lower dividend rate of 2.25% APY. Balances $10,000.01+ will earn the dividend rate of 0.10% APY. No monthly fee
Variable-tiered rate. Balances between $5,000.01-$10,000 will earn the lower dividend rate of 2.25% APY. Balances $10,000.01+ will earn the dividend rate of 0.10% APY. Fees may reduce earnings. $5.00 monthly service fee if the balance falls below $100.00. No fee for Custodian Accounts under age 18. One Harvest Savings account per member.
Tiered-based savings account. 5.00% APY will be paid on balances up to $5,000. Balances between $5,000.01-$10,000 will earn the lower dividend rate of APY. Balances $10,000.01+ will earn the dividend rate of APY. $5.00 monthly service fee if the balance falls below $100.00. No fee for Custodian Accounts under age 18. One Harvest Savings account per member.
APY* applies to balances up to $25,000.
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Fixed rate share certificate; limited to Members buying a home and participating in SchoolsFirst FCU Home360; limit one per membership; additional deposits allowed to maximum balance of $150,000; withdrawals not used for a home purchase subject to penalty
Balance: $100 to $10,000
New accounts earn a 4.20 % APY on all balances. This is a variable rate account, and the APY may change without notice. Available exclusively online and by phone.
Qualifications Required; LevelUp Rate applies when depositing $250+ per month (statement cycle); rate applied to full balance; Standard Rate of 3.00% APY otherwise
Earn LevelUp Rate on entire balance when you deposit $250+ per month; Standard Rate of 3.00% APY otherwise
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Limited-time boost applies for up to 6 months after you open your account. Offer ends 10/31/26.
Simple, high-yield savings earning up to 4.01% APY for up to 6 months.
All Balances
Introductory promo for new customers. Introductory Interest Rate is determined by adding 0.67% to the variable interest rate paid on the Valley Direct High Yield Savings account (the "Standard Interest Rate"). The Introductory Interest Rate, Standard Interest Rate and APY are variable and may change after the account is opened.
The $25 bonus will be deposited by Poppy Bank into the Poppy Blooms Youth Savings Account upon account opening. Available for children under 18 years old. Parent/guardian oversight and access. Online and mobile banking for easy monitoring.
Balance: $.01 - $500.00
Promotional APY. Balances at or below $9,999.99 do not qualify for this promotional rate and are subject to the current non-promotional interest rate applicable to this account type. At the end of the 180-day promotional period, the interest rate and APY will revert to the then-posted non-promotional rate(s) applicable to this account type. The interest rate(s) and annual percentage yield(s) are variable and may change at any time before or after the account is opened. To qualify, you must be a new personal savings client of Flagstar Bank and open a Flagstar Ready Savings account. You must make an initial minimum opening deposit of at least $1.00. To qualify for the promotional rate, you must deposit additional funds, to maintain a balance greater than or equal to $10,000 is required and must be "new money," which is defined as money that is not currently on deposit in any Flagstar Bank account; money moved from any Flagstar Bank affiliate or subsidiary account or funded from a Flagstar/affiliate loan or line of credit does not qualify. For purposes of this offer, funds from maturing certificate of deposit accounts held at Flagstar Bank will be considered eligible. The account must remain open for the full 180-day promotional period. This offer is limited to one promotion per household. If any signer on this account has previously received a savings promotion from Flagstar Bank, you are ineligible for this offer. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. An early account closure fee may be imposed for accounts closed within 180 days. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Receiving this offer does not guarantee eligibility. All account applications are subject to our normal approval process. Personal accounts only. Area restrictions may apply.
Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $25,000; requires direct deposit(s) of at least $500.00 per month to a Freedom Direct, Justice National, Beyond the Badge or Student checking account; No minimum balance requirement
Qualifications Required; Balance: <= $25,000
Qualifications Required; Balance: $0.00 - $25,000.00; Qualifying balance up to $25,000.00; Non-qualifying rate 0.00% APY; New accounts receive qualifying rate for first statement cycle
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Balance: $1,000.01 - $10,000.00
Balance: $0.01-$1,000.00
Balance: $0.01-$1,000.00; Highest yield on balances up to $1,000
Balance: $0.01 - $4,999.99
Limited-time promotional rate on all balances for up to 6 months. Use promo code BOOST41.
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of January 8, 2026 and subject to change at the Bank's discretion. Refer to product's website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Earn up to 3.50% APY when you are an account owner of a Bank Smartly Checking, Safe Debit account, or Bank SmartlyTM Visa Signature Card and a CQB of at least $25,000. APYs may vary by location and are accurate for accounts opened on today's date. Restrictions apply.
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
All Balances
Balance: $50,000 +
Balance: $0-$9,999.99
Balance: $1+; RELATIONSHIP: 3.10% APY
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
APY* refers to Annual Percentage Yield. Interest Rate** refers to the rate paid on the account.
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
2.80% APY for balances of $0.01 - $4,999.99; 2.80% APY for balances of $5,000 or more.
Online account opening required; Must be funded within 30 days of opening the account; $3.00 per in-branch deposit; $3.00 per in-branch withdrawal; $10.00 per paper statement request; Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 10/01/2026. Interest will be compounded and credited monthly. Rate for this account is variable, determined by the Bank of Guam at its sole discretion and can change before or after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings.
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
APY* refers to Annual Percentage Yield. Interest Rate** refers to the rate paid on the account.
Balance: $250,000+
Balance Tiers: $0 - $49,999.99 | 2.20% APY; $50,000 + | 2.70% APY
Balance: $100,000-$249,999
Banner checking account required. Minimum opening balance of $25,000 must be new money to Banner Bank. A Banner Bank checking account is required to open a High Yield Relationship Savings account. Additional restrictions may apply. View current rates. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 8/20/2026. Rates may change. The interest rate tier is determined by the actual daily account balance. Monthly service charge of $10 is waived when you meet one of the following criteria during that monthly statement cycle: $5,000 minimum daily balance or $10,000 average daily combined balance for checking and savings deposit relationship. If relationship balance is below $25,000, Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is 0.25%. Public fund accounts not eligible.
Balance: $500.01 - $1000. Checking account required to open
APY* refers to Annual Percentage Yield. Interest Rate** refers to the rate paid on the account.
Compare local California savings rate quotes against the statewide average
Daily savings rate averages tracked across our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions, updated every evening.
California high-yield savings rates rose 0.056 points over the past 7 days to 2.539% APY, up from 2.483%.
California standard savings rates rose 0.043 points over the past 7 days to 0.711% APY, up from 0.668%.
Savings rates move with Federal Reserve policy. Our model uses the current CA high-yield average and a Fed funds spread to project the likely rate trajectory for 2026 to 2027.
Savings account rates are variable and move in close correlation with the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate target. Our 12-month forecast is derived from the current CA high-yield savings average of 2.539% APY and a Fed funds spread model calibrated to the historical relationship between policy rate changes and deposit rate adjustments at banks and credit unions.
Key assumptions: the Federal Reserve holds the federal funds rate at its current level over the next 12 months, with the possibility of one 25 basis point increase; deposit rates at banks and credit unions track policy-rate changes within 60 to 90 days. High-yield online savings rates tend to adjust faster than standard branch-based savings rates.
Important notice: This forecast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. Rate forecasts carry significant uncertainty. The actual trajectory will depend on Federal Reserve decisions, economic conditions, and competitive dynamics among financial institutions in California.
Annual interest earnings at current CA average APYs, based on the high-yield and standard savings averages tracked in our database. Compounding assumed monthly.
| Balance | HY Savings (2.539% APY) | Monthly Earnings | Standard Savings (0.711% APY) | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $126.96 / year | $10.58 | $35.55 / year | $2.96 |
| $10,000 | $253.93 / year | $21.16 | $71.10 / year | $5.93 |
| $25,000 | $634.82 / year | $52.90 | $177.75 / year | $14.81 |
| $50,000 | $1,269.65 / year | $105.80 | $355.50 / year | $29.63 |
| Earnings estimates use daily compounding. Actual earnings depend on exact rate, compounding frequency, and daily balance maintained. Rates are variable and subject to change. Source: California savings rate averages as of October 13, 2026. | ||||
MonitorBankRates tracks 802 savings rates from 24 banks and 26 credit unions offering savings accounts to California residents, including community institutions, regional banks, and national online options. Our proprietary aggregation system pulls verified rate data directly from each institution’s official website, no estimates, no national averages passed off as real offers.
Every rate listed includes the institution’s Safety Grade (A+ to F), Star Rating (1 to 5), and Texas Ratio, objective financial health metrics calculated from FDIC and NCUA regulatory data, so you can compare yield and institutional safety in one place.
Current top rate: F&A Federal Credit Union offers a savings account at 6.18% APY with a minimum deposit of $0. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers in California.
What to compare when shopping for a savings account in California
To find the best savings APYs in California, start with credit unions and online-only banks: California has 26 credit unions in our database, and they consistently offer some of the highest yields because they are member-owned nonprofits with lower overhead than traditional banks.
Always compare the APY (Annual Percentage Yield), not just the interest rate. APY reflects compounding and is the true measure of what you’ll earn. Savings accounts that compound daily earn slightly more than those compounding monthly at the same stated rate. The current CA high-yield savings average is 2.539% but top local institutions are offering as high as 6.18%, so shopping around pays off.
Unlike a CD, savings account rates are variable. Your rate can change at any time with Federal Reserve policy. Many institutions offer elevated introductory rates that reset after a promotional period. Review your account periodically to ensure your APY remains competitive.
Local demographics and economic context for savers. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
15.7% of residents are 65 or older, below the national average of 17.3%; an unemployment rate of 6.6% (vs. 4.8% nationally) underscores the value of keeping liquid emergency savings. At today’s CA high-yield savings average of 2.539%, saving 10% of the local median salary ($4,903/year) would earn an additional $125 annually in interest.
Data: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How high-yield savings accounts compare to other deposit products available at banks and credit unions in California.
| Feature | High-Yield Savings | Standard Savings | Money Market | CD (12-Month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current CA Avg APY | 2.539% | 0.711% | View MMA Rates | View CD Rates |
| Rate Type | Variable | Variable | Variable | Fixed for term |
| FDIC / NCUA Insured | ✓ Up to $250K | ✓ Up to $250K | ✓ Up to $250K | ✓ Up to $250K |
| Withdraw Anytime | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Penalty applies |
| Check Writing | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Often yes | ✗ No |
| Debit / ATM Card | Some institutions | ✗ Rarely | ✓ Often yes | ✗ No |
| Typical Min Deposit | $0 to $100 | $25 to $100 | $0 to $2,500 | $500 to $1,000 |
| Rate Risk | Variable, moves with Fed policy | Variable, moves with Fed policy | Variable, moves with Fed policy | None, locked for term |
| Best For | Emergency fund, short-term goals, parking cash | Everyday saving, low-balance accounts | Active savers wanting flexibility + check writing | Locking in a rate for a defined period |
APY data reflects California averages tracked in our database as of October 13, 2026. Rates are variable and may differ by institution. See individual product pages for full details.
At CA’s top rate of 6.18% from F&A Federal Credit Union, a $10,000 deposit earns $618 annually. Enter your balance to see your exact return.
Savings Goal CalculatorA 3-month emergency fund for the median California earner is roughly $12,300. At 2.539% APY, saving $1,020/month gets you there in about 12 months. Set your target and see your exact timeline.
CD vs. High-Yield SavingsCalifornia’s high-yield savings average is 2.539% APY, variable and always accessible. A local CD may offer a higher fixed yield in exchange for locking in your deposit. Compare both side-by-side to find the better fit for your timeline.
Budget CalculatorBefore you can grow your savings, you need to know how much you can set aside each month. The median California earner makes $49,032/year. Track your income vs. expenses to find your monthly surplus, then put it to work at 2.539% APY.
Retirement PlannerA $25,000 high-yield savings balance earning 2.539% APY grows to roughly $41,281 over 20 years with compounding. See how your current savings trajectory lines up with your retirement income needs.
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our California savings rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any financial institution to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each institution publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified Savings Rate Data: We aggregate savings account rates for California directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. Every savings rate displayed on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available yields in California. We feature a comprehensive mix of institutions, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to large national institutions available to savers in CA.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update savings rates daily. Because savings account yields can fluctuate rapidly, every product listed features its own specific “last updated” date, giving you complete transparency.