Brokerage Cash Sweep at Online-Only Banks
How online-only banks handle Cash Sweep accounts — rates, fees, and what to watch.
What to Expect from Online-Only Banks Cash Sweep Accounts
Ally, Marcus, Discover Bank, American Express Bank. Consistently lead rate tables by 1–3 percentage points due to near-zero branch overhead.
For Cash Sweep specifically: The default rate applied to uninvested cash sitting in a brokerage account. Most brokerages default to extremely low rates (0.01–0.50%), quietly siphoning yield from idle capital.. At online-only banks, the rate pattern reflects their cost structure and competitive positioning in the deposit market.
Rate Summary — Cash Sweep at Online-Only Banks
Typical APY range
0.01–4.50%
Minimum balance
Varies
Rate range as of 15 May 2026. Rates change daily — verify before depositing.
Key Characteristics at Online-Only Banks
- Automatic — cash sweeps without action
- Some brokerages now offer FDIC-insured sweep programs
- Can be replaced with money market funds at higher yield
Which Depositor Profiles Fit This Combination
Retiree on Fixed Income
Drawing income from deposits. Prioritises rate predictability, CD ladders, and FDIC/NCUA c…
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High-Net-Worth Depositor
Managing cash positions exceeding $250,000. Requires strategies for FDIC coverage beyond t…
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