For California residents, finding a safe place to park cash while earning competitive returns often comes down to two choices: high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) or U.S. Treasury Bills (T-Bills). At first glance, HYSAs may seem attractive with their advertised annual percentage yields, easy liquidity, and FDIC insurance. However, when you account for taxes and fees, Treasury Bills often emerge as the smarter option, especially in California.
1. Tax Advantages for Californians
One of the biggest reasons Treasury Bills shine in California is the state tax exemption.
Treasury Bill interest is exempt from California state income tax.
In contrast, interest earned on a high-yield savings account is fully taxable at both the federal and state levels.
For high-income earners in California, where state income tax rates can reach 13.3%, this difference can substantially increase the after-tax yield on T-Bills compared to savings accounts.
Example:
- A HYSA paying 4% APY might yield closer to ~1.85% after federal and CA state taxes
- A 3-month T-Bill paying 4% may only be subject to federal tax, leaving your effective yield significantly higher.
2. Higher Predictable Returns
Treasury Bills are currently offering yields that often outpace the best high-yield savings accounts. With maturities ranging from 4 weeks to 52 weeks, you can lock in a predictable rate rather than being subject to a bank's decision to lower its APY without notice.
Banks can (and often do) cut HYSA rates when interest rates fall. Treasury Bills, on the other hand, guarantee your rate until maturity, making them a safer bet for predictability.
3. Safety and Direct Government Backing
Both options are safe, but the backing is different:
- HYSAs are insured by the FDIC (up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank).
- T-Bills are backed directly by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, widely considered the safest asset in the world.
For investors with larger balances exceeding FDIC limits, T-Bills can provide greater peace of mind.
4. Why Buy T-Bills Directly Instead of ETFs or Funds?
Some investors consider Treasury ETFs or bond funds for convenience, but buying T-Bills directly is often superior:
No Expense Ratios
ETFs and mutual funds charge annual fees (e.g., 0.05%–0.15%). Direct purchases through TreasuryDirect or a brokerage avoid this drag on returns.
No Market Price Fluctuations
Treasury ETFs trade like stocks, meaning their prices can rise or fall with interest rates. If you need cash before maturity, you could lose money. With direct T-Bills, you simply hold to maturity and receive the full face value.
Tax Simplicity
When you buy directly, taxes are straightforward, you report the federal interest income. ETFs can create distributions and additional reporting complexity.
5. Liquidity Considerations
- HYSAs allow you to move cash instantly.
- T-Bills tie up your money until maturity, but most brokerages allow you to sell early in the secondary market if needed. If you ladder your T-Bills (stagger maturities), you can maintain regular access to cash without losing yield.
Bottom Line
For California residents, the math is clear: Treasury Bills provide higher after-tax returns, more predictable income, and direct government backing, without the fees associated with ETFs or funds. While high-yield savings accounts still offer convenience and immediate liquidity, serious investors looking to maximize safe returns should strongly consider buying T-Bills directly.
In a high-tax state like California, choosing T-Bills over HYSAs isn't just about chasing yield, it's about keeping more of what you earn.