Citizens Access™ vs. Wells Fargo
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Citizens Access™Citizens Access® Savings Jan 21, 2026 | Wells FargoPlatinum Savings Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% | 0.05% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 | $5,000+$3 $10,000+$5 $25,000+$13 |
Min Deposit | $0.01 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedChecking Bundle |
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 Citizens Access™ vs. Wells Fargo
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 Wells Fargo's 0.05% APY for its Platinum Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1,000,000.
Citizens Access™ pays $310 more than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 balance after one year. Citizens Access™ pays $315, while Wells Fargo pays $5 - an APY advantage for Citizens Access™.
In addition, Wells Fargo also offers 0.01% APY for the Way2Save Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Why Citizens Access™?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.15% vs 0.01%-0.05%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Wells Fargo?
- ✓Physical branch access (Wells Fargo offers branches and ATMs in 36 states and Washington, D.C.)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $3,500 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Citizens Access™Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $315 vs $5/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Citizens Access™Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $788 vs $13/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Citizens Access™Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings offers 3.15% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings pays $310 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wells Fargo's Platinum 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 savings option with its Citizens Access® Savings account, boasting a 3.15% APY with no minimum balance requirements or direct deposit conditions, making it ideal for those seeking simplicity. In contrast, Wells Fargo's Way2Save Savings account yields only 0.01% APY, while its Platinum Savings account provides a slightly higher 0.05% APY but requires a substantial minimum balance of $1,000,000 and is contingent upon linking to a Premier checking account. Overall, Citizens Access™ stands out significantly in terms of returns.
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. Wells Fargo Savings Calculator
You earn $310 more with Citizens Access™ than Wells Fargo 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
Wells Fargo
Platinum Savings
Higher APY requires $1,000,000
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$5.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,005.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Citizens Access™ | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.35%90d Change | 0.05% Range: 0.05% - 0.05% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Citizens Access® Savings | Platinum Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0.01 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $1,000,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance. |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.9 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $3,500/dayFounding member; zero fees to replace wires. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
| Important Notes | - | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Citizens Access™ Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wells Fargo Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Citizens Access™ | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens Access® Savings | Platinum Savings | Way2Save Savings | |
Current APY | 3.15% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -8.2 | -56.6 | 0.0 |
Days Since Change | 42 | 96 | 189 |
6-Month High | 3.70% | 2.51% | 0.01% |
6-Month Low | 3.15% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.47 | 0.47 | 0.00 |
Volatility Score | 0.048 | 1.163 | 0.000 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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