Betterment vs. Capital One
Comparing Betterment and Capital One for high-yield savings: Betterment's Cash Reserve pays 4.00% APY while Capital One's 360 Performance Savings pays 3.00% APY.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Betterment pays $100 more than Capital One annually ($400 vs $300).
Choose Betterment if getting the best rate matters most. Choose Capital One if you value in-person banking, or you want Zelle for quick transfers.
| Metric | BettermentCash Reserve Aug 6, 2026 | Capital One360 Performance Savings Aug 6, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% - 4.00% | 3.00% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$200 $10,000+$400 $25,000+$1,000 | $5,000+$150 $10,000+$300 $25,000+$750 |
Min Deposit | $10 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Promo rate for new customers. 3.25% APY applies to existing customers. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedRate Changes Often |
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Betterment vs. Capital One
Executive Summary
Betterment offers a competitive savings option with its Cash Reserve, which provides a higher APY of 4.00% for new customers, while existing customers earn a lower rate of 3.25%. In contrast, Capital One's 360 Performance Savings account has a lower APY of 3.00%. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and do not require a minimum balance, making them accessible. However, Betterment's higher yield makes it the preferred choice for savers looking to maximize their returns, especially for new customers, while Capital One's account is available to all.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why Betterment?
- ✓Higher potential APY (4.00% vs 3.00%) on all balances
Why Capital One?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Physical branch access (Over 200 branches in Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,500 a day)
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $400 vs $300/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1000 vs $750/yr).
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Betterment's Cash Reserve pays $100 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Capital One's 360 Performance Savings.
*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
Betterment vs. Capital One Savings Calculator
You earn $100 more with Betterment than Capital One 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.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$400.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,400.00
Capital One
360 Performance Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$300.00(2.9%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,300.00
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 $299 per year in interest.
Both Betterment and Capital One dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Betterment | Capital One |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.25% - 4.00% Verified: 8/6/2026 - | 3.00% Verified: 8/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | 360 Performance Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | N/A | Monthly |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Physical Branches | None | Over 200 branches in Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | Yes | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $2,500/dayAvailable for 360 Checking accounts. |
| BBB Rating | A- | A+ |
| Important Notes | Promo rate for new customers. 3.25% APY applies to existing customers. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Betterment Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Capital One Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Betterment | Capital One |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserve | 360 Performance Savings | |
Current APY | 4.00% | 3.00% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -0.2 | -4.8 |
Days Since Change | 4 | 65 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 3.50% |
12-Month Low | 3.25% | 3.00% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.41 | 0.41 |
Volatility Score | 0.081 | 0.052 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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Compare Betterment's APY of 4.00% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Betterment vs Ally Bank | 3.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs American Express | 3.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Barclays | 3.65% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Chime | 3.75% | $0 |
| Betterment vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| Betterment vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.40% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| Betterment vs Openbank | 3.80% | $500 |
| Betterment vs Pibank | 4.10% | $0 |
| Betterment vs SoFi Bank | 3.80% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Synchrony Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Varo Bank | 3.75% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Wealthfront | 4.20% | $0 |