3 Savings Accounts Crushing Wells Fargo on Interest Rates

Wells Fargo is a powerhouse for checking accounts, mortgages, and everyday banking.

But when it comes to paying interest on savings accounts, it really falls flat.

Right now, the standard Wells Fargo savings rate is just 0.01% APY. That means a $10,000 balance earns roughly one buck in interest over an entire year. No joke -- your loose change jar might outperform that.

Move that same $10,000 into a 4.00%+ APY account and you're looking at $400 a year, without taking any additional risk.

Luckily, you don't have to ditch your primary bank fully. Modern high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) can live right next to your Wells Fargo checking account, and you can move money back and forth easily.

Here are three savings accounts absolutely crushing Wells Fargo on rates right now, and why they're worth a look.

1. Barclays Tiered Savings -- 3.90% APY

Barclays has been a go-to name in high-yield savings for years, and its Barclays Tiered Savings account offers one of the top rates available today.

You'll earn 3.90%APY on balances under $250,000, with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements to worry about.

Why Barclays is a great option

• No minimum opening deposit or monthly fees

• No direct deposit requirements to earn high APY

• Easy online transfers to and from external accounts

• FDIC insured

Barclays isn't the type of bank that makes you jump through hoops to earn limited-time offers or promotions. Instead, it just consistently pays a solid APY without complicating things.

Everything runs through a clean, simple online interface, making it perfect if you want a set-it-and-forget-it savings setup.

2. LendingClub LevelUp Savings -- 4.20% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits

LendingClub LevelUp Savings continues to be one of the most rewarding digital-first savings accounts, especially if you like automation.

If you set up just $250 or more in monthly deposits (doesn't have to be direct deposit -- any income transfer will do), you unlock a very competitive 4.20% APY.

This account also picked up Motley Fool Money's Best High-Yield Savings Account Award in the 2026 Banking Awards!

Why Lending Club is awesome:

• No fees or minimum balance requirements

• Free ATM card with unlimited fee rebates (a big rarity for HYSAs)

• User-friendly app with clean automatic deposit tools

• Pairs easily with LendingClub's checking and CD products

Most high-yield savings accounts are bare-bones by design -- they hold your cash and pay interest, and that's it. But LendingClub goes a step further by making the account feel like a flexible checking-adjacent tool. That debit card access alone sets it apart.

And if you're trying to build a consistent savings routine, qualifying for the highest APY is incredibly easy. Just automate one monthly deposit and forget about it.

3. SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) -- Earn up to 4.30% APY with promo boost

SoFi® continues to be one of the most polished "all-in-one" banking setups.

The standard savings annual percentage yield (APY) lands at 3.60%, but new customers can unlock a limited-time offer: Earn up to $300 and +0.70% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply. This offer pushes the yieldup to 4.30% APY. This is easily one of the strongest short-term promos available.

Why SoFi®is a great choice:

• One login for spending, saving, transfers, and budgeting

• Early direct deposit eligibility

• FDIC insurance up to $3 million through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program with opt-in

• Strong welcome bonus for eligible new customers

• Extremely polished mobile app

The six-month APY boost makes SoFi® perfect for savers who want to maximize earnings right away. And if you can earn the welcome bonus cash, even better!

Even after the promo window ends, the ongoing APY is still leagues ahead of Wells Fargo (and most traditional banks).

Why moving your savings is worth it

A few years ago, I shifted a chunk of my cash out of a Chase checking account earning 0.01% APY. It all went into a new HYSA earning 5.00% at the time.

Honestly, I wish I'd done it sooner. I've earned over $2,000 in interest since that switch, and nothing has really changed in my day-to-day banking activity.

At Wells Fargo's typical savings rate, your money basically naps all year. Which is fine for a small amount of money in a checking account. But for short-term savings or money you rarely touch, moving it to a higher paying bank will make it grow way faster.

You don't need to completely switch banks. You can keep your Wells Fargo checking account exactly where it is. Just move your "sleepy money" into something more productive.

These three accounts offer dramatically higher APYs, better tools, and no big limitations -- and they're all FDIC insured like any traditional bank.

If you've been meaning to upgrade your savings, now's a great time.