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When you open a checking account, you usually get a complimentary debit card. But the same is not true when you open a savings account, including high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs).
Most HYSAs don't come with debit cards or even ATM cards because they’re designed to hold money for long periods of time, not for day-to-day spending.
If you search far and wide, you can find a few HYSAs that come with ATM cards. For many people, however, a better choice is to open an HYSA and a checking account at the same financial institution and then use your debit card to access both.
Read more: What is a high-yield savings account?
What is an ATM card?
An ATM card is a card you can use to access your bank account at an ATM. These cards allow you to make deposits and withdrawals via ATM, and to view your account balance.
Compared to debit cards, ATM cards have very limited functions. In fact, a debit card can be used as an ATM card, but not vice versa. Here's how the two types of cards compare:
Read more: What is a debit card, and how does it work?
Why choose an HYSA that offers a card?
In some cases, having an ATM card is necessary to gain full access to your high-yield savings account. An ATM card is beneficial if you're a banking customer who's dealing with both of the following circumstances:
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No debit card is available: You can't get a debit card from the bank where you want to open an HYSA. This is often the case when you don't have a checking account there.
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You need ATM access: Online and in-person banking options aren't sufficient and you need ATMs for regular withdrawals or deposits to your HYSA. This could be the case if you deal with a lot of cash or your bank doesn't accept mobile check deposits.
Just keep in mind that even with an ATM card, you can still face obstacles accessing the funds in your HYSA.
For example, not all ATMs accept cash and checks. When you make an in-network deposit, there may also be a delay up to two business days before all the funds are available. For out-of-network deposits, it could take six business days.
Additionally, the limits on your ATM withdrawals can potentially go up and down. For example, with LendingClub, your ATM withdrawal limit will drop to $500 if your balance falls below $2,000 for seven consecutive days. With Alliant Credit Union, your limit will drop if you have a negative ChexSystems report.
Read more: Can you deposit cash at an ATM?
Which HYSAs offer ATM cards?
There aren't many high-yield savings accounts that come with ATM cards. To improve your chances of finding one, try focusing your search on credit unions and online banks.
Before choosing an account, make sure you pay attention to the fees, interest rate, ATM deposit and withdrawal limits, and other features that add value.
With a Synchrony ATM card, for example, you can make up to six $500 purchases per month, but LendingClub has the only card on our list that gives you access to your checking account.
Here are a few examples of high-yield savings accounts that offer an ATM card:
How to access your HYSA without an ATM card
If you can't access your HYSA with an ATM card or debit card, there are still plenty of ways to deposit and withdraw money from the account.
Depending on your circumstances and the features of the account, you can likely complete most transactions electronically, whether through your online account or banking app. That includes:
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Direct deposits
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Automatic transfers to and from accounts
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Mobile check deposits
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Wire transfers
For other transactions, check and see if you can visit a branch in person. Alternatively, you might consider opening a money market account (MMA) since they're more likely to come with debit cards and checks.
Read more: The 10 best high-yield money market accounts available today
