Sallie Mae Bank vs. Upgrade
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
3.90%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
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.
Sallie Mae Bank vs. Upgrade Savings Calculator
Sallie Mae Bank earns $540.6 more than Upgrade.
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,370.20(11.6%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,370.20
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 Sallie Mae Bank vs. Upgrade
Why Sallie Mae Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.05%) on all balances
Why Upgrade?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 vs 1.5)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.5 vs 1.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $305/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $763/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account offers 3.90% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
UpgradeUpgrade offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.5) and Android app rated 4.5 (vs. 1.6)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account pays $85 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
Sallie Mae Bank offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 3.90%, making it the clear winner in this comparison. This account requires no minimum deposit or balance, and it has no maintenance fees, providing simplicity for users. In contrast, Upgrade's Premier Savings account offers a lower APY of 3.05%, also with no direct deposit requirement, but it does have a minimum balance requirement of $1,000. Both accounts are online-only, but Sallie Mae Bank stands out with its higher yield.
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.
Top Market Contenders
See who beats both Sallie Mae Bank and Upgrade.
| Feature | Sallie Mae Bank | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 12/10/2025 Stable (90d) | 3.05% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.97%90d Change |
| Product Name | High-Yield Savings Account | Premier Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $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 | iOS1.5 Android1.6 | iOS4.9 Android4.5 |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Sallie Mae Bank | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings Account | Premier Savings | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 3.05% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -0.2 | -10.3 |
Days Since Change | 313 | 40 |
11-Month High | 4.00% | 4.14% |
11-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.05% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.09 | 0.28 |
Volatility Score | 0.004 | 0.105 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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