Citibank vs. Sallie Mae Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
3.30%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
3.90%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.25% APY.
Citibank vs. Sallie Mae Bank Savings Calculator
Sallie Mae Bank earns $383.1 more than Citibank.
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1,987.10(9.9%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$19,987.10
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,370.20(11.6%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,370.20
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Citibank vs. Sallie Mae Bank
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 1.5)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 1.6)
Why Sallie Mae Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $825/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Sallie Mae BankSallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account offers 3.90% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
CitibankCitibank offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.5) and Android app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.6)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account pays $60 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
Sallie Mae Bank offers a competitive High-Yield Savings Account with an APY of 3.90%, which is higher than Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings account at 3.30%. Both accounts require no minimum deposit and have no maintenance fees, but Sallie Mae Bank stands out with its straightforward terms, including no direct deposit requirement. Citibank's account is available only to residents in select states, while Sallie Mae Bank's account is online-only and accessible to a broader audience. For those looking for simplicity and higher returns, Sallie Mae Bank is the better option.
Analysis generated based on current Banksparency database records
* AI-generated content provided for informational purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed; always verify details with the provider.
Top Market Contenders
See who beats both Citibank and Sallie Mae Bank.
| Feature | Citibank | Sallie Mae Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 12/10/2025 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Citi Accelerate Savings | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $4.50. Waived for average monthly balances > $500 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android4.8 | iOS1.5 Android1.6 |
| BBB Rating | D- | A+ |
| Important Notes | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Citibank | Sallie Mae Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 0.03% | 3.30% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -0.0 | -4.9 | -0.0 |
Days Since Change | 315 | 22 | 313 |
10-Month High | 0.03% | 3.80% | 4.00% |
10-Month Low | 0.03% | 3.30% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.57 | 0.09 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.044 | 0.002 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Compare Similar High-Yield Accounts
Compare Citibank vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
Compare Sallie Mae Bank vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
Higher Rates (With Checking)
Looking for something different? Check out these top-rated alternatives.