Western Alliance on Raisin vs American Express Savings: Which Pays More?
Western Alliance on Raisin pays 4.30% APY for 90 days then 4.00%; American Express pays 3.20% with 24/7 support. Earnings, the STACK bonus and which fits you.
How we make money: Some links on this page may earn us a commission. That never affects our scores or the order of our picks, which follow our published methodology. Advertiser disclosure
Western Alliance Bank’s savings account on Raisin pays more: 4.30% APY for the first 90 days, then a standard rate Raisin lists at 4.00% APY (as of Oct 27, 2026), against American Express High Yield Savings at 3.20% APY (accurate as of Nov 6, 2026). On $25,000 that is about $218 more in the first year. Amex wins on service: 24/7 phone support and one of the best rated banking apps we track. Both have no monthly fees and are FDIC insured. Rates checked Nov 6, 2026.
American Express High Yield Savings is a favorite for people who like a big name and great support. Western Alliance Bank High Yield Savings, opened through Raisin, pays more. Here is how they compare.
Western Alliance on Raisin vs American Express at a glance
| Western Alliance via Raisin | American Express High Yield Savings | |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.30% for 90 days, then 4.00% standard (Oct 27, 2026, per Raisin) | 3.20% (Nov 6, 2026) |
| Minimum to open | $1 | $0 |
| Monthly fee | None | None |
| How you open it | Through Raisin, a savings marketplace | Directly with American Express |
| Getting your money | Transfers to your linked bank through Raisin | Transfers usually 1 to 2 business days, with same day express transfers in many cases; money pulled in is available by the fifth business day |
| Funding deadline | Per Raisin’s terms | Fund within 60 days of opening |
| Support | Raisin | Phone, 24/7 |
| App rating | Raisin app: 2.9 App Store, 2.5 Google Play (Nov 3, 2026) | Amex app: 4.9 App Store, 4.8 Google Play (Sep 28, 2026) |
| Cash bonus | STACK, up to $1,000 for new Raisin customers through Nov 30, 2026 | None on this account |
| FDIC insured | Yes, Western Alliance Bank (cert 57512), pass through via Raisin | Yes, American Express National Bank (cert 27471) |
From Raisin’s Western Alliance product page and American Express’s High Yield Savings page, both checked Nov 6, 2026. Rates are variable.
How much more does Western Alliance pay?
| Balance | Western Alliance, first year* | Amex, first year | Western Alliance, later years | Amex, later years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $407 | $320 | $400 | $320 |
| $25,000 | $1,018 | $800 | $1,000 | $800 |
| $50,000 | $2,037 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $1,600 |
*90 days at 4.30% and the rest of the year at 4.00%. Interest only, if rates stay where they are today. A STACK bonus would be extra.
The 90 day promo adds only a little; most of the gap comes from the standard rate, 4.00% against 3.20%. Learn more in how Raisin rate locks work.
New Raisin customers can add a STACK cash bonus: $40 at $10,000, $100 at $25,000, $200 at $50,000, up to $900 at $200,000, plus $10 to $100 for opening a second product type. Code STACK at sign up, first deposit started by Nov 30, 2026, 11:59pm ET, money deposited within 14 days and kept on Raisin for 90 days. Details in our Raisin STACK bonus guide.
Western Alliance Bank High Yield Savings
Earn 4.30% APY with a 90 day rate lock with Western Alliance Bank's high yield savings- Limited time: use code STACK for a cash bonus up to $1,000*
- No direct deposit, account fees or balance requirements
- Deposits held by Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC
- FDIC insurance up to $250,000 for individual accounts and $500,000 for joint accounts
When American Express is the better pick
- You want to reach a person by phone at any hour.
- You want a polished app, or you already use Amex cards or Rewards Checking.
- You would rather not add a marketplace like Raisin between you and the bank.
When Western Alliance on Raisin is the better pick
- You want the higher ongoing rate on money you will mostly leave alone.
- You have $10,000 or more and can use the STACK bonus before Nov 30, 2026.
- You are fine managing the account on Raisin’s website.
Are both safe?
Yes. American Express National Bank is FDIC certificate 27471. Western Alliance Bank is FDIC certificate 57512; through Raisin, your money is held in a custodial account for your benefit and is eligible for pass through FDIC insurance. Both cover up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. If you also have Western Alliance’s direct Premier account, both balances count toward the same limit. See Raisin vs Premier and is American Express savings legit?
Our take
Western Alliance on Raisin pays about $80 more per $10,000 a year once the promo ends, at today’s rates. Amex is the account with the better experience. Compare both against the leaders in our best high yield savings accounts, or read our American Express review.
Frequently asked questions
Does Western Alliance on Raisin pay more than American Express?
Yes, at our Nov 6, 2026 check. Western Alliance pays 4.30% APY for 90 days, then 4.00% APY standard (as of Oct 27, 2026, per Raisin). American Express High Yield Savings pays 3.20% APY.
Is American Express High Yield Savings FDIC insured?
Yes. American Express National Bank is FDIC certificate 27471, and deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
How fast are American Express savings transfers?
Amex says transfers usually take 1 to 2 business days, with same day express transfers available in many cases. Money pulled in from a linked bank is available by the fifth business day.
What happens after Western Alliance’s 90 day rate lock?
The account moves to its standard variable rate, which Raisin lists as 4.00% APY as of Oct 27, 2026.
Which has better support?
American Express offers phone support 24/7. Western Alliance’s Raisin account is serviced through Raisin.
Compare today’s top savings rates
Happen Bank LevelUp SavingsAPY as of Nov 6, 20264.20%with $250 or more in deposits each monthReview →
