American Express vs. Betterment
American Express edges out Betterment slightly at 3.30% vs 3.25% APY. On a $10,000 balance, the difference is just $5 per year—so other factors may matter more.
The Bottom Line
The American Express and Betterment savings accounts are very similar. Choose American Express if you want Zelle for quick transfers. Choose Betterment if BBB rating matters to you, or you're an Android user.
| Metric | American ExpressHigh Yield Savings Account Feb 6, 2026 | BettermentCash Reserve Feb 6, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 3.25% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$163 $10,000+$325 $25,000+$813 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $10 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppZelle® SupportedDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.15% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing American Express vs. Betterment
Executive Summary
American Express offers a High Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 3.30%, making it the highest-yielding option between the two banks. This account requires no minimum deposit or balance and has no maintenance fees, and it is available online only. On the other hand, Betterment's Cash Reserve provides a slightly lower APY of 3.25%, also with no minimum balance or maintenance fees, and is similarly online-only. Both accounts do not require direct deposit, making them accessible for various users.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why American Express?
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Betterment?
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 3.6)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, American Express's High Yield Savings Account pays $5 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Betterment's Cash Reserve.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
American Express vs. Betterment Savings Calculator
You earn $5 more with American Express than Betterment on a $10,000 initial deposit for 1 year*.
*This calculation assumes that APYs remain unchanged for 1 year, and takes into account known promo rate periods, but does not factor in bonuses. You can see how often these banks have changed their rates in the Compare Savings Rates Over Time section below.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$325.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,325.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Still banking with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo?
On a $10,000 balance, you're missing out on at least $324 per year in interest.
Both American Express and Betterment dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | American Express | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 2/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change | 3.25% Verified: 2/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.25%90d Change |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | Cash Reserve |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | N/A |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None | None |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | Yes |
| Zelle® Support | Available Requires Amex Rewards Checking; not available for standalone HYSA. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | F | A- |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at American Express Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Betterment Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | Cash Reserve | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 3.25% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.6 | -7.3 |
Days Since Change | 38 | 55 |
12-Month High | 3.80% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.30% | 3.25% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.41 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.038 | 0.081 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Compare Similar High-Yield Accounts
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Comparing against Standard Savings
High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
Looking for something different? Check out these top-rated alternatives.
More Comparisons
Compare American Express' APY of 3.30% with other banks
Compare Betterment's APY of 3.25% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Betterment vs Ally Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| Betterment vs Barclays | 4.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| Betterment vs Citibank | 3.20% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| Betterment vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| Betterment vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| Betterment vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Synchrony Bank | 3.50% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |