Discover Online Savings Account Review
Ad Disclosure: This article contains references to products from our partners. We may receive compensation if you apply or shop through links in our content. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. You help support CreditDonkey by using our links.
Make your money work with Discover® Bank high yield savings: high interest, no fees. Find out its benefits, drawbacks, and the easy way to open an account.
 | |||
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus | |||
Overall Score | 4.8 | ||
Savings | 4.5 | ||
Mobile App | 5.0 | ||
Customer Service | 5.0 | ||
Pros and Cons
- High APY
- No balance requirement
- No fees
- Online Only
Discover® Bank is an online bank owned by Discover Financial, the company behind the popular credit cards. Though it doesn't have brick-and-mortar branch locations, Discover® Bank offers the same types of bank accounts as traditional banks, including:
- Online Savings
- Money Market
- Certificates of Deposit (CD)
Discover® savings account offers one of the highest interest rates among online banks and a variety of money-saving features. Keep reading to learn more.
Shortcut: If you want a savings account with a high APY and no minimum balance or monthly fees. See Discover's current offers.
Discover® Savings Account Features
 |
Online Savings Account - Earn 3.75% APY
- No fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance required
Discover® Savings Account offers 3.75% APY, which is a lot higher than the national average of 0.42%[1]. It has no fees and no minimum balance. Discover is a good choice if you're looking for an online savings account with a reputable bank.
But things like withdrawing money can be difficult, since Discover has no physical locations. Keep reading to find out if we think the account is worth it.
High APY
You'll earn over 5x more interest than the national average with the Discover® online savings account. The interest compounds daily and is credited to your account once a month.
Compare Discover's APY to other savings account with this tool. You can see how much interest your money will earn annually.
No Balance Requirements
The Discover savings account has no minimum opening deposit or balance requirements.
No Monthly Fees
There is no monthly fees for maintaining the account. You'll also pay no fees for:
- Official bank check (or delivery)
- Expedited delivery for official bank checks
- Incoming wire transfers
- Excessive withdrawal fee
- Stop payment order
- Insufficient funds
- Account closure
24-7 Customer Service
Representatives are available by phone to assist with your account (or to help you open a new one). Discover's customer service is 100% based in the US. Call 1-800-347-7000.
Auto-Saver Option
Schedule a regular transfer from a Discover checking into your Discover savings account to take advantage of the high interest rate.
Mobile Banking App
Since Discover is an online bank, you'll need to handle your business from a home computer, laptop, or mobile device. The app offers a user-friendly way to manage your bank account. It's available for Android and Apple devices.
Use it to:
- Check balances
- Transfer funds or set up automatic transfers
- Track recent activity
- Deposit a check using your cell phone camera
Keep reading to learn the benefits and drawbacks of the Discover savings account.
Is Discover® Bank Safe?
Just like with brick-and-mortar banks, your money with Discover® Bank is safe and protected by FDIC insurance (FDIC #5649). FDIC insures your deposits up to $250,000 in case Discover fails.
Discover uses state-of-the-art encryption to protect your transactions and data. When banking on your mobile device, you can set up a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID to log into your account.
Additionally, Discover will require you to enter an identification code sent via text, email, or phone call for actions like:
- Accessing your account from an unfamiliar device
- Changing basic profile information
Why We Like Discover Savings
Savings Potential
Discover online savings account's high interest rate can boost your balance. And the lack of service fees means you won't lose money, either.
Easy Sign Up
Open an account online or call the customer line to get started (more on that below). Either way, opening your account should only take a few minutes. Note: checking accounts cannot be opened over the phone.
All-Around Convenience
From free online bill pay to wire transfers to tracking transactions, you can handle your banking from home (or wherever you are).
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 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, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. 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 the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 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 your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
Discover® Online Savings - $150 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 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, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. 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 the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 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 your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
Online Savings Account - Earn 3.75% APY
- No fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance required
Discover® Bank was one of the top three banks in terms of customer satisfaction, along with Charles Schwab and Ally Bank.
Reasons to Look Elsewhere
Difficulty Withdrawing Funds
Discover® online savings account doesn't come with a debit card for easy cash ATM withdrawals. To take out money, you'll need to either send yourself a check/wire transfer OR move money to an external account.
Online Checking Account - Earn Cash Back
- 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See website for details
- No fees
- Early Pay - Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
- No credit impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
- Access to over 60,000 no-fee ATMs in the U.S.
No In-Person Banking
Discover doesn't have any brick-and-mortar branches. If you handle your business face-to-face, Discover savings may not be for you.
Think Discover's savings account is right for you? Read on for a step-by-step guide to open an account today.
How to Open an Account
To open your Discover savings account, follow these steps:
- Visit Discover Bank's Account Application page.
- Enter basic information including:
- Name
- Address
- Birthdate
- Social Security number
- Name
- Select the savings account option and choose either the individual or joint account.
- Fund your account now (or at a later date, if you wish). You can make a:
- Automatic (ACH) or wire transfer from a different bank
- Deposit a check through the mobile app
- Mail a physical check
- Automatic (ACH) or wire transfer from a different bank
- Verify your account information and e-sign your application.
Discover Bank will email a confirmation and send an introduction packet within several business days. Be sure to read it to learn more about your account features.
How to Deposit or Withdraw Money
Discover's Online Savings account doesn't come with an ATM card for convenience. Here are your options for depositing and withdrawing funds.
Depositing money:
- Direct deposits of paychecks
- Mobile deposit by taking photo of your check
- Electronic transfers from other bank accounts
- Mailed check
Withdrawing money:
- Electronic transfer into another bank account
- Wire transfer
- Official check
Customer Service
Discover's customer service reps are 100% US-based. Your calls won't be shuffled to overseas call centers. Reps are available 24/7 by phone and email. You will speak to an actual human when you call.
Overall, Discover receives high customer satisfaction ratings.
- To open an account by phone, call 1-800-347-7000
- For online banking technical support, call 1-800-290-9885
- Western Alliance Bank:
High-Yield Savings Premier - 4.46% APY - CIT Bank Platinum Savings:
4.35% APY - Mission Valley Bank:
High Yield Savings Account - 4.50% APY - DR Bank:
High-Yield Savings Account - 4.40% APY - Dayspring Bank:
High-Yield Savings Account - 4.30% APY - Paprika Capital Bank:
High-Yield Savings Account - 4.29% APY - First Community Bank:
High-Yield Savings Account - 4.22% APY - The State Exchange Bank:
High Yield Savings Account - 4.20% APY - CFBank National Association:
High-Yield Savings Account - 4.20% APY - RBMAX:
High-Yield Savings Account - 3.66% APY
FAQ
How many times can I withdraw from Discover savings account?
Savings accounts are limited to 6 withdrawals per month. However, Discover is currently not enforcing the monthly withdrawal limit. There is no excessive withdrawal fee if you go over the limit.
Can I have multiple Discover savings accounts?
Yes. There is no limit on how many Discover Online Savings Accounts you can open. So you can have a separate account for different savings goals.
Can I write checks from my Discover savings account?
You can only request an official bank check from your Discover savings account. They are free and there are no limits on the number of official bank checks you can get mailed.
Can I pay bills from Discover savings account?
No, the Discover savings account does not support bill pay. Savings accounts typically don't have bill pay because they're not meant for day-to-day activities.
How long does it take to transfer funds from Discover savings?
In general, funds will be available within 4 business days. ACH transfers made before 5pm ET will be initiated that same day. ACH transfers made after 5pm ET or on a non-business day will be initiated the next business day.
How old do you have to be to open a Discover bank account?
You need to be at least 18 years old to open a Discover bank account. For those younger than 18, you can open a joint account with an owner who is 18 or over.
Can a business open a Discover savings account?
Discover does not offer business accounts. But there's nothing stopping you from using it for your business savings, if you're a freelancer or sole proprietor.
For LLCs, you should have a dedicated business savings account to separate your finances.
Bottom Line: Is Discover Savings Worth It?
Discover Bank's online savings account is a great choice if you're looking for a savings account with no monthly fees and most importantly - a high interest rate to grow your money.
All of Discover's credit cards have:
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- No late fee on your first late payment
- No overlimit fee
- No late payment penalty APR
References
- ^ FDIC. National Rates and Rate Caps, Retrieved 02/15/2024
- ^ FDIC. BankFind: Discover Bank, Retrieved 02/15/2024
Online Savings Account - Earn 3.75% APY
- No fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance required
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 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, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. 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 the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 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 your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $450 Bonus
Earn up to $450 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposits(s) totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450.
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
Write to Kevin L at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
|
|
|
Compare:
