Times are tough for bank savings account customers.

Rates are currently at 0.24%, a long-time low for the average U.S. banks savings account, according to BankingMyWay.com.

Of course though, you can always spend more time digging deeper to find better rates, but there are other effective ways of finding the best savings account deals. For starters, learn how to read the fine print, learn to avoid fees, and learn how to ask for a better deal.

Before we get into the details, let’s look at the big picture. No matter what savings account you choose, it should be FDIC insured and should be with an established bank or credit union with a sustained track record of good capital and seasoned management.

With that as your platform, try these three tips:

1. Do your homework: Focus on key issues like reading the fine print. Take some of those “great rates” of 2.0% or better on bank savings accounts, some even going as high as 3.0% or 4.0% for “high yield” accounts.

All that’s fine and good, but know that with a great rate comes a great catch, usually in the form of a high initial deposit, often as high as $2,500 and up. Plus, you’ll need to maintain that high balance over time, or face a reduction in the annual percentage yield (APY) you’re receiving or even fees that are triggered when you’re account goes below the required amount.

Even then, you still might face some high hurdles. Many banks offering big savings rates want you to open a checking account and use their bank debit or credit cards a fixed number of times per month. If you don’t, your high rate could be cut back.

2. Go online: One way to cut some of those restrictions on banks savings account deals is to open an online account at an Internet bank. You may have to do some management on the account yourself, like handling account transfers on your own. But, by and large, the best deals on banks savings accounts these days are mostly online, and the best don’t ask for big minimum balances or for a set number of bank card transactions.

3. Ask for a better deal: One under-rated, but highly effective way of getting a better rate on your banks savings account is to either pick up the phone or walk into your bank and ask to speak to a customer service manager. That’s “manager” and not “staffer”. At most banks, and especially at credit unions, managers have more control than you think. They have the power to get you a better deal or at least turn you on to some great incentives for bringing your business to the bank, or keeping it there (but only if you get a better rate deal).

Obviously, with an online bank, walking inside to chat with the manager isn’t an option. But you’ll also have the advantage of choosing among dozens of good, solid online banks from all over the country, thus increasing your chances of getting a better rate.

Make no mistake, getting that good rate is all about knowledge and leverage, and it’s the one-two punch that should land you a great deal.

— For more ways to save, spend, invest and borrow, visit MainStreet.com.