American Express vs. Chime
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | American ExpressHigh Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 1.00% - 3.50% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking Bundle |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.20% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing American Express vs. Chime
As of American Express offers an APY of 3.30% for its High Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Chime's 3.50% APY for its Chime High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Chime pays $20 more than American Express on a $10,000 balance after one year. American Express pays $330, while Chime pays $350 - an APY advantage for Chime.
Why American Express?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Chime?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 3.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $825/yr).
Best for Simplicity
American ExpressAmerican Express's High Yield Savings Account offers 3.30% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best for All-in-One Banking
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays a superior APY for customers who also open a checking account.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays $20 more interest on a $10,000 balance than American Express's High Yield Savings Account.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Chime's High-Yield Savings Account offers a competitive 3.50% APY, making it the higher-yield option compared to American Express's High Yield Savings Account, which provides a 3.30% APY. Chime's account requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days, while American Express has no such requirement, allowing for greater simplicity. Both accounts have no minimum deposit and no maintenance fees, and they are online-only. For customers seeking a straightforward savings account without direct deposit conditions, American Express may be preferable, but for those who can meet the direct deposit requirement, Chime offers a better return.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
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Top Market Contenders
American Express vs. Chime Savings Calculator
You earn $20 more with Chime than American Express on a $10,000 initial deposit for 1 year*.
*This calculation assumes that APYs remain unchanged for 1 year, and takes into account known promo rate periods, but does not factor in bonuses. You can see how often these banks have changed their rates in the Compare Savings Rates Over Time section below.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | American Express | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change | 3.50% Range: 1.00% - 3.50% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | Chime High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android3.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Requires Amex Rewards Checking; not available for standalone HYSA. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at American Express Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 3.50% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.5 | 8.5 |
Days Since Change | 22 | 97 |
12-Month High | 3.80% | 3.75% |
12-Month Low | 3.30% | 2.00% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.42 | 0.17 |
Volatility Score | 0.037 | 0.175 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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