Fnbo Direct vs. Wells Fargo

High-Yield Savings Account Comparison

By Aviel Fahl|Last Updated: October 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

2.51%

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 2.51% 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 higher APY of 3.00% compared to Wells Fargo's 2.51%.
  • No maintenance fees for FNBO Direct's High-Yield Online Savings Account.
  • FNBO Direct has a higher App Store rating of 4.5.

Potential Drawbacks

  • FNBO Direct has no branches, limiting in-person banking options.
  • FNBO Direct's APY decreased from 3.25% in the last 30 days.
  • FNBO Direct is not rated by the BBB.

Wells Fargo

Strengths

  • Wells Fargo has branches and ATMs in 36 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Wells Fargo's Platinum Savings account offers tiered rates for high balances.
  • Wells Fargo has a higher App Store rating of 4.9.

Potential Drawbacks

  • Wells Fargo's Platinum Savings requires a $1,000,000 balance for the 2.51% APY.
  • Wells Fargo has an F BBB rating and is not accredited.
  • Wells Fargo charges a $12 maintenance fee unless certain conditions are met.
Summary: FNBO Direct provides a significantly higher APY of 3.00% with no maintenance fees, but lacks branch access and has a recent decrease in APY. In contrast, Wells Fargo offers branch banking and tiered savings options, but requires a high balance for competitive rates and has an F BBB rating. Overall, FNBO Direct may appeal more to those seeking higher interest without fees, while Wells Fargo may suit customers preferring in-person services.

→ As of October 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 2.51% 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 (with an effective APY of 0.05%) - 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

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

APY: 2.51%

⚠️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 AccountvsWay2Save SavingsPlatinum Savings
APY
3.00% (as of 10/16/2025)0.01% (as of 10/16/2025)0.05% - 2.51% (as of 10/16/2025)
Bundled Account
NoNoYes
FDIC-insured
YesYesYes
Online OnlyNoNoNo
Compound Frequency
MonthlyDailyDaily
Minimum Deposit$1$25$25
Minimum Balance for APY$0.01$0$1,000,000
Maintenance Fee$0$5. Waived under some circumstances.$12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance.
Direct Deposit Required
NoNoNo
NoteThis is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 2.51% 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 RatingNot RatedF

Comparative Historical APY Insights (Last 3 Months)

FNBO DirectWells Fargo
ProductHigh-Yield Online Savings AccountvsPlatinum SavingsWay2Save Savings
Latest APY3.00 %2.51 %0.01 %
TrendFallingFallingSideways
Slope (bps/mo)-7.7-25.2-0.0
Rate Changes / Mo0.360.710.00
Days Since Last Change13083
High (-3 m)3.25 %2.51 %0.01 %
Low (-3 m)3.00 %0.05 %0.01 %
Draw-down from High-7.7 %0.0 %0.0 %
Volatility (CV)0.0290.2290.000
APY Insights Glossary
Latest APY
Most recent advertised annual-percentage yield.
Trend
Direction over the last 3 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 (-3 m)
Highest APY in the last 84 days.
Low (-3 m)
Lowest APY in the last 84 days.
Draw-down from High
How far today sits below the 3-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 2.51% with other banks