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Savings accounts: Ally Bank Online Savings Account vs. CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account

Quick Verdict

Both Ally Bank and CIT Bank Platinum Savings offer competitive features, but Ally Bank is better for those with smaller balances and who value easy ATM access, while CIT Bank is better for those who can maintain a higher balance and need unlimited withdrawals.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeAlly Bank Online Savings AccountCIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)3.50% APY (variable, may change after account opening), applicable to all balance tiers0.25% for balances between $0.01 to $4,999.99 and 4.00% for balances of $5,000 or more as of June 12, 2025. APY is variable and subject to change.
Minimum deposit to open$0$100
Monthly maintenance fee$0None
FDIC insurance coverageUp to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each ownership categoryDeposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, and deposits held under both names are combined to determine if the depositor exceeds the federal insurance deposit limit.
Compounding frequencyDailyInterest is calculated daily and credited monthly.
Mobile app availabilityYes, iOS app 4.7-star rating, Android app 2.3-star ratingYes
Online banking accessYesYes
Customer service availability24/7 via phone, live chat on website or mobile app24/7 via phone
Number of penalty-free withdrawals per statement cycleLimited to 10 outgoing transactions per statement cycleUnlimited
ATM accessNot directly available from savings account, available with Ally Bank checking account. Access to over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs. Reimbursement up to $10 per statement cycle for fees charged at other ATMs in the U.S.No ATM card is included
Availability of linked checking accountsYesCIT Bank offers an eChecking account.
Tools for goal setting and trackingYes, Ally Bank offers 'buckets' for organizing savings goalsA savings goal tool might be available.

Overall Comparison

Ally Bank: 3.50% APY, $0 minimum deposit. CIT Bank: Up to 4.00% APY (for balances $5,000+), $100 minimum deposit.

Pros and Cons

Ally Bank Online Savings Account

Pros:
  • Competitive APY (more than 5x the national average)
  • No hidden fees (some fees may apply for specific services)
  • Easy-to-use online platform
  • Dedicated 24/7 customer service
  • FDIC-insured
  • Offers 'buckets' for organizing savings goals
  • Employs privacy protection measures like firewalls, SSL data encryption, and multi-factor authentication
Cons:
  • APY may be lower than some rivals like Discover Bank and Synchrony Bank
  • Limit of 10 withdrawals and transfers per statement cycle
  • ATM access not directly available from the savings account
  • Cash deposits are not accepted

CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account

Pros:
  • Competitive APY, especially for balances of $5,000 or more
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • Unlimited number of transfers and withdrawals each month
  • FDIC insured
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • 24/7 customer service availability
Cons:
  • No ATM access
  • Transfers to external accounts typically take 2-4 business days
  • APY is tiered; lower APY for balances below $5,000

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