PNC vs. Santander Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | PNCPNC High Yield Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Santander BankSantander Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 0.01% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$1 $10,000+$1 $25,000+$3 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing PNC vs. Santander Bank
As of PNC offers an APY of 3.30% for its PNC High Yield Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Santander Bank's 0.01% APY for its Santander Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
PNC pays $329 more than Santander Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. PNC pays $330, while Santander Bank pays $1 - an APY advantage for PNC.
In addition, PNC also offers 0.03% APY for the Standard Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1.
Why PNC?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.30% vs 0.01%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.6 vs 4.0)
Why Santander Bank?
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $330 vs $1/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $825 vs $3/yr).
Best for Simplicity
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings offers 3.30% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
PNCPNC offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 4.8) and Android app rated 4.6 (vs. 4.0)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays $329 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Santander Bank's Santander Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
PNC offers a competitive edge with its High Yield Savings account, featuring an APY of 3.30%, significantly outperforming Santander Bank's Savings account, which only provides a minimal APY of 0.01%. PNC's High Yield Savings has no minimum balance requirement and does not necessitate direct deposit, making it accessible for customers in select states. In contrast, Santander's Savings account requires a minimum deposit of $25 and has a maintenance fee of $1. Overall, PNC stands out as the superior option for savers seeking higher returns.
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
PNC vs. Santander Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $329 more with PNC than Santander Bank 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.
PNC
PNC High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
Santander Bank
Santander Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,001.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | PNC | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.55%90d Change | 0.01% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | PNC High Yield Savings | Santander Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $1 |
| Branch Access | Yes | Yes |
| Account Type | Online & Branches | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android4.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.0 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $2,000/dayCentral to Virtual Wallet suite. | Available Branch-based retail accounts only. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not Rated |
| Important Notes | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at PNC Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Santander Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | PNC | Santander Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNC High Yield Savings | Standard Savings | Santander Savings | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 0.03% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -5.6 | 0.2 | -0.3 |
Days Since Change | 21 | 251 | 110 |
10-Month High | 3.95% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
10-Month Low | 3.30% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.39 | 0.10 | 0.10 |
Volatility Score | 0.057 | 0.289 | 0.456 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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