Citibank vs. Santander Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Santander BankSantander Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$1 $10,000+$1 $25,000+$3 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® Supported | 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 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Citibank vs. Santander Bank
As of Citibank offers an APY of 3.30% for its Citi Accelerate 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.
Citibank pays $329 more than Santander Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Citibank pays $330, while Santander Bank pays $1 - an APY advantage for Citibank.
In addition, Citibank also offers 0.03% APY for the Citi® Savings Account account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Why Citibank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.30% vs 0.01%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 4.0)
Why Santander Bank?
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
CitibankCitibank's Citi Accelerate Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $330 vs $1/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
CitibankCitibank's Citi Accelerate Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $825 vs $3/yr).
Best for Simplicity
CitibankCitibank's Citi Accelerate Savings offers 3.30% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
CitibankCitibank offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 4.8) and Android app rated 4.8 (vs. 4.0)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings pays $329 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
Citibank offers a competitive savings product, the Citi Accelerate Savings, which provides a notable 3.30% APY with no direct deposit requirement and no bundling necessary. This account is available to residents in select states and requires a minimum balance of just $0.01, although it has a maintenance fee of $4.50, which can be waived with an average monthly balance over $500. In contrast, Santander Bank's savings account offers a significantly lower APY of 0.01%, with a minimum deposit of $25 and a $1 maintenance fee. Overall, Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings stands out as the superior option for savers.
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
Citibank vs. Santander Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $329 more with Citibank 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.
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
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 | Citibank | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 0.01% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Citi Accelerate Savings | Santander Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $4.50. Waived for average monthly balances > $500 | $1 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android4.8 | iOS4.8 Android4.0 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $2,500/dayTiered limits based on account status (Citigold higher). | Available Branch-based retail accounts only. |
| BBB Rating | D- | Not Rated |
| Important Notes | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Citibank 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 | Citibank | Santander Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | Santander Savings | |
Current APY | 0.03% | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 0.0 | -4.8 | -0.2 |
Days Since Change | 343 | 50 | 110 |
11-Month High | 0.03% | 3.80% | 0.03% |
11-Month Low | 0.03% | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.52 | 0.09 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.047 | 0.434 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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