Chase and Citi are two of the largest and most popular banks in the country, both offering a wide range of banking options and convenient features. Here’s how their accounts, fees, rates and features compare.
Innovative digital banking. Chase supports an efficient digital platform that allows for cardless ATM transactions and more.
More branches. Its nationwide network includes more than 4,700 brick-and-mortar locations.
Lower monthly fees. Chase offers a few more account options with lower monthly fees than Citi does.
Kid-friendly account options. Chase offers checking accounts specific to kids, high-schoolers and college students. These offer benefits such as waiving monthly fees, no minimum deposit or parental controls to help your kids learn money management.
Cons
Less robust interest rates. Neither bank offers stellar APYs, but Chase‘s come in behind Citi‘s.
International ATMs only. If you travel overseas, you’re limited to finding Chase ATMs while abroad, rather than in-person banking.
Citi
Pros
More ATMs. Citi‘s network of more than 70,000 ATMs dwarfs Chase‘s 16,000.
International branches. Citi supports many branches outside of the US, while Chase does not, making Citi an ideal choice for international travelers.
Stronger interest rates. Citi‘s savings and CD interest rates are higher than Chase‘s. You can get up to a 0.25% APY for a Citi Savings Account depending on your account package, or up to 1.50% APY on an 11-month CD.
Opening bonuses. Earn up to $2,000 for opening an eligible checking account, as long as you meet the required activities.
Cons
Fewer branches. Citi supports close to 700 branches in the US but thousands of branches worldwide.
Stricter requirements to waive monthly fees. Depending on your account, you need a minimum balance of $1,500 to $300,000 to bypass Citi’s monthly fees.
More limited CD options. Terms range from three months to five years at Citi, whereas Chase offers terms of one month to 10 years.
Chase vs. Citi savings accounts
Chase offers two savings accounts that pay a 0.01% APY. While both accounts require a monthly fee, you can waive the fee by keeping a minimum balance of $300, setting up a small monthly direct deposit or linking specific Chase checking accounts.
Citi offers Citi Savings with its account packages, and its competitive APYs of 0.05% to 0.25% make it a clear winner in this category. Your exact APY depends on which account package you choose.
Winner: Citi
Chase vs. Citi checking accounts
Chase supports three standard checking accounts with two paying interest, whereas Citi offers five checking accounts with three that pay interest. Both banks offer executive-tier accounts with priority services, such as financial advising. Citi‘s larger selection and slightly lower fees give it the edge in this category.
Winner: Citi
Chase vs. Citi certificates of deposit
Both banks offer certificates of deposit with a variety of term options. But Citi comes out ahead in this category for its lower minimum deposit requirements, higher interest rates up to 1.50% APY and various CD ladder strategies.
Winner: Citi
Consider these accounts from Chase and Citi
Citi and Chase both have a wide variety of accounts to choose from. Here are a selection of checking accounts from these two popular banks.
Chase and Citi‘s other products
These traditional banks offer similar product lineups, with slightly more options through Chase.
Chase
Car loans
Home loans and refinancing
Credit cards, credit card loan and reloadable cards
IRAs
Small business and commercial banking
Brokerage accounts
Child, student and military banking
Chase Private Client
Financial advice
Citi
Personal loans
Home loans and refinancing
Credit cards
IRAs
Small business and commercial banking
Brokerage accounts
College savings
Foreign exchange
Financial advising
Chase vs. Citi branches and ATMs
Both banks rely on accessible customer service, in-person support and ATMs nationwide.
Citi
Chase
Branches
Nearly 700
More than 4,700
ATMs
70,000+
More than 15,000
Customer service
Phone 24/7
Email support
Social media
Mail
Phone 24/7
Social media
Email support via online account
Mail
State availability
Citi supports branches in these states, focusing on metropolitan areas.
CA
CT
FL
IL
MD
NJ
NY
NV
VA
Chase offers branches in 49 states and Washington, DC, but doesn’t offer branches in Alaska.
Bottom line
Both of these banks are among the nation’s biggest, trusted by millions of Americans.
Consider banking with Chase if you value branch access or use a variety of its financial products. Internationally minded customers may appreciate Citi‘s international presence and more than 70,000 domestic ATMs.
Before signing up for an account, compare your options to find the strongest rates, lowest fees and best perks for your banking lifestyle.
Peter Carleton is a writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading.
Chase College Checking offers no monthly service fees for enrolled college students for up to five years, but there may be other free accounts worth considering.
The Chase Savings account is a simple savings account that helps you reach your short- and long-term financial goals. It offers the benefits and security of banking with Chase for a low monthly fee that is easily avoidable.
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