Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it.

To help you find the best place to grow your savings, here are four tips for choosing a savings account that is going to turn your five dollar bill into so much more.

Aim high for your interest rate

Opening a savings account is about growing your money, and how quickly that money grows will depend on the interest rate. The higher the interest rate, the more you’ll earn from your deposit. Most lenders will offer a basic savings account with interest rates as low as .01%, but keep an eye out for high-interest savings accounts that could help you earn more at a faster rate.

Pay attention to minimum balance requirements

Behind every savings account are a set of terms and conditions. You might be tempted to skim them, but do yourself a favor and give them a read. Different lenders will have different minimum deposit requirements, ranging from $1 to $10,000. You might also be expected to maintain a minimum balance to earn interest. There could even be fees for dropping below the minimum required balance. Always take the time to read the terms and conditions.

Shop local for the best rates

No two savings accounts are the same. Different financial institutions are going to offer different types of savings accounts with different interest rates, fees, and minimum balances. It’s up to you to look around and find the best savings account for you, and the best place to start is your local credit union or community bank. Because they’re nonprofit and member-owned, credit unions generally offer higher interest rates than banks, so be sure to give them a look.

Ask about mobile banking

Having a brick-and-mortar location close by is convenient, but in this day and age, most people expect to be able to handle the bulk of their financial transactions through their phone. You should be able to manage your savings account from anywhere, so be sure to ask about online and mobile banking services when kicking the tires on different financial institutions.

If you’re interested in opening a savings account, get in touch with us!