American Express vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | American ExpressHigh Yield Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$171 $10,000+$341 $25,000+$853 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing American Express vs. Wealthfront
As of American Express offers an APY of 3.30% for its High Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Wealthfront's 3.90% APY for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Wealthfront pays $11 more than American Express on a $10,000 balance after one year. American Express pays $330, while Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%) - an APY advantage for Wealthfront.
Why American Express?
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 vs 3.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $341 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $853 vs $825/yr).
Best for Simplicity
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account offers 3.90% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period (factoring in a 3-month promo), Wealthfront's Cash Account pays $11 more interest on a $10,000 balance than American Express's High Yield Savings Account.
*Wealthfront's calculation includes their 3-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary as of
Wealthfront offers a Cash Account with a competitive APY of 3.90%, which is higher than American Express's High Yield Savings Account at 3.30%. Wealthfront's account is notable for its simplicity, requiring no direct deposit or maintenance fees, and it is online-only. While the APY drops to 3.25% after the initial three months for new clients, it still provides better returns for larger deposits compared to American Express. In contrast, American Express's account also has no minimum deposit or balance requirements and offers a daily compounding frequency, making it a viable alternative.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
American Express vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $12.5 more with Wealthfront than American Express 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
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Promo Rate: 3.90% for 3 months, then 3.25%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$342.50(3.3%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,342.50
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | American Express | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android3.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Requires Amex Rewards Checking; not available for standalone HYSA. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | F | F |
| Important Notes | - | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at American Express Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -10.0 | -18.8 |
Days Since Change | 8 | 19 |
2-Month High | 3.50% | 4.15% |
2-Month Low | 3.30% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 1.09 | 0.55 |
Volatility Score | 0.018 | 0.030 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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