Citigroup is better for users who want a full-service banking experience with physical branches and a variety of financial products. Marcus by Goldman Sachs is better for users who prioritize high-yield savings accounts and online banking with no minimum deposit requirements.
| Attribute | Citigroup | Goldman Sachs (Marcus by Goldman Sachs) |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rates on Savings Accounts | Citi Accelerate Savings offers competitive rates, but availability may vary by location. | 3.65% APY as of August 10, 2025. No minimum deposit required. |
| Checking Account Fees | Citigroup has different checking account options with varying monthly service fees. These fees can often be waived by meeting certain requirements like direct deposits or maintaining a minimum balance. | Does not offer checking accounts. |
| Loan Options and Rates | Citigroup offers personal loans with rates as low as 7.99% APR (including discounts) and repayment terms from 12 to 60 months. They also offer various types of home loans. Personal loans APRs range from 7.99% to 19.49%. | No longer offers personal loans as of January 2023. Previously offered loans from $3,500 to $40,000 with fixed rates. |
| Credit Card Rewards Programs | Citigroup offers various credit cards with rewards programs like ThankYou points and AAdvantage miles. ThankYou points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or cash back. | My GM Rewards Card: Unlimited 7x points for every $1 spent with GM and 4x points for every $1 spent everywhere else. |
| Mobile Banking App Features | The Citi Mobile App allows users to open accounts, manage cards, deposit checks, transfer funds, and track spending. It also offers features like biometric login, mobile snapshot, and bill management. | Check balances, schedule transfers, make loan payments, access statements, fingerprint/facial recognition login, 128-bit SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication. |
| Customer Service Quality | J.D. Power ranked Citi highly in customer satisfaction for small business banking in 2022. However, some customers have reported issues with customer service, including difficulties reaching US-based representatives and incomprehensible communication. | 24/7 customer service via phone and chat. Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction with direct bank savings accounts by J.D. Power in 2024. Some customer reviews indicate negative experiences. |
| Branch Availability | Citigroup has a large presence with over 4,000 branches worldwide. | Online-only bank, no physical branches. |
| Online Banking Platform Usability | Citigroup provides online banking through CitiDirect, offering tools for managing short-term investments. | Simple and easy to navigate. |
| Investment Services | Citigroup provides investment services through Citi Personal Wealth Management, offering access to stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. They also have services for businesses to manage and invest balances. | Marcus Invest (automated investment platform). Sold to Betterment in 2024. Requires a minimum account balance of $1,000 and charges an annual fee of 0.35%. |
| Financial Planning Resources | Citigroup offers financial planning resources through Citigold and Citigold Private Client, including dedicated teams and customized planning for wealth accumulation, preservation, and transfer. | Provides financial resources and guides on various topics. |
| FDIC Insurance Coverage | Citigroup provides FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law. | Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. |
| Minimum Balance Requirements | Minimum balance requirements vary depending on the account type. | No minimum deposit for Online Savings Account. $500 minimum deposit for Marcus CD. |