American Express vs. Santander Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | American ExpressHigh Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 | Santander BankSantander Savings Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$1 $10,000+$1 $25,000+$3 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported |
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. Santander Bank
As of American Express offers an APY of 3.30% for its High Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Santander Bank's 0.01% APY for its Santander Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
American Express pays $329 more than Santander Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. American Express pays $330, while Santander Bank pays $1 - an APY advantage for American Express.
Why American Express?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.30% vs 0.01%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Santander Bank?
- ✓Physical branch access (Primarily in the Northeast and Miami, Florida)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.0 vs 3.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
American ExpressAmerican Express's High Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $330 vs $1/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
American ExpressAmerican Express's High Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $825 vs $3/yr).
Best for Simplicity
American ExpressAmerican Express's High Yield Savings Account offers 3.30% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, American Express's High Yield Savings Account pays $329 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Santander Bank's Santander Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
American Express offers a High Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 3.30%, making it a strong choice for savers seeking better returns, especially with no minimum deposit and no maintenance fees. In contrast, Santander Bank's Savings account provides a significantly lower APY of just 0.01%, which may not appeal to those looking for higher yields. Additionally, American Express's account is online-only, ensuring simplicity with no direct deposit requirements, while Santander's account has a minimum deposit of $25 and a maintenance fee of $1.
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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Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
American Express vs. Santander Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $329 more with American Express than Santander Bank 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
Santander Bank
Santander Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,001.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | American Express | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change | 0.01% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | Santander Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $1 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android3.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.0 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Requires Amex Rewards Checking; not available for standalone HYSA. | Available Branch-based retail accounts only. |
| BBB Rating | F | Not Rated |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at American Express Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Santander Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | Santander Savings | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.6 | -0.2 |
Days Since Change | 22 | 124 |
12-Month High | 3.80% | 0.03% |
12-Month Low | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.41 | 0.08 |
Volatility Score | 0.038 | 0.450 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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