(MONEY Magazine) – Banks are making it increasingly difficult for small savers to earn top returns. According to Bank Rate Monitor, an industry newsletter, eight of the 20 top-yielding one-year CDs available nationwide recently required a $10,000 deposit; by contrast, only five let savers in for $1,000. Two years ago just two of the 20 top yielders demanded $10,000, while eight accepted $500 or $1,000. MONEY's monthly list of the best U.S. savings yields on page 153 reflects the trend: Seven of the nine top CDs now require deposits of $5,000 or $10,000; the others want $1,000 or $2,500.

Still, if you have only $500 or so to save, you don't have to settle for subpar yields. Many local banks and credit unions pay competitive rates and take smaller sums than banks that solicit deposits nationally. Indeed, at credit unions, a six-month CD now averages 5.35%, vs. 4.9% at banks. You can also shop online for high yielders at www.bankrate.com. A recent find: A $500-minimum six-month CD sold on the Internet by Douglas County Bank & Trust in Omaha currently yields 6%.

--E.S.