Savings accounts are back in the spotlight in 2026 - after years of near-zero rates, banks are now advertising figures around 3 to 4 percent per year. But the eye-catching rate on a billboard and the rate you actually earn on your balance are often two different things. Before choosing an account, it is worth understanding five factors that determine your real return far more than the headline percentage.
Base rate and bonus rate are not the same thing
Most banks today offer a two-tier structure: a base rate that every client gets with no conditions, and a bonus (preferential) rate that only applies once further requirements are met - typically a minimum number of card payments per month, a minimum incoming payment (such as a salary), or holding a current account with the same bank. The gap between the two rates is often substantial, sometimes several percentage points. If you know you will not meet the conditions - say, because you rarely pay by card or your salary goes elsewhere - plan realistically around the base rate, not the advertised one.
Balance thresholds: where the rate drops
The second thing advertising often glosses over is the balance ceiling up to which the top rate actually applies. A typical pattern looks like this: the preferential rate applies up to 250,000 or 400,000 Kč, and above that threshold it drops to a fraction of the original value - sometimes as low as 0.01% per year. This does not matter much if your savings are modest, but if you plan to keep hundreds of thousands or millions of Kč in the account, the effective (blended) rate on your whole balance will be lower than the headline figure suggests. It is worth calculating the weighted average across both bands rather than settling for the first number you see.
Interest capitalisation: monthly, or only at the end?
Capitalisation determines how often accrued interest is added to the principal and starts earning interest itself. Monthly capitalisation is more favourable to the client than annual capitalisation, since the compounding effect kicks in sooner. The difference is not dramatic on everyday balances, but for larger amounts and a longer horizon it starts to add up to hundreds of Kč a year.
What a "conditional rate" actually means
If a bank marks a rate with an asterisk and the word "conditional", always look up exactly what that means - literally, not as paraphrased in the advert. The most common conditions are: active card use (often a specific number of transactions, not just one card payment a month), holding a current account with the same bank, regular investing or pension saving of a minimum amount, or new-client status (the rate then applies only for a limited time, say the first 90 days). Combining several conditions at once is common - and if you stop meeting one of them, the bank will automatically lower the rate, usually without any special notice.
Access to your money and early withdrawal
A savings account should above all be a tool with immediate access to funds - that is its main advantage over a fixed-term deposit. Most banks allow withdrawals at any time with no interest penalty, but there are exceptions with a monthly withdrawal-count limit or a reduced rate for more frequent access. If you plan to draw on the account regularly (not just in an emergency), check this detail in advance.
How to compare offers in practice
When comparing savings accounts, do not just look at the highest advertised percentage - answer four questions instead: What rate will I actually get without any special effort? Up to what balance does the top rate apply? How often is interest capitalised? And can I access my money at any time with no penalty? You can find current savings account offers with their real conditions on BankSorter's savings account comparison.
Summary
The advertised savings account rate is an entry point for comparison, not the final answer. Your real return is determined by balance thresholds, bonus-rate conditions, and capitalisation frequency together. Check all four points against the specific offer before deciding - it will save you disappointment when your first statement arrives.