Betterment vs. Upgrade
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
Upgrade
Premier Savings
3.05%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Upgrade
Premier Savings
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. Upgrade Savings Calculator
Betterment earns $284.5 more than Upgrade.
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
Upgrade
Premier Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1,829.60(9.2%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$19,829.60
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Betterment vs. Upgrade
Why Betterment?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 3.05%) on all balances
Why Upgrade?
No distinct advantages found vs Betterment.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $305/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $763/yr).
Best for Simplicity
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve offers 3.50% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Betterment's Cash Reserve pays $45 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Upgrade's Premier Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary
Betterment offers a competitive Cash Reserve savings account with an APY of 3.50%, making it the clear winner compared to Upgrade's Premier Savings account, which has an APY of 3.05%. Betterment's account requires only a $10 minimum deposit and has no direct deposit requirement, while Upgrade's account has a higher minimum balance of $1,000. Both accounts are online-only and come with no maintenance fees. For those seeking simplicity and better returns, Betterment's Cash Reserve is the preferable 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.
Stop Losing Interest
See who beats both Betterment and Upgrade.
| Feature | Betterment | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.05% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.97%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | Premier Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $1,000 |
| 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 | iOS4.9 Android4.5 |
| BBB Rating | A- | A+ |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Betterment | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserve | Premier Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.05% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -4.5 | -10.3 |
Days Since Change | 40 | 40 |
11-Month High | 4.00% | 4.14% |
11-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.05% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.19 | 0.28 |
Volatility Score | 0.049 | 0.105 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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