Betterment vs. Citibank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
3.50%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
3.30%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.25% APY.
Betterment vs. Citibank Savings Calculator
Betterment earns $127 more than Citibank.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,114.10(10.5%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,114.10
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1,987.10(9.9%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$19,987.10
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Betterment vs. Citibank
Why Betterment?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Available Nationwide
Why Citibank?
- ✓Physical branch access (U.S. branches are concentrated in six metropolitan areas, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Miami.)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $825/yr).
Best for Simplicity
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve offers 3.50% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Betterment's Cash Reserve pays $20 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary
Betterment offers a competitive Cash Reserve savings account with a leading APY of 3.50%, providing attractive returns without any direct deposit requirements or maintenance fees. In contrast, Citibank's top product, the Citi Accelerate Savings account, offers a slightly lower APY of 3.30%. While both accounts are online-only, Citibank's eligibility is restricted to select states, whereas Betterment has no such limitations. For those seeking simplicity and higher returns on smaller deposits, Betterment's Cash Reserve is the preferable choice.
Analysis generated based on current Banksparency database records
* AI-generated content provided for informational purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed; always verify details with the provider.
Stop Losing Interest
See who beats both Betterment and Citibank.
| Feature | Betterment | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.30% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | Citi Accelerate Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $4.50. Waived for average monthly balances > $500 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.7 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| BBB Rating | A- | D- |
| Important Notes | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Betterment | Citibank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserve | Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -4.7 | -0.0 | -4.9 |
Days Since Change | 39 | 315 | 22 |
10-Month High | 4.00% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
10-Month Low | 3.50% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.19 | 0.00 | 0.57 |
Volatility Score | 0.049 | 0.000 | 0.044 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Compare Similar High-Yield Accounts
Compare Betterment vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
Compare Citibank vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
Higher Rates (With Checking)
Looking for something different? Check out these top-rated alternatives.