About a year ago, robo-advisor Betterment launched Smart Saver, which took aim at the traditional bank account by offering a 2.1% yield—much better than the average interest from a U.S. savings account. It also was not subject to taxes on interest.
The online wealth advisor has now upped its game, launching a high-yielding savings account and a checking account with no fees, according to a news release.
The Betterment Everyday Savings account, which is available immediately, has a 2.69% APY, which is FDIC-insured up to $1 million on the entire balance, with no minimum balance and no withdrawal limits. It requires $10 to open an account but there is no minimum balance requirement.
The Everyday Checking account, available later this year, also comes with the Betterment Visa Debit Card and reimbursement of all ATM fees. It also offers users unlimited ATM access worldwide, the release noted. Consumers can sign up on a waiting list to get early access.
“The biggest challenge for Americans when it comes to their money is saving for the future, and unfortunately a majority of the traditional banks they depend on charge extra fees, encourage cash-holding and upsell unnecessary products,” Jon Stein, CEO of Betterment, said in a company statement. “Betterment Everyday is the solution to the longstanding industry problem. No matter where you are in your financial journey, Betterment lays the path for smart investing and now secure saving everyday."
Betterment is competing with financial firms such as Wealthfront, Ally Bank, Carson Wealth and Social Finance Inc., in its effort to compete with traditional banks.
For the savings account, Betterment partnered with Citi, Barclays, Valley National Bank, Seaside National Bank and Georgia Banking Company. The National Bank of Kansas City will provide the checking account services.