Citizens Access™ vs. PNC
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Citizens Access™Citizens Access® Savings Jan 6, 2026 | PNCPNC High Yield Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% | 3.30% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 |
Min Deposit | $0.01 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredNo 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 Citizens Access™ vs. PNC
As of Citizens Access™ offers an APY of 3.15% for its Citizens Access® Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to PNC's 3.30% APY for its PNC High Yield Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
PNC pays $15 more than Citizens Access™ on a $10,000 balance after one year. Citizens Access™ pays $315, while PNC pays $330 - an APY advantage for PNC.
In addition, PNC also offers 0.03% APY for the Standard Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1.
Why Citizens Access™?
- ✓Available Nationwide
Why PNC?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.30% vs 3.15%) on all balances
- ✓Physical branch access (Multiple branches in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,000 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $330 vs $315/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $825 vs $788/yr).
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays $15 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
Citizens Access™ offers a competitive APY of 3.15% for its online-only Citizens Access® Savings account, requiring a minimum deposit of just $0.01 and with no maintenance fees. In contrast, PNC's highest yield comes from its High Yield Savings account, which offers an APY of 3.30%, also with no minimum deposit and no maintenance fees, but eligibility is restricted to select states. While Citizens Access provides a straightforward option for all, PNC's account may yield slightly higher returns, especially for larger deposits, making it a viable alternative for those within the eligible states.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Citizens Access™ vs. PNC Savings Calculator
You earn $15 more with PNC 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.
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
PNC
PNC High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Citizens Access™ | PNC |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% Verified: 1/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.35%90d Change | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.55%90d Change |
| Product Name | Citizens Access® Savings | PNC High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0.01 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.9 | iOS4.9 Android4.6 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $2,000/dayCentral to Virtual Wallet suite. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Citizens Access™ Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at PNC Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Citizens Access™ | PNC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens Access® Savings | PNC High Yield Savings | Standard Savings | |
Current APY | 3.15% | 3.30% | 0.03% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -5.5 | -5.6 | 0.2 |
Days Since Change | 28 | 21 | 251 |
10-Month High | 3.70% | 3.95% | 0.03% |
10-Month Low | 3.15% | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.29 | 0.39 | 0.10 |
Volatility Score | 0.052 | 0.057 | 0.286 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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