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APY (Annual Percentage Yield)

APY represents the total amount of interest earned on a deposit account over one year, including the effect of compound interest. It provides a standardized way to compare returns across different accounts.

What Is APY?

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is the effective annual rate of return on a savings or deposit account, factoring in compound interest. Unlike simple interest rates, APY accounts for how often interest is compounded (daily, monthly, or annually).

APY vs APR

  • APY (Annual Percentage Yield): What you earn on deposits. Includes compounding.
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate): What you pay on loans. Does not include compounding.
  • How APY Is Calculated

    APY = (1 + r/n)^n - 1

    Where:

  • r = stated annual interest rate
  • n = number of compounding periods per year
  • Example: A 5.00% interest rate compounded daily:

    APY = (1 + 0.05/365)^365 - 1 = 5.13%

    Why APY Matters for Business

  • Savings accounts: Compare yields across banks
  • Money market accounts: Often offer higher APY for larger balances
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs): Lock in a guaranteed APY for a fixed term
  • Business checking: Some accounts offer APY on balances
  • Current Market Context

    Business savings account APYs typically range from 0.01% (traditional banks) to 4-5%+ (online banks and fintechs). Always compare APY, not the stated interest rate, when choosing where to park business cash.

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