Does Wealthfront Have a Checking Account and What It Offers

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Wealthfront doesn't have a traditional checking account, but it does offer a cash account called Wealthfront Cash.

Wealthfront Cash is a fee-free, FDIC-insured account that allows you to earn a higher interest rate than a traditional checking account.

You can link your external bank account to Wealthfront Cash to easily transfer money and pay bills.

Wealthfront Cash also integrates with your investment accounts, allowing you to transfer money between your investment and cash accounts.

Account Overview

The Wealthfront Cash Account is a high-yield cash management account that uses over two dozen partner banks to provide FDIC insurance on deposits.

You can access over 19,000 fee-free ATMs, and get reimbursed for up to two out-of-network ATM fees per month.

There are zero account fees, which means you can manage your money without worrying about extra charges.

You can send money using payment apps like Venmo and Apple Pay, and receive paychecks up to two days early via direct deposit.

On a similar theme: Cash Account vs Margin Account

Credit: youtube.com, Wealthfront Checking Account Review

Instant fund transfers to connected Wealthfront investment accounts are also available, giving you more control over your finances.

With a debit card issued by Green Dot Bank, you can make purchases and withdraw cash as needed.

Free same-day withdrawals and wire transfers are also part of the account's features, making it easy to manage your money in real-time.

How to Open and Access

To open a Wealthfront Cash Account, you'll need to fund your account first, then follow the prompts to request checking features.

Wealthfront's Cash Account is not a traditional checking account, but it offers many of the same features, including direct deposit, bill pay, and a debit card.

To access Wealthfront's checking features, you'll need to link your account to the Wealthfront Path, a digital financial advisor that provides personalized advice and planning tools.

Here are the key features of Wealthfront's checking features:

  • Direct deposit: Get paid up to two days early
  • Pay bills and friends: Use apps like Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal
  • Make purchases and take out cash: Use a debit card with fee-free ATM access

Note that some fees may apply, including a $2.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs and bank tellers.

Adds Debit Card & Checking Features

Person Holding Debit Card
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With the addition of debit card and checking features, Wealthfront's Cash Account has become an even more attractive option for those looking for a hassle-free way to manage their finances.

You can set up direct deposit to receive your paychecks up to two days early, and also set up automatic payments for bills like cable, mortgage, or rent.

The debit card feature allows you to make purchases and withdraw cash from a nationwide network of fee-free ATMs. Just be aware that out-of-network ATMs and bank tellers will incur a $2.50 fee, plus any additional fees charged by the owner or bank.

To access these checking features, individual accounts are eligible, and you'll receive a prompt to request them after funding your account. Follow the prompts, and you're good to go.

Here are the key features of Wealthfront's debit card:

  • Free debit card
  • 19,000+ fee-free ATMs
  • Early access to funds with direct deposit

With these new features, Wealthfront's Cash Account is more versatile than ever, offering a range of benefits for those looking to simplify their financial management.

How to Open

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To open a Wealthfront Cash Account, start by clicking the Sign up for Wealthfront Cash button online or through the iOS or android mobile app. You can also sign up through the app by clicking "Start saving with $1" after answering a few simple questions about your goals and preferred account type.

Next, select "Open a Cash Account" and link your bank account to transfer funds. Once the account is open, you can set up regular deposits and direct deposit for your paycheck.

If this caught your attention, see: Wealthfront Individual Cash Account

Types

Wealthfront offers three types of Cash Account accounts: Individual, Joint including joint tenants with rights of survivorship, or JTWROS, and Trust.

Individual accounts are the only type that have access to checking features.

You can choose from three types of accounts: Individual, Joint, and Trust.

Betterment vs Chime

If you're considering Betterment or Chime as an alternative to Wealthfront's checking account, here's a quick comparison of the two.

Betterment and Chime both offer free services with no minimum balance or account maintenance fees. That's a big plus in my book.

Credit: youtube.com, is Betterment Everyday Checking’s Account a Scam

Betterment's Checking account earns interest on savings, but not on the checking account itself. Chime's Spending account, on the other hand, doesn't earn interest.

Here's a table comparing the two:

Both Betterment and Chime offer FDIC insurance, but with slightly different limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bank is behind Wealthfront?

Wealthfront does not have a traditional banking relationship, but partners with Green Dot to provide checking features and debit card services. Think of Green Dot as the banking backbone behind Wealthfront's innovative financial experience.

Can I write a check from my Wealthfront account?

To write a check from your Wealthfront account, you'll need to have an average balance of at least $1,000 across all your Wealthfront accounts for the last 30 days. Check deposit and sending capabilities are available with our Individual Cash Account and checking features.

Kristen Bruen

Senior Assigning Editor

Kristen Bruen is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling stories. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Her areas of expertise include cryptocurrency exchanges, where she has a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving market and its complex nuances.

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