Betterment vs. Synchrony Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BettermentCash Reserve Jan 21, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% | 3.65% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$163 $10,000+$325 $25,000+$813 | $5,000+$183 $10,000+$365 $25,000+$912 |
Min Deposit | $10 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.20% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Betterment vs. Synchrony Bank
As of Betterment offers an APY of 3.25% for its Cash Reserve account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Synchrony Bank's 3.65% APY for its High Yield Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Synchrony Bank pays $40 more than Betterment on a $10,000 balance after one year. Betterment pays $325, while Synchrony Bank pays $365 - an APY advantage for Synchrony Bank.
Why Betterment?
No distinct advantages found vs Synchrony Bank.
Why Synchrony Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.65% vs 3.25%) on all balances
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $365 vs $325/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $912 vs $813/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings offers 3.65% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays $40 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Betterment's Cash Reserve.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Synchrony Bank offers a High Yield Savings account with a competitive APY of 3.65%, making it the clear winner over Betterment's Cash Reserve, which has an APY of 3.25%. Both accounts have no minimum deposit requirements and no maintenance fees, and they are available online only. Synchrony Bank's account is noted for its simplicity, as it does not require bundling or direct deposit, making it accessible for a wider range of customers. In contrast, Betterment's account, while still a viable option, yields slightly less.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Betterment vs. Synchrony Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $40 more with Synchrony Bank than Betterment on a $10,000 initial deposit for 1 year*.
*This calculation assumes that APYs remain unchanged for 1 year, and takes into account known promo rate periods, but does not factor in bonuses. You can see how often these banks have changed their rates in the Compare Savings Rates Over Time section below.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$325.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,325.00
Synchrony Bank
High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$365.00(3.5%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,365.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Betterment | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.65% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.7 | iOS4.8 Android4.5 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A- | Not Rated |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Betterment Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Synchrony Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Betterment | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserve | High Yield Savings | |
Current APY | 3.25% | 3.65% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -6.6 | -3.5 |
Days Since Change | 39 | 64 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 4.10% |
12-Month Low | 3.25% | 3.65% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.25 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.075 | 0.036 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Compare Similar High-Yield Accounts
Compare Betterment vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
Compare Synchrony Bank vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
Looking for something different? Check out these top-rated alternatives.