Our take: Betterment’s Cash Reserve and Checking accounts deliver competitive rates, no fees, and generous FDIC protection. It’s a great fit for online savers, though limited customer support could be a drawback.
Cash Reserve high-yield cash management account
- High-yield savings account with competitive interest rate
- Not a bank, but partners with two dozen banks to provide up to $2 million in FDIC protection
- $0 fees—pay no monthly or maintenance fees
- Unlimited withdrawals
- No minimum balance, and money grows with as little as $10 in the account
- Optimize cash by setting up savings goals and automating deposits
- Online only institution with no branches
- No online or weekend customer service
- Variable APY is subject to change
| APY (variable) | 3.75% – 4.40% (new customer offer with qualifying deposit) |
| Opening deposit | $10 |
| Min. balance | None |
| FDIC or NCUA insured | FDIC through partner banks |
Checking account
- ATM fees and foreign fees are automatically reimbursed
- Comes with tap-to-pay Visa debit card
- Partners with two dozen banks to provide up to $250,000 in FDIC protection
- No overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements
- Mobile check deposit only available for certain, established accounts
- No interest earned on account balance
| Joint account available | Yes |
| Mobile check deposit | Only qualified accounts |
| ATM fees | Refunded |
| Bill pay offered | No |
What is Betterment?
Launched in the wake of 2008’s Great Recession, Betterment was created to make it easier and more affordable for people to receive investment advice. Over the years, the company has evolved, and Betterment Cash Reserve is a new way to manage money.
A high-yield savings account, Betterment Cash Reserve can be combined with the company’s mobile-first checking account. For those who are comfortable banking online, the two accounts come with appealing features.
Our LendEDU Betterment Cash Reserve review gives the high-yield savings account a rating of 4.1 out of 5. Other Betterment products have not yet been reviewed.
Is Betterment a bank?
No, Betterment is a fintech company, which is short for financial technology.
While Betterment is not a bank, it does partner with two dozen banks that hold its customers’ money. By spreading deposits across multiple institutions, the company can offer up to $2 million in FDIC insurance—$4 million for joint accounts—to Cash Reserve accountholders.
FDIC coverage, provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is capped at $250,000 per depositor per institution.
Betterment Cash Reserve
High-yield cash management account
Betterment Cash Reserve offers a competitive APY and can be a good choice for anyone who is comfortable managing money online. It can be especially valuable for those with large savings since it offers $2 million ($4 million for joint accounts) in FDIC coverage. However, online reviews cite poor customer service as a concern.
| APY | 3.75% – 4.40% (new customer offer with qualifying deposit) |
| Opening deposit | $10 |
| Min. balance | None |
| FDIC or NCUA insured | FDIC through partner banks |
| Checking account available | Yes |
| Mobile check deposit | No |
| ATM card | No |
| BBB rating | A–, accredited, 1.73/5 customer rating |
| Trustpilot rating | 1.5/5 |
No one account is right for everyone, but here are some reasons why the Betterment HYSA stands out.
Competitive high-yield interest rate
The Betterment interest rate is not the highest available on the market right now, but it is close. What’s more, new customers who make a qualifying deposit will receive a 0.65% boost in their APY through Jan. 15, 2026.
Additional FDIC protection
Is Betterment FDIC insured? Its customers’ money is thanks to a network of two dozen partner banks.
By spreading deposits across these banks, Betterment provides up to $2 million in FDIC protection to its Cash Reserve customers. Joint accounts qualify for $4 million in FDIC coverage.
No minimum balance
You only need $10 to open a Betterment Cash Reserve account and start earning interest. With no ongoing minimum balance requirement, that makes this account a great choice for new savers.
No fees
The fact that this is a totally free account is another reason for the high rating on this Betterment savings account review. You won’t have to worry about paying monthly or maintenance fees here.
Unlimited withdrawals
Some banks limit the number of withdrawals a customer can take from a savings account each month. But Betterment allows unlimited withdrawals from the Cash Reserve account.
Goal setting
Betterment lets you create multiple goals for your money, whether that be saving for a vacation or for a rainy day. Then, you can use the company’s automated tools to set aside money to reach those goals.
Betterment Checking
Checking account
The Betterment checking account is a mobile-first account. It’s a good choice for fee-free checking, but you won’t get many bells and whistles. Accounts come with a Betterment debit card and can be funded with direct deposit. However, mobile check deposit is only available to qualifying customers.
| FDIC or NCUA insured | FDIC insured through partner banks |
| Joint account available | Yes |
| Mobile check deposit | Only for qualified accounts |
| ATM fees | Refunded |
| Bill pay offered | No |
Betterment Checking is a separate account that can be opened with or without a Cash Reserve account. It’s a basic account, but for someone who wants a free place to directly deposit a paycheck, this can be a good choice for the following reasons.
No fees
Like the Cash Reserve account, there are no ongoing fees with Betterment checking. There are also no overdraft fees since the company will decline any charge that might exceed your available balance.
What’s more, this checking account will refund any ATM fees you incur as well as the 1% fee Visa charges for foreign transactions.
FDIC protection
As mentioned earlier, Betterment is not a bank, but it does partner with banks to hold its customers’ money. That means up to $250,000 in Betterment checking accounts are protected by FDIC insurance.
Convenient payment options
You’ll receive a Visa tap-to-pay card as your Betterment debit card. The company says its checking customers can also use paper checks or mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
How Betterment compares to other accounts
- Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/
- APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/
- Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
- Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
- ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
- Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
- Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
- 1.10% Savings APY Boost: Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/
- APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/
- Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
- Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
- ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
- Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
- Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
- 1.10% Savings APY Boost: Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/
- APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 9/23/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/
- Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
- Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
- ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
- Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
- Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
- 1.10% Savings APY Boost: Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Betterment vs. SoFi®
Betterment offers a boosted APY through January 15, 2026, and provides up to $2 million in FDIC insurance—or $4 million for joint accounts—through its network of partner banks. Customers can open savings and checking accounts separately, allowing for more flexibility.
By contrast, SoFi’s boosted APY is available only for the first six months after account opening. It offers up to $3 million in FDIC insurance through partner banks but requires users to open both savings and checking accounts together.
Betterment vs. Synchrony
Synchrony stands out for its simplicity, offering a 3.80% APY on its high-yield savings account with no fees, minimums, or balance requirements. It even includes an optional ATM card, which makes cash access quick and convenient.
Betterment, meanwhile, takes a more all-in-one approach. Its Cash Reserve account offers a boosted APY through January 15, 2026, along with up to $2 million in FDIC insurance ($4 million for joint accounts). While it lacks an ATM card, users can get unlimited ATM fee reimbursements when they also open a Betterment checking account.
To see how the Betterment APY compares to other banks, see our rundown of the best high-yield savings accounts and best checking accounts.
Article sources
At LendEDU, our writers and editors rely on primary sources, such as government data and websites, industry reports and whitepapers, and interviews with experts and company representatives. We also reference reputable company websites and research from established publishers. This approach allows us to produce content that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by reliable evidence. Read more about our editorial standards.
- Gizmo, Betterment – The Founding Story
- Betterment, Cash Reserve Overview
- Betterment, Checking Account FAQs
- Betterment, Contact
- Betterment, Can I Access Cash Reserve With a Debit Card?
- SoFi, Checking and Savings
- Synchrony, High-Yield Savings
- Betterment, Checking
- Betterment, High-Yield Cash
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About our contributors
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Written by Maryalene LaPonsieMaryalene LaPonsie has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, including 15 years specializing in education, healthcare, and personal finance topics. She graduated from Western Michigan University, where she studied political science and international business. She resides in West Michigan.
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Edited by Amanda HankelAmanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.