Upgrade vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Upgrade
Premier Savings
3.05%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Upgrade
Premier Savings
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.
Upgrade vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
Wealthfront earns $702.2 more than Upgrade.
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
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 Upgrade vs. Wealthfront
Why Upgrade?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (4.15% vs 3.05%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 vs 4.5)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $415 vs $305/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1038 vs $763/yr).
Best for Simplicity
UpgradeUpgrade's Premier Savings offers 3.05% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Wealthfront's Cash Account pays $110 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
Wealthfront offers a superior Cash Account with an APY of 4.15%, significantly higher than Upgrade's Premier Savings at 3.05%. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees, with no direct deposit requirements. However, Wealthfront's promotional rate applies for the first three months, after which it drops to 3.50%. Upgrade's account requires a minimum balance of $1,000, whereas Wealthfront has no minimum balance requirement. Both accounts are FDIC-insured, but Wealthfront is not a bank; it partners with various banks for insurance. Overall, Wealthfront's higher APY makes it the more attractive option for savers.
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 Upgrade and Wealthfront.
| Feature | Upgrade | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.05% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.97%90d Change | 4.15% Range: 3.50% - 4.15% Verified: 12/10/2025 - |
| Product Name | Premier Savings | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $1,000 | $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 | iOS4.9 Android4.5 | 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 | Upgrade | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Savings | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 3.05% | 4.15% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -0.0 | 0.0 |
Days Since Change | 26 | 26 |
1-Month High | 3.05% | 4.15% |
1-Month Low | 3.05% | 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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