San Rafael, California Savings Rates for October 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
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San Rafael, California savings account rates range from 0.05% to 6.60% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 28, 2026. The best savings rates for San Rafael, California and the surrounding area include WaFd BankWaFd Bank1016 Irwin St, San Rafael, CA 94901A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.48%Real return: +1.30%APY minus 3.7% CPIRate verified Oct 26, 2026 Personal Start Savings Account at 5.00% APY, CitiCiti666 3rd St, San Rafael, CA 94901A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.82%Real return: +0.65%APY minus 3.7% CPIRate verified Oct 26, 2026 Savings account Premium Boost at 4.35% APY, EverBankEverBank1104 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.00%Real return: +0.50%APY minus 3.7% CPIRate verified Oct 26, 2026 Performance Savings at 4.20% APY, Poppy BankPoppy Bank4460 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, CA 94903B+4.8 ★Texas Ratio: 16.92%Real return: +0.30%APY minus 3.7% CPIRate verified Oct 26, 2026 Poppy Blooms Youth Savings Account at 4.00% APY, and US BankUS Bank369 3rd St, San Rafael, CA 94901A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.85%Real return: -0.20%APY minus 3.7% CPIRate verified Oct 26, 2026 Bank Smartly Savings Account at 3.50% APY.
San Rafael has 41 local institutions in our database, with savings rates as high as 5.00% APY from WaFd Bank at 1016 Irwin St, San Rafael, CA 94901. Use the table below to compare all available offers, including options from institutions serving the broader California area. Rates are continually updated, so we recommend checking back frequently.
Savings rates reflect recent market quotes and representative offers available to depositors in San Rafael, California and the surrounding area. Last Updated and Verified: October 28, 2026
Compare the Best Savings Rates in San Rafael, California & Surrounding Communities
Balance: $0 - $500; Open Online; No minimum to earn blended rate interest; No monthly service charge; Checking account required to open
Balance: $0 - $500; No minimum to earn blended rate interest; No monthly service charge; Checking account required to open; Open Online
Citigold Private Client Relationship Tier (Combined Average Monthly Balance of $1,000,000+); Balance: All balance ranges
New accounts only; variable rate, APY may change without notice; interest compounded daily; no minimum balance required; no monthly maintenance fee; available exclusively online and by phone
- Oct 7, 20264.20%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 18, 20263.90%first recorded
Available for children under 18; parent or legal guardian must be a joint account holder; $25 bonus deposited upon account opening; benefits continue after age 18; $0 monthly fees; promotional APY accurate as of October 1, 2026, rate may change after account is opened
- Oct 2, 20264.00%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 18, 20263.75%first recorded
Earn up to 3.50% APY when you are an account owner of a Bank Smartly Checking, Safe Debit account, or Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card and have a Combined Qualifying Balance (CQB) of at least $25,000; APYs may vary by location; Monthly maintenance fee $5, waivable
Monthly Service Fee: Free; Monthly Paper Statement Fee: Free
- Sep 27, 20263.44%▼ from 3.50%
- Sep 18, 20263.50%first recorded
California counties only; Balance: $25,000 or more; Rate is variable; requires deposit and maintenance of $25,000 or more in new Platinum Savings within 30 days; new savings customers only
Balance: $10 +; No monthly service charge; Open Online
Balance: $10 +; Savings account for minors, managed by an adult; Open Online; No monthly service charge
Monthly Service Fee: Free; Monthly Paper Statement Fee: $5 (Free if electronic statements are elected)
Minimum balance requirement must be maintained daily to earn APY; interest compounded daily; APY accurate as of September 24, 2026; rate may change after account is opened
Balance: $1,000,000 or more; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Platinum); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $1,000,000 or more; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Gold); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $1,000,000 or more; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Silver); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Monthly Service Fee: Free; Monthly Paper Statement Fee: $5 (Free if electronic statements are elected)
Balance: $250,000 - $499,999; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Platinum); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $250,000 - $499,999; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Gold); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Platinum); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $250,000 - $499,999; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Silver); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Gold); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Silver); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999; Interest Rate and APY from the standard (non-rewards) columns
Balance: $500,000 or more
Balance: Min $100,000.00
Balance: $24,999 or less; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Platinum); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: All balances; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward, Platinum tier; requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: All balances; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward; requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $250,000 - $499,999
Balance: $24,999 or less; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Gold); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: All balances; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward, Gold tier; requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: All balances; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward; requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: All balances; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward, Silver tier; requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $24,999 or less; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward (Silver); requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: All balances; Premier Plus Rewards Program Personal Savings and Money Market Interest Rate Reward; requires Premier Plus Checking and combined average daily ledger balance of $25,000 or more
Balance: $100 +; Open Online; $100 minimum to earn interest; $100 minimum balance to waive $3 monthly service charge
Balance: $100 Plus; $100 minimum to earn interest; $100 minimum balance to waive $10 monthly service charge; Open Online
Minimum balance requirement must be maintained daily to earn APY; interest compounded daily; APY accurate as of September 24, 2026; rate may change after account is opened
Balance: All balances; Standard rate (no Premier Plus Rewards)
Min Balance: $10,000.00; Minimum balance to avoid a fee: $75.00
Balance: Min $100.00
Minimum: Automatic Contribution; Maximum contribution of $2,000 per month from a qualified source, such as payroll from LAUSD or LACCD
Balance: $0.00 - $1,000.00; Preferred rate for youth up to age 261/2 with checking account; minors aged 13 and above qualify; Eligibility: must be a minor, or up to age 261/2 with eStatements
- Oct 23, 20266.18%▲ from 0.25%
- Oct 15, 20260.25%first recorded
Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00
Anticipated rates; Must be school/college employee and set up payroll deduction
Balance: $25 - $2,500; School Employees only, working 10 month schedules to help save for summer months; Requires an electronic direct deposit between $25-$2,500 monthly deposit; No cash or checks deposit allowed; Minimum average daily balance required to earn dividends
Dividend Minimum: $50.00; Certificated and classified school employees of Board approved SEGs eligible for Summertime Savings bonus rate; maximum deposit $3,000 per month
Program year June 15, 2026 - June 15, 2027; fixed rate for entire program year; deposit $50 - $2,000 each month via direct deposit or payroll deduction; dividends paid quarterly and at maturity June 15, 2027; one-time additional deposit up to $2,000 allowed; limit 1 per member
Balance: $25 - $500; Introductory APY limited to one account per tax-reporting owner; available on accounts opened between October 17, 2026 and December 31, 2026; requires $25 new money from another financial institution and maintaining $25 minimum balance for first three months; rates are variable and may change monthly; dividends paid monthly
Balance: $25 - $500; Introductory APY limited to one account per tax-reporting owner; available on accounts opened between October 17, 2026 and December 31, 2026; requires $25 new money from another financial institution and maintaining $25 minimum balance for first three months; rates are variable and may change monthly; dividends paid monthly
- Oct 4, 20265.10%▲ from 0.23%
- Sep 14, 20260.23%first recorded
Balance: $0 - $499.99; Featured tiered rate as high as 5.00% APY; Deposit or withdraw as needed; No monthly service fee; Dividends accrued daily and paid monthly
Balance: $0 - $499.99
Up to 5.00% APY; Dividends credited Monthly
Balance: $100.00 - $5,000.99; APY dividend of 5.00% earned on balances $100.00 to $5,000.99; balances $5,001.00 and above earn 0.20% APY; requires open checking account under the same membership number; must be 22 years or older; one per Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Number; rates subject to change without notice after account opening
Balance: $5 - $5,000; Max. to Earn APY: $5000; 5.00% APY applies to balance up to $5,000
Qualifications Required; Balance: $0.00 - $500.00; Featured APY on balances up to $500.00 with a First Entertainment Checking Account, eStatements only, and active online Bill Pay or Direct Deposit; One First500 Account per Social Security Number
Ages: 17 and under; Balance: $0.00 - $500.00; Requires Digital Banking and eStatements enrollment with internet access; Parent or legal guardian must be Joint Owner; Balances above $500 earn the First500 Savings Base Rate (not published on page)
Balance: $0-$499.99; Visit A Branch to Open Account
Bonus dividend rate for new members only, paid for the first 12 months from account opening; Balance: $0.01 - $2,500.00; Anticipated APY 5.0%; Non-bonus rate 0.05% with APY 0.05% on balances of $2,500.01 and greater; Offer subject to change without notice
Balance: $0.00 - $5,000.00; Tiered: balances $5,000.01-$10,000 earn lower dividend rate; balances $10,000.01+ earn lower dividend rate; No monthly fee
Balance: $0-$5,000; Variable-tiered rate, each tier accrues at its respective rate; One Harvest Savings account per member; Must register & use Online/Mobile Banking
Balance: $0-$5,000; $5.00 monthly fee if balance falls below $100; One Harvest Savings account per member
Balance: Up to $25,000; New members only
- Oct 14, 20264.50%▲ from 4.41%
- Oct 7, 20264.41%▲ from 0.10%
- Sep 18, 20260.10%▼ from 4.41%
- Sep 15, 20264.41%first recorded
Fixed rate share certificate; limited to Members buying a home and participating in SchoolsFirst FCU Home360; limit one per membership; additional deposits allowed to maximum balance of $150,000; partial withdrawals not permitted
- Sep 29, 20264.25%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 14, 20264.05%first recorded
Balance: $100 to $10,000; Available only to new members during the first thirty (30) days from the date of opening a membership; Variable rate account
Qualifications Required; Balance: $0.00 - $25,000.00; Balance up to $25,000.00 earns 4.00% APY when the accountholder has direct deposit(s) of at least $500.00 to a Freedom Direct, Justice National, Beyond the Badge or Student checking account during a month; balances over $25,000 earn 0.150% APY and balances in months when qualifications are not met earn the standard Share Savings APY starting at 0.100% (not extracted as separate rows)
Balance: <= $25,000; Requires minimum monthly average daily balance of $500, minimum $25 per month auto transfer from Rize checking, digital banking and eStatements enrollment
Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $25,000.00; Non-qualifying rate 0.00% APY; Rates effective 3/25/26
Qualifying balance up to $999.99
Balance: $1,000.01 - $10,000.00
Balance: $0.01-$1,000.00; Apply Online
Balance: $0.01-$1,000.00; Highest yield on balances up to $1,000; Apply for Youth Savings
Balance: $0.01 - $4,999.99; Dividend rate effective 10/25/2026
Banks and Credit Unions: If you identify an incorrect rate or wish to request the removal of your institution’s data, please contact us here.
San Rafael, CA Savings Rate Trends
Compare local San Rafael, CA savings rate quotes against the statewide average
Daily savings rate averages tracked across our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions, updated every evening.
California high-yield savings rates fell 0.052 points over the past 7 days to 2.683% APY, down from 2.735%.
California standard savings rates fell 0.069 points over the past 7 days to 0.687% APY, down from 0.756%.
San Rafael, California Savings Rate Forecast, Next 12 Months
Savings rates move with Federal Reserve policy. Our model uses the current CA high-yield average and a Fed funds spread to project the likely rate trajectory for 2026 to 2027.
Savings account rates are variable and move in close correlation with the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate target. Our 12-month forecast is derived from the current CA high-yield savings average of 2.683% APY and a Fed funds spread model calibrated to the historical relationship between policy rate changes and deposit rate adjustments at banks and credit unions.
Key assumptions: the Federal Reserve holds the federal funds rate at its current level over the next 12 months, with the possibility of one 25 basis point increase; deposit rates at banks and credit unions track policy-rate changes within 60 to 90 days. High-yield online savings rates tend to adjust faster than standard branch-based savings rates.
Important notice: This forecast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for financial decisions. Rate forecasts carry significant uncertainty. The actual trajectory will depend on Federal Reserve decisions, economic conditions, and competitive dynamics among financial institutions in San Rafael, California.
Savings Account Earnings in San Rafael, California
Annual interest earnings at current CA average APYs, based on the high-yield and standard savings averages tracked in our database. Compounding assumed monthly.
| Balance | HY Savings (2.683% APY) | Monthly Earnings | Standard Savings (0.687% APY) | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $134.13 / year | $11.18 | $34.35 / year | $2.86 |
| $10,000 | $268.25 / year | $22.35 | $68.70 / year | $5.73 |
| $25,000 | $670.63 / year | $55.89 | $171.75 / year | $14.31 |
| $50,000 | $1,341.25 / year | $111.77 | $343.50 / year | $28.63 |
| Earnings estimates use daily compounding. Actual earnings depend on exact rate, compounding frequency, and daily balance maintained. Rates are variable and subject to change. Source: San Rafael, California savings rate averages as of October 28, 2026. | ||||
About Our San Rafael, California Savings Rate Database
MonitorBankRates found 8 institutions with branches in San Rafael (7 banks, 1 credit union), plus 27 additional state-chartered and national online institutions available to San Rafael residents. Our proprietary aggregation system pulls verified rate data directly from each institution’s official website, no estimates, no national averages passed off as real offers.
Every rate listed includes the institution’s Safety Grade (A+ to F), Star Rating (1 to 5), and Texas Ratio, objective financial health metrics calculated from FDIC and NCUA regulatory data, so you can compare yield and institutional safety in one place.
Current top rate: WaFd Bank offers a savings account at 5.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $25. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers in San Rafael, California.
How to Find the Best Savings Rates in San Rafael, California
What to compare when shopping for a savings account in San Rafael, California
To find the best savings APYs in San Rafael, California, start with credit unions and online-only banks: San Rafael, California has 28 credit unions in our database, and they consistently offer some of the highest yields because they are member-owned nonprofits with lower overhead than traditional banks.
Always compare the APY (Annual Percentage Yield), not just the interest rate. APY reflects compounding and is the true measure of what you’ll earn. Savings accounts that compound daily earn slightly more than those compounding monthly at the same stated rate. The current CA high-yield savings average is 2.683% but top local institutions are offering as high as 5.00%, so shopping around pays off.
Unlike a CD, savings account rates are variable. Your rate can change at any time with Federal Reserve policy. Many institutions offer elevated introductory rates that reset after a promotional period. Review your account periodically to ensure your APY remains competitive.
When a High-Yield Savings Account Makes Sense
- Emergency fund: Financial experts recommend 3 to 6 months of expenses in a liquid, FDIC-insured account. San Rafael, California high-yield savings rates currently average 2.683% APY, far above a typical checking account.
- Short-term savings goals (6 to 24 months): If you may need the money soon, a savings account gives you immediate access without early withdrawal penalties.
- Parking cash between investments: A high-yield savings account at San Rafael, California institutions keeps idle cash working harder while remaining fully accessible.
- You prefer banking locally: 35 institutions in San Rafael, California report savings rates to our database.
- You’re among San Rafael, California’s 20.4% of residents aged 65+ for whom liquid, accessible savings complement fixed-income holdings.
- No rate lock-in risk: Unlike a CD, your rate moves up with the market if rates rise further.
Consider an Alternative If…
- You want a locked-in, guaranteed return San Rafael, California CD rates
- You want check-writing flexibility San Rafael, California money market rates
- You need daily transaction access San Rafael, California checking rates
San Rafael, California Financial Snapshot
Local demographics and economic context for savers. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
20.4% of residents are 65 or older, above the national average of 17.3%, making liquid, accessible savings accounts a particularly relevant option in this market. At today’s CA high-yield savings average of 2.683%, saving 10% of the local median salary ($4,970/year) would earn an additional $133 annually in interest.
Data: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Savings Accounts vs. Other San Rafael, California Options
How high-yield savings accounts compare to other deposit products available at banks and credit unions in San Rafael, California.
| Feature | High-Yield Savings | Standard Savings | Money Market | CD (12-Month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current CA Avg APY | 2.683% | 0.687% | View MMA Rates | View CD Rates |
| Rate Type | Variable | Variable | Variable | Fixed for term |
| FDIC / NCUA Insured | ✓ Up to $250K | ✓ Up to $250K | ✓ Up to $250K | ✓ Up to $250K |
| Withdraw Anytime | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Penalty applies |
| Check Writing | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Often yes | ✗ No |
| Debit / ATM Card | Some institutions | ✗ Rarely | ✓ Often yes | ✗ No |
| Typical Min Deposit | $0 to $100 | $25 to $100 | $0 to $2,500 | $500 to $1,000 |
| Rate Risk | Variable, moves with Fed policy | Variable, moves with Fed policy | Variable, moves with Fed policy | None, locked for term |
| Best For | Emergency fund, short-term goals, parking cash | Everyday saving, low-balance accounts | Active savers wanting flexibility + check writing | Locking in a rate for a defined period |
APY data reflects San Rafael, California averages tracked in our database as of October 28, 2026. Rates are variable and may differ by institution. See individual product pages for full details.
Savings Calculators for San Rafael, California
At CA’s top rate of 5.00% from WaFd Bank, a $10,000 deposit earns $500 annually. Enter your balance to see your exact return.
Savings Goal CalculatorA 3-month emergency fund for the median San Rafael, California earner is roughly $12,400. At 2.683% APY, saving $1,040/month gets you there in about 12 months. Set your target and see your exact timeline.
CD vs. High-Yield SavingsCalifornia’s high-yield savings average is 2.683% APY, variable and always accessible. A local CD may offer a higher fixed yield in exchange for locking in your deposit. Compare both side-by-side to find the better fit for your timeline.
Budget CalculatorBefore you can grow your savings, you need to know how much you can set aside each month. The median San Rafael, California earner makes $49,701/year. Track your income vs. expenses to find your monthly surplus, then put it to work at 2.683% APY.
Retirement PlannerA $25,000 high-yield savings balance earning 2.683% APY grows to roughly $42,449 over 20 years with compounding. See how your current savings trajectory lines up with your retirement income needs.
Methodology & Data Sources
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our San Rafael, California savings rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any financial institution to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each institution publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified Savings Rate Data: We aggregate savings account rates for San Rafael, California directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. Every savings rate displayed on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available yields in San Rafael, California. We feature a comprehensive mix of institutions, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to large national institutions available to savers in CA.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update savings rates daily. Because savings account yields can fluctuate rapidly, every product listed features its own specific “last updated” date, giving you complete transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Savings Accounts in San Rafael, California
What are savings account rates in San Rafael, California today?
What is a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA)?
Are savings accounts in San Rafael, California safe?
How often do savings rates change in San Rafael, California?
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a savings account?
What is the difference between a Savings Account and a Money Market Account?
Are online banks better than local banks in San Rafael, California?
How do I open a savings account in San Rafael, California?
Best Savings Rates in San Rafael, California
- WaFd Bank
Personal Start Savings Account: 5.00% APY - Citi
Savings account Premium Boost: 4.35% APY - EverBank
Performance Savings: 4.20% APY - Poppy Bank
Poppy Blooms Youth Savings Account: 4.00% APY - US Bank
Bank Smartly Savings Account: 3.50% APY
San Rafael, California Rates & Resources
