High-Yield Business Savings 2026: Make Your Cash Work
In 2021, business savings rates were effectively 0%. In 2026, the Fed pivot has stabilized, and savvy business owners are earning 4.5% - 5.5% APY on their operating cash.
If you have $100,000 sitting in a "Big Bank" (Chase, Wells Fargo) business account, you are losing $5,000 a year in free interest. Here is where the smart money is moving in 2026.
The "Modern Three" Leaderboard
The winners in 2026 aren't the banks with branches on every corner. They are the Fintechs that offer sub-accounts, high interest, and deep API integrations.
1. Mercury (The Tech Founder's Favorite)
- Current Rate: ~4.5% to 5.0% APY (for Mercury Treasury).
- The Hook: Mercury Treasury automatically moves your excess cash into US Government Money Market Funds.
- Best For: Startups with $250k+ in the bank.
- Pros: Incredible UI, "Read-only" access for your accountant, and no fees.
2. Bluevine (The Small Biz Workhorse)
- Current Rate: 4.85% APY (on balances up to $250,000).
- The Hook: To get the high rate, you just need to spend $500/mo on your debit card or have $2,500/mo in incoming revenue.
- Best For: Solopreneurs and local businesses.
- Pros: You get a checkbook (rare for fintech) and high FDIC insurance coverage across their partner network.
3. Relay (The Profit First Choice)
- Current Rate: ~1.0% - 3.0% APY (Variable).
- The Hook: Relay is built for the "Profit First" methodology. You can open up to 20 free checking accounts.
- Best For: Businesses that want to separate Tax, Profit, and OpEx cash visually.
- Pros: Direct integration with Profit First advisors.
2026 APY Comparison
| Bank | Savings APY | FDIC Insurance | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 5.00%* | $5,000,000+ | $0 |
| Bluevine | 4.85% | $3,000,000 | $0 |
| Amex Business | 4.25% | $250,000 | $0 |
| Chase / WF | 0.01% | $250,000 | $15+ |
*Requires Mercury Treasury enrollment.
Why "Big Banks" Are Failing You
In 2026, Chase and Bank of America rely on "Interests Rate Inertia." They know most business owners are too busy to switch banks. They keep your rates at 0.01% because they know you probably won't leave for an extra 5%.
Don't fall for it. Switching to Mercury or Bluevine takes 20 minutes and generates a "Risk-Free" return that is higher than the stock market average.
Verdict
- If you have $250k+, go with Mercury Treasury. The yield and professional tooling are unmatched.
- If you have $50k - $200k, go with Bluevine. It combines high yield with traditional banking features.
- If you have <$50k, go with Relay. The ability to organize your cash is more valuable than the interest at this level.
Reference: This article was originally published on Unstory. Read the original article here.
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