Santander Bank vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Santander BankSantander Savings Jan 7, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 0.01% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$1 $10,000+$1 $25,000+$3 | $5,000+$171 $10,000+$341 $25,000+$853 |
Min Deposit | $25 | $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 InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported | 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 Santander Bank vs. Wealthfront
As of Santander Bank offers an APY of 0.01% for its Santander Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Wealthfront's 3.90% APY for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Wealthfront pays $340 more than Santander Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Santander Bank pays $1, while Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%) - an APY advantage for Wealthfront.
Why Santander Bank?
- ✓Physical branch access (Primarily in the Northeast and Miami, Florida)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 0.01%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 vs 4.0)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $341 vs $1/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $853 vs $3/yr).
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 (factoring in a 3-month promo), Wealthfront's Cash Account pays $340 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Santander Bank's Santander Savings.
*Wealthfront's calculation includes their 3-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary as of
Wealthfront offers a significantly higher APY of 3.90% on its Cash Account, making it the clear winner compared to Santander Bank's Savings Account, which has a much lower APY of 0.01%. Wealthfront's Cash Account is online-only, requires no minimum deposit or balance, and has no maintenance fees, providing a straightforward savings option. In contrast, Santander's account requires a minimum deposit of $25 and has a $1 monthly maintenance fee. Wealthfront's promotional rate applies for the first three months, after which the APY adjusts to 3.25%. Overall, Wealthfront's offering is better suited for those seeking higher returns.
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
Santander Bank vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $341.5 more with Wealthfront than Santander Bank 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.
Santander Bank
Santander Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,001.00
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 | Santander Bank | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 0.01% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - |
| Product Name | Santander Savings | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $1 | $0 |
| Branch Access | Yes | None |
| Account Type | Online & Branches | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.0 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Branch-based retail accounts only. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | Not Rated | 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 Santander Bank Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Santander Bank | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| Santander Savings | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 0.01% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 0.0 | -18.8 |
Days Since Change | 54 | 19 |
2-Month High | 0.01% | 4.15% |
2-Month Low | 0.01% | 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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