Wealthfront vs. Wells Fargo
High-Yield Savings Account Comparison
By Aviel Fahl|Last Updated: November 12, 2025
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Summary of Wealthfront vs. Wells Fargo
Key Metrics at a Glance
| Feature | Wealthfront | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Top Savings APY | 4.15% Cash Account | 0.05% Platinum Savings |
| Minimum to Open | $0 | $25 |
| Minimum Balance for Top APY | $0 | $1,000,000 |
| Note | 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. | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% 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. |
Wealthfront
Strengths
- Wealthfront offers a competitive APY of 4.15% for new clients for 3 months.
- No maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements at Wealthfront.
- Wealthfront has a higher App Store rating of 4.8 compared to Wells Fargo's 4.9.
Potential Drawbacks
- Wealthfront has an F rating from the BBB and is not accredited.
- Wealthfront has no physical branches or ATMs.
- After 3 months, Wealthfront's APY drops to 3.50%.
Wells Fargo
Strengths
- Wells Fargo has physical branches and ATMs in 36 states and D.C.
- Wells Fargo offers a variety of savings accounts including tiered options.
- Wells Fargo's Platinum Savings account can yield 0.05% APY for high balances.
Potential Drawbacks
- Wells Fargo's highest APY is significantly lower at 0.05%.
- Wells Fargo charges a $12 maintenance fee unless balance requirements are met.
- Wells Fargo has a D- rating from the BBB and is not accredited.
→ As of November 12, 2025 Wealthfront offers an APY of 4.15% for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Wells Fargo's 0.05% APY for its Platinum Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1,000,000.
→ Wealthfront yields $410 more than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 balance after one year. Wealthfront pays $415, while Wells Fargo pays $5 - an APY advantage for Wealthfront.
→ In addition, Wells Fargo also offers 0.01% APY for the Way2Save Savings account.
Calculate Savings Growth for Wealthfront vs Wells Fargo
Wealthfront - Cash Account
Total savings breakdown:
- Interest earned: $2,531.8 (12.33%)
- Total contributions: $13,000 (63.32%)
- Initial deposit: $5,000 (24.35%)
Your total balance
$20,531.80
Total balance: $20,531.8
Earnings: $2,531.8
Bank OverviewWells Fargo - Platinum Savings
⚠️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
Total balance: $18,028.6
Earnings: $28.6
Bank OverviewWith a $5,000 initial deposit and $13,000 in total contributions over 5 years, Wealthfront's total earnings would be $2,503.2 higher than Wells Fargo's total earnings.
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Compare Wealthfront's vs Wells Fargo's Savings Accounts
| Wealthfront | Wells Fargo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Cash Account | vs | Way2Save Savings | Platinum Savings |
| APY | 3.50% - 4.15% (as of 11/12/2025) | 0.01% (as of 11/12/2025) | 0.05% - 0.05% (as of 11/12/2025) | |
| Bundled Account | No | No | Yes | |
| FDIC-insured | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Online Only | Yes | No | No | |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily | Daily | |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 | $25 | |
| Minimum Balance for APY | $0 | $0 | $1,000,000 | |
| Maintenance Fee | $0 | $5. Waived under some circumstances. | $12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance. | |
| Direct Deposit Required | No | No | No | |
| Note | 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. | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% 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 Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | ||
| Google Play Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | ||
| BBB Rating | F | D- | ||
No historical data available.