Chime vs. Wealthfront
Comparing Chime and Wealthfront for high-yield savings: Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays 3.00% APY while Wealthfront's Cash Account pays 3.95% APY (including a 3-month 0.65% promo boost).
Note: Chime requires a checking account.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Wealthfront pays $46 more than Chime annually ($346 vs $300).
Choose Chime if you want to avoid a promo rate with a scheduled drop, or BBB rating matters to you. Choose Wealthfront if getting the best rate matters most.
Important Considerations
The key difference? Wealthfront's 3.95% rate includes a promotional bonus for the first 3 months, after which it reverts to the standard rate (currently 3.30%). Chime's 3.00% rate has no scheduled drop, though all rates are subject to change.
Chime requires a checking account to unlock its top savings rate, while Wealthfront offers its savings account standalone.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Feb 21, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 0.75% - 3.00% | 3.30% - 3.95% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$150 $10,000+$300 $25,000+$750 | $5,000+$173 $10,000+$346 $25,000+$866 |
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 3.95% for 3 months, after which the 3.30% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking BundleDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate 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 Chime vs. Wealthfront
Executive Summary
Wealthfront offers a Cash Account with a competitive APY of 3.95%, significantly higher than Chime's High-Yield Savings Account, which provides an APY of 3.00%. Wealthfront's account does not require a direct deposit, making it more accessible, while Chime requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days. Additionally, Wealthfront's account is designed for simplicity, with no maintenance fees or bundling requirements. For those considering Chime, it does allow for lower yields starting at 0.75% without meeting direct deposit criteria, but Wealthfront remains the superior option based on the provided data.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why Chime?
No distinct advantages found vs Wealthfront.
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.95% vs 3.00%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $346 vs $300/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $866 vs $750/yr).
Best for Simplicity
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account offers 3.95% 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 $46 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account.
*Wealthfront's calculation includes their 3-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Chime vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $47.5 more with Wealthfront than Chime 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.
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$300.00(2.9%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,300.00
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Promo Rate: 3.95% for 3 months, then 3.30%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$347.50(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,347.50
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 Chime and Wealthfront dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Chime | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.00% Range: 0.75% - 3.00% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.95% Range: 3.30% - 3.95% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | N/A | None |
| Direct Deposit Req. | RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days | None |
| Checking Bundle | Yes | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | Yes | Yes |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | 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 3.95% for 3 months, after which the 3.30% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Chime | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 3.00% | 3.95% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -14.0 | -8.6 |
Days Since Change | 22 | 22 |
3-Month High | 3.50% | 4.15% |
3-Month Low | 3.00% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.30 | 0.60 |
Volatility Score | 0.056 | 0.028 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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