Bank APY Account-opening bonus? Notes

Ally Online Savings 0.95% — A relaunch of the former GMAC bank (in May 2009), now with no fees or minimums.

American Express High-Yield Savings 0.90% — Another foray into banking from a large credit-card company (this one since June 2009).

ING Direct Orange Savings 0.80% $25 if you let me refer you and you deposit $250 (I get $10) The oldest of these online-savings accounts (since 2000); there's a book out on their history, if you'd like details. Email me (see bottom of the page) for referrals. Probably the best interface and customer service of any of the accounts I've used.

Discover Bank Online Savings 0.80% — Note: Has a minimum $500 initial deposit (but no minimums after account opening). This is newish (since July 2009) foray into banking from credit-card company Discover. Reports so far are that the interface and customer service are a bit clunky, but improving after it recently (March 2010) acquired E*Trade's online savings business.

VirtualBank eMoneyMarket 0.70%* $20 if you let me refer you (I also get $20) Higher yields for high balances: 0.70% for $10,000-$24,999, 0.73% for $25,000-$49,999, 0.78% for $50,000-$99,999, and 0.83% for $100,000+. $100 minimum initial deposit. $5/mo inactivity fee if no activity for 12 months. Email me (see bottom of the page) if you'd like a referral.

CNB Bank Direct High Yield Savings 0.65% — Online account of Citizens National Bank, a small but established bank in Ohio.

Apple Bank Grand Yield Direct 0.65% — Note: Has a minimum $2,500 initial deposit (but no minimums after account opening).