BMO Alto vs. Citibank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BMO AltoSavings Account Jan 7, 2026 | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% | 3.30% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$163 $10,000+$325 $25,000+$813 | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo Minimums | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® Supported |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
As of BMO Alto offers an APY of 3.25% for its Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Citibank's 3.30% APY for its Citi Accelerate Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Citibank pays $5 more than BMO Alto on a $10,000 balance after one year. BMO Alto pays $325, while Citibank pays $330 - an APY advantage for Citibank.
In addition, Citibank also offers 0.03% APY for the Citi® Savings Account account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Why BMO Alto?
- ✓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.)
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 vs 0.0)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 0.0)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,500 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Best Mobile App Experience
CitibankCitibank offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 0.0) and Android app rated 4.8 (vs. 0.0)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings pays $5 more interest on a $10,000 balance than BMO Alto's Savings Account.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
BMO Alto offers a competitive online-only Savings Account with an APY of 3.25%. In comparison, Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings provides a slightly higher APY of 3.30%, also online-only, but eligibility is restricted to select states. Both accounts require no minimum deposit and have no maintenance fees, though Citibank's account has a small minimum balance requirement of $0.01 to avoid a fee. Citibank is noted for its superior mobile app experience, rated highly on both iOS and Android platforms. Overall, while Citibank's APY is marginally higher, both options provide solid savings opportunities.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
BMO Alto vs. Citibank Savings Calculator
You earn $5 more with Citibank than BMO Alto 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.
BMO Alto
Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$325.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,325.00
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | BMO Alto | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $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 | iOS- Android- | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $2,500/dayTiered limits based on account status (Citigold higher). |
| BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
| Important Notes | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at BMO Alto Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Citibank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | BMO Alto | Citibank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings Account | Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | |
Current APY | 3.25% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -6.4 | 0.0 | -4.8 |
Days Since Change | 110 | 343 | 50 |
11-Month High | 4.10% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
11-Month Low | 3.25% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.44 | 0.00 | 0.52 |
Volatility Score | 0.067 | 0.000 | 0.047 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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