Chime vs. Citibank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 1.00% - 3.50% | 3.30% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $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 MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking Bundle | 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 Chime offers an APY of 3.50% for its Chime High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to Citibank's 3.30% APY for its Citi Accelerate Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Chime pays $20 more than Citibank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Chime pays $350, while Citibank pays $330 - an APY advantage for Chime.
In addition, Citibank also offers 0.03% APY for the Citi® Savings Account account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Why Chime?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Available Nationwide
Why Citibank?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓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.)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,500 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $825/yr).
Best for Simplicity
CitibankCitibank's Citi Accelerate Savings offers 3.30% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best for All-in-One Banking
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays a superior APY for customers who also open a checking account.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account 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 as of
Chime offers a competitive Chime High-Yield Savings Account with an APY of 3.50%, which requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days. This account is beneficial for customers who also open a checking account, providing superior returns on savings. In comparison, Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings account yields a slightly lower APY of 3.30% and does not require direct deposit, making it simpler to manage. However, Citibank's eligibility is restricted to select states. Both accounts are online-only, with no maintenance fees if certain conditions are met.
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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Chime vs. Citibank Savings Calculator
You earn $20 more with Chime than Citibank 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.
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
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 | Chime | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Range: 1.00% - 3.50% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.25%90d Change | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $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. | RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days | None |
| Checking Bundle | Yes | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.8 | 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 Chime Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Citibank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Chime | Citibank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 9.6 | -0.0 | -4.8 |
Days Since Change | 83 | 342 | 50 |
11-Month High | 3.75% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
11-Month Low | 2.00% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.17 | 0.00 | 0.52 |
Volatility Score | 0.182 | 0.000 | 0.047 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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