How to Negotiate Savings Account Interest

Savings accounts provide consumers flexibility in managing their cash. Savings account holders have the ability to accumulate cash and access it when needed -- unlike a CD or mutual fund -- all while earning interest on those funds. Because of this flexibility, savings accounts don't typically offer high interest rates. Consumers gain a much better return on other investments, like mutual funds and CDs, but without immediate access to those funds. However, consumers with several high balance accounts at one banking institution, namely a smaller local bank, may have the leverage to negotiate higher savings account interest rates. Banks, like most well-run businesses, tend to offer better incentives to their best customers.

Contact a few local or national banks to inquire about their savings account interest rates. Rates at other banks may be higher than the rates you are receiving from your current bank; this research will give you better insight into how your current rates compare with others. If you find that other banks offer higher interest than you are receiving on your savings account, make a note of these rates. You can use this information as leverage later when speaking to your bank's representative.

Contact your banking institution. Review your accounts and balances with a bank representative. This will ensure that the representative is aware of your personal account history with the bank. If you normally use a certain banker who is personally familiar with your accounts, ask to speak with her instead. This person is more apt to understand your relationship with the bank and the value of your accounts.

Ask for higher interest rates on your savings accounts. Tell the representative that you feel the high balance accounts you have just reviewed together warrant better interest rates than you are currently receiving. This is the time to mention the higher interest rates you discovered at other similar banking institutions. If the representative states that she doesn't have the authority to grant higher interest rates, ask to speak with someone who does. Mention, in a nonthreatening tone, that you are sure your bank's competitors would be happy to gain the high balance accounts that you currently have with the bank.