I Lost $700 a Year in Interest With My Wells Fargo Savings Account. Why I Finally Made the Switch

Motley Fool
03 Aug

Image source: Getty Images

For over 15 years -- and out of pure complacency -- I kept my emergency fund in a traditional Wells Fargo savings account. But then I actually looked at what I was earning in interest: 0.01% annual percentage yield (APY).

With my $20,000 in savings, that comes out to just $2 a year in interest. No, that's not a typo.

It wasn't until recently that I realized I was leaving hundreds of dollars on the table every year. That's when I made the switch to SoFi® -- and I haven't looked back.

Here's how you can join me in earning hundreds more in interest each year.

SoFi®'s sky-high APY changed everything

SoFi®'s savings account currently pays up to 3.80% APY for customers with direct deposit. It also has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and FDIC insurance up to $250,000.

The best part? It only took me about 30 minutes to open and fund the account. I did it a few months ago in between NBA playoff games.

Now, instead of earning $2 a year, I'm earning about $760 per year, just for moving my money. And that's all without taking any risk or limiting access to my cash.

SoFi® has a few other perks I love, including:

  • Early paycheck access: Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • No-fee overdraft coverage: Up to $50 covered automatically (with direct deposit)
  • Instant transfers: Move money between accounts or send to friends fast

Want to join me in earning more easy money? Open a SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) account today and get up to 3.80% APY with direct deposit.

Smaller balances can still rack up interest

You don't need a huge chunk of change to make the switch worth it. Here's how much you could earn with a high-yield savings account earning 3.80% APY:

  • $10,000 = $380/year in interest
  • $5,000 = $190/year
  • $2,500 = $95/year

Compare that to what a Wells Fargo account at 0.01% APY earns:

  • $10,000 = $1/year
  • $5,000 = $0.50/year
  • $2,500 = $0.25/year

Even with a modest balance, switching can put real money back in your pocket. It's more than worth your time.

I only wish I'd done it sooner

For most of my life, Wells Fargo was the easy, familiar banking choice.

I never thought to question the return I was getting -- but once I did, the choice became obvious. I made the move to SoFi® a few months ago, and I'm never looking back.

Stop settling for less on your savings -- make the switch to one of our favorite high-yield savings accounts today.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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