Citigroup stands out with its mortgage options and financial planning services, while Wells Fargo excels in branch accessibility and user-friendly digital banking. The choice depends on individual priorities, with Citigroup being suitable for those seeking diverse loan options and Wells Fargo for those valuing convenience and accessibility.
| Attribute | Citigroup | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rates on Savings Accounts | Varying interest rates depending on the account type and balance. 'Citi Savings' account has an introductory rate of 4.35% for the first three months, then drops to 1.13% to 1.20% APY. Standard savings accounts have an interest rate of 2.50% p.a. Promotional rates may vary by ZIP code, with some areas offering 4.10% and others 0.03%. A 3-month promotional rate of 4.50% APY may be available for balances of $25,000 or more. | Platinum Savings account offers tiered interest rates based on account balances, with higher balances earning higher APYs (e.g., 2.51% APY for balances of $1,000,000 and over as of June 2025). Standard savings accounts may offer very low rates, such as 0.01% APY. Rates are variable and subject to change. |
| Checking Account Fees | 'Access Checking' has a $5 monthly service fee, 'Regular Checking' has a $15 monthly fee, Basic Banking Package has a $12 monthly service fee. Citigold Account Package has no monthly service fee if a minimum combined average monthly balance of $200,000 is maintained. Fees can be waived by making enhanced direct deposits of at least $250 each month or maintaining a minimum average monthly balance. | Not available |
| Mortgage Rates | As of June 26, 2025, a 30-Year Fixed mortgage is 6.500% (6.639% APR), and a 15-Year Fixed mortgage is 5.750% (5.954% APR). APRs can be nearly a full percent below the market average. Closing costs typically range from 1% to 4% of the loan amount. Promotional credits or assistance programs may be available. | Not available |
| Loan Options and Terms | Offers conventional, jumbo, FHA, and VA loans, as well as refinancing options. Minimum credit scores vary: 620 for conventional and VA loans, 680 for jumbo loans, and 620 for FHA loans. Down payment options include 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, and no down payment for VA loans. Also provides personal lending options. | Not available |
| Credit Card Rewards Programs | Offers various credit cards with rewards programs, including points, cashback, and travel benefits. Specific details can be found on Citibank's website. | Wells Fargo Rewards program allows earning points on purchases, redeemable for cash back, gift cards, or travel. Includes cards like Active Cash Card, Autograph Card, and Attune Card. |
| Mobile Banking App Rating | Highly rated mobile app with features such as account management, mobile check deposits, and sending money with Zelle. CitiDirect Mobile Token is available for secure login. | Apple App Store: 4.9/5 (9.9M ratings), Google Play Store: 4.8/5. Ranked in the top 15 free finance apps in the US. |
| Customer Service Quality | Aims to provide accessible and user-friendly services through phone, email, and chat. Engaged with the accessibility community and uses testing methodologies to ensure content meets accessibility guidelines. | Mixed reviews, with some customers commending the broad range of services and digital tools, while others highlight issues with customer service, particularly delays and account management problems. |
| Branch Locations and Accessibility | Smaller branch presence compared to other large banks, with locations in only a few cities. Has over 65,000 fee-free ATMs across the U.S. through their network. | Vast branch network throughout the US. Locations and phone numbers available on their website. |
| Online Banking Platform Usability | Offers online banking platforms like CitiDirect BE, designed for corporate banking services. Features include payments and reporting, multicurrency transaction services, and trade services. CitiDirect is designed with an intuitive interface and customizable features. Citi is reengineering its CitiDirect BE platform to improve user experience. | Generally receive high marks for user-friendliness and functionality. Includes features like mobile check deposits, account alerts, and a dashboard for tracking expenses. |
| Financial Planning Services | Offers financial planning services through Citi Personal Wealth Management, including retirement planning, college planning, wealth protection, and estate planning. Available to clients of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Citigold clients have access to complimentary financial planning. Citi Personal Wealth Management doesn't charge additional fees for financial planning services. Investment advisory services have varying account minimums. Advisory fees and transaction fees may apply. | Wells Fargo Advisors provides financial planning services through multiple advisory programs tailored to client needs, covering areas like retirement, risk, and wealth planning. Fees can reach up to $25,000. |
| Investment Options | Offers a range of investment options, including equities, rates, commodities, foreign exchange, credit, hybrids, and alternatives. Citi Global Wealth Investments provides investment solutions and advice. Investment options include mutual funds, money market funds, structured notes, and alternative investments. Citibank Online Investments provides access to short-term investments. Minimum investment amounts vary by program. | Wells Fargo Advisors offers a range of investment strategies tailored to meet diverse client needs and objectives, including long- and short-term purchases of securities, supplemented with options like covered call writing, margin trading, and short-selling. |
| FDIC Insurance Coverage | Accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, and per ownership category. Covers deposits, including savings and time deposits, up to the insurance limit. Does not insure investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other securities. | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a member of the FDIC. The FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured financial institution, for each account ownership category. |