Chime vs. Santander Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 | Santander BankSantander Savings Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 1.00% - 3.50% | 0.01% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $5,000+$1 $10,000+$1 $25,000+$3 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking Bundle | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported |
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. Santander Bank
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 Santander Bank's 0.01% APY for its Santander Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Chime pays $349 more than Santander Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Chime pays $350, while Santander Bank pays $1 - an APY advantage for Chime.
Why Chime?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 0.01%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 4.0)
Why Santander Bank?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Physical branch access (Primarily in the Northeast and Miami, Florida)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $1/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $3/yr).
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 $349 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Santander Bank's Santander Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Chime offers a significant advantage with its High-Yield Savings Account, providing an impressive APY of 3.50%, which is far superior to Santander Bank's Savings account that yields only 0.01%. Chime's account requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days, and it is available online only. In contrast, Santander Bank does not require direct deposit but charges a maintenance fee of $1. For those seeking higher returns, Chime's account is the clear winner, especially for customers who also open a checking account.
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. Santander Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $349 more with Chime than Santander Bank 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
Santander Bank
Santander Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,001.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Chime | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Range: 1.00% - 3.50% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) | 0.01% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Santander Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $1 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| 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 Android4.0 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Branch-based retail accounts only. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not Rated |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Santander Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Chime | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Chime High-Yield Savings Account | Santander Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 8.5 | -0.2 |
Days Since Change | 97 | 124 |
12-Month High | 3.75% | 0.03% |
12-Month Low | 2.00% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.17 | 0.08 |
Volatility Score | 0.175 | 0.455 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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