BOXX vs MINT: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, MINT yields more: 4.08% (current yield) against 0.00% for BOXX. BOXX is cheaper to own at 0.19% a year vs 0.36%. Over the same 3 years (Dec 2022 to Oct 2026), MINT returned 5.3% a year with distributions reinvested, and BOXX 4.6%. BOXX's income is not paid out at all (it builds up in the price and is taxed when you sell); MINT's is mostly taxable by states.
| Compared | BOXX | MINT |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 0.00% | 4.08% |
| Expense ratio | 0.19% | 0.36% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +4.1% | +4.2% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.6% | +5.0% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | — | +3.8% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | — | +2.8% |
| Worst drop since Dec 2022 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Share price since Dec 2022 | +19% | +2% |
| Pays | Annual | Monthly |
| Issuer | Alpha Architect | PIMCO |
| Assets | $14.4B | $18.3B |
| Started | 2022 | 2009 |
| Type | Box-spread ETF | Ultra-short bond ETF |
Higher yield
MINT
4.08%
Lower cost
BOXX
0.19%
Better total return
MINT
5.3%/yr
Smaller worst drop
BOXX
0.0%
Key facts: BOXX vs MINT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BOXX yields 0.00% (current yield) and MINT yields 4.08% (current yield).
- BOXX's expense ratio is 0.19% and MINT's is 0.36%: $19 vs $36 a year on $10,000.
- From Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in BOXX grew to $11,902 (4.6% a year) and $10,000 in MINT to $12,197 (5.3% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: 0.0% for BOXX and 0.0% for MINT.
- BOXX's income is not paid out at all (it builds up in the price and is taxed when you sell), while MINT's is mostly taxable by states.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BOXX vs MINT: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/boxx-vs-mint
$10,000 in each, Dec 2022 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
BOXX became
$11,902
4.6% a year
MINT became
$12,197
5.3% a year
Year by year
| Year | BOXX | MINT |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.4% | +4.7% |
| 2024 | +5.2% | +5.9% |
| 2023 | +5.0% | +6.3% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
What each holds and how it's taxed
- BOXX · Box-spread ETF
- Earns a T-bill-like return from options box spreads and pays no distributions: the return shows up in the share price and is taxed when you sell.
- MINT · Ultra-short bond ETF
- Holds short-term bonds, which can include corporate or asset-backed debt, for a little more yield than T-bills and a little more price movement.
General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →
BOXX vs MINT: questions
Is BOXX or MINT better?
It depends on the job. MINT pays more today (4.08% vs 0.00%), BOXX costs less, and MINT has the better total return over Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, with BOXX holding up better in its worst stretch. For cash you may need soon, yield after tax and how easily you can get the money out matter more than past returns.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXX or MINT?
MINT, at 4.08% against 0.00% for BOXX as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $408 vs $0 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
MINT. From Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, it returned 5.3% a year with distributions reinvested, against 4.6% for BOXX. $10,000 became $12,197 vs $11,902.
Which is cheaper, BOXX or MINT?
BOXX, with a 0.19% expense ratio against 0.36%.
How are BOXX and MINT taxed?
BOXX: Earns a T-bill-like return from options box spreads and pays no distributions: the return shows up in the share price and is taxed when you sell. MINT: Holds short-term bonds, which can include corporate or asset-backed debt, for a little more yield than T-bills and a little more price movement. General information, not tax advice.
Related comparisons
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. MINT leads on 3 of 4 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.