Cash in a low-paying account can lose value over time, especially when inflation is running well above what many banks pay.

With inflation at 4.2%, every point your savings earns below that rate means more buying power slipping away.

The good news: Dozens of top cash options offer mid-3% to 5.00% returns, giving savers stronger places to look.

Every week, we track the best-paying cash options across savings accounts, CDs, brokerages, and Treasurys—bringing them together so you can see your strongest low-risk choices in one place.

That matters more with inflation now running above 4%. Every percentage point your savings earns below that rate represents more buying power slipping away, while each higher-APY option you find helps narrow the gap. That makes shopping around especially important when standard savings accounts are still paying so little.

This week's standout is a new 4-month CD paying 5.00%, adding another choice for savers looking to score an elite APY for their cash. You can find it in our ranking of the best nationwide CDs, alongside other leading yields on terms up to 5 years.

High-yield savings accounts also remain competitive, even after the former 5.00% leader lowered its rate this week. The top savings account now pays 4.26% APY without notable strings attached, and more than 20 accounts are still offering at least 4.00%.

Brokerage and robo-advisor cash accounts are generally offering returns in the mid-3% range, while U.S. Treasurys remain another low-risk option, with a current top rate of 4.99%. I bonds, meanwhile, got a rate boost on May 1, with new purchases earning 4.26% for their first six months.

The chart below brings those top rates together so you can see how today's best low-risk cash options stack up.

Inflation jumped to 4.2% in May as oil prices surged, making it harder for cash savings to hold their value. Earning more may not fully offset inflation, but it can help slow the loss of purchasing power.

Keeping your cash parked doesn't mean it has to sit idle. The right account can turn even short-term savings into real earnings.

A lump-sum savings deposit of $10,000—or $25,000 or $50,000, if you have it—can earn hundreds of dollars in interest if you choose one of today's top rates. Whether you opt for a 3.25% cash management account, a top high-yield savings paying 4.26%, a top CD paying 5.00%—or anything in between—here's what different balances could earn over six months.

Six Months of Earnings at Various APYs

APY

Earnings on $10K for 6 months

Earnings on $25K for 6 months

Earnings on $50K for 6 months

3.25%

$161

$403

$806

3.50%

$173

$434

$867

3.75%

$186

$464

$929

4.00%

$198

$495

$990

4.25%

$210

$526

$1,051

4.50%

$223

$556

$1,113

4.75%

$235

$587

$1,174

5.00%

$247

$617

$1,235

The rate you earn from a savings account, money market account, cash account, or money market fund is variable and will generally drop whenever the Fed cuts rates. In contrast, CDs and Treasurys allow you to lock in your yield for a set period.

For a low-risk return that still pays, today's top cash options fall into three main categories—each with different trade-offs depending on how long you plan to keep your money parked.

Bank and credit union products: Savings accounts, money market accounts (MMAs), and certificates of deposit (CDs)

Brokerage and robo-advisor products: Money market funds and cash management accounts

U.S. Treasury products: T-bills, notes, and bonds, plus inflation-protected I bonds

You can choose one or mix and match based on your goals and timeline. Below, we break down the top rates in each category as of Friday's market close—and where they've moved over the past week.

Related: 6 Best Investment Accounts for Handling Uninvested Cash

Investopedia tracks rates from more than 200 banks and credit unions each business day to identify top-paying accounts nationwide. Institutions must be federally insured and meet minimum deposit and availability criteria. Read our full methodology for details.

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