High-Yield Savings Accounts Review for CIT Bank

CIT Bank, a member of FDIC and a subsidiary of First Citizens Bank, provides a diverse array of savings products tailored to meet various financial needs. Their offerings include high-yield savings accounts, a money market account, and certificates of deposit (CDs) available in several term lengths. These options are designed to help customers maximize their savings potential and achieve long-term financial goals with competitive interest rates.

This review encompasses extensive research on CIT Bank’s best high-yield savings account, alongside detailed insights into the bank’s other savings products. Read further to determine whether CIT Bank is the ideal destination for your hard-earned savings, ensuring your funds grow effectively.

Explore the Best High-Yield Savings Account for $5,000 or More

The CIT Bank Platinum Savings account provides an attractive annual percentage yield (APY) for account balances of $5,000 or more. You can open this account with a modest initial deposit of just $100. To unlock the highest available APY, maintaining a minimum balance of $5,000 is essential. Balances falling below this amount will earn a substantially lower interest rate, making it crucial for savers to consider their deposit strategies carefully.

When it comes to funding your high-yield savings account, CIT Bank offers various convenient options. Customers can deposit checks remotely using the CIT Bank mobile app or transfer funds seamlessly from external bank accounts through both the app and the CIT Bank website. This flexibility makes managing your savings straightforward and efficient.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account

Detailed Insights into the Advantages

Attractive High APY for Balances of $5,000 or More

The CIT Bank Platinum Savings account boasts a robust annual percentage yield for balances starting at $5,000. Unlike many high-yield savings accounts that limit the maximum APY to specific balance tiers, CIT Bank allows customers to earn the highest APY without imposing a balance cap. This means that as your savings grow, you can continue to benefit from competitive interest rates without restrictions, making it an appealing option for serious savers.

Maximize Earnings with Daily Compounding Interest

The CIT Bank Platinum Savings account utilizes the power of compounding interest, which means that you earn interest on your initial principal as well as on the interest that accumulates over time. Furthermore, interest compounds daily, allowing you to optimize your savings growth significantly. This feature is particularly beneficial for those looking to maximize the returns on their deposits and achieve their financial goals more swiftly.

Enjoy the Benefits of No Monthly Maintenance Fees

When banking with CIT Bank, you will not encounter any monthly service fees. This means you can watch your savings grow without the worry of fees diminishing your interest earnings. Although a minimum deposit is necessary to open an account, there are no ongoing minimum balance requirements after that. However, to achieve the highest available APY, you must maintain a balance of $5,000 or more.

Unlimited Transactions Without Penalties

Many traditional high-yield savings accounts impose strict limits on the number of transactions, particularly withdrawals, that can be made each month. Exceeding these limits can result in fees or even account closure. In contrast, the CIT Bank Platinum Savings account allows you to conduct unlimited transactions without incurring any penalties, providing you with greater flexibility and peace of mind when managing your finances.

In-Depth Analysis of the Disadvantages

Lower APY for Balances Under $5,000

While the CIT Bank Platinum Savings account offers excellent rates for higher balances, those maintaining amounts below $5,000 will find the annual percentage yield to be quite disappointing. The APY for these lower balances is significantly less competitive compared to the top high-yield savings accounts available. This account may not suit individuals unsure about consistently maintaining at least $5,000, as they risk earning minimal interest on their savings.

No Physical Branch Locations Available

Although CIT Bank is affiliated with First Citizens Bank, which does have physical branches, CIT Bank operates exclusively online. All services are conducted through the bank’s website, mobile app, or via phone. While this setup offers convenience for tech-savvy customers, those who prefer in-person banking or require face-to-face assistance may find this limitation a drawback.

Minimum Opening Deposit Requirement

CIT Bank requires a minimum opening deposit of $100 for its savings products. While there are no ongoing balance requirements post-opening, this initial deposit might deter potential customers who wish to start saving with a smaller amount. Additionally, to earn the highest APY with the CIT Bank Platinum Savings account, maintaining a balance of $5,000 is necessary, which may pose a challenge for some savers.

Limited Customer Support Availability

Unlike many online banks that provide 24/7 customer service, CIT Bank has limited support hours. Customer service is available via phone from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. This could be inconvenient for customers who require assistance outside these hours, as they may have to wait to resolve urgent issues or inquiries regarding their accounts.

Discover the Range of CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account Options

CIT Bank offers a variety of savings accounts, including three distinct savings accounts and a Money Market account. The three savings accounts share several common features, making them appealing to a broad range of customers:

• Minimum $100 initial deposit required to open an account.

• Manage funds through electronic transfer, BillPay, PayPal, wire transfer (with a fee of $10 or free for balances of $25,000 and above), remote check deposits via the CIT Bank mobile app, Zelle (limited to $300 per transaction and $600 daily maximum), or by requesting and sending checks through the mail.

CIT Bank Platinum Savings Overview

The CIT Bank Platinum Savings account offers the highest APY among CIT Bank’s savings products, but this premium rate is only available for account balances of $5,000 or greater. For lower balances, the APY significantly decreases, making it essential for customers to evaluate their savings strategy carefully to take full advantage of potential earnings.

CIT Bank Savings Connect Account Details

The CIT Bank Savings Connect account provides a slightly lower APY compared to the Platinum Savings option; however, it maintains the same interest rate regardless of account balance. Similar to the Platinum Savings account, the minimum deposit required to open a Savings Connect account is $100, making it an accessible option for many savers.

CIT Bank Savings Builder Account Features

The CIT Savings Builder account is designed as a tiered savings account that rewards customers with higher interest rates as their balances increase. However, the top interest rate offered is considerably lower than what is typically found with high-yield savings accounts. This structure often indicates that the account may have additional benefits, such as catering to customers with less favorable banking histories or offering accounts for minors. However, the Savings Builder product lacks these enhancements. A CIT Bank representative noted that this account is an outdated option that has yet to be removed from their offerings.

When comparing the CIT Savings Connect with the Savings Builder accounts, the Savings Connect clearly emerges as the superior choice for those seeking a better interest rate.

CIT Bank Money Market Account Insights

Money market accounts generally appeal to customers looking for flexible access to their funds without penalty, even if the APY is potentially lower than other high-yield savings accounts. However, the CIT Bank money market account does not provide a competitive APY, especially when considering that their other account options allow for unlimited transactions without incurring penalties.

CIT Bank Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Explained

CIT Bank offers a variety of CDs, which are savings accounts featuring fixed annual percentage yields for predetermined periods. Interest rates for CDs are typically higher than those of standard savings accounts, with term lengths ranging from one month to ten years, offering flexibility for different savings strategies.

Below, you can find details regarding CIT Bank’s multiple certificate of deposit products:

To gain a deeper understanding of certificates of deposit (CDs), we invite you to read our comprehensive explainer and explore the best CD rates available. Additionally, you can compare certificates of deposit with high-yield savings accounts or examine the differences between CDs and money market accounts.

Understanding the Pricing Structure of CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Accounts

The pricing for CIT Bank’s high-yield savings accounts aligns favorably with leading competitors in the market. Customers will not encounter monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, or overdraft fees, making it an appealing option for those looking to save without incurring additional costs.

CIT Bank also allows for unlimited transactions, ensuring that customers do not face any monetary penalties for exceeding transaction limits. Moreover, with the advantage of daily compounding interest, you can maximize your savings return effectively, allowing your money to work harder for you.

Assessing the Financial Stability of CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account

CIT Bank’s parent company, First Citizens Bank, holds a Baa1 rating from both S&P Global and Moody’s. This rating indicates a moderate level of credit risk, with the numerical modifier suggesting that the financial institution is positioned at the higher end of this category. Although this rating represents the fourth tier in their ranking system, it still reflects a solid foundation of financial stability.

In addition, First Citizens Bank is the principal subsidiary of First Citizens Bancshares, a publicly traded bank holding company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. It ranks among the largest banking corporations in the U.S. and reported a net income of $2.530 billion for the 12 months ending in September 2024, showcasing its robust financial health.

Accessing CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account Services

Comprehensive Availability Across All 50 States

CIT Bank operates as an online financial institution accessible in all 50 states through the CIT Bank website, mobile app, and phone. Since CIT Bank does not have physical branches, most services are available 24/7, although customer service is limited to business hours, which could be a consideration for potential customers.

Contact Information and Support Availability

Unlike many online banks that provide round-the-clock support, CIT Bank’s customer service operates with limited hours. Customers can reach support by phone at 1-855-462-2652, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. This could present challenges for those needing assistance outside of these hours.

User Experience: Navigating CIT Bank’s Platforms

CIT Bank delivers a commendable user experience through its mobile app and website. Both platforms feature intuitive navigation and provide comprehensive information about the bank’s range of financial products. Whether you are managing your account online or via mobile, the usability of CIT Bank’s platforms enhances the overall customer experience.

Analyzing Customer Satisfaction with CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account

Customer satisfaction ratings for CIT Bank’s high-yield savings account reveal a mixed picture. The bank’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile shows an A- rating; however, it has garnered only 1.19 out of 5 stars for overall customer satisfaction. On another review platform, CIT Bank holds a rating of 2.2 stars out of 5, indicating room for improvement.

Negative feedback highlights issues such as prolonged waits for transfers to clear, unexpected account freezes, and difficulties in reaching customer service representatives. Conversely, some positive reviews commend the attentiveness and helpfulness of customer service staff, suggesting that individual experiences may vary significantly.

Criteria for Evaluating CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account

In our analysis of CIT Bank’s high-yield savings accounts and other savings products, we considered several key factors:

• Annual percentage yield: We compared CIT Bank’s APYs with those offered by competitors in the market.

• Types of accounts: We explored the various savings products available to customers, highlighting the pros and cons of each option.

• Fees: We reviewed CIT Bank’s account disclosure documents to identify any applicable fees, including monthly maintenance and overdraft fees.

• Accessibility: We evaluated the accessibility of CIT Bank’s financial products, including the overall user experience and customer service availability.

• Customer satisfaction: We analyzed reviews and testimonials to gain insight into real customer experiences with CIT Bank’s high-yield savings accounts.

Final Thoughts on Money’s Review of CIT Bank’s High-Yield Savings Account

CIT Bank provides a variety of high-yield savings products, including three savings accounts, a money market account, and multiple types of certificates of deposit. Among all their offerings, the CIT Bank Platinum Savings account stands out with the strongest annual percentage yield. However, this account is most suitable for individuals capable of maintaining a balance of $5,000 or more, as lower balances earn significantly reduced interest rates.

All accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $100 and do not impose monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. Additionally, customers can enjoy unlimited transactions within a statement cycle, making CIT Bank a competitive option for savers looking to grow their funds without incurring excessive costs.