High-Yield Savings Account Comparison

BMO Alto vs. Chime

BMO Alto and Chime both offer 3.00% APY on their high-yield savings accounts. With identical rates, your choice comes down to other factors like mobile app quality, branch access, or customer service reputation.

Analysis by Aviel Fahl
Updated July 6, 2026

The Bottom Line

The BMO Alto and Chime savings accounts are very similar. Choose BMO Alto if you want a no-strings-attached account. Choose Chime if you're an iPhone user (no iOS app for BMO Alto), or you're an Android user (no Android app for BMO Alto).

Important Considerations

Chime requires a checking account to unlock its top savings rate, while BMO Alto offers its savings account standalone.

Comparison of BMO Alto vs Chime savings accounts
Metric

BMO Alto

Savings Account

Jul 6, 2026

Chime

Chime High-Yield Savings Account

Apr 22, 2026
APY3.00%0.75% - 3.00%
Est. Earnings
$5,000+$150
$10,000+$300
$25,000+$750
$5,000+$150
$10,000+$300
$25,000+$750
Min Deposit
$0$0

Snapshot view. Rates subject to change.

Features
FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often
FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking BundleDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often

Market Reality Check

Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.10% APY.

See Top Rates

Comparison Analysis

Comparing BMO Alto vs. Chime

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Executive Summary

BMO Alto offers a high-yield online savings account with an APY of 3.00%, with no minimum deposit or maintenance fees, and does not require direct deposit. In comparison, Chime's High-Yield Savings Account also features an APY of 3.00%, but requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days. Chime is noted for its strong mobile app experience, with high ratings on both iOS and Android platforms. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees, making them accessible options for savers.

The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records

* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.

Why BMO Alto?

  • No checking account or direct deposit required

Why Chime?

  • Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 0.0)
  • Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 0.0)

— Key Feature Differences —

Best Mobile App Experience
Chime

Chime offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 0.0) and Android app rated 4.7 (vs. 0.0)

Shared Benefits

Both offer monthly maintenance-free account options Both banks have options with $0 opening deposit Available Nationwide Available to New & Existing Customers
Verify At
BMO Alto

Non-sponsored link to official site

Verify At
Chime

Non-sponsored link to official site

Top Market Contenders

SoFi Bank
3.80% APY
Barclays
3.65% APY
Axos Bank
4.21% APY

BMO Alto vs. Chime Savings Calculator

Calculations based on current APY for Savings Account and Chime High-Yield Savings Account
$
$

Both accounts earn exactly the same amount.

BMO Alto

Savings Account

3.00% APY

Savings Breakdown

  • Interest Earned
    +$300.00(2.9%)
  • Total Contributions
    $0
  • Initial Deposit
    $10,000

Projected Balance

$10,300.00

Effective APY
3.00%

Chime

Chime High-Yield Savings Account

3.00% APY

Savings Breakdown

  • Interest Earned
    +$300.00(2.9%)
  • Total Contributions
    $0
  • Initial Deposit
    $10,000

Projected Balance

$10,300.00

Effective APY
3.00%

The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.

Still banking with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo?

On a $10,000 balance, you're missing out on at least $299 per year in interest.

Both BMO Alto and Chime dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.

Big banks currently pay 0.01% APY on savings vs 3.00%+ here
FeatureBMO AltoChime
APY
3.00%
Verified: 7/6/2026
↘︎ 0.15%90d Change
3.00%
Range: 0.75% - 3.00%
Verified: 4/22/2026
↘︎ 0.50%90d Change
Product NameSavings AccountChime High-Yield Savings Account
Minimum Deposit$0$0
Min. Balance for APY$0$0.01
Monthly Fee$0$0
Compound FrequencyDailyDaily
Branch AccessNoneNone
Account Type
Online Only
Online Only
Physical BranchesNoneN/A
Direct Deposit Req.None
RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days
Checking BundleNo Yes
Mobile Apps
iOS-
Android-
iOS4.8
Android4.7
FDIC Insured
Yes
Zelle® Support
Not Supported
Not Supported
BBB RatingA+A+
Next Steps
Visit Site

Non-sponsored link to official site

Visit Site

Non-sponsored link to official site

📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time

Historical Performance

Last 12 Months Analysis
MetricBMO AltoChime
Savings AccountChime High-Yield Savings Account
Current APY
3.00%3.00%
Trend
Stable Stable
Velocity (bps/mo)
-4.0-7.5
Days Since Change
-4882
12-Month High
3.60%3.75%
12-Month Low
3.00%3.00%
Adjustments / Mo
0.330.16
Volatility Score
0.0540.085
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)

Trends & Velocity

  • Trend: The general direction of the rate over the analyzed period. Useful for spotting if a bank is currently aggressive or pulling back.
  • Velocity (bps/mo): Speed of change. A high positive number means they raise rates quickly. 10 bps = 0.10%.
  • Adjustments/Mo: "Twitchiness." High frequency means the rate changes constantly; low frequency means it's stable.

Risk & Range

  • High/Low: The absolute ceiling and floor of the rate during the 365-day window.
  • Volatility Score: Lower is better for predictability. It indicates how wildly the rate swings relative to its average.
  • Days Since Change: If this number is high (e.g., >90), the rate is very sticky. If low, it changed recently.

More Comparisons

Compare BMO Alto's APY of 3.00% with other banks
Compare Chime's APY of 3.00% with other banks