Betterment vs. Sallie Mae Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
3.50%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
3.90%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.25% APY.
Betterment vs. Sallie Mae Bank Savings Calculator
Sallie Mae Bank earns $256.1 more than Betterment.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,114.10(10.5%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,114.10
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,370.20(11.6%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,370.20
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Betterment vs. Sallie Mae Bank
Why Betterment?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.5)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 1.6)
Why Sallie Mae Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.50%) on all balances
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $350/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $875/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account offers 3.90% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
BettermentBetterment offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.5) and Android app rated 4.7 (vs. 1.6)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account pays $40 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.
Executive Summary
Sallie Mae Bank offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 3.90%, making it the winner compared to Betterment's Cash Reserve, which has an APY of 3.50%. Both accounts are online-only and require no minimum balance or maintenance fees. Sallie Mae's account is noted for its simplicity, providing better returns on various deposit amounts without any direct deposit requirements. In contrast, Betterment is recognized for its superior mobile app experience, with high ratings on both iOS and Android platforms. Overall, for those seeking higher yields, Sallie Mae Bank is the preferred option.
Analysis generated based on current Banksparency database records
* AI-generated content provided for informational purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed; always verify details with the provider.
Top Market Contenders
See who beats both Betterment and Sallie Mae Bank.
| Feature | Betterment | Sallie Mae Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 12/10/2025 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $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 | iOS4.8 Android4.7 | iOS1.5 Android1.6 |
| BBB Rating | A- | A+ |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Betterment | Sallie Mae Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserve | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -4.6 | -0.1 |
Days Since Change | 39 | 313 |
11-Month High | 4.00% | 4.00% |
11-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.19 | 0.09 |
Volatility Score | 0.049 | 0.004 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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