Banking » Compare Banks » CD Rate Battle: Comparing Capital One and Citibank
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CD Rate Battle: Comparing Capital One and Citibank

Citi has better CD rates than Capital One for specific terms, but Capital One rates are higher on other terms. Here's a full comparison
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: November 1, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

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Table Of Content

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) have long been a go-to for savers seeking to grow their wealth securely. Among the many online banking options, Capital One and Citi Bank can be a decent choice. Although both offer attractive rates and flexible terms, there are significant differences between the two.

In this piece, we'll examine the CDs provided by Capital One and Citi Bank, comparing rates, minimum deposits, early withdrawal penalties, and other features. By the end of this article, you'll have the information you need to determine which bank's CDs are the perfect fit for your savings goals.

Capital One
Citi Bank
CD Range
4.10% – 5.30%
0.05% – 5.65%
Minimum Deposit
$0
$500 – $2,500
Early Withdrawal penalty
3-6 months of interest
90 -180 days of interest
Term
6 – 60 months
3 months – 5 years

CD Rates Comparison

Both Capital One and Citi offers competitive rates compared to other banks. When comparing Citi and Capital One, Capital One offers higher rates for most terms, but there are specific terms when Citi is better.

For example, Citi CD rates are higher for 3-month and 9-months CDs. On the other hand, if you're looking for CD laddering or long-term CDs, however, Capital One may be a better bank. For example, if you're looking for a 5-year CD, Capital One rates are much better.

CD Term
Capital One APY
Citi Bank APY
3 Months
N/A
0.05%
6 Months
4.30%
1.10%
9 Months
4.30%
4.30%
12 Months
5.00%
4.30%
18 Months
5.00%
2.50%
24 Months
4.40%
2.50%
30 Months
4.30%
0.10%
36 Months
4.30%
2.50%
48 Months
4.20%
2.50%
60 Months
4.10%
2.50%

When It Comes to No Penalty CD - Citi Bank Wins

If you're looking for flexibility – no penalty CD can be a good option.

From both banks, only Citi offers a no-penalty CD. The rate is very competitive compared to other banks (4.25% – 4.75% APY, as of December 2023) and can be a good option for those who are looking for this feature.

Capital One
Citi Bank
12 Months
N/A
4.25% – 4.75%

CD Early Withdrawal Penalty: How They Compare?

Citi and Capital One have comparable early withdrawal penalties. Discover's penalty varies depending on the term of the CD. For CD terms up to a year, a penalty of three months of simple interest applies with Capital One (which is equivalent to 90 days with Citi).

In contrast, for terms ranging from one to five years, the penalty increases to six months of simple interest (which equals 180 days with Citi).

CD Term
Capital One
Citi Bank
3 Months
N/A
90 days of interest
6 Months
3 months of interest
90 days of interest
9 Months
3 months of interest
90 days of interest
12 Months
3 months of interest
90 days of interest
18 Months
6 months of interest
180 days of interest
24 Months
6 months of interest
180 days of interest
30 Months
6 months of interest
180 days of interest
36 Months
6 months interest
180 days of interest
48 Months
6 of months interest
180 days of interest
60 Months
6 months of interest
180 days of interest

About Capital One Bank

Capital One, primarily known for its credit card offerings, acquired online bank ING Direct in 2012 and rebranded it as Capital One. Since then, Capital One has expanded into a full-service online bank.

The bank provides a high annual percentage yield (APY) with its Performance Savings account, and its mobile banking options are among the best in the banking world. Capital One also has no monthly maintenance fees for its 360 Checking and Performance Savings accounts.

However, while the rates offered by Capital One 360 Performance Savings account are competitive, they are not the highest available in the market. Additionally, Capital One has only limited branches located in select U.S. states.

About Citi Bank

Citibank, a subsidiary of Citigroup Inc., is the fourth largest bank in terms of assets. The bank has established its reputation for credit cards and retail banking, catering to more than 110 million customers across the U.S., Mexican, and Asian markets.

Citibank has a comprehensive range of products that includes savings and checking accounts, CDs, investment products, as well as lending products such as mortgages and personal loans.

Compare CD Rates

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.