Fnbo Direct vs. Wells Fargo

High-Yield Savings Account Comparison

By Aviel Fahl|Last Updated: November 16, 2025

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Summary of FNBO Direct vs. Wells Fargo

Key Metrics at a Glance

FeatureFNBO DirectWells Fargo
Top Savings APY

3.00%

High-Yield Online Savings Account

0.05%

Platinum Savings

Minimum to Open$1$25
Minimum Balance for Top APY$0.01$1,000,000
NoteThis is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details.

FNBO Direct

Strengths

  • FNBO Direct offers a high APY of 3.00%, significantly higher than Wells Fargo's rates.
  • FNBO Direct has no maintenance fees, unlike Wells Fargo's accounts that may incur fees.
  • FNBO Direct has an A+ BBB rating and is BBB Accredited, indicating strong trustworthiness.

Potential Drawbacks

  • FNBO Direct has no physical branches, limiting in-person banking options.

Wells Fargo

Strengths

  • Wells Fargo has a large branch network across 36 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Wells Fargo's app has a high rating of 4.9 on the App Store, indicating user satisfaction.

Potential Drawbacks

  • Wells Fargo's highest APY is only 0.05%, far lower than FNBO Direct's offering.
  • Wells Fargo has a D- BBB rating and is not BBB Accredited, raising trust concerns.
  • Wells Fargo's Platinum Savings account requires a $1,000,000 minimum balance for the highest APY.
Summary: FNBO Direct significantly outperforms Wells Fargo in terms of APY with 3.00% compared to 0.05%. Additionally, FNBO Direct has no maintenance fees and a strong A+ BBB rating, while Wells Fargo's D- rating and branch-based model may deter some customers. However, Wells Fargo provides extensive branch access and a highly rated app, which could appeal to those preferring in-person banking.

→ As of November 16, 2025 FNBO Direct offers an APY of 3.00% for its High-Yield Online Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to Wells Fargo's 0.05% APY for its Platinum Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1,000,000.

FNBO Direct yields $295 more than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 balance after one year. FNBO Direct pays $300, while Wells Fargo pays $5 - an APY advantage for FNBO Direct.

→ In addition, Wells Fargo also offers 0.01% APY for the Way2Save Savings account.

Calculate Savings Growth for FNBO Direct vs Wells Fargo

All calculations are based on APY.

FNBO Direct - High-Yield Online Savings Account

Top APY: 3.00%

Total savings breakdown:

  • Interest earned: $1,798.2 (9.08%)
  • Total contributions: $13,000 (65.66%)
  • Initial deposit: $5,000 (25.25%)

Your total balance

$19,798.20

Effective APY: 3.00% (based on your deposit and contributions)

Total balance: $19,798.2

Earnings: $1,798.2

Bank Overview

Wells Fargo - Platinum Savings

Top APY: 0.05%

⚠️The higher APY only applies once your balance reaches $1,000,000.

Total savings breakdown:

  • Interest earned: $28.6 (0.16%)
  • Total contributions: $13,000 (72.11%)
  • Initial deposit: $5,000 (27.73%)

Your total balance

$18,028.60

Effective APY: 0.05% (based on your deposit and contributions)

Total balance: $18,028.6

Earnings: $28.6

Bank Overview

With a $5,000 initial deposit and $13,000 in total contributions over 5 years, FNBO Direct's total earnings would be $1,769.6 higher than Wells Fargo's total earnings.

The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.

Compare FNBO Direct's vs Wells Fargo's Savings Accounts

FNBO DirectWells Fargo
ProductHigh-Yield Online Savings AccountvsPlatinum SavingsWay2Save Savings
APY
3.00% (as of 11/16/2025)0.05% - 0.05% (as of 11/16/2025)0.01% (as of 11/16/2025)
Bundled Account
NoYesNo
FDIC-insured
YesYesYes
Online OnlyYesNoNo
Compound Frequency
MonthlyDailyDaily
Minimum Deposit$1$25$25
Minimum Balance for APY$0.01$1,000,000$0
Maintenance Fee$0$12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance.$5. Waived under some circumstances.
Direct Deposit Required
NoNoNo
NoteThis is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details.
App Store Rating4.5/54.9/5
Google Play Rating4.8/54.8/5
BBB RatingA+D-

Comparative Historical APY Insights (Last 4 Months)

FNBO DirectWells Fargo
ProductHigh-Yield Online Savings AccountvsPlatinum SavingsWay2Save Savings
Latest APY3.00 %0.05 %0.01 %
TrendFallingFallingSideways
Slope (bps/mo)-9.6-84.50.0
Rate Changes / Mo0.260.790.00
Days Since Last Change4430111
High (-4 m)3.25 %2.51 %0.01 %
Low (-4 m)3.00 %0.05 %0.01 %
Draw-down from High-7.7 %-98.0 %0.0 %
Volatility (CV)0.0400.6990.000
APY Insights Glossary
Latest APY
Most recent advertised annual-percentage yield.
Trend
Direction over the last 4 months (regression slope).
Slope (bps/mo)
Average monthly change; 10 bps = 0.10 pp.
Rate Changes / Mo
Typical number of APY moves per month.
Days Since Last Change
Recency of the latest APY adjustment.
High (-4 m)
Highest APY in the last 114 days.
Low (-4 m)
Lowest APY in the last 114 days.
Draw-down from High
How far today sits below the 4-month peak.
Volatility (CV)
Coefficient of variation = stdev ÷ mean.
Why Track Savings-Account APYs?
  • See how quickly a bank reacts to Fed moves or competition.
  • Gauge “twitchiness” - frequent moves can annoy savers.
  • Spot if you're buying near a peak (draw-down) or riding a rise.
  • Slope (bps/mo) shows speed of change.
  • Volatility (CV) scales jumps by average level.

More Comparisons

Compare FNBO Direct's APY of 3.00% with other banks
Compare Wells Fargo's APY of 0.05% with other banks