Definition

The amount of interest you earn on savings in one year, including compound interest. A higher APY means your money grows faster.

What to consider

  • Use it to set realistic expectations when buying or selling a home.
  • It can be a useful benchmark during negotiations.
  • Make sure the appraisal report feels thorough and fair.

Real world scenarios

  • Claire compares savings accounts at various banks by looking at APY. She picks the account offering the highest yield for her emergency fund.
  • Kyle uses the APY metric to see how compound interest will boost his money over the course of a year.
  • Penny chooses a 12-month CD with a higher APY to maximize returns, knowing she won’t need that cash immediately.

Related terms

Banking & Savings