PNC vs. Synchrony Bank
Comparing PNC and Synchrony Bank for high-yield savings: PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays 3.30% 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 $20 more than PNC annually ($350 vs $330).
Choose PNC if you value in-person banking, or you want Zelle for quick transfers. Choose Synchrony Bank if getting the best rate matters most.
| Metric | PNCPNC High Yield Savings Feb 21, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 3.50% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedRate 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 PNC vs. Synchrony Bank
Executive Summary
Synchrony Bank offers a High Yield Savings account with a competitive APY of 3.50%, which is higher than PNC's High Yield Savings account at 3.30%. Synchrony Bank's account does not require a checking account, direct deposit, or minimum balance, making it a straightforward option. In contrast, PNC's account is limited to residents of select states and may improve with a linked account. Both banks have no maintenance fees and provide FDIC insurance, but Synchrony Bank's online-only model may appeal to those seeking convenience without branch access.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why PNC?
- ✓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)
Why Synchrony Bank?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $825/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 $20 more interest on a $10,000 balance than PNC's PNC High Yield Savings.
*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
PNC vs. Synchrony Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $20 more with Synchrony Bank than PNC 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
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 $329 per year in interest.
Both PNC and Synchrony Bank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | PNC | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.23%90d Change | 3.50% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | PNC High Yield Savings | High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Monthly | Daily |
| Branch Access | Yes | None |
| Account Type | Online & Branches | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | 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 | N/A |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $2,000/dayCentral to Virtual Wallet suite. | Not Supported |
| 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 Synchrony Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | PNC | Synchrony Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNC High Yield Savings | Standard Savings | High Yield Savings | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 0.03% | 3.50% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -6.8 | 0.1 | -4.0 |
Days Since Change | 66 | 296 | 25 |
12-Month High | 3.95% | 0.03% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.30% | 0.01% | 3.50% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.34 | 0.08 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.073 | 0.264 | 0.039 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Compare Similar High-Yield Accounts
Compare PNC 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.
More Comparisons
Compare PNC's APY of 3.30% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| PNC vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| PNC vs American Express | 3.30% | $0 |
| PNC vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| PNC vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| PNC vs Barclays | 3.85% | $0 |
| PNC vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| PNC vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| PNC vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| PNC vs Citibank | 3.20% | $0 |
| 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 | 4.09% | $500 |
| PNC vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| PNC vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| PNC vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |