Chase and Citibank are two of the most predominant American Banks. Both of them offer similar products and services like loans, mortgages, deposits, and credit/debit cards.
However, when we compare them head to head in terms of convenience, Citibank moves far ahead in terms of everything.
It has more ATMs, better customer support, and even higher interest rates in its savings and CD accounts. Moreover, the minimum deposit amount is also low.
But, Chase has a nil overdraft protection fee as well as more physical branches (almost 4,700+).
Chase vs Citibank Comparison
| Feature | Chase | Citibank |
| Checking Monthly Fee | $12 | $12 |
| Checking Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Savings Monthly Fee | $5 | $4.50 |
| Savings Return | 0.01% Annually | 0.08% |
| CD Earning | 1 Year 0.01%, 5 Year 0.01% | 1 Year 0.10%, 5 Year 0.15% |
| CD Minimum Deposit | $1,000 | $500 |
| Locations | 4,700+ | 600+ |
| Phone Hours | 8:00-12:00 ET (Mon-Fri) 8:00-20:00 (Sat-Sun) | 24 Hours |
| ATMs | 16,000+ | 60,000+ |
| Overdraft Fee | $34, limit 3 per day | $34, limit 4 per day |
Citibank is a far better bank in almost every way when compared to Chase. However, there are a few tidbits where it lags.
For example, Citibank has only 600 branches in the US as compared to Chase which has over 4,700 branches. Moreover, the overdraft transfer protection fee is $10, which is free in the case of Chase customers.
As far as other aspects are concerned, the annual rates in savings and CD accounts are higher in Citibank. Moreover, they have a much lower minimum deposit amount and superior customer support.
Citibank Pros and Cons
Citibank is for those customers who prefer convenience, superior customer support, better annual return rates, and a low minimum deposit amount.
Chase Pros and Cons
Customers who want better offline support and the convenience of more branches can choose Chase for opening their accounts. In addition, the overdraft transfer protection for Chase fee is $0.
Checking Account Comparison
| Checking Account | Chase | Citibank |
| Monthly Fee | $12 | $12 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| APY Rate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Although the monthly account maintenance fee is the same for both banks, Citibank account holders can waive this fee through minimum deposits or account balances.
Moreover, Citibank users of 62 and above have their maintenance fees waived off permanently. Other factors like minimum deposit balance and APY rates are the same for both that are nil.
Savings Account Comparison
| Savings Account | Chase | Citibank |
| APY | 0.01% | 0.08% |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $5 | $4.50 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
As we can see that the monthly maintenance fee of Citibank is slightly lower than Chase, Moreover, the APY rates are also quite attractive.
In both these banks you can waive off the monthly maintenance fee, however, the waiving criteria in the case of Citibank are a lot more viable.
Certificate of Deposit Comparison
| Certificate of Deposit | Chase | Citibank |
| APY- 1 Year | 0.01% | 0.10% |
| APY- 3 Years | 0.01% | 0.10% |
| APY- 5 Years | 0.01% | 0.15% |
| Minimum Deposit | $1,000 | $500 |
Opening a Certificates of Deposit account in Chase is pointless. You will get far attractive returns in Citibank. Moreover, the minimum deposit to open a CD is almost half when compared to Chase.
Fees Comparison
| Fees | Chase | Citibank |
| ATM | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Overdraft | $34 | $34 |
| Stop Payment | $25 | $30 |
| Return Deposit | $12 | $12 |
| Wire Transfer | Domestic $15 International $25 | Domestic $15 International $25 |
Here we can see that if you compare ATM fees, overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, stop payment and return deposit fees, both banks have the same charges. You can opt for any one of them.
Chase vs Citibank: Verdict
Overall we would say that Citibank is the clear winner. It has an average overall lesser fee, lesser minimum deposit value, and higher APY returns.
