Sallie Mae Bank vs. Wealthfront
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
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Up to4.15%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRange: 3.50% – 4.15%Show Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Prefer In-Person Banking?
Both of these banks are online-only. If you need physical branch access, check out our list of high-yield accounts with brick-and-mortar locations.
Sallie Mae Bank vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
Wealthfront earns $161.6 more than Sallie Mae Bank.
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
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,531.80(12.3%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,531.80
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Sallie Mae Bank vs. Wealthfront
Why Sallie Mae Bank?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (4.15% vs 3.90%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.5)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 vs 1.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $415 vs $390/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1038 vs $975/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
WealthfrontWealthfront offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.5) and Android app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.6)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Wealthfront's Cash Account pays $25 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary
Wealthfront's Cash Account stands out with a competitive APY of 4.15%, which is higher than Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account at 3.90%. Both accounts require no minimum deposit, have no maintenance fees, and are online-only. Wealthfront offers an introductory rate of 4.15% for the first three months, after which it drops to 3.50%. While Sallie Mae Bank's account is noted for its simplicity with no direct deposit requirement, Wealthfront is highlighted for better returns at various deposit levels and superior mobile app experiences. Both accounts are FDIC-insured.
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 Wealthfront.
| Feature | Sallie Mae Bank | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 12/10/2025 Stable (90d) | 4.15% Range: 3.50% - 4.15% Verified: 12/10/2025 - |
| Product Name | High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| 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 4.15% for 3 months, after which the 3.50% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Sallie Mae Bank | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 4.15% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Days Since Change | 26 | 26 |
1-Month High | 3.90% | 4.15% |
1-Month Low | 3.90% | 4.15% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.000 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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