Chime vs. Citizens Access™
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 | Citizens Access™Citizens Access® Savings Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 1.00% - 3.50% | 3.15% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0.01 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking Bundle | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.20% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Chime vs. Citizens Access™
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 Citizens Access™'s 3.15% APY for its Citizens Access® Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Chime pays $35 more than Citizens Access™ on a $10,000 balance after one year. Chime pays $350, while Citizens Access™ pays $315 - an APY advantage for Chime.
Why Chime?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 3.15%) on all balances
Why Citizens Access™?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $315/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $788/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Citizens Access™Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings offers 3.15% 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 $35 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Chime's High-Yield Savings Account offers a competitive APY of 3.50%, making it the top choice among the two banks compared. This account requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days and is online-only. In contrast, Citizens Access™ provides a solid APY of 3.15% with no direct deposit requirement, making it a good option for those seeking simplicity. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and low minimum balance requirements, but Chime's higher yield positions it as the winner in this comparison.
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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Top Market Contenders
Chime vs. Citizens Access™ Savings Calculator
You earn $35 more with Chime than Citizens Access™ 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
Citizens Access™
Citizens Access® Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$315.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,315.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Chime | Citizens Access™ |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Range: 1.00% - 3.50% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.15% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.35%90d Change |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Citizens Access® Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0.01 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Citizens Access™ Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Chime | Citizens Access™ |
|---|---|---|
| Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Citizens Access® Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.15% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 8.5 | -5.1 |
Days Since Change | 97 | 42 |
12-Month High | 3.75% | 3.70% |
12-Month Low | 2.00% | 3.15% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.17 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.175 | 0.055 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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