Chime vs. PNC
Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays 3.75% APY while PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays 3.15% APY.
Note: Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account also needs 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? Chime pays $60 more than PNC annually ($375 vs $315).
Choose Chime if getting the best rate matters most. Choose PNC if you want a no-strings-attached account, you value in-person banking, or you want Zelle for quick transfers.
Important Considerations
Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays its top rate only if you also open a checking account with Chime, while PNC's PNC High Yield Savings stands alone.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Sep 7, 2026 | PNCPNC High Yield Savings Sep 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.75% | 3.15% |
Earns in a year | $5,000+$188 $10,000+$375 $25,000+$938 | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 |
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 Compounding | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these institutions offer rates below the top 10 savings and money market accounts we track. Those institutions all pay at least 4.01% APY.
Executive Summary
Chime offers a competitive APY of 3.75% on its High-Yield Savings Account, which requires a checking account and direct deposit, making it ideal for customers seeking higher returns on their savings. In contrast, PNC's High Yield Savings account provides a lower APY of 3.15%, with no direct deposit requirement, but is only available in select states. While PNC also offers a Standard Savings account with rates starting at 0.02%, Chime's offering stands out for those looking for better returns. Overall, Chime's account is the better option for maximizing savings.
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?
- Higher potential APY (3.75% vs 3.15%) on all balances
- Available Nationwide
Why PNC?
- 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
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $375 vs $315/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $938 vs $788/yr).
Better for Simplicity
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings offers 3.15% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Better for All-in-One Banking
ChimeChime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays a superior APY for customers who also open a checking account.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays $60 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
Chime vs. PNC Savings Calculator
You earn $60 more with Chime 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.
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$375.00(3.6%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,375.00
PNC
PNC High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$315.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,315.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Still at a large branch bank?
A typical branch-bank savings rate is 0.05% APY. On a $10,000 balance, the gap to these two banks is at least $310 a year in interest.
Both Chime and PNC advertise far more than that typical branch-bank rate.
| Feature | Chime | PNC |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.75% Observed: 9/7/2026 Stable over 90 days | 3.15% Observed: 9/7/2026 0.10%90-day change |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | PNC High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $1 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Monthly |
| In-Branch Access | No | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Physical Branches | Not reported | 2,420 (AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA (+20 more)) |
| Direct Deposit Req. | Required | None |
| Checking Bundle | Yes | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC or NCUA 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
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Compare PNC vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
More Comparisons
Compare Chime's APY of 3.75% with other banks
Compare PNC's APY of 3.15% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| PNC vs Ally Bank | 3.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs American Express | 3.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| PNC vs Barclays | 3.65% | $0 |
| PNC vs Capital One | 3.50% | $0 |
| PNC vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| PNC vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| PNC vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.40% | $0 |
| PNC vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $100 |
| PNC vs Openbank | 3.80% | $500 |
| PNC vs Pibank | 4.10% | $0 |
| PNC vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| PNC vs Synchrony Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| PNC vs Varo Bank | 3.75% | $0 |
| PNC vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |