As we’ve talked about in previous articles, you don’t want to choose just any savings account for your money. Something you need to consider when selecting a new account is the rate. So how do you find the best rates for a savings account?

Start with Research

Rates can vary from bank to bank and year to year, so you don’t want to skip this step: research. You need to understand the top rates available out there. If you aren’t aware of the current averages, you can’t adequately select a savings account that best suits your finances.

So make sure you’re researching the current and top savings account rates. If you find a bank that is offering above the current average, it may just be a great deal. But there are other aspects to consider. And just because your savings account was a great deal 10 years ago, doesn’t mean it’s the case today.

Shop Around

While you may feel some loyalty to the bank you’ve been with for years, or your parents used, it may not be the best option for your money. From banks to credit unions to online banks, you have quite a few choices on where to put your money. The current saving account rate offers are a good place to start when it comes to comparison, but you also want to check out the fine print.

Some accounts require you to have a minimum account deposited when the account is created or could require you to keep a specific amount in the account at all times. Others have fees if you don’t maintain this minimum. Some add fees after an introductory period, and others take away that higher rate after just a few months.

You can’t properly find the correct option for your finances if you’re not comparing the details. The fine print will have all the information you need to help you uncover what actually works for your money and future. The rate that sounds like a good choice at the beginning may turn out to be the worst on the table.

Deposit More Money

Some banks do require a minimum amount to open an account with them. However, others may actually offer you a higher rate if you decide to deposit quite a bit from the beginning. If you deposit $10,000 for example, the bank or financial institution may offer you a higher savings account rate than to someone who deposited $5,000.

When it comes to any type of account with a bank or credit union, research and shopping around are essential. It’s unlikely that the first account option you come across will be the best choice for your finances. Following these three steps can help you to find the best saving accounts rates for your money.