Wealthfront vs. Wells Fargo
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 | Wells FargoPlatinum Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% - 3.90% | 0.05% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$171 $10,000+$341 $25,000+$853 | $5,000+$3 $10,000+$5 $25,000+$13 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $25 |
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. | 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. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedChecking Bundle |
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 Wealthfront vs. Wells Fargo
As of Wealthfront offers an APY of 3.90% 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 pays $336 more than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 balance after one year. Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%), while Wells Fargo pays $5 - an APY advantage for Wealthfront.
In addition, Wells Fargo also offers 0.01% APY for the Way2Save Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 0.01%-0.05%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Wells Fargo?
- ✓Physical branch access (Wells Fargo offers branches and ATMs in 36 states and Washington, D.C.)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $3,500 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $341 vs $5/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $853 vs $13/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 $336 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wells Fargo's Platinum Savings.
*Wealthfront's calculation includes their 3-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary as of
Wealthfront offers a Cash Account with a promotional APY of 3.90% for new clients for the first three months, after which it drops to 3.25%. This account requires no minimum deposit, maintenance fees, or direct deposit, making it an attractive option for those looking for simplicity and higher returns. In contrast, Wells Fargo's highest yielding account, the Platinum Savings, provides a mere 0.05% APY, but only for balances of $1,000,000 or more and requires linking to a Premier checking account. The Way2Save Savings account offers an even lower APY of 0.01%. Therefore, Wealthfront significantly outperforms Wells Fargo in terms of interest rates.
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
Wealthfront vs. Wells Fargo Savings Calculator
You earn $337.5 more with Wealthfront than Wells Fargo 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.
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
Wells Fargo
Platinum Savings
Higher APY requires $1,000,000
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$5.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,005.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Wealthfront | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - | 0.05% Range: 0.05% - 0.05% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 2.46%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Account | Platinum Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $1,000,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance. |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.9 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $3,500/dayFounding member; zero fees to replace wires. |
| BBB Rating | F | D- |
| 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. | 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. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wells Fargo Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Wealthfront | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Account | Platinum Savings | Way2Save Savings | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -18.8 | -0.0 | 0.0 |
Days Since Change | 19 | 55 | 55 |
2-Month High | 4.15% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
2-Month Low | 3.90% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.54 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Volatility Score | 0.030 | 0.000 | 0.000 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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