Savings account rate depends on chosen Citi package.

Savings account rate depends on chosen Citi package.

Citi Savings Account: A Comprehensive Guide to Rates and Comparisons

Citi branch

Citi is a national bank with 690 branches across the United States. Known for its diverse range of financial products and services, Citi offers various options when it comes to savings accounts. In this article, we will explore Citi’s savings account rates, compare them to other popular options, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.

Citi Savings Account Rates

Citi categorizes its savings accounts into six different packages, each offering its own Annual Percentage Yield (APY) based on your zip code. Here are the packages and their corresponding APY for the 90015 zip code:

  • Access Account: 0.05% APY
  • Basic Banking: 0.05% APY
  • The Citi Account: 0.05% APY
  • Citi Priority: 0.10% APY
  • Citigold® Savings Account: 0.12% APY
  • Citigold Private Client: 1.01% APY

The higher-tiered packages come with additional benefits, such as better savings rates for higher account balances. However, it’s important to note that they may also have higher monthly service fees and more stringent requirements to waive those fees. Depending on your needs and financial situation, you can opt to open a corresponding checking account within the package or simply open the savings account.

Comparing Citi Savings Account

Citi Savings Account vs. Citi® Accelerate Savings

Citi offers two main savings account options: the Citi Savings Account and the Citi® Accelerate Savings. These accounts have three key differences:

  1. The Citi Savings Account is a regular savings account, while the Citi® Accelerate Savings is a high-yield savings account. The latter offers a higher rate of return if you maintain a minimum balance of $1.
  2. The Citi Savings Account is available in markets where there are physical Citi branch locations, while the Citi® Accelerate Savings is an online-only account for customers residing in areas without branch access.

Although there are certain exceptions where physical branches exist, but customers can still open a Citi® Accelerate Savings account. The states where you cannot open a Citi® Accelerate Savings account are California, Connecticut, select parts of Florida and Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. However, if you live in any of these states, you can still opt for a Citi Savings Account.

Citi Savings Account vs. Wells Fargo Way2Save Savings

When comparing Citi Savings Account to the Wells Fargo Way2Save® Savings Account, the former offers a higher APY regardless of the Citi package you choose. However, it’s crucial to consider the monthly fees associated with each account. Citi’s monthly fees may outweigh the higher rate and negate any additional earnings.

Citi Savings Account vs. Bank of America Advantage Savings

Bank of America also offers different membership tiers with varying rates for their Advantage Savings account. However, even at the highest tier, the APY offered by Bank of America is just 0.01%. In comparison, Citi’s higher-tier packages may provide a better rate of return. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Citi’s monthly fees are generally higher compared to Bank of America, unless the customers qualify to waive those fees. Thus, it’s essential to assess whether the higher rate justifies the fees associated with the Citi savings accounts.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right savings account is an important financial decision. Citi’s range of savings account packages provides customers with various choices tailored to their needs. While the higher-tier packages offer better rates, it’s crucial to consider the associated fees and requirements. By understanding the differences between Citi’s savings accounts and comparing them to other popular options like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, you can make an informed choice suited to your financial goals.

Read Insider’s guides to the best savings accounts and the best high-yield savings accounts for more detailed information and recommendations.