Online Savings Market Watch

Compiled some of the decent interest rates given from institutions. If you don't get this rate from a tax deferred account like 401(k) or traditional IRA which you should with minimum 6 month CDs, you have to take into consideration the tax you pay on these interests. So the effective rate at which your money can grow completely safe and completely fluid is on an average is like 3.75% AP, which is .75% more than the hypothetical inflation rate of 3%.

• Countrywide Bank offers a variable rate, from 4.00% to 5.40% APY, can link to other bank accounts. $1,000 minimum to open.
• AmTrust Direct offers 5.36% APY, “no monthly service fee or minimum balance fees”, can link to other bank accounts. $1000 minimum. This is a money market account.
• WT Direct offers 5.26% APY, no fees, can link to other bank accounts. No minimum to open, but your interest rate drops if you don’t have a $10,000 balance after 60 days.
• E-Loan offers 5.25% APY, no fees, “industry’s strictest privacy policy”. $5,000 minimum.
• Presidential Online Bank offers 5.25% APY, no fees, ATM access, web interface. $5,000 minimum to open.
• Emigrant Direct offers 5.05% APY, no fees, can link to other bank accounts, web interface. No minimum.
• E*Trade offers 5.05% APY, no fees, an automatic savings plan, can link to other bank accounts. $1 minimum to open.
• HSBC Direct offers 5.05% APY (with a temporary 6.00% APY promotion), no fees, can link to other bank accounts, web interface, ATM card $1 minimum to open.
  Till April 30 they offer 6% APY for new money.
  
• Capitol One offers 5.00% APY, no fees, free checks and ATM card, an automatic savings plan, can link to other bank accounts. $1 minimum to open. This is a money market account.
• Citibank Direct offers 4.65% APY, no fees, $25 sign-up bonus. No minimum.
• ING Direct offers 4.50% APY, no fees, an automatic savings plan, web interface. No minimum.