What is the Atomic Treasury Account?

Who this is for:

NerdWallet users interested in a low-risk investment account that offers a competitive yield and tax advantages through 30-day U.S. Treasury Bills.

What this article covers:

This article explains what the Atomic Treasury Account is, how it works, and why it may be a smart option for customers seeking daily access to funds, safety, and tax-efficient returns.

How it works:

• The Atomic Treasury Account is a Treasury Sweep Account available exclusively to NerdWallet users.
• It automatically invests your cash balance in 30-day U.S. Treasury Bills (T-Bills), which are backed by the U.S. Government.
• There’s no need to manually invest or manage the funds — everything happens automatically.
• You can access your money at any time without restrictions.
• If you withdraw your funds before the T-Bill matures, your final yield may be impacted based on current market conditions.

Benefits:

• High Yield: Typically offers better returns than standard savings or high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs).
• Tax Advantages: Interest is exempt from state and local taxes — especially valuable in states with higher income taxes like California or New York.
• Daily Access: You can withdraw your funds anytime. T-Bills are liquid, but early withdrawal before maturity may slightly affect the return.
• Safety: Your investment is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
• No Minimums: While there's no required minimum, a balance of at least $100 is recommended because T-Bills are purchased in $100 increments.

Common questions:

Do I need to be a NerdWallet+ (NerdWallet Plus) member to have an Atomic account?

No — only a free NerdWallet account is required.

Do I have to manage my investments manually?
No — the account handles all investments automatically for you.

Can I take out my money anytime?
Yes, funds are accessible daily. Just note that withdrawing before maturity could impact your return slightly.

Is there a minimum balance to earn yield?
There's no official minimum, but maintaining at least $100 helps you take full advantage of T-Bill investments.

Need more help?

Still need help or have questions about opening or managing your Atomic Treasury Account? Contact us here and our team will be happy to assist.