Chime vs. PNC
Comparing Chime and PNC for high-yield savings: Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays 3.00% APY while PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays 3.25% APY.
Note: Chime requires a checking account.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? PNC pays $25 more than Chime annually ($325 vs $300).
Choose PNC if getting the best rate matters most, you want a no-strings-attached account, you value in-person banking, or you want Zelle for quick transfers.
Important Considerations
Chime requires a checking account to unlock its top savings rate, while PNC offers its savings account standalone.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Apr 7, 2026 | PNCPNC High Yield Savings Apr 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 0.75% - 3.00% | 3.25% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$150 $10,000+$300 $25,000+$750 | $5,000+$163 $10,000+$325 $25,000+$813 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking BundleDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedRate 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.
Executive Summary
Chime offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 3.00%, but it requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days. On the other hand, PNC’s High Yield Savings account provides a higher APY of 3.25% with no direct deposit requirement, making it a more accessible option. Additionally, PNC’s account has no maintenance fees and is available to customers in select states. For those looking for simplicity and slightly better returns, PNC stands out as the winner.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why Chime?
- ✓Available Nationwide
Why PNC?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.25% vs 3.00%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Physical branch access (Multiple branches in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,000 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $325 vs $300/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $813 vs $750/yr).
Best for Simplicity
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings offers 3.25% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays $25 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account.
*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
Chime vs. PNC Savings Calculator
You earn $25 more with PNC than Chime 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.
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$300.00(2.9%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,300.00
PNC
PNC High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$325.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,325.00
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 $299 per year in interest.
Both Chime and PNC dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Chime | PNC |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.00% Range: 0.75% - 3.00% Verified: 4/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.25% Verified: 4/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.05%90d Change |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | PNC High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Monthly |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Physical Branches | N/A | Multiple branches in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI |
| Direct Deposit Req. | RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days | None |
| Checking Bundle | Yes | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | Yes | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $2,000/dayCentral to Virtual Wallet suite. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at PNC Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Chime | PNC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chime High-Yield Savings Account | PNC High Yield Savings | Standard Savings | |
Current APY | 3.00% | 3.25% | 0.03% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -6.9 | -7.8 | 0.1 |
Days Since Change | 67 | 32 | 341 |
12-Month High | 3.75% | 3.95% | 0.03% |
12-Month Low | 3.00% | 3.25% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.16 | 0.41 | 0.08 |
Volatility Score | 0.080 | 0.082 | 0.164 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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Compare Chime's APY of 3.00% with other banks
Compare PNC's APY of 3.25% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| PNC vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| PNC vs American Express | 3.20% | $0 |
| PNC vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| PNC vs Barclays | 3.85% | $0 |
| PNC vs Capital One | 3.20% | $0 |
| PNC vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| PNC vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| PNC vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| PNC vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| PNC vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| PNC vs Openbank | 4.00% | $500 |
| PNC vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| PNC vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs Synchrony Bank | 3.50% | $0 |
| PNC vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs Wealthfront | 4.20% | $0 |