Security deposits that just work. For everyone.

The first high-yield savings account for renters that takes security deposits off your plate — for free.

Featured partner

Artspace Lofts | Louisville
Featured partner

The Hayley | Sacremento
Featured partner

The Dime | Brooklyn
THE WHALE WAY

The first win-win solution

Whale is a renter-owned, high-yield savings account that locks for a renter’s lease term, ensuring landlords have access to the full security deposit before it's returned electronically at lease end.

Landlords
Renters
Laptop with Whale dashboard
Zero cost
Zero compliance risk
Zero work
Earn interest
Quicker returns
Visibility over money
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Advisory services are offered by Build Whale, Inc., an SEC-registered Investment Advisor. Funds are held by Alpaca, member FINRA SIPC. Each renter’s account is FDIC-insured up to $1,000,000.

iPhone with Whale dashboard

Whale Deposit Checklist

(One time set-up)
  • Sign up for Whale
  • Grant PMS access
Let Whale do the rest
Schedule Demo
Compared to:

Traditional Deposit Checklist

(For each renter)
  • Request check
  • Wait for paper check
  • Collect security deposit
  • Review jurisdictional requirements
  • Open bank account for tenant
  • Use interest bearing account
  • Record deposit
  • Hold deposit during tenancy
  • Track return deadlines
  • Assess deductions after move out
  • Split roommate refunds
  • Answer renter inquiries
  • Request check from accounting
  • Print checks
  • Get forwarding address
  • Pack envelopes
  • Add stamp
  • Handle returned checks
  • Make additional attempts
  • Apply move-out charge to ledger
OUR METHOD

How it works

1. Whale requests rental deposit
Once a renter’s lease is approved, Whale immediately requests their deposit.
2. Whale locks and confirms deposit
The deposit is held in cash and can only be unlocked by the landlord at lease end.
3. Renter earns interest
The renter earns up to 3.25% (APY) interest, paid monthly.
4. Renter moves out, charges deducted
Landlord completes their move-out process and Whale transfers the amount owed to the landlord’s bank.
5. Deposit is unlocked
The balance after any move-out charges is unlocked immediately for withdrawal.

Trusted by Landlords

Mark Chrisman headshot photo

Mark Chrisman

"Eliminating the burden of administering thousands of security deposits each year has been a huge win for our operations, finance, and on-site teams. Our residents love that they're earning money each month and are pleased to get their deposit back instantly when they move-out. Talk about a win-win."

Landlord - Haven Residential, 14,000 units

Tommy Ostendorf headshot photo

Tommy Ostendorf

"When I saw the tenant's deposit in Whale and off my books it was a good feeling. Like relieving me of a burden. I was a little concerned about the process and making the change, but it was so easy and that feeling of relief makes it feel like Whale should be a no brainer for landlords."

Landlord - 15 units

FAQs

Frequently asked

How much does Whale cost?
What is different about Whale?
Is the deposit fully guaranteed?
What do renters earn?
Does Whale comply with all local and state regulations?
How does Whale integrate with my Property Management System (PMS)?
How do I receive move-out charges?
GET STARTED

Ready to see Whale in action?

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