Printable-style checklist
Before believing a 4.9% rate, verify these items
| Item | Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rate label | Does the provider say APY, APR, dividend rate, or estimate? | Different labels can produce different expectations. |
| Duration | Is the rate ongoing, variable, or promotional? | Variable rates can change; promotions can expire. |
| Balance rules | Are there minimums, maximums, or tiers? | The headline may not apply to every dollar. |
| Fees | Could maintenance or transfer fees reduce the benefit? | Net value matters more than headline yield. |
| Protection | Is the product deposit-insured or a non-deposit fund? | Money market accounts and money market funds are not identical. |
| Source | Are you reading official current disclosures? | Aggregators and ads can be stale or incomplete. |