Can you ask your bank for a better savings interest rate?

Asked by: Oda O'Hara  |  Last update: November 23, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)

Timing is everything when it comes to negotiating better savings rates and terms with your bank. “If you're about to make a big deposit or want to open a new account, that's when to ask,” Rachael said. “Banks are more likely to be flexible when there's potential for more business.”

Can you negotiate bank savings interest rates?

But in most cases, you can't qualify for a better APY on your account through negotiation alone. That said, banks may offer opportunities for customers across the board to earn a higher interest rate by increasing your balances with the bank or switching to another account that offers a better return.

Can a bank change your savings interest rate?

The rates on savings accounts vary drastically, and they can change at any time. Large brick-and-mortar banks, such as Chase and Bank of America, are still paying around 0.01 percent annual percentage yield (APY), while top high-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.85 percent APY — or 485 times more.

How do I ask my bank for a better interest rate?

Get Everything in Writing: If your lender agrees to lower your interest rate, request a written confirmation of the new terms. Stay Persistent: If your initial request is denied, don't hesitate to follow up after some time. Circumstances may change, and they might be willing to negotiate later.

How can I get a higher interest rate on my savings account?

Here are some ideas for increasing the interest rate on your savings account: Shop around and compare different banks' interest rates. Choose a bank that provides a high rate of return on savings accounts. Maintain a high monthly average balance in your account.

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Which bank gives 7% interest on savings?

For the foreseeable future, you won't find any banks that offer 7% APY on savings accounts. However, you can find some credit unions that pay 7% or more on checking accounts. Before opening an account, take a close look at the terms and conditions to determine whether you can earn the advertised rate.

Is a 5% APY good?

The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater. By comparison, the national average savings account APY is just 0.59 percent. You'll often find the most competitive APYs at online-only banks, which tend to pay higher rates than brick-and-mortar banks.

Can I negotiate my interest rate?

Common debt negotiation strategies include asking for reduced interest rates, working with a lender to create a repayment plan and considering debt consolidation. Talking directly and honestly with your lender may be a helpful route to debt relief.

How do I ask my bank for a higher interest rate?

Pick the Right Time. Timing is everything when it comes to negotiating better savings rates and terms with your bank. “If you're about to make a big deposit or want to open a new account, that's when to ask,” Rachael said. “Banks are more likely to be flexible when there's potential for more business.”

Can I call my bank to lower my interest rate?

Credit card interest rates can make it harder to pay off your debt, but you may be able to negotiate a better rate or a limited-time offer by simply calling your credit card issuer. While it can some time and effort and your request may be denied, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Can banks adjust interest rates?

Banks often follow the “fed funds plus three” formula. So, if the fed funds rate is 5.25%–5.50%, the prime rate tends to be about 8.50%. However, a bank could adjust the interest rates on its loans according to supply and demand, an individual borrower's creditworthiness or other factors.

Do you lose interest if you withdraw from a savings account?

With some accounts you have to let the bank know in advance if you want to take your money out. You could pay a penalty, or lose interest payments if you withdraw money immediately.

Can you negotiate fees with banks?

Don't be afraid to ask, as many banks have policies or discretion to waive or reduce fees or penalties for customers who are in good standing, have a valid reason, or have a history of loyalty. However, don't expect to get a waiver or reduction every time, as banks also have limits and rules to follow.

Can we request bank to reduce interest rate?

So, if you have been a responsible borrower and have made all your repayments on time, chances are you will be offered lower rates on your loan. If not, you can negotiate with the concerned lender provided you have a good business relationship with the lender. Other than that, keep a close eye on festive offers.

Why is my savings interest rate so low?

One reason savings account rates are so low is that financial institutions profit when the rate on the money they lend out is higher than the rate they pay people who deposit money into savings. When rates on loans are low, banks like to keep savings account rates even lower to continue making money on them.

How to negotiate with bank to reduce interest rate?

Here are some tips to follow:
  1. Assess your requirements and check your eligibility to choose the right lender.
  2. Take advantage of the festive season to get special offers and discounts on interest rates.
  3. Look for pre-approved offers to get credit at discounted rates, which you can secure when you have a good credit score.

Can I ask my bank for a better interest rate?

How do I ask my bank to lower my interest rate? Asking your lender to reduce your home loan's interest rate can be as simple as giving them a call. A home loan lender typically offers more competitive rates to new customers to attract them, so researching these rates online can be beneficial.

Where can I get 7% interest on my money?

There are two high-yield checking accounts with interest of at least 7%, though: BCU PowerPlus Checking and Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking Account. Both come with major downsides, though. Are 7% interest savings accounts safe?

Does asking for a lower interest rate affect credit score?

Key Takeaways. Customers can negotiate with credit card companies for lower interest rates. Seeking to negotiate a credit card rate can be a good solution in a variety of situations. Requesting a lower rate should not affect your credit score or credit account.

How to get Chase to lower interest rate?

How do I request a lower APR? To request a lower APR, call us using the number on the back of your card. We often do reviews of credit card accounts to see if we can apply better rates. Please contact us in a few months if you're not approved for a lower rate at this time.

Why is my APR so high with good credit?

Even people with good credit scores make mistakes, and a bank may charge a penalty APR on your credit card without placing a negative mark on your credit report. Penalty APRs typically increase credit card interest rates significantly due to a late, returned or missed payment.

What is 3.5% APY on $1000?

Using simple math, let's say a financial institution is offering a high-yield savings account that pays 3.5% APY annually, and you open an account with a $1,000 deposit. In that case, you could compute the interest as $1,000 x 0.035 x 1 = $35.

What is a good savings rate?

Saving 15% of income per year (including any employer contributions) is an appropriate savings level for many people. Having one to one-and-a-half times your income saved for retirement by age 35 is an attainable target for someone who starts saving at age 25.

How much is 5% interest on $5000?

Use the formula A=P(1+r/n)^nt. For example, say you deposit $5,000 in a savings account that earns a 5% annual interest rate and compounds monthly. You would calculate A = $5,000(1 + 0.00416667/12)^(12 x 1), and your ending balance would be $5,255.81. So after a year, you'd have $5,255.81 in savings.