BMO Alto vs. Citibank
Citibank edges out BMO Alto slightly at 3.20% vs 3.15% APY. On a $10,000 balance, the difference is just $5 per year—so other factors may matter more.
The Bottom Line
The BMO Alto and Citibank savings accounts are very similar. Choose BMO Alto if BBB rating matters to you. Choose Citibank if you're an iPhone user (no iOS app for BMO Alto), you're an Android user (no Android app for BMO Alto), or you want Zelle for quick transfers.
Important Considerations
Citibank's Accelerate Savings is only available in select states where Citi has no branch presence. Check eligibility before applying.
| Metric | BMO AltoSavings Account Feb 21, 2026 | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% | 3.20% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 | $5,000+$160 $10,000+$320 $25,000+$800 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® SupportedDaily 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 4.15% APY.
Executive Summary
BMO Alto offers a high-yield online Savings Account with an APY of 3.15%, featuring no minimum deposit or maintenance fees, and no direct deposit requirement. In contrast, Citibank's top product, the Citi Accelerate Savings, provides a slightly higher APY of 3.20%, also with no minimum deposit but a minimum balance of $0.01 to avoid a maintenance fee. However, Citibank's eligibility is restricted to select states, while BMO Alto has no such limitations. Both accounts are online-only, emphasizing the convenience of digital banking.
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?
- ✓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.
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+$315.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,315.00
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$320.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,320.00
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 $314 per year in interest.
Both BMO Alto and Citibank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | BMO Alto | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.20% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 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 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None | U.S. branches are concentrated in six metropolitan areas, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Miami. |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS- Android- | |
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| 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 | 3.15% | 0.03% | 3.20% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -5.1 | -0.0 | -4.7 |
Days Since Change | 4 | 365 | 25 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
12-Month Low | 3.15% | 0.03% | 3.20% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.41 | 0.00 | 0.58 |
Volatility Score | 0.058 | 0.000 | 0.049 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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More Comparisons
Compare BMO Alto's APY of 3.15% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| BMO Alto vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs American Express | 3.30% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| BMO Alto vs Barclays | 3.85% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| BMO Alto vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| BMO Alto vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| BMO Alto vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Synchrony Bank | 3.50% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |