Chime vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 1.00% - 3.50% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $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 AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking Bundle | 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 Chime vs. Wealthfront
As of Chime offers an APY of 3.50% for its Chime High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to Wealthfront's 3.90% APY for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Chime pays $9 more than Wealthfront on a $10,000 balance after one year. Chime pays $350, while Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%) - an APY advantage for Chime.
Why Chime?
No distinct advantages found vs Wealthfront.
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.50%) for a duration of 3 months
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
— Key Feature Differences —
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, Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays $9 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wealthfront's Cash Account.
*This comparison accounts for Wealthfront's introductory promotional rate, yet Chime's standard rate still yields a higher 1-year return.
Executive Summary as of
Wealthfront offers a Cash Account with a competitive APY of 3.90%, making it the higher-yield option compared to Chime's High-Yield Savings Account, which provides an APY of 3.50%. Wealthfront's account does not require a direct deposit, while Chime requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees, with a minimum deposit and balance of $0. Wealthfront's promotional rate applies for the first three months, after which the APY drops to 3.25%. For those seeking simplicity without direct deposit requirements, Wealthfront is the more advantageous choice.
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
Chime vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $7.5 more with Chime than Wealthfront 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+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
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 | Chime | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Range: 1.00% - 3.50% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.25%90d Change | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| 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 | iOS4.8 Android4.8 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| 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 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% 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 | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 0.0 | -18.8 |
Days Since Change | 54 | 19 |
2-Month High | 3.50% | 4.15% |
2-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.55 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.030 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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