Citibank vs. Synchrony Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 3.65% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$183 $10,000+$365 $25,000+$912 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® Supported | 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 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Citibank vs. Synchrony 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 Synchrony Bank's 3.65% APY for its High Yield Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Synchrony Bank pays $35 more than Citibank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Citibank pays $330, while Synchrony Bank pays $365 - an APY advantage for Synchrony Bank.
In addition, Citibank also offers 0.03% APY for the Citi® Savings Account account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
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 Android app (4.8 vs 4.4)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,500 a day)
Why Synchrony Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.65% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $365 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $912 vs $825/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings offers 3.65% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays $35 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
Synchrony Bank offers a competitive High Yield Savings account with an APY of 3.65%, making it the clear winner in this comparison. This account requires no minimum deposit, has no maintenance fees, and is available online only. In contrast, Citibank's top product, the Citi Accelerate Savings, provides a lower APY of 3.30% and also requires no minimum deposit, but has a maintenance fee that can be waived with a higher balance. Both banks do not require direct deposits, but Citibank's eligibility is restricted to select states, while Synchrony Bank has no such restrictions.
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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Citibank vs. Synchrony Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $35 more with Synchrony Bank 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.
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
Synchrony Bank
High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$365.00(3.5%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,365.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Citibank | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.65% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Citi Accelerate Savings | High Yield Savings |
| 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 | iOS4.8 Android4.4 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $2,500/dayTiered limits based on account status (Citigold higher). | Not Supported |
| 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 Synchrony Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Citibank | Synchrony Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | High Yield Savings | |
Current APY | 0.03% | 3.30% | 3.65% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 0.0 | -4.8 | -3.5 |
Days Since Change | 343 | 50 | 50 |
11-Month High | 0.03% | 3.80% | 4.10% |
11-Month Low | 0.03% | 3.30% | 3.65% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.52 | 0.26 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.047 | 0.034 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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