In 2026, staying ahead of inflation requires moving beyond the lackluster returns of traditional banks. Our 2026 annual banking survey—which analyzed a sample of large and small FDIC-insured institutions representing over half of all U.S. deposits—showed that digital-first banks generally offer the best value.

By evaluating accounts based on APY, fees, and balance requirements, we found that top-performing digital accounts provide yields often eight times the national average with zero monthly maintenance fees. These institutions leverage low overhead to pass maximum growth directly to the consumer. To help you capitalize on these trends, we’ve identified the standout institutions that are leading the market this year.