PNC vs. Synchrony Bank
PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays 3.15% APY while Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays 3.30% 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 $15 more than PNC annually ($330 vs $315).
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 Sep 7, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Sep 5, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% | 3.30% |
Earns in a year | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 |
Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow 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 institutions offer rates below the top 10 savings and money market accounts we track. Those institutions all pay at least 4.01% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing PNC vs. Synchrony Bank
Executive Summary
Synchrony Bank offers a High Yield Savings account with a competitive APY of 3.30%, which is higher than PNC's High Yield Savings account at 3.15%. Synchrony's account does not require a minimum deposit or balance, making it accessible for a wider range of customers. In contrast, PNC's account requires a minimum deposit of $2,500 and is available only in select states. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and do not require direct deposit. For those looking for a higher yield, Synchrony Bank is the better option.
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?
- 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)
Why Synchrony Bank?
- Higher potential APY (3.30% vs 3.15%) 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. $330 vs $315/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $825 vs $788/yr).
Better for Simplicity
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings offers 3.15% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays $15 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 $15 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+$315.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,315.00
Synchrony Bank
High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
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 PNC and Synchrony Bank advertise far more than that typical branch-bank rate.
| Feature | PNC | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% Observed: 9/7/2026 0.10%90-day change | 3.30% Observed: 9/5/2026 0.10%90-day change |
| Product Name | PNC High Yield Savings | High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $1 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Monthly | Daily |
| In-Branch Access | Yes | No |
| Account Type | Online & Branches | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | 2,420 (AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA (+20 more)) | 2 (FL, UT) |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC or NCUA 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 | 3.15% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Speed of change | -0.12 | -0.00 | -0.05 |
Days Since Change | 83 | 363 | 81 |
12-Month High | 3.95% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
12-Month Low | 3.15% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Changes per month | 0.49 | 0.00 | 0.33 |
Steadiness | 0.067 | 0.000 | 0.028 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Trends and speed
- Trend: The general direction of the rate over the analyzed period. Useful for seeing whether a bank is raising its rate or letting it slip.
- Speed of change: How fast the rate moves. A high positive number means they raise rates quickly. A reading of 0.10 is a tenth of a percentage point each month.
- Changes per month: How often the rate moves. A high number means it changes constantly; a low number means it holds.
Risk & Range
- High/Low: The absolute ceiling and floor of the rate during the 364-day window.
- Steadiness: How far the rate swings around its average. A lower score means a steadier, more predictable rate.
- Days Since Change: A high number, for example above 90, means the rate rarely moves. A low number means it changed recently.
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Comparing against Standard Savings
High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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More Comparisons
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 Chime | 3.75% | $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 Varo Bank | 3.75% | $0 |
| PNC vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |