4 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. Get Up to $500 — With No Interest  

Life happens. Maybe it’s an unexpected bill, a car repair, or just making it to payday. Instead of stressing (or turning to expensive payday loans), there’s a smart option. 

With MoneyLion’s Instacash®, you can get up to $500 — with no interest, no credit check and zero mandatory fees with 1 to 5 business day delivery*. 

Here’s how it works: Download the MoneyLion app for free, connect your eligible bank account where your paycheck lands, see if you qualify, then choose the amount you want, up to $500. 

Why It’s Savvy:

  • You can get up to $500 whenever you need it most.
  • No interest, no credit check and zero mandatory fees with 1 to 5 business day delivery*. 
  • It’s a much smarter option than expensive payday loans.
  • Repayments are automatically scheduled to line up with your paycheck, so you can set it and forget it. 

How You Can Use It:

  • Use this to cover an unexpected bill or to hold you over until payday.
  • Download the app for free, connect your eligible bank account where your paycheck lands, see if you qualify, then choose the amount you want, up to $500.

Want to unlock up to $500 when you need it? Download MoneyLion today to see if you qualify and get the cash you need — without the stress.

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. Between the pandemic, supply-chain issues and bear markets, a lot of people’s retirement savings felt the impact. 

That’s why it can be a smart idea to look for ways 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.

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. 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.

4. 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.

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.

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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