A recent survey by the American Bankers Association found that 36 of respondents now preferred online banking. That’s 11 more than last year, and also 11 more than those who still prefer visiting branches. One of the reasons for the growth in supporters has to be the new benefits associated with online savings accounts.Today, while many savings accounts are lowering their interest rates, online accounts are offering higher rates and waived fees. At American Express, for example, you can create an online account with no minimum deposit or balance with a yield of 1.3. SLM offers a deposit- and fee-free account with an annual yield of 1.4. Some banks are also partnering with primary schools around the country to offer accounts with smaller deposits but greater interest rates. For instance, Cardinal Bank in Virginia offers a special account option for students at 11 elementary and middle schools, featuring an annual yield of 2.5 and a deposit maximum of 1,000. (more…)