A traditional savings account is a safe way to stash away your hard-earned cash while earning some interest. If you’re wondering if it’s a good fit, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide discusses the specifics of traditional savings accounts along with their benefits, drawbacks, and how they stack up with other financial products. It also shares viable alternatives if this type of account isn’t a good fit for you.
What is a Traditional Savings Account?
A traditional savings account is a common financial product offered by banks and credit unions. It lets you deposit and withdraw money, and you can earn interest on your balance. Unlike checking accounts that are best for bill payments and everyday purchases, savings accounts are designed to help you save money rather than spend it.
How a Traditional Savings Account Work
Here’s a closer look at the inner workings of traditional savings accounts.
Opening an Account
Some banks and credit unions let you open traditional savings accounts online. Otherwise, you’ll have to visit a physical branch to get started. Be prepared to provide your personal information, along with a minimum deposit (if applicable), to open the account.
Making Deposits and Withdrawals
You can typically deposit and withdraw cash at a physical branch, ATM or through a cross-account transfer initiated online. If you have an online savings account, you may be limited to online transfers unless the financial institution provides you with an ATM card to pull funds.
Keep in mind that some banks and credit unions impose limits on the number of withdrawals you can make per month before incurring penalties.
Earning Interest
The interest you’ll earn on a traditional savings account grows your money over time without effort on your part. It’s expressed as a percentage and typically compounds monthly, so you’ll earn interest on top of interest.
Monitoring and Maintaining the Account
Once your new account is open, be sure to keep tabs on transactions and alert your financial institution of any suspicious or incorrect activity. You can typically monitor your account via the online dashboard or mobile account. Consider setting up account alerts to receive real-time notifications.
Key Features of Traditional Savings Accounts
Before opening a traditional savings account, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with its key features.
Basic Characteristics
Traditional savings accounts generally come with little or no fees. If there is a monthly service fee, though, you can typically have it waived by meeting certain requirements during each statement period.
Interest Rates
Again, you can expect modest interest rates on traditional savings accounts. Still, the earnings could add up if you maintain a sizable balance for an extended period.
Accessibility and Flexibility
These accounts are flexible, and you can access your funds at any time. They can also be managed via the online dashboard or while on the go through the mobile app. As previously stated, some banks and credit unions may limit the number of free withdrawals you can make monthly.
Security and Insurance
Traditional savings accounts held at banks and credit unions backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) are protected in the event of a closure. More specifically, deposits of up to $250,000 per depositor per account are covered.
The Benefits of Traditional Savings Accounts
You’ll enjoy these perks when you open a traditional savings account.
Easy Access to Funds
As previously mentioned, it’s easy to access funds held in a traditional savings account. You can make withdrawals at a branch or ATM (if the bank or credit union provides an ATM card). Or you can set up electronic transfers to move the funds to a different account.
Regular Interest Earnings
You’ll also earn some interest on your money. Although the rates pale in comparison to those of high-yield savings accounts and other investment vehicles, you can still benefit from the returns as your balance grows over time.
No Market Risk
Traditional savings accounts are a safe way to make your money work harder for you. It’s not tied to the market, so you won’t lose your investment if it plummets. You’ll simply notice a dip in your returns in the rate offered by the financial institution drops.
Drawbacks of Traditional Savings Accounts
As with any financial product, there are also drawbacks to be aware of.
Lower Interest Rates Compared to Other Investments
Traditional savings accounts generally offer lower interest rates compared to other options like money market accounts or certificates of deposit. While other investment options like bonds or stocks carry more risk, they often offer higher returns. If your goal is savings growth, a traditional savings account might not be your best choice.
Inflation Impact
Inflation can severely impact the real value of your money in a traditional savings account. As prices of goods increase, the purchasing power of your savings decreases, especially when interest rates are low. If the interest you earn doesn’t keep up with inflation, you effectively lose money over time.
Limited Transactions
Many banks and credit unions place caps on the number of transactions or withdrawals you can make monthly from a traditional savings account. If you exceed this limit, you’ll likely incur fees.
Comparing Traditional Savings Accounts with Other Financial Products
Here’s how traditional savings accounts stack up to the competition.
vs. Checking Accounts
Checking accounts are ideal for everyday purchases and bill payments. They’re quite flexible but generally pay no interest on your money. That said, these accounts can be linked to traditional savings accounts for seamless transfers.
vs. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
CDs are ideal if you want to grow your cash and don’t need immediate access to it. You can earn a guaranteed return on your money if you agree to let it sit for a set period – usually between six months and five years. But there’s a catch – despite the fixed rate and guaranteed earnings, you’ll incur a penalty if you need to withdraw funds before the CD term ends.
vs. Money Market Accounts
Money market accounts combine features of savings and checking and often offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts. They may have minimum balance requirements, but you’ll typically get check-writing privileges and debit card access.
vs. Investment Accounts
Investment accounts offer the potential for higher returns through stocks, bonds or mutual funds. However, it comes with more risk than traditional savings accounts, as you could lose your investment if there’s a market downturn.
Choosing the Right Traditional Savings Account
There’s no shortage of traditional savings accounts to choose from. Keep the following factors in mind as you research our options to find the right fit.
Factors to Consider
Pay attention to the following when evaluating savings accounts:
- Annual percentage yield (APY)
- Account fees
- Minimum opening deposit
- Minimum balance requirements
- Account accessibility
- ATM and branch locations
Comparing Offers from Different Banks
Even if you’re sold on an account offered at your current financial institution, take a look at what other banks and credit unions have to offer. You could find an account with more attractive APYs, lower fees or better terms elsewhere.
Reading and Understanding Fine Print
Don’t forget to read the fine print to know exactly what you’re getting into before opening a new account. If there are any components you need clarification on, be sure to ask a banker.
Alternatives to Traditional Savings Accounts
If a traditional savings account doesn’t quite work for you, consider these alternatives.
Online Savings Accounts
Online savings accounts operate the same but often feature higher APYs. The operating costs incurred by online banks are lower, and these cost-savings can be passed on to account holders in the form of better rates.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
As the name suggests, high-yield savings accounts come with above-average APYs that make it easier to grow your money faster. The best options are generally found at online banks, but you’ll likely need to meet minimum balance requirements to qualify. There could also be limits on monthly withdrawals.
Credit Union Savings Accounts
Credit unions are member-owned nonprofit organizations. Since they focus on serving members over astronomical profits, you could find better account options here.
Conclusion: Tips for Maximizing Returns on Traditional Savings Accounts
If you decide to open a traditional savings account, implement these strategies to maximize your earning potential.
Regular Deposits and Compounding Interest
Make regular deposits and let the funds sit for a bit. Doing so allows compounding interest to work in your favor.
Taking Advantage of Promotional Rates
Some banks and credit unions offer higher rates to entice new customers. Consider taking advantage of these offers to earn more on your money, but be sure you understand the terms to avoid hidden costs or other surprises.
Avoiding Fees and Penalties
Understand the fee schedule and take the necessary steps to either have them waived or avoid them at all costs.
