Betterment vs. Synchrony Bank
Comparing Betterment and Synchrony Bank for high-yield savings: Betterment's Cash Reserve pays 3.25% APY while Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays 3.50% APY.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Synchrony Bank pays $25 more than Betterment annually ($350 vs $325).
Choose Synchrony Bank if getting the best rate matters most.
| Metric | BettermentCash Reserve Feb 6, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Feb 6, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% | 3.50% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$163 $10,000+$325 $25,000+$813 | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 |
Min Deposit | $10 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.15% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Betterment vs. Synchrony Bank
Executive Summary
Synchrony Bank offers a High Yield Savings account with an APY of 3.50%, making it the superior choice compared to Betterment's Cash Reserve, which has an APY of 3.25%. Both accounts have no minimum balance requirements and no maintenance fees, and they are available online only. While Betterment does not require direct deposit, Synchrony Bank also does not impose this condition, providing flexibility for account holders. For those seeking higher returns, Synchrony Bank's account is more advantageous, especially for larger deposits.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why Betterment?
No distinct advantages found vs Synchrony Bank.
Why Synchrony Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% 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. $350 vs $325/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $813/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings offers 3.50% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays $25 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.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Betterment vs. Synchrony Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $25 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+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Still banking with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo?
On a $10,000 balance, you're missing out on at least $324 per year in interest.
Both Betterment and Synchrony Bank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Betterment | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% Verified: 2/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.25%90d Change | 3.50% Verified: 2/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.30%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | N/A | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None | N/A |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | Yes | YesVerify FDIC |
| 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% | 3.50% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -7.3 | -3.6 |
Days Since Change | 55 | 10 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.25% | 3.50% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.25 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.081 | 0.037 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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More Comparisons
Compare Betterment's APY of 3.25% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Betterment vs Ally Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs American Express | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| Betterment vs Barclays | 4.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| Betterment vs Citibank | 3.20% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| Betterment vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| Betterment vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| Betterment vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |