5 Low-Risk Accounts Financially Savvy People Trust for Reliable Returns – And How You Can Use Them

Not everyone has the same risk appetite. While some people are comfortable with lots of volatility, others are just looking for a way to earn steady, reliable returns without taking big chances with their hard-earned money.

If you’re interested in putting your money to work for you while still protecting your capital, these are some tried-and-tested low-risk accounts that financially savvy people trust for steady growth. See how you can use them, too.

1. High-Yield Savings — Grow Your Savings More Than 8x Faster Every Month

Most people have a savings account. But too many people keep their money in a traditional savings account, which pays just 0.40% APY, on average. You can do better.

When you keep your savings with Cash App, you could earn up to 3.25% interest* — that’s more than eight times faster than average.

Why It’s Savvy:

  • When you set up a direct deposit of just $300 per month, you’ll boost your interest rate to 3.25% interest.
  • You can transfer your savings any time you want, so your money is easily accessible when you need it.
  • Cash App monitors your money 24/7 to look out for any fraud, plus there are no monthly/hidden fees or minimum-balance requirements.
  • You can get started with as little as $1.

How You Can Use It:

  • Use your savings for short- to medium-term goals, where you might need quick access to funds, like an emergency fund or saving for a vacation.

Want to boost your savings to 3.25% interest every month? It’s easy to get started here with as little as $1 and watch your money grow more than eight times faster than average.**  

2. Diversify Your Portfolio With Precious Metals — And Get Up to $20K in Free Metals

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that disruptions to the market can come out of nowhere — and a lot of people’s retirement savings felt the impact. 

That’s why it can be a smart idea to protect your retirement savings from the unpredictable. For a lot of people, investing in gold and precious metals is a way to diversify and protect their investments, plus you can get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Why It’s Savvy:

  • Investing in precious metals like gold and silver can help diversify your portfolio and protect you against market volatility.
  • Precious metals often outperform other investments in a volatile market, and their value tends to rise with inflation, making them an effective hedge during uncertain economic times.
  • Gold has historically maintained its value.

How You Can Use It:

  • One way to invest is with a precious metals IRA.
  • When you open a gold or silver IRA, you can typically roll over funds from existing retirement accounts. Or you can buy gold and silver directly from the precious metals dealer. 
  • Worried you may need to sell your precious metals in the future? Many dealers offer buyback commitments and will purchase your assets back from you at the highest price.

Get Started:

Want to diversify your portfolio to hedge against economic uncertainty — and claim your bonus of up to $20,000 in free metals? It’s easy to get started, and many dealers offer a free kit to allow you to learn more before you invest.

3. Annuities: Earn Guaranteed Growth on Your Retirement Savings

Annuities are financial products offered by insurance companies that provide a steady stream of payments in exchange for an upfront investment. Annuities are a low-risk, long-term option often used by financially savvy people to ensure guaranteed income during retirement.

You can get started with a Gainbridge® FastBreak™ annuity with a minimum investment of just $1,000. The more you invest, the higher rate you can earn — up to 5.20% APY**. The best part? There’s no risk to your investment. 

Why It’s Savvy:

  • Annuities offer guaranteed payments, which can be structured to last for a set number of years or for the rest of your life.
  • Many annuities come with the option to earn interest on your investment — up to 5.20% APY** — providing steady returns over time.
  • Unlike traditional investments like stocks, annuities protect your capital from market volatility, making them a secure way to ensure long-term income.

How You Can Use It:

  • Consider annuities as part of your retirement planning, particularly if you’re looking for a guaranteed income stream after you stop working.
  • Look for annuities that offer favorable interest rates and low fees.

Looking for a predictable, stable way to grow your retirement savings without risking any of your principal investment? Get started here with as little as $1,000 to earn 4.90% APY, or deposit more to earn up to 5.20% APY.

4. Boost Your Lifetime Investment Returns — By As Much As Double

According to a Northwestern Mutual study, working with a financial planner could double your lifetime investment returns*** — all while helping you reduce risk.

But only one in three people ever do it. Luckily, a company called WiserAdvisor will match you with a vetted financial advisor in your area — for free. Get your free match here.

Why It’s Savvy:

  • Professional advice can potentially double your lifetime returns.
  • You get matched with an advisor tailored to your unique goals — retirement, investing and more.
  • Every advisor is pre-screened for expertise and trustworthiness, and you have no obligation to hire them.

How You Can Use It:

  • Get a personalized financial plan.
  • Get answers to your biggest money questions — from retirement planning to smart investing.

Don’t miss the chance to see what your money could really be doing. Get matched with a financial advisor for free.

5. Bundled Checking and Savings Savings Accounts with Competitive APYs

Most people have a separate checking and savings account. But if you bundle them, you could earn a much higher APY — more than 11 times the national average.

This lets you steadily grow your savings while still having easy access to your money — and without the risk of other investments.

Why It’s Savvy:

  • High-yield savings accounts offer competitive APYs — usually much higher than the national average. This allows your money to earn more interest and compound over time. It’s a great balance between security and growth.
  • You can access your money whenever you need to without penalties.
  • Many savings accounts are FDIC-insured****, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 in case of bank failure.

How You Can Use It:

  • Look for online banks or credit unions that offer higher APYs, often well above the national average.
  • Use your savings account for short- to medium-term goals, where you might need quick access to funds, like an emergency fund or saving for a vacation.

It’s easy to compare accounts here and start maximizing your savings potential.

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Bottom Line

Low-risk accounts that offer stable returns are a financially savvy move for anyone. They can offer a foundation for building wealth without risking your hard-earned capital. 

Want to enjoy reliable returns while ensuring your money stays secure? These options offer stability and steady growth that savvy investors trust. Compare our top-rated options here to get started.

**The national average savings account interest rate is 0.40% APY, according to the FDIC, as of Oct. 20, 2025.

**** With a Cash App Card, your funds are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met.

Instacash® is subject to terms and eligibility requirements. 

* Fees apply for optional Turbo delivery within minutes 

***Americans with a financial advisor expect to retire two years earlier according to Northwestern Mutual’s Planning & Progress Study

**** With a Cash App Card, your funds are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met.

*Source: FDIC, national average of savings, week of 11/17/25. Rates subject to change.

**Gainbridge®: Annuity rates are subject to change at any time, and the rate mentioned may no longer be current. Please visit Gainbridge.io for current rates, full product disclosures and disclaimer. Withdrawals above the 10% free withdrawal amount are subject to a withdrawal charge and market-value adjustment. FastBreak™ is issued by Gainbridge Life Insurance Company in Zionsville, Indiana. FastBreak™ is not a tax-deferred annuity; instead, it is taxed annually.

GOBankingRates maintains editorial independence. While we may receive compensation from actions taken after clicking on links within our content, no content has been supplied by any advertiser prior to publication.

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