BankingComparison

Digital banking and money apps: 2 to know

A high-yield checking app and a free net-worth and retirement-planning tool, with the fine print on who holds your money, how the yield works and what the free tools lead to.

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026 · Reviewed by the TheSavvyAmericans editorial team

2 digital banking and money apps, listed (not ranked)

These options are listed without scores because they are different kinds of product. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on each provider's official site.

Crew

Type: High-yield checking app

High-yield checking with built-in budgeting

Competitive variable APY on checking balances
No monthly fee or minimum balance

Not scored

Visit Crew

Official site · opens in a new tab

Crew is a fintech offering a high-yield checking account with budgeting pockets, bill reserves, paycheck splitting and kids debit cards. Banking services are provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC.

Also worth knowing

Budgeting pockets and paycheck splitting
FDIC insurance through the partner bank

Cons

A fintech, not a bank, so it relies on a partner bank
APY is variable and can change
Cash deposits beyond the free allowance carry a fee

Type: High-yield checking app
Monthly fee: None
Best for: Budgeting plus yield
Bank partner: Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC

Empower

Type: Net-worth and planning tools

Tracking net worth and planning retirement

Free dashboard for net worth, spending and investments
Retirement planner and fee analyzer

Not scored

Visit Empower

Official site · opens in a new tab

Empower (formerly Personal Capital) offers free net-worth and retirement-planning tools, plus paid wealth management for higher balances, with cash account and retirement account support. It is a planning dashboard first, not a replacement for a checking account.

Also worth knowing

Optional human advisers for larger portfolios

Cons

Advisory minimums are high
Advisory fees are a percentage of assets
Free tools can lead to sales outreach

Type: Net-worth and planning tools
Monthly fee: Free tools; advisory is paid
Best for: Planning and tracking
Advisory: Paid, for larger balances

Every company listed here: independently researched · listed in no particular order · verify current terms before you sign

Side by side

Digital banking and money apps at a glance (unordered)
Company	Best for	Type	Monthly fee	Best for
Crew	High-yield checking with built-in budgeting	High-yield checking app	None	Budgeting plus yield
Empower	Tracking net worth and planning retirement	Net-worth and planning tools	Free tools; advisory is paid	Planning and tracking

This is an unordered listing, not a ranking or endorsement. We do not score these providers. Do your own due diligence, read every contract, and confirm current terms and fees on each company’s official site before signing up.

Important: FDIC insurance protects deposits at a covered bank, not the fintech app in front of it, and it does not cover investments. Check which bank holds your money, how a pass-through account is covered, and what fees apply for cash deposits or advisory services before you move funds.

Advertising disclosure: TheSavvyAmericans may receive compensation when you apply for or open a product through links on this page. This does not influence our editorial evaluations. Products are reviewed using a documented methodology. Learn how we make money.

Key takeaways

1This is an unordered listing, not a ranking. The two options do different jobs: one is a checking account, the other is a planning dashboard.
2Crew is a fintech, not a bank. Its banking services come through a partner bank that is a Member FDIC, so confirm where your deposits are actually held.
3Advertised APYs on checking are variable and can change at any time. Confirm the current rate and any balance caps on the official site.
4Empower's tools are free, but its business is paid wealth management, so expect outreach and read the advisory fee before you sign anything.

What to check before you open an account

Which FDIC-insured bank actually holds your deposits.
Whether the advertised APY is variable and whether there are balance caps or activity requirements.
Fees for cash deposits, overdrafts, transfers and account closure.
Whether a planning tool is free or a lead-in to a paid advisory service, and what that service charges.

Frequently asked questions

Is a fintech app the same as a bank?

No. Fintech apps usually partner with an FDIC-insured bank that holds the deposits. Your money is protected through that partner bank, within FDIC limits, so confirm the bank's name and how coverage works.

Are advertised APYs guaranteed?

No. Checking and savings APYs are generally variable and can change. Confirm the current rate and any conditions on the provider's official site.

Is Empower free?

Its net-worth and retirement-planning tools are free to use. Paid wealth management is a separate service that charges a percentage of assets and has account minimums.

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