American Express vs. Chime
American Express's High Yield Savings Account pays 3.00% APY while Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays 3.75% APY.
Note: Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account also needs a checking account.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Chime pays $75 more than American Express annually ($375 vs $300).
Choose American Express if you want a no-strings-attached account, or you want Zelle for quick transfers. Choose Chime if getting the best rate matters most, or BBB rating matters to you.
Important Considerations
Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays its top rate only if you also open a checking account with Chime, while American Express's High Yield Savings Account stands alone.
| Metric | American ExpressHigh Yield Savings Account Sep 3, 2026 | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Sep 3, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.00% | 3.75% |
Earns in a year | $5,000+$150 $10,000+$300 $25,000+$750 | $5,000+$188 $10,000+$375 $25,000+$938 |
Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® SupportedDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking BundleDaily Compounding |
Market Reality Check
Both of these institutions offer rates below the top 10 savings and money market accounts we track. Those institutions all pay at least 4.01% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing American Express vs. Chime
Executive Summary
Chime offers a competitive High-Yield Savings Account with an APY of 3.75%, making it the clear winner compared to American Express's High Yield Savings Account, which has an APY of 3.00%. Chime's account provides better returns on various deposit amounts, with estimated earnings of approximately $375 per year at $10,000 and $938 at $25,000. Additionally, Chime requires direct deposit and is designed for customers who may also want a checking account. In contrast, American Express does not require direct deposit and has no maintenance fees, but it is only available online and in Utah.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why American Express?
- No checking account or direct deposit required
- Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Chime?
- Higher potential APY (3.75% vs 3.00%) on all balances
Key Feature Differences
Better Returns at $10,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $375 vs $300/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $938 vs $750/yr).
Better for All-in-One Banking
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays a superior APY for customers who also open a checking account.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays $75 more interest on a $10,000 balance than American Express's High Yield Savings Account.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
American Express vs. Chime Savings Calculator
You earn $75 more with Chime than American Express 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.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$300.00(2.9%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,300.00
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$375.00(3.6%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,375.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Still at a large branch bank?
A typical branch-bank savings rate is 0.05% APY. On a $10,000 balance, the gap to these two banks is at least $295 a year in interest.
Both American Express and Chime advertise far more than that typical branch-bank rate.
| Feature | American Express | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.00% Observed: 9/3/2026 0.10%90-day change | 3.75% Observed: 9/3/2026 Stable over 90 days |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | Chime High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| In-Branch Access | No | No |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | 1 (UT) | Not reported |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | Required |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC or NCUA Insured | YesVerify FDIC | Yes |
| Zelle® Support | Available Requires Amex Rewards Checking; not available for standalone HYSA. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at American Express Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site |
Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express |
|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.00% |
Trend | Stable |
Speed of change | -0.04 |
Days Since Change | 55 |
6-Month High | 3.20% |
6-Month Low | 3.00% |
Changes per month | 0.30 |
Steadiness | 0.027 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Trends and speed
- Trend: The general direction of the rate over the analyzed period. Useful for seeing whether a bank is raising its rate or letting it slip.
- Speed of change: How fast the rate moves. A high positive number means they raise rates quickly. A reading of 0.10 is a tenth of a percentage point each month.
- Changes per month: How often the rate moves. A high number means it changes constantly; a low number means it holds.
Risk & Range
- High/Low: The absolute ceiling and floor of the rate during the 198-day window.
- Steadiness: How far the rate swings around its average. A lower score means a steadier, more predictable rate.
- Days Since Change: A high number, for example above 90, means the rate rarely moves. A low number means it changed recently.
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