MINT vs VBIL: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, MINT yields more: 4.08% (current yield) against 3.50% for VBIL. VBIL is cheaper to own at 0.06% a year vs 0.36%. Over the same months (Feb 2025 to Oct 2026), MINT returned 4.4% a year with distributions reinvested, and VBIL 4.0%. MINT's income is mostly taxable by states; VBIL's is generally exempt from state income tax.
| Compared | MINT | VBIL |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 4.08% | 3.50% |
| Expense ratio | 0.36% | 0.06% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +4.2% | +3.8% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +5.0% | — |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +3.8% | — |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.8% | — |
| Worst drop since Feb 2025 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Share price since Feb 2025 | +0% | +1% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | PIMCO | Vanguard |
| Assets | $18.3B | $14.3B |
| Started | 2009 | 2025 |
| Type | Ultra-short bond ETF | Treasury ETF |
Higher yield
MINT
4.08%
Lower cost
VBIL
0.06%
Better total return
MINT
4.4%/yr
Smaller worst drop
MINT
0.0%
Key facts: MINT vs VBIL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MINT yields 4.08% (current yield) and VBIL yields 3.50% (current yield).
- MINT's expense ratio is 0.36% and VBIL's is 0.06%: $36 vs $6 a year on $10,000.
- From Feb 2025 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in MINT grew to $10,748 (4.4% a year) and $10,000 in VBIL to $10,668 (4.0% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: 0.0% for MINT and 0.0% for VBIL.
- MINT's income is mostly taxable by states, while VBIL's is generally exempt from state income tax.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MINT vs VBIL: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mint-vs-vbil
$10,000 in each, Feb 2025 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
MINT became
$10,748
4.4% a year
VBIL became
$10,668
4.0% a year
What each holds and how it's taxed
- 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.
- VBIL · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →
MINT vs VBIL: questions
Is MINT or VBIL better?
It depends on the job. MINT pays more today (4.08% vs 3.50%), VBIL costs less, and MINT has the better total return over Feb 2025 to Oct 2026, with MINT 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, MINT or VBIL?
MINT, at 4.08% against 3.50% for VBIL as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $408 vs $350 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
MINT. From Feb 2025 to Oct 2026, it returned 4.4% a year with distributions reinvested, against 4.0% for VBIL. $10,000 became $10,748 vs $10,668.
Which is cheaper, MINT or VBIL?
VBIL, with a 0.06% expense ratio against 0.36%.
How are MINT and VBIL taxed?
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. VBIL: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). 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 2 of 3 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.