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Bottom line: American Express National Bank (Member FDIC) and Discover® Bank have a lot of features in common, but ultimately, Discover is open to customers without a Discover credit card account, while Amex could be a better fit for current Amex card holders.
Discover was a Sears subsidiary when it launched the Discover Card in 1986, but it eventually became its own independent company in June 2007.
Today, Discover is the fourth-largest payment processing network in the U.S. and the sixth-largest credit card issuer by purchase volume.
Capital One announced plans to acquire Discover for $35 billion in February 2024, which would make Capital One/Discover the sixth-largest bank by assets in the U.S. if regulators approve the deal.
American Express National Bank was founded in 1850 and later debuted the first Amex charge card in 1958.
Amex has grown to offer a wide variety of individual and business cards, many of which cater to affluent customers and frequent travelers. It's the second-largest credit card issuer by purchase volume. Like Discover, it also operates its own payment network.
Here's a closer look at your account options for both Discover and American Express National Bank.
Offer |
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Account |
Discover® Online Savings
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
Rating |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
APY | 3.70% | 3.70% Rate info 3.70% annual percentage yield as of April 11, 2025. Terms apply. |
Min. to earn APY | $0 | $0 |
Next Steps |
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code TMF325 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 09/11/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank.
Starting off with savings accounts, Discover® Online Savings and American Express® High Yield Savings are both great all-around options. American Express® High Yield Savings has a slightly higher annual percentage yield (APY) than Discover, but the differences between these two accounts is scant.
Neither charges you fees, and you don't need a minimum deposit to open either account. Interest compounds daily and is paid out to you monthly. And both banks are FDIC insured.
Offer |
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Account |
Discover® Cashback Debit
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
|
Rating |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
APY | 0% | 1.00% Rate info APY = annual percentage yield |
Min. to earn APY | N/A | $0 |
Next Steps |
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If you're a heavy debit card user, Discover pulls ahead in this breakdown with its Discover® Cashback Debit account. You can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in purchases per month (that could amount to as much as $360 a year if you max this out). Discover has a network of more than 60,000 ATMs.
If you'd rather earn APY on your checking account instead, consider Amex -- the American Express Rewards Checking account offers 1.00%, on all balances, as of April 11, 2025. Plus, the account offers debit card users 1 Amex Membership Rewards point on every $2 worth of eligible purchases.
Amex and its partners have over 1.5 million ATMs worldwide. To apply for the card, you'll need to have had an Amex card for at least 35 days.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Offer |
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Account | Discover® Bank CD | American Express National Bank CD |
3 Mo. | 2.00% | -- |
6 Mo. | 3.70% | -- |
9 Mo. | 3.80% | -- |
11 Mo. | -- | 4.00% |
1 Yr. | 4.00% | 3.85% |
1.5 Yr. | 3.80% | 3.85% |
2 Yr. | 3.80% | 4.00% |
30 Mo. | 3.50% | -- |
3 Yr. | 3.50% | 3.60% |
4 Yr. | 3.50% | 3.60% |
5 Yr. | 3.50% | 3.75% |
7 Yr. | 3.50% | -- |
10 Yr. | 3.50% | -- |
Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Early Withdrawal Penalty | Yes | Yes |
Next Steps |
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Discover® Bank CDs are available for terms from three months to 10 years. The best APYs are available on terms from six to 18 months. Discover CDs have a $0 minimum deposit.
American Express National Bank CDs have seven term lengths available, starting with 11 months and finishing at five years. You can open one with no minimum deposit and you won't be charged fees, either. The 11-month term is the best one available, and 12- and 24-months aren't bad either. But the longer term lengths are nothing to write home about.
Discover® Money Market
On Discover Bank's Secure Website.
On Discover Bank's Secure Website.
This account offers a competitive APY, especially given there are no monthly service fees, while still giving access to ATMs and checks. You don't need to maintain a high balance to earn a good rate.
Of these two banks, only Discover offers a money market account. There's no minimum deposit to open a Discover® Money Market account. Your APY depends on your balance -- you'll earn a slightly higher one if you've got $100,000 or more in the account.
The difference in APYs between these two isn't staggering -- both are online-only banks, so they both have the ability to offer customers more value in this area. Rates with both are fairly comparable -- you'll find little difference in APYs on savings accounts, and the most favorable terms for CDs are of the same length at both banks. If you want a longer term (say, three to 10 years), look to Discover for the better rates.
But Amex also pays an APY on its checking account -- this is definitely worth considering if you're eligible to open one, and you keep enough cash in checking to make it worthwhile.
Make sure you're getting the best account for you by comparing savings rates and promotions. Here are some of our favorite high-yield savings accounts to consider.
Account | APY | Promotion | Next Steps |
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Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
up to 3.80%²
Rate info
You can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. to earn: $0
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New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!¹
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Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website. |
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Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more
Rate info
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
Min. to earn: $100 to open account, $5,000+ for max APY
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Earn a bonus of at least $225 after a one-time deposit of $25,000+.
Transfer a one-time deposit of $25,000-$49,999.99 for a bonus of $225. Transfer a one-time deposit of $50,000+ for a bonus of $300. Account must be opened with code PS2025 while this promotion lasts, and funded within 30 days. Bonus will be fulfilled within 60 days from the funding date. There is no period of time where the customer will be required to maintain the funds. Account must be open when bonus is credited. One bonus per account and primary customer. Bonus will be credited into the Platinum Savings Account that fulfills the funding requirement. Funding can be deposited all at once or incrementally.
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Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website. |
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Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
3.70%
Rate info
3.70% annual percentage yield as of April 11, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. to earn: $0
|
N/A
|
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
SoFi disclosure:
¹ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.
² SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
³ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
⁴ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.
Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
⁵ We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
⁶ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
⁷ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the“30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
Both of these banks are known for solid customer service. You can reach both by phone 24/7, and Amex has an online chat function, too. As far as rankings go, both banks made a solid showing in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Direct Banking Satisfaction Study.
Discover was ranked second overall, and took second place for checking account providers (it makes sense that Amex wouldn't be in a top spot here; its checking account isn't open to all). American Express National Bank took third place for savings providers, however. If you anticipate needing occasional help from a human representative, you can't go wrong with either choice here -- just remember it won't be in-person help, since these are online banks.
Discover | American Express | |
---|---|---|
Customer service availability | 24/7 customer service available by phone at 800-347-7000 | 24/7 customer service available by phone at 800-446-6307 |
Physical branch locations | N/A | N/A |
Discover's mobile app is widely praised for neat features like "Quick View" -- users can view their balances without logging in, making it easier to keep tabs on cash. You can use the app to send money around between accounts and deposit checks. Plus, it works with Zelle. Both iOS Android users give the app pretty high ratings.
American Express National Bank's mobile app also boasts decent ratings, but those from iOS users are higher than Android. When there's a disparity like this, it often means operating-system-specific issues. Amex is better known for cards than traditional banking, so reviews tend to focus on that. But you can still find basic bank app functions like check deposit and cash transfers between accounts.
Discover | American Express | |
---|---|---|
App Store rating | 4.9 stars | 4.9 stars |
Google Play rating | 4.4 stars | 3.9 stars |
If you've got a Discover or Amex card, you're likely already familiar with the stellar customer service and long reputation of both of these banks. That said, they have a lot more in common than not, so digging into the nitty-gritty of both should help you choose.
If you don't already have an Amex card, you won't be eligible to use it for your most basic banking needs -- a checking account. And if you're hoping to open CDs or a money market, Discover's high minimum deposit requirement could be a deterrent. Ultimately, you can't really go wrong picking either option here.
Discover® Online Savings
On Discover Bank's Secure Website.
On Discover Bank's Secure Website.
The Discover® Online Savings account promises customers an above-average interest rate and few limitations. Most people won't ever encounter fees with this account, and you won't have to worry about keeping track of your monthly withdrawals either.
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code TMF325 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 09/11/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank.
American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website.
On American Express's Secure Website.
American Express High Yield Savings may not have the highest APY on our list, but it still offers a rate well above average and requires no minimum deposit to qualify for the highest APY. It's a good fit for those who want to save at a competitive rate while avoiding withdrawal limits or minimum balance requirements.
Our methodology for scoring banks and credit unions revolves around evaluating key aspects such as annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks.
These criteria are weighted differently across various account types, ensuring a comprehensive assessment that reflects the competitive landscape and economic conditions.
We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased by advertiser influence. This robust evaluation process helps us generate balanced, reliable best-of lists that guide consumers to top financial products.
Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.
Discover could be a great fit if you're comfortable with online banking and want to be rewarded for using your debit card for purchases. If you want to open a CD, however, you'll need a high minimum deposit to do so, so I'd opt for a different bank if you're short on cash to start with.
If you're hoping to use Amex for all or even most of your banking needs, you need to be an active cardholder. Otherwise, you won't be able to open a checking account with the bank. Amex is one of the top savings account providers, though, so it could be worth taking advantage of its high APY even if you don't need a checking account.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.