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Best Savings Account for Short-Term Goals 2026

Saving for a vacation, down payment, or big purchase in the next 6-18 months? You need high yield without locking your money away. These accounts let you save with purpose.

🏆 Top Pick

Ally Bank

4.20% APY

Savings buckets are perfect for goal tracking. Create separate buckets for each goal (vacation, car, emergency) within one account. Watch each goal grow independently. The most visually satisfying way to save toward targets.

Savings bucketsVisual goal tracking4.20% APYNo feesEasy transfers
🥈 Runner Up

SoFi

4.50% APY

Highest APY maximizes short-term growth. On a $10,000 goal over 12 months, 4.50% earns $450 vs $420 at Ally. That $30 difference grows with larger amounts. Plus the $300 bonus gives your goal a head start.

4.50% APY$300 bonusFastest growthNo lock-upFDIC insured
💡 Also Great

Marcus

4.40% APY

No-penalty CD option for committed goals. If you know you won't need the money for 7-13 months, Marcus offers no-penalty CDs that lock in today's rate. Withdraw anytime after 7 days without penalty.

No-penalty CDs4.40% APYRate lockFlexible accessGoldman Sachs
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