Citibank vs. Chase: Which Is Right for You?

As two of the largest banks in the U.S. by assets, both Citi and Chase Bank offer a wide variety of deposit accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).

To choose the right bank for you, consider your daily banking needs as well as your long-term financial goals. Let’s compare your options.

Citi and Chase Bank quick comparison

How does Citi stack up against Chase Bank?
	Citi	Chase Bank
Checking accounts	Regular Checking (unlimited check writing) Monthly fee: $15; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $2.50; may be waived Minimum deposit: none  Access Checking (checkless) Monthly fee: $5; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $2.50 Minimum deposit: none	Chase Total Checking (check-writing capabilities) Monthly fee: $12; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $3 to $5 Minimum deposit: none Chase Secure Banking (checkless) Monthly fee: $4.95; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $3 to $5 Minimum deposit: none Chase Premier Plus Checking APY: 0.01% Monthly fee: $25; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: Free for the first 4 transactions per month, then $3 at domestic ATMs Minimum deposit: none
	Visit Site	Visit Site
Savings accounts	Citi Savings Account APY: 0.03% Monthly fee: $4.50; may be waived Minimum deposit: none Citi Accelerate High-Yield Savings Account APY: 3.70% Monthly fee: $4.50; may be waived  Minimum deposit: none	Chase Savings  APY: 0.01% Monthly fee: $5; may be waived Minimum deposit: none Chase Premier Savings  APY: 0.01% standard; 0.02% relationship Monthly fee: $25; may be waived Minimum deposit: none
	Visit Site	Visit Site
Certificates of deposit (CDs)	Fixed Rate CD Terms: 3 months to 5 years APY: 0.05% to 3.25% Minimum deposit: $500 No Penalty CD Term: 12 months APY: 0.05% No early withdrawal penalties Minimum deposit: $500 Step Up CD Term: 30 months APY: Composite 0.10% Interest increases every 10 months Minimum deposit: $500	Fixed Rate CD Terms: 1 month to 10 years APY: 0.02% standard, up to 2.25% relationship Minimum deposit: $1,000
	Visit Site	Visit Site
Customer service details	24/7 phone support at 888-248-4226  Live chat support online and in the mobile app	24/7 phone support at 800-935-9935 Secure messages online and in the mobile app
Mobile app ratings	4.9 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store	4.8 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Checking accounts

Both Citi and Chase Bank provide multiple checking accounts. Monthly fees and minimum deposits on basic accounts are similar, though Chase Bank also has a checking account that earns interest. 

Citi checking accounts

Citi offers two checking accounts: Regular Checking and Access Checking. While Regular Checking comes with unlimited check writing, Access Checking is a checkless option. Regular Checking has a monthly service fee of $15, and Access Checking has a monthly fee of $5.

Citi will waive these monthly fees for the first three months after account opening and will continue to do so for customers with at least $250 in enhanced direct deposits monthly. This includes Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, such as payroll, pension and Social Security payments. 

Both accounts also charge a $2.50 fee for non-Citi ATMs, but you can bypass this fee with Regular Checking if you have $250 in monthly enhanced direct deposits. Citi requires no minimum deposit to open a checking account. 

Chase Bank checking accounts

Chase Bank has three everyday checking account options. The most basic account, Chase Secure Banking, has a monthly fee of $4.95, though this fee is waivable for customers who make at least $250 in electronic deposits monthly. 

The Chase Total Checking account comes with additional features, including overdraft protection and the ability to set up automatic transfers to a savings account. Avoid the $12 monthly fee by making a minimum of $500 in electronic deposits each month; maintaining a daily account balance of at least $1,500; or keeping a minimum of $5,000 across qualifying Chase Bank accounts.  

Chase Premier Plus Checking is an interest-earning checking account with a monthly fee of $25. This fee can be waived for customers with an average combined balance of $15,000 or more across qualifying Chase Bank accounts. Fees can also be waived for customers who set up automatic mortgage payments from a linked qualifying Chase Bank account and for veterans and active service members. 

Chase Bank also offers checking accounts for kids, students and premium clients, including the Chase Sapphire Checking account. Though the benefits of premium accounts may be appealing, you’ll need to maintain a significantly higher account balance to avoid paying monthly fees.

If you need to use a domestic ATM outside of Chase Bank’s network, you’ll typically pay a $3 fee. Premier Plus Checking customers won’t be charged for their first four ATM transactions per month.

Chase Bank requires no minimum deposit for any checking accounts. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Savings accounts

Chase Bank and Citi both have interest-earning savings accounts, though Citi’s rates are higher. In addition to its high-yield savings account, which is available in select markets, Citi has a basic savings account with a higher annual percentage yield (APY) than on Chase Bank’s premier account.

Citi savings accounts

Depending on where you live, Citi offers two savings accounts: the Citi Savings Account and the Citi Accelerate High-Yield Savings Account (each available in limited markets). The basic savings account earns an APY of 0.03%, while the high-yield account earns an APY of 3.70%. 

There is no minimum deposit required to open a savings account. Both accounts have a monthly fee of $4.50, though this fee will be waived for the first three months after account opening. After the introductory period, the monthly fee is waivable for customers with an average monthly balance of $500 or more. 

If you qualify for one of Citi’s Relationship Tiers, you may be eligible for higher rates and other perks, including waived fees for non-Citi ATMs and increased limits for Zelle payments. To qualify for Citi’s lowest Relationship Tier, Citi Priority, you’ll need to maintain a combined monthly balance of at least $30,000 across qualifying accounts. 

Chase Bank savings accounts

Chase Bank also supplies two savings accounts. The simplest option, the Chase Savings account, earns an APY of 0.01%. This account has a monthly fee of $5, though this is waivable for customers who meet certain criteria, including maintaining a daily balance of at least $300 or setting up at least $25 in autosave transfers from a Chase Bank checking account. 

The Chase Premier Savings account also earns a standard APY of 0.01%. But customers who link a Chase Bank checking account and make at least five transactions in a monthly statement period using this linked account can earn an APY of up to 0.02% . 

The monthly fee on this account is significantly higher at $25. To avoid this fee, you’ll need to maintain an account balance of $15,000 or more, or link to a Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking account. 

There is no stated minimum deposit required to open a Chase Bank savings account. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: CDs

When it comes to CDs, Citi has the most options, including a CD with no early withdrawal penalties. Citi also offers higher APYs than Chase Bank, and unlike with Chase Bank, you won’t have to open an additional account to qualify for the highest rates. 

Citi CDs

Citi has three types of CDs. Fixed-rate CDs provide a guaranteed rate for the entire term, with terms lasting between three months and five years. 

Interest rates depend on the term. For example, the three-month CD earns an APY of 0.05%, and the seven-month CD earns an APY of 3.25%. 

Citi also has a no-penalty CD, which waives early withdrawal penalties, and a step-up CD, which comes with an APY that gradually increases throughout the term. A minimum deposit of $500 is required to open a CD with Citi. 

Chase Bank CDs

Chase Bank offers fixed-rate CDs with terms from one month to 10 years, but customers will need a Chase Bank checking account to take advantage of the highest rates. The standard APY on a fixed-term CD is 0.01% — the same rate as Chase Bank’s basic savings account. 

By opening a checking account, customers can qualify for Chase Bank’s relationship rates and earn more interest. Depending on the term and account balance, a CD can earn up to 2.25% APY with a relationship rate. 

Regardless of the term you choose, a minimum deposit of $1,000 will be required to open a CD. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Customer service

Both Chase Bank and Citi deliver convenient customer service options, including 24/7 phone support and secure messaging via mobile app and website. If you prefer in-person assistance, you’ll need to visit a physical branch location. 

While Chase Bank has at least one branch in every U.S. state (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), Citi’s physical presence is significantly more limited. Citi’s branches are primarily located in a handful of metropolitan areas, so customers outside of these areas won’t have the option to visit a branch. But Citi also has a wide network of fee-free ATMs in participating retail locations nationwide. 

In 2024, Chase Bank was recognized in J.D. Power’s annual banking satisfaction study, ranking second in overall customer satisfaction. Citi was also included in the report, but it was rated last of the nine national banks. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Online banking and mobile apps

Both Chase Bank and Citi provide convenient online services and mobile apps customers can use to manage their accounts on their own schedule. While both banks have similar mobile features, including the ability to track your spending, deposit checks and transfer money, the Citi app is rated slightly higher on both iOS and Android. 

When to choose Citi

Still stuck on the big question: Citi versus Chase Bank? Citi might be your best option if: 

• You want convenient ATM access. Citi has more than 65,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Many are located in participating retail locations for convenient access when you’re out and about. 
• You’re eligible for the high-yield savings account. If you live in an area where the Citi Accelerate Savings account is available, you’ll earn significantly more in interest than you would with either of Chase Bank’s savings accounts.
• You want more flexibility for your CDs. If you plan to open a certificate of deposit, Citi offers a wider variety of options, including step-up and no-penalty CDs. The bank also requires a smaller opening deposit. 

When to choose Chase Bank

Alternatively, here are some situations where Chase Bank might be a better choice: 

• You want an interest-earning checking account. If you plan to open only a checking account and you’d like the opportunity to earn interest, Chase Bank has an interest-earning account, while Citi does not.
• You want access to in-person support. Chase Bank has more than 4,700 branches, with at least one branch in every continental state. This is significantly more than Citi, making Chase Bank a better option for customers who want branch access.
• You feel strongly about customer reviews. In 2024, Chase Bank came in second place in J.D. Power’s National Banking Satisfaction Study. This study is based on responses from more than 11,000 banking customers, so you can feel confident about the level of service you’ll receive with Chase Bank.

As two of the largest banks in the U.S. by assets, both Citi and Chase Bank offer a wide variety of deposit accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).

To choose the right bank for you, consider your daily banking needs as well as your long-term financial goals. Let’s compare your options.

Citi and Chase Bank quick comparison

How does Citi stack up against Chase Bank?
	Citi	Chase Bank
Checking accounts	Regular Checking (unlimited check writing) Monthly fee: $15; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $2.50; may be waived Minimum deposit: none  Access Checking (checkless) Monthly fee: $5; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $2.50 Minimum deposit: none	Chase Total Checking (check-writing capabilities) Monthly fee: $12; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $3 to $5 Minimum deposit: none Chase Secure Banking (checkless) Monthly fee: $4.95; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: $3 to $5 Minimum deposit: none Chase Premier Plus Checking APY: 0.01% Monthly fee: $25; may be waived Out-of-network ATM fee: Free for the first 4 transactions per month, then $3 at domestic ATMs Minimum deposit: none
	Visit Site	Visit Site
Savings accounts	Citi Savings Account APY: 0.03% Monthly fee: $4.50; may be waived Minimum deposit: none Citi Accelerate High-Yield Savings Account APY: 3.70% Monthly fee: $4.50; may be waived  Minimum deposit: none	Chase Savings  APY: 0.01% Monthly fee: $5; may be waived Minimum deposit: none Chase Premier Savings  APY: 0.01% standard; 0.02% relationship Monthly fee: $25; may be waived Minimum deposit: none
	Visit Site	Visit Site
Certificates of deposit (CDs)	Fixed Rate CD Terms: 3 months to 5 years APY: 0.05% to 3.25% Minimum deposit: $500 No Penalty CD Term: 12 months APY: 0.05% No early withdrawal penalties Minimum deposit: $500 Step Up CD Term: 30 months APY: Composite 0.10% Interest increases every 10 months Minimum deposit: $500	Fixed Rate CD Terms: 1 month to 10 years APY: 0.02% standard, up to 2.25% relationship Minimum deposit: $1,000
	Visit Site	Visit Site
Customer service details	24/7 phone support at 888-248-4226  Live chat support online and in the mobile app	24/7 phone support at 800-935-9935 Secure messages online and in the mobile app
Mobile app ratings	4.9 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store	4.8 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Checking accounts

Both Citi and Chase Bank provide multiple checking accounts. Monthly fees and minimum deposits on basic accounts are similar, though Chase Bank also has a checking account that earns interest. 

Citi checking accounts

Citi offers two checking accounts: Regular Checking and Access Checking. While Regular Checking comes with unlimited check writing, Access Checking is a checkless option. Regular Checking has a monthly service fee of $15, and Access Checking has a monthly fee of $5.

Citi will waive these monthly fees for the first three months after account opening and will continue to do so for customers with at least $250 in enhanced direct deposits monthly. This includes Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, such as payroll, pension and Social Security payments. 

Both accounts also charge a $2.50 fee for non-Citi ATMs, but you can bypass this fee with Regular Checking if you have $250 in monthly enhanced direct deposits. Citi requires no minimum deposit to open a checking account. 

Chase Bank checking accounts

Chase Bank has three everyday checking account options. The most basic account, Chase Secure Banking, has a monthly fee of $4.95, though this fee is waivable for customers who make at least $250 in electronic deposits monthly. 

The Chase Total Checking account comes with additional features, including overdraft protection and the ability to set up automatic transfers to a savings account. Avoid the $12 monthly fee by making a minimum of $500 in electronic deposits each month; maintaining a daily account balance of at least $1,500; or keeping a minimum of $5,000 across qualifying Chase Bank accounts.  

Chase Premier Plus Checking is an interest-earning checking account with a monthly fee of $25. This fee can be waived for customers with an average combined balance of $15,000 or more across qualifying Chase Bank accounts. Fees can also be waived for customers who set up automatic mortgage payments from a linked qualifying Chase Bank account and for veterans and active service members. 

Chase Bank also offers checking accounts for kids, students and premium clients, including the Chase Sapphire Checking account. Though the benefits of premium accounts may be appealing, you’ll need to maintain a significantly higher account balance to avoid paying monthly fees.

If you need to use a domestic ATM outside of Chase Bank’s network, you’ll typically pay a $3 fee. Premier Plus Checking customers won’t be charged for their first four ATM transactions per month.

Chase Bank requires no minimum deposit for any checking accounts. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Savings accounts

Chase Bank and Citi both have interest-earning savings accounts, though Citi’s rates are higher. In addition to its high-yield savings account, which is available in select markets, Citi has a basic savings account with a higher annual percentage yield (APY) than on Chase Bank’s premier account.

Citi savings accounts

Depending on where you live, Citi offers two savings accounts: the Citi Savings Account and the Citi Accelerate High-Yield Savings Account (each available in limited markets). The basic savings account earns an APY of 0.03%, while the high-yield account earns an APY of 3.70%. 

There is no minimum deposit required to open a savings account. Both accounts have a monthly fee of $4.50, though this fee will be waived for the first three months after account opening. After the introductory period, the monthly fee is waivable for customers with an average monthly balance of $500 or more. 

If you qualify for one of Citi’s Relationship Tiers, you may be eligible for higher rates and other perks, including waived fees for non-Citi ATMs and increased limits for Zelle payments. To qualify for Citi’s lowest Relationship Tier, Citi Priority, you’ll need to maintain a combined monthly balance of at least $30,000 across qualifying accounts. 

Chase Bank savings accounts

Chase Bank also supplies two savings accounts. The simplest option, the Chase Savings account, earns an APY of 0.01%. This account has a monthly fee of $5, though this is waivable for customers who meet certain criteria, including maintaining a daily balance of at least $300 or setting up at least $25 in autosave transfers from a Chase Bank checking account. 

The Chase Premier Savings account also earns a standard APY of 0.01%. But customers who link a Chase Bank checking account and make at least five transactions in a monthly statement period using this linked account can earn an APY of up to 0.02% . 

The monthly fee on this account is significantly higher at $25. To avoid this fee, you’ll need to maintain an account balance of $15,000 or more, or link to a Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking account. 

There is no stated minimum deposit required to open a Chase Bank savings account. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: CDs

When it comes to CDs, Citi has the most options, including a CD with no early withdrawal penalties. Citi also offers higher APYs than Chase Bank, and unlike with Chase Bank, you won’t have to open an additional account to qualify for the highest rates. 

Citi CDs

Citi has three types of CDs. Fixed-rate CDs provide a guaranteed rate for the entire term, with terms lasting between three months and five years. 

Interest rates depend on the term. For example, the three-month CD earns an APY of 0.05%, and the seven-month CD earns an APY of 3.25%. 

Citi also has a no-penalty CD, which waives early withdrawal penalties, and a step-up CD, which comes with an APY that gradually increases throughout the term. A minimum deposit of $500 is required to open a CD with Citi. 

Chase Bank CDs

Chase Bank offers fixed-rate CDs with terms from one month to 10 years, but customers will need a Chase Bank checking account to take advantage of the highest rates. The standard APY on a fixed-term CD is 0.01% — the same rate as Chase Bank’s basic savings account. 

By opening a checking account, customers can qualify for Chase Bank’s relationship rates and earn more interest. Depending on the term and account balance, a CD can earn up to 2.25% APY with a relationship rate. 

Regardless of the term you choose, a minimum deposit of $1,000 will be required to open a CD. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Customer service

Both Chase Bank and Citi deliver convenient customer service options, including 24/7 phone support and secure messaging via mobile app and website. If you prefer in-person assistance, you’ll need to visit a physical branch location. 

While Chase Bank has at least one branch in every U.S. state (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), Citi’s physical presence is significantly more limited. Citi’s branches are primarily located in a handful of metropolitan areas, so customers outside of these areas won’t have the option to visit a branch. But Citi also has a wide network of fee-free ATMs in participating retail locations nationwide. 

In 2024, Chase Bank was recognized in J.D. Power’s annual banking satisfaction study, ranking second in overall customer satisfaction. Citi was also included in the report, but it was rated last of the nine national banks. 

Citi vs. Chase Bank: Online banking and mobile apps

Both Chase Bank and Citi provide convenient online services and mobile apps customers can use to manage their accounts on their own schedule. While both banks have similar mobile features, including the ability to track your spending, deposit checks and transfer money, the Citi app is rated slightly higher on both iOS and Android. 

When to choose Citi

Still stuck on the big question: Citi versus Chase Bank? Citi might be your best option if: 

• You want convenient ATM access. Citi has more than 65,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Many are located in participating retail locations for convenient access when you’re out and about. 
• You’re eligible for the high-yield savings account. If you live in an area where the Citi Accelerate Savings account is available, you’ll earn significantly more in interest than you would with either of Chase Bank’s savings accounts.
• You want more flexibility for your CDs. If you plan to open a certificate of deposit, Citi offers a wider variety of options, including step-up and no-penalty CDs. The bank also requires a smaller opening deposit. 

When to choose Chase Bank

Alternatively, here are some situations where Chase Bank might be a better choice: 

• You want an interest-earning checking account. If you plan to open only a checking account and you’d like the opportunity to earn interest, Chase Bank has an interest-earning account, while Citi does not.
• You want access to in-person support. Chase Bank has more than 4,700 branches, with at least one branch in every continental state. This is significantly more than Citi, making Chase Bank a better option for customers who want branch access.
• You feel strongly about customer reviews. In 2024, Chase Bank came in second place in J.D. Power’s National Banking Satisfaction Study. This study is based on responses from more than 11,000 banking customers, so you can feel confident about the level of service you’ll receive with Chase Bank.