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Best Digital Banking and Wealth Apps of 2026
Sarah MitchellOur Top Picks
Ranked on the criteria below, with ratings, standout features and current pricing.
01
Empower
Very Good
Tracking net worth and planning retirement
- Free dashboard to track net worth, spending and investments
- Retirement planner and fee analyzer
- Optional human advisers for larger portfolios
- Established financial company
Best Overall Pick
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Crew |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Best For | Tracking net worth and planning retirement | People wanting high-yield checking with built-in budgeting |
| Free Tools | Net worth, retirement planner, fee analyzer | — |
| Advisory | Paid, for larger balances | — |
| Bank Partner | — | Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC |
| Monthly Fee | — | None |
| Advertised APY | — | About 3.2% variable at last check |
| Pros | 4 pros | 4 pros |
| Cons | 3 cons | 3 cons |
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
How We Evaluate & Rank
Our rankings are editorially independent. Recommendations are based on transparent, disclosed criteria — never on who pays the most. We weigh real-world trade-offs and update our research as the market changes.
Total cost, not the headline
We compare the numbers that actually move your bottom line — effective price, fees and the fine print — rather than the figure in the advertisement.
Real-world fit
The best pick for one reader is rarely the best for another. We weigh how each option performs for different budgets, situations and needs.
Transparency and terms
What a provider discloses up front, how clear its terms are, and whether the trade-offs are stated plainly or buried.
Service and support
Speed, responsiveness and the quality of help when something goes wrong — the difference a comparison chart rarely captures.
Track record
Reputation, longevity and verifiable customer experience, checked against independent sources rather than the marketing.
Overall value
How the total package stacks up at the tier you would realistically choose — not the cheapest one advertised.
ExpertPicked may earn a commission when you buy through our links, which never affects how providers are ranked. Details change frequently — always confirm current pricing and terms on the provider’s own site before you buy.
Full Analysis & Buying Guide
Digital money tools fall into two jobs: managing daily cash and tracking long-term wealth. Crew handles the first with high-yield checking and budgeting pockets, and Empower handles the second with a free net-worth dashboard and optional advisory.
What to Look for
Yield and variability
Advertised APYs are variable. Check the current rate and any balance conditions.
Fees
Review fees for cash deposits, wires and ATMs.
Insurance
Fintechs rely on partner banks. Confirm FDIC coverage details.
Advisory costs
Wealth management fees are a percentage of assets and compound over time.
Data sharing
Linking accounts shares data. Read privacy terms.
How the Picks Compare
Empower — 4.4/5
Empower (formerly Personal Capital) offers free net-worth and retirement-planning tools, plus paid wealth management for higher balances, with a cash account and retirement account support.
Best for: Tracking net worth and planning retirement.
What we like:
- Free dashboard to track net worth, spending and investments
- Retirement planner and fee analyzer
- Optional human advisers for larger portfolios
What to watch:
- Advisory minimums are high
- Advisory fees are a percentage of assets
Empower pairs a popular free financial dashboard with paid wealth management. You link accounts to see everything in one place, then optionally work with an adviser.
Free users can expect follow-up from the advisory team.
How it works:
- Link accounts. Connect banks, cards and investments.
- Use planning tools. Run the retirement planner and fee analyzer.
- Optionally hire an adviser. Consider advisory if your balance qualifies.
Advisory fees reduce returns; compare them to low-cost index options.
Read the disclosures on sales contact after signing up.
A good fit if you:
- You want one view of all your money
Look elsewhere if you:
- You want a pure DIY, no-sales experience
Pricing snapshot: Dashboard: Free; Wealth management: Percentage of assets under management, tiered. Fee tiers and minimums are set by Empower and can change.
Read our full Empower review · Visit Empower
Crew — 4.1/5
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.
Best for: People wanting high-yield checking with built-in budgeting.
What we like:
- Competitive variable APY on checking balances
- No monthly fee or minimum balance
- Budgeting pockets and paycheck splitting
What to watch:
- Crew is a fintech, not a bank, so relies on a partner bank
- APY is variable and can change
Crew combines a checking account with budgeting tools: separate pockets for goals, reserves for upcoming bills, and the ability to split paychecks. It also offers kids debit cards and a Mastercard credit card issued by Celtic Bank.
Banking services come from Bangor Savings Bank, with deposits insured up to FDIC limits.
How it works:
- Open an account. Apply in the app and fund the account.
- Set up pockets. Create pockets and bill reserves.
- Split paychecks. Direct deposit and route portions automatically.
The advertised APY is variable and may change; verify the current rate before opening.
FDIC insurance applies to the partner bank deposits up to the stated limits, not to the fintech itself.
A good fit if you:
- You want yield on everyday cash
- You like envelope-style budgeting
Look elsewhere if you:
- You deposit cash often
- You prefer a traditional branch bank
Pricing snapshot: Monthly fee: None; Minimum balance: None; Wire transfers: $20 under $50,000; Cash deposits: First 12/year free, then $3.95 each. Fees and rates are from the provider site at time of review and may change.
Read our full Crew review · Visit Crew
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Crew for high-yield checking with envelope-style budgeting.
- Choose Empower for a free all-in-one view of your finances and retirement planning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a promotional APY will last.
- Paying advisory fees without comparing low-cost alternatives.
The Bottom Line
Our highest-rated pick here is Empower at 4.4 out of 5, but the right choice depends on the use cases above. Terms, prices and features change often, so confirm current details on the provider’s site before you buy. ExpertPicked may earn a commission from links on this page; this never changes our ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by
Sarah MitchellSenior Finance Editor
Sarah Mitchell is a certified financial planner with 12 years of experience covering personal finance, credit cards, and investment products. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Bloomberg. Sarah holds a CFP designation and an MBA from Wharton. She tests every financial product she reviews and consults with independent financial advisors to ensure accuracy.
Editorial independence & disclosure. ExpertPicked is reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through our links. This never affects our rankings or recommendations, which are based solely on the disclosed criteria above. Read our full editorial policy.