Methodology for savings accounts

Finder’s banking experts assess savings accounts across five key categories to help you objectively evaluate a savings account’s overall perks and suitability for your unique needs.

The five categories we measure are:

• Perks
• Fees
• Banking access
• Customer experience
• Minimum requirements

Data collection

We collect data manually through online research and from providers directly. For many of the savings accounts we review, our banking experts perform hands-on testing.

Category weightings

We weigh each metric based on factors we believe are most important to customers looking for a good savings account. Accounts earn a score in each category and then an overall score based on the weightings detailed on this page.

• Perks: 40%
• Fees: 20%
• Banking access: 15%
• Customer experience: 15%
• Minimum requirements: 10%

Scoring and rating

Wondering how we work out Finder Score? We look at 50+ savings account products across 25+ lenders and we compare them against each other to get our simple score out of 10. Metrics like interest rates, fees and features are weighted and scaled to come up with individual Finder Scores.

Accounts are evaluated on the five key categories outlined on this page. These categories are broken down into 16 different data points. Some of these data points are features that Finder’s experts consider perks to the main features. Accounts that offer any of these perks are rewarded with additional points.

• 9+ Excellent – The crème de la crème of savings accounts. These products offer the best interest rates and the best features.
• 7+ Great – Slightly lower interest rates and fewer features, but these products are still competitive.
• 5+ Satisfactory – Typically offering average interest rates and possibly lacking in the features department.
• Less than 5 – Basic – The least competitive in terms of both interest rates and features.

Data points

Data points are weighed differently, depending on their importance. The 16 data points we took a look at when comparing savings accounts included the following.

No single savings account will be the best choice for everyone, so thoroughly compare your options before picking an account.

Written by

Emma Balmforth

Producer

Emma Balmforth is a producer at Finder. She is passionate about helping people make financial decisions that will benefit them now and in the future. She has written for a variety of publications including World Nomads, Trek Effect and Uncharted. Emma has a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys backpacking, reading and taking long hikes and road trips with her adventurous dog. See full bio