Chase is the largest brick-and-mortar bank, while Ally bank is among the best online banks, both offer a great portfolio of banking services.
In this article, we will compare their savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, and lending products.
Checking Accounts
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Account Types
Chase Bank offers a variety of checking account types to suit the diverse needs of its customers. One notable option is the Total Checking account, which provides access to a widespread network of ATMs and a range of digital banking tools.
For customers with a premium banking preference, Chase presents the Sapphire Checking account, renowned for its exclusive benefits like enhanced travel rewards.
Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
|---|---|---|
Chase Total Checking | $12 | $1,500 |
Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $15,000 |
Chase Sapphire Checking | $25 | $75,000 |
Chase College Checking | $12 | $1,500 |
Chase Private Client Checking | $30 | $150,000 |
Chase Business Complete Banking | $15 | $2,000 |
Chase Performance Business Checking | $30 | $35,000 |
Chase Platinum Business Checking | $95 | $100,000 |
Bank Account | Monthly Fee | APY On Balance |
|---|---|---|
Ally Spending Account | $0 | 0.25% |
Here's an example of one of leading features of Ally checking – depositing a check on Ally mobile app:
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Features
Chase offers a comprehensive set of features with its checking accounts, catering to diverse financial needs:
Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
Chase Total Checking | Overdraft assist, chase credit journey, alerts |
Chase Premier Plus Checking | Interest on balance, free checks , free counter checks |
Chase Sapphire Checking | JPM wealth management, no ATM fees, no wire transfer |
Chase College Checking | No monthly fees, free credit score, new account promotion |
Chase Private Client Checking | Priority service, preferred rates, J.P. Morgan advisor |
Chase Business Complete Banking | Chase QuickAccept, fraud protection, chase business online |
Chase Performance Business Checking | No cost wires, unlimited electronic deposits, Chase business |
Chase Platinum Business Checking | No fee transactions, cash management support, platinum service |
The Ally Checking Account provides access to 43,000+ fee-free Allpoint ATMs, with up to $10 reimbursement per statement cycle for fees from other ATMs.
It introduces spending buckets for improved expense management and facilitates early direct deposit, making funds available up to 2 days sooner.
The account offers the convenience of remote check deposits through Ally eCheck DepositSM using just a smartphone. Additionally, users can seamlessly send and receive money with Zelle.
Bank Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
Ally Spending Account | Deposit checks remotely, early pay, interest bearing, debit card, overdraft solutions, savings buckets |
Savings Accounts
When it comes to savings accounts, Ally Bank is a clear winner.
Like many other brick-and-mortar banks, Chase Premier Savings offers relatively low-interest rates on savings accounts, far below what you can find on other savings accounts.
Unlike Chase, Ally's Savings Account rate is very competitive. With Ally Savings, users can utilize savings buckets to organize and visualize their financial goals effectively. It also offers recurring transfers, which provide a “set it and forget it” option, enabling scheduled transfers into the savings account.
The Round Ups feature tracks spending transactions and transfers accumulated amounts, rounding up to the nearest dollar, into the savings account once at least $5 is accrued. Additionally, Surprise Savings analyzes linked checking accounts for safe-to-save money, automatically transferring it to the savings account.
Ally Bank Savings Account | Chase Premier Savings | |
|---|---|---|
Savings Rate | 4.20% | 0.01% |
Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
Fees | $0 | $25 per month
Can be waived if you carry $300 account balance at the start of the month, $25+ autosave or linking a Chase checking account
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Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When comparing CD options, Ally Bank is a clear winner.
While Chase Bank offers high rates only on specific terms, with Ally, customers can get quite high rates on almost every term, with options to leverage CD investing strategies such as CD laddering and other combinations of short and long-term CDs.
Ally also offers no penalty CD.
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Chase CD Rates
CD Term | APY | Early Withdrawal Penalty |
|---|---|---|
3 Months | 4.25% – 4.75% | 90 days of interest |
6 Months | 3.00% | 180 days of interest |
9 Months | 3.50% – 4.00% | 180 days of interest |
12 Months | 2.00% | 180 days of interest |
18 Months | 2.50%
| 180 days of interest |
24 Months | 2.50% | 365 days interest |
30 Months | 2.50% | 365 days interest |
36 Months | 2.50% | 365 days interest |
48 Months | 2.50% | 365 days interest |
60 Months | 2.50% | 365 days interest |
120 Months | 2.50% | 365 days interest |
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Ally Bank CD Rates
CD Term | APY | Early Withdrawal Penalty |
|---|---|---|
3 Months | 3.00% | 60 days of interest
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6 Months | 4.90% | 60 days of interest
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9 Months | 4.80% | 60 days of interest
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12 Months | 4.50% | 60 days of interest
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11 Months – No Penalty | 4.50%
| / |
36 Months | 3.75% | 90 days of interest |
60 Months | 3.75% | 150 days of interest
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Credit Cards
When it comes to credit cards, Chase is a clear winner with more options, great redemption options and a variety of cards for almost any purpose, including cashback, rewards, travel, luxury, and co-branded airline, hotel, and store cards.
One of the standout features is the ability to redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Cardholders can book flights, hotels, and rental cars directly through the Chase portal, often at enhanced values.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2X – 5X
5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
| 60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $95
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | 1-5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases
| $200
$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 1.5% – 5%
5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| $200
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| $0 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $550 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card | 1x – 6X
6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. Earn 3X points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
| 3 Free Nights
3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
| $95 |
 | United Explorer Card | 1X – 2X
2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
| 50,000 miles
50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
| $95 ($0 first year) |
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| Ally Unlimited Cash Back | 2%
Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
| N/A | $0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ally Everyday Cash Back | 1% – 3%
3% cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, and drugstores, with 1% cash back on everything else | N/A | $0 – $39 |
| Ally Platinum Credit Card | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Mortgage And Loans
Regarding lending products, there is no clear winner as both banks Ally and Chase offer same types of loans for borrowers
Chase and Ally Bank provide mortgage options, including refinancing, and auto loans. Unlike Ally, which does offer personal loans for limited use, Chase doesn't offer a personal loan.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
There is no clear winner as each bank excels in different areas – Chase Bank wins when it comes to number of branches, checking accounts, and credit cards, while Ally is best for those who want online banking with high savings rates.
However, it is crucial to assess various factors, primarily focusing on those that are significant for your specific needs. This could include banking services, overdraft assistance, frequent ATM usage, proximity to bank locations, and other elements that vary from person to person.
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Our Methodology for Comparing Banks
In our thorough banking comparison, The Smart Investor team carefully reviewed and compared banks across five key categories:
Checking Accounts (30%): We examined features like direct deposit, debit card availability, monthly fees, ATM and branch access, check deposit, bill pay options, and account alerts. We also considered any special offers available to customers.
Savings Accounts and CDs (20%): Our focus was on important factors such as the Annual Percentage Yield (APY), minimum deposit requirements, account flexibility, FDIC insurance coverage, special savings offers, variety of CDs, automatic renewal options, and early withdrawal penalties.
Credit Cards (15%): We analyzed rewards programs, annual fees, introductory bonuses, travel benefits, APR, and balance transfer options offered by each bank's credit cards to provide a comprehensive comparison of available features.
Lending Options (15%): We assessed the variety of loan options provided, including personal loans, student loans, mortgages, secured loans, HELOCs, and Home Equity Loans, offering insights into the banks' lending capabilities.
Customer Experience and Bank Reputation (20%): Our evaluation included an analysis of online banking and mobile app usability and ratings, accessibility of customer support, online reviews, JD Power research, Trustpilot ratings, and overall financial stability, providing a holistic view of customer experience and reputation.
Compare Chase Versus Alternative Banks
Although Chase Bank has a modern, trendy image, it is one of the oldest banks in the United States. JP Morgan Chase's consumer division, Chase Bank, is one of the largest banks in the United States. Even though its interest rates aren't particularly competitive when compared to online banks and credit unions, loyal Chase customers who keep a significant amount of money with the bank can earn slightly better rates.
American Express is best known for its credit card business. The financial services firm, on the other hand, has a banking subsidiary that offers high-yield savings and CD accounts. For those looking to save money with a well-known financial institution, the American Express High Yield Savings Account is a popular option.
Read Full Comparison: American Express vs Chase Bank
Chase and Wells Fargo appear to offer very similar products at first glance, so we need to dig a little deeper. There is little to distinguish the savings accounts, and both banks provide a variety of checking accounts.
While Chase's account maintenance fee is slightly higher, it does have some more interesting features. Chase also has an advantage in terms of CDs, but Wells Fargo is a better option for loans and mortgages.
Read Full Comparison: Chase vs Wells Fargo: Where to Save Your Money?
The Chase and Citi checking accounts both have no minimum deposit and a monthly account maintenance fee of $12. This can also be waived with a balance of $1,500 or more, or with qualifying deposits.
Furthermore, both have a very impressive selection of more than credit card options.
Read Full Comparison: Chase vs Citi: Which Bank Account Wins?
The Discover checking account is more traditional. While the account does not pay interest, you can earn 1% cash back on debit card purchases. There are also no fees if you require a replacement debit card, have a deposit item returned, or have insufficient funds in your account.
Chase offers a wide range of banking products, including savings accounts, checking accounts, home loans, home equity options, auto loans, and a wide range of credit cards. In addition, Chase's customer service system is quite extensive.
Read Full Comparison: Discover vs Chase: Which Bank Account Suits You Best?
Chase has some great features including a massive selection of credit card options. Both banks also offer some great mortgage packages. PNC also has some innovative credit card options, and you can also access personal loans.
Read Full Comparison: Chase vs PNC Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?
Because both Chase and TD Bank provide a comprehensive range of products, we'll need to summarize the benefits and drawbacks to determine which bank is superior.
Chase offers some novel features, including the possibility of comparable CD rates without the TD Bank's minimum deposit. However, there is little to distinguish the checking accounts, as TD Bank's savings rate is twice that of Chase.
Although Chase has more credit card options, don't discount TD Bank, which has some interesting options.
Read Full Comparison: Chase vs TD Bank: Which Bank Suits You Best?
Chase and Capital One both have banking product lines that compete with traditional high street banks.
Capital One also has a competitive advantage in terms of checking accounts. The Capital One checking account is not only fee-free, but you can also earn interest on your account balance. Chase's checking account does not pay interest, and you must meet certain requirements to have the $12 monthly fee waived.
However, when you open a qualifying account, Chase will give you a welcome bonus, and its checking account has some nice features such as paperless statements for up to seven years and checking account upgrade options.
Read Full Comparison: Chase vs Capital One: Compare Banking Options
Both banks have account maintenance fees that can be waived by meeting one of several requirements. The rates are also quite similar, so which bank is best will come down to what products you’re looking for.
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Chase Bank is our winner with a complete package of banking services. SoFi is best for savings rates, online experience, and lending options.
Compare Ally With Other Banks
Ally has a robust banking product offering that rivals that of a traditional bank. Savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, investments, retirement products, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages are all available.
Chime's product line has been simplified. All Chime products are designed to assist customers in rebuilding or establishing credit. There are only two savings accounts, one checking account, and one credit card available.
Read Full Comparison: Ally vs Chime: Which Banking Account Wins?
Since the bank's inception, the SoFi product line has come a long way. You can now get access to investment products, mortgages, and loans, in addition to its hybrid checking and savings account. SoFi even offers insurance. The only thing missing from this bank are CDs and traditional savings accounts.
Ally offers a much broader range of traditional banking products. In addition to checking, savings, and CD accounts, there are investment and retirement products, mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans available.
Read Full Comparison: SoFi Money vs Ally Bank: Compare Banking Options
Ally has a decent banking product lineup that would make switching from a traditional high street bank relatively simple. Checking, savings, CDs, auto loans, personal loans, mortgages, investments, and retirement products are among the products available. The only obvious omission from the Ally line is the absence of a credit card.
Capital One began as a credit card company, but it has since expanded into a variety of other banking services. You can access auto finance, loan refinancing, and children's accounts in addition to savings and checking accounts.
Read Full Comparison: Ally vs Capital One: Compare Banking Options
Marcus' banking product offering is more specialized. Marcus' product line reflects its investment pedigree as part of the Goldman Sachs Group. CDs, high-yield savings, investment options, and a variety of loans are available.
Ally has a banking product line that competes with traditional, high-street banks. A checking account, savings account, CDs, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, retirement products, and investments are among the numerous products available.
Read Full Comparison: Ally vs Marcus: Which Online Bank Is Better?
Discover is a completely online bank, so there are no local branches where customers can go for banking services. Customers can get in touch with Discovery via customer service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can log in to your account in a number of ways. All accounts are accessible online.
Ally offers a much broader range of traditional banking products. In addition to checking, savings, and CD accounts, there are investment and retirement products, mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans available.
Read Full Comparison: Discover vs Ally: Which Bank Wins?
Ally Bank is an online bank that arose from the banking division of General Motors Acceptance Corporation. GMAC used to be an auto financing company before being purchased by Ally Bank. This bank now offers a wide range of products. Among the products available are credit cards, home loans, investing products, savings accounts including certificates of deposit, and checking account options. Ally Bank serves millions of customers and provides high-quality banking services.
Axos is a well-established online-only banking service. It has been in business since 2000 and is constantly expanding its services for both individuals and businesses. The bank is a subsidiary of Axos Financial and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Despite the fact that the bank has three locations, the vast majority of its customers are served online.
Read Full Comparison: Axos Vs Ally Bank Comparison – Which Is Better?
Aspiration has a streamlined banking product line that includes a hybrid account with a $7.99 per month upgrade option and only one credit card option. Aspiration's premise is to help you live a greener life, so the products are heavily weighted in this category. This means that you can earn cash back and other rewards for making environmentally conscious purchases and taking action.
Ally offers a much broader range of banking products. In addition to checking, savings, and CD accounts, you can also get investment and retirement products, mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans. This brings it more in line with a traditional bank, which may make switching from your high street bank easier.
Read Full Comparison: Aspiration vs Ally Bank: Where to Save Your Money?
While Wells Fargo has a far more comprehensive product line, Ally does offer better rates on savings, CDs and even its checking account. The only areas where Wells Fargo has the edge is its credit cards and its impressive selection of mortgage products and loans.
If you feel comfortable with online-only banking and depending on your needs – Ally may be a better option than Bank Of America. Here's why.
Ally Bank vs. Bank of America: Which Bank Account Is Better?
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Ally Bank is our winner with a complete banking package, including a checking account ( not available with Synchrony) and high savings rates.
Both Ally and Upgrade offer a complete banking package, including savings, checking, and credit cards. Here's our side by side comparison.
