In 2026, a high‑yield savings account (HYSA) is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s the foundation of any smart saver’s strategy. With the Federal Reserve holding rates near multi‑year highs, online banks are competing fiercely to offer the best annual percentage yield (APY). But chasing the highest number alone can be misleading. Fees, withdrawal limits, mobile experience, and compounding frequency all affect your real return.
Three names dominate the conversation: Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Ally Bank, and SoFi. Each has millions of customers and a reputation for competitive rates. But which one actually puts more money in your pocket at the end of the year? We’ve analyzed the latest 2026 disclosures, tested their mobile apps, and calculated real returns after all factors. Here’s everything you need to know.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Why Compare Marcus, Ally & SoFi?
- 2. APY Breakdown – Who Pays More in 2026?
- 3. Fees & Minimum Balance Requirements
- 4. Mobile App & Customer Experience
- 5. Extra Perks: Buckets, Round‑Ups, Early Paycheck
- 6. Real Return Calculator – See Your Earnings
- 7. Final Verdict: Which Account Earns More?
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
Why Compare Marcus, Ally & SoFi?
All three banks are online‑only, which lets them offer higher yields than traditional brick‑and‑mortar banks. But their philosophies differ:
- Marcus – Backed by Goldman Sachs, known for simplicity, competitive rates, and no‑gimmick approach.
- Ally – A pioneer in online banking, offers a full suite of products (checking, CDs, investing) with a strong savings “bucket” feature.
- SoFi – A fintech turned bank, bundles savings with checking, and rewards direct deposit with higher APY and cash bonuses.
We’ll evaluate them on APY, fees, ease of use, and extra features that can boost your effective return.
APY Breakdown – Who Pays More in 2026?
Rates change, but as of February 2026, here’s how the three stack up (based on public disclosures and our testing):
| Bank | Standard APY | APY with Direct Deposit / Requirements | Compounding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 4.25% | 4.25% (no tiers) | Daily |
| Ally Bank | 4.10% | 4.10% (no tiers) | Daily |
| SoFi | 1.20% (base) | 4.50% (with direct deposit of $1,000+/month) | Daily |
📈 The Fine Print on SoFi’s 4.50%
SoFi’s high rate isn’t automatic. You must set up direct deposit of at least $1,000 per month. Without it, your APY drops to a paltry 1.20%. For many salaried workers this is easy, but freelancers or those with variable income may find it harder to maintain.
At first glance, SoFi offers the highest potential APY (4.50%), followed closely by Marcus (4.25%) and Ally (4.10%). But the “real” APY depends on your ability to meet SoFi’s direct deposit requirement. If you can, SoFi wins on headline rate. If not, Marcus takes the lead.
Fees & Minimum Balance Requirements
All three banks advertise $0 monthly fees and no minimum balance. However, there are nuances:
- Marcus: No fees, no minimum. You can open with $1.
- Ally: No monthly fees, but a $10 fee if you exceed 6 withdrawals per statement cycle (federal regulation, though some banks have eliminated this; Ally still enforces it).
- SoFi: No fees, no minimum. However, if you close your account within 90 days, they may charge a $20 account closing fee.
⚠️ Ally’s 6‑Withdrawal Limit
Ally still applies a $10 excess withdrawal fee after six withdrawals or transfers per month. If you plan to move money frequently, Marcus or SoFi are more flexible.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
4.25% APYThe “set it and forget it” choice. No hoops, no tiers, just a consistently competitive rate from a trusted name.
📊 Example: $10,000 for one year
At 4.25% APY compounded daily, you’d earn approximately $434 in interest – no conditions attached.
🎯 Best for:
Savers who want a simple, high rate without tracking direct deposit or worrying about withdrawal limits.
Ally Bank
4.10% APYAlly offers a robust feature set, including “buckets” to organize savings goals, and a full banking ecosystem.
📊 Example: $10,000 for one year
At 4.10% APY compounded daily, you’d earn about $418 – only $16 less than Marcus, but with more organizational tools.
🎯 Best for:
Savers who like to separate savings goals (e.g., emergency fund, vacation, new car) within one account.
SoFi
4.50% APY (with DD)A modern all‑in‑one financial app. High APY if you set up direct deposit, plus perks like early paycheck and cashback rewards.
📊 Example: $10,000 for one year
With direct deposit, you’d earn approximately $460 – the highest of the three. Without DD, you’d earn only about $121.
🎯 Best for:
Those who already have a steady payroll direct deposit and want an integrated checking/savings experience.
Mobile App & Customer Experience
All three apps score highly on app stores, but they have distinct feels:
- Marcus: Minimalist, focused only on savings and CDs. Easy to navigate but lacks advanced budgeting tools.
- Ally: Clean interface with powerful “buckets” feature. The app also gives access to checking, investing, and auto financing.
- SoFi: A super‑app: banking, investing, loans, credit card, and even career coaching. Can feel cluttered if you only want savings, but powerful for those who use multiple services.
Customer service: All offer 24/7 phone and chat. Ally consistently ranks high in J.D. Power studies for customer satisfaction.
Extra Perks: Buckets, Round‑Ups, Early Paycheck
Beyond raw APY, these features can add value:
| Feature | Marcus | Ally | SoFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings buckets / sub‑accounts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (up to 10 buckets) | ✅ Yes (“Vaults”) |
| Round‑ups (spare change) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (via Ally Card) | ✅ Yes (with SoFi debit card) |
| Early direct deposit | ✅ Up to 1 day early | ✅ Up to 2 days early | ✅ Up to 2 days early |
| ATM access (for checking) | ❌ No checking account | ✅ Allpoint (55,000+ ATMs) | ✅ Allpoint (55,000+ ATMs) |
💡 Hidden Value
Ally’s buckets help you mentally separate savings without opening multiple accounts – a feature some savers love. SoFi’s vaults serve the same purpose, plus round‑ups can add an extra $200–$500 per year in savings for heavy debit card users.
Real Return Calculator – See Your Earnings
Use the tool below to estimate how much interest you’d earn with each account based on your balance and direct deposit status.
💰 Savings Interest Calculator (2026)
Final Verdict: Which Account Earns More?
After comparing APY, fees, and features, here’s our take:
- If you have a steady direct deposit (e.g., full‑time job): SoFi wins with 4.50% APY and useful extras like vaults and round‑ups. Just remember to keep the direct deposit active.
- If you want the highest rate with zero conditions: Marcus offers 4.25% with no strings attached, and the backing of Goldman Sachs.
- If you love organizing savings goals within one account: Ally is the winner, despite a slightly lower APY. The buckets feature is a game‑changer for mental accounting.
In pure dollar terms, on a $10,000 balance, SoFi gives you about $26 more per year than Marcus (if you meet DD). But if you fail to meet DD, you lose over $300 compared to Marcus. So assess your income stability honestly.
📌 Bottom Line
All three are excellent choices. Pick based on your banking habits, not just the headline rate. Use our calculator above to see what you’d actually earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Marcus is a brand of Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Ally is Ally Bank, and SoFi is SoFi Bank, N.A. All are FDIC members, so your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category.
Generally, these accounts require a US Social Security number and US address. Non‑residents may need to look at international options.
No monthly maintenance fees. However, Ally charges $10 for each excess withdrawal over six per statement cycle. SoFi may charge a $20 fee if you close your account within 90 days.
All three are variable rates and can change at any time. In 2026, with a dynamic rate environment, check their websites for the latest. The rates in this article are accurate as of February 2026.
Yes. All three offer joint ownership options during the application process.