High-Yield Savings Opportunity Cost Calculator
Educational estimate only, not a recommendation for any specific bank or product. Pre-tax interest -- your actual after-tax gain depends on your tax rate. Rates change; always check current rates before opening an account.
Enter your balance and current bank's APY to see, in real dollars, how much you're leaving on the table compared to a representative top high-yield savings account rate -- no signup, no bank referrals, just the math.
How it works
- Move the slider to your current savings balance
- Move the slider to your current bank's APY (check your latest statement)
- See your estimated annual and monthly gap versus a representative top HYSA rate, updated as of the date shown
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool recommend a specific bank?
No. It uses Bankrate's national average and a representative top-tier online savings rate purely for education -- it doesn't recommend, rank, or link to any specific bank or product.
What is the "representative HYSA rate" based on?
The top end of Bankrate's tracked online savings account rates as of September 29, 2026 (roughly 4.20-4.50% APY). Rates change often, so always check current rates before opening an account.
Why is the national average so much lower (0.65%)?
Many large brick-and-mortar banks keep savings rates low, in part to offset branch operating costs. Online-only banks typically pass on lower overhead as higher rates.
Is this the after-tax amount?
No, this shows the pre-tax interest gap. Savings interest is generally taxable, so your actual take-home difference depends on your tax rate.
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Update history
- 2026-09-30 Launched: compares your balance and current bank APY against a representative top HYSA rate (Bankrate, Sept 29 2026) to show the annual/monthly dollar gap, with no bank referrals.