synchrony vs marcus is one of the most common comparisons among high-yield savings shoppers. Both banks operate entirely online. Neither charges monthly fees. Both are FDIC insured up to $250,000. However, the similarities end once you dig into the details.
Synchrony Bank offers ATM access with its savings account. Marcus by Goldman Sachs counters with slightly higher APY on savings. Each bank takes a different approach to CDs, bonuses, and mobile banking. In most cases, the right choice depends on whether you value flexibility or pure yield. This synchrony vs marcus breakdown covers every angle so you can decide with confidence.
Synchrony Vs Marcus: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Synchrony Bank | Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
|---|---|---|
| Savings APY | 3.50% APY | 3.65% APY |
| CD Rates (12-Month) | 3.70% APY | 3.90% APY |
| CD Rates (9-Month) | 4.00% APY | 4.05% APY |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 (Savings) / $500 (CDs) |
| Monthly Fees | $0 | $0 |
| ATM Access | Yes — ATM card included | No ATM card |
| No-Penalty CD | 11-month term | 7-month, 11-month, 13-month terms |
| Mobile App (iOS) | 4.8 / 5 stars | 4.9 / 5 stars |
| FDIC Insured | Yes | Yes |
The table above highlights the core synchrony vs marcus differences. Marcus leads on savings APY by 0.15 percentage points. That translates to roughly $15 more per year on a $10,000 balance. Synchrony counters with ATM access and zero minimums on every product.
For example, someone who needs quick cash access might lean toward Synchrony. On the other hand, a saver focused purely on interest earnings would benefit from Marcus. Both banks deliver strong value for online banking customers.
Checking Accounts: Synchrony vs Marcus
Neither Synchrony nor Marcus offers a traditional checking account. This is an important distinction in the synchrony vs marcus debate. Both banks focus on savings and CD products. As a result, you will need a checking account at another bank for everyday spending.
Synchrony does provide an ATM card with its high-yield savings account. This gives you limited cash access without a checking account. The bank reimburses up to $5 per statement cycle in domestic ATM fees. Typically, this covers one or two withdrawals per month.
Marcus does not offer ATM cards or debit cards. However, Marcus allows same-day transfers of up to $100,000 to external bank accounts. This makes it easy to move money quickly when needed. For daily transactions, you will need to pair either bank with a separate checking account.
Savings Accounts: Synchrony vs Marcus
Savings APY is the centerpiece of the synchrony vs marcus comparison. Marcus currently offers 3.65% APY on its high-yield savings account. Synchrony offers 3.50% APY. Both rates apply to all balances with no tiers or caps.
Neither bank requires a minimum balance to earn interest. There are no monthly maintenance fees at either institution. Interest compounds daily at both banks. As a result, your money grows slightly faster than with banks that compound monthly.
Synchrony adds a unique perk with its optional ATM card. This lets you withdraw cash directly from your savings. Marcus keeps things simple with no physical card. However, Marcus supports large same-day transfers to linked accounts. In most cases, the 0.15% APY advantage at Marcus adds up over time for larger balances.
CDs and Fixed-Rate Products
CD offerings reveal another layer in the synchrony vs marcus matchup. Both banks provide standard, no-penalty, and bump-up CD options. However, the terms and rates differ in important ways.
| CD Term | Synchrony Bank APY | Marcus APY |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Months | 3.80% APY | 4.00% APY |
| 9 Months | 4.00% APY | 4.05% APY |
| 12 Months | 3.70% APY | 3.90% APY |
| 3 Years | 3.60% APY | 3.90% APY |
| 5 Years | 3.75% APY | 3.90% APY |
Marcus leads across nearly every CD term. The gap is especially wide on longer-term CDs. For example, the 3-year CD pays 0.30% more at Marcus. On a $25,000 deposit, that difference adds up to roughly $225 over three years.
Synchrony requires no minimum deposit for CDs. Marcus requires $500. Synchrony also offers a wider variety of terms. You can choose from 3-month to 60-month options. Marcus starts at 6 months and extends to 6 years. Both banks offer no-penalty CDs for early withdrawal flexibility. Typically, no-penalty CDs carry slightly lower rates than standard options at both institutions.
Sign-Up Bonuses and Promotions
Bonus offers can tip the synchrony vs marcus scale significantly. Both banks run periodic cash bonuses for new deposits. However, availability changes frequently.
Synchrony currently offers a tiered cash bonus. New and existing customers can earn $225 with a $25,000 deposit. A $50,000 deposit earns a $300 bonus. The promotion has no set end date and could close at any time. These bonuses stack on top of the standard savings APY.
Marcus recently ran an aggressive bonus promotion. It offered up to $1,500 for deposits of $100,000 or more. Smaller deposits of $10,000 earned $100. That promotion expired on March 11, 2026. Historically, Marcus runs similar bonus campaigns several times per year. In most cases, Marcus bonuses require a 90-day holding period. Synchrony bonuses typically require similar balance maintenance. For bonus chasers, the synchrony vs marcus decision often depends on timing.
Mobile App and Customer Experience
Both banks deliver polished mobile apps. The Marcus app earns a 4.9-star rating on the Apple App Store. Over 200,000 users have reviewed it. Synchrony’s banking app holds a 4.8-star rating with over 70,000 iOS reviews. On Android, Synchrony scores 4.6 stars.
Marcus offers 24/7 phone support for savings customers. Representatives typically answer within two minutes. However, Trustpilot reviews paint a mixed picture. Some customers report account lockouts and slow resolution times. Synchrony’s customer service is available by phone and secure message. Response times are generally reasonable for an online bank.
Neither bank has physical branches. This is standard for the synchrony vs marcus comparison since both are online-only. For customers who need in-person service, neither bank is the right fit. However, both apps support mobile check deposit, account transfers, and balance monitoring. Marcus also ranked third in J.D. Power’s 2025 Direct Banking Satisfaction Study among online-only banks.
Which Bank Should You Choose?
Choose Synchrony if: You want ATM access directly from your savings account. You prefer zero minimum deposits on CDs. You value a wider selection of CD terms from 3 to 60 months. You want to take advantage of the current $225 to $300 deposit bonus.
Choose Marcus if: You want the highest possible savings APY at 3.65%. You prioritize strong CD rates across all terms. You want access to same-day transfers up to $100,000. You prefer a top-rated mobile app backed by Goldman Sachs.
The synchrony vs marcus decision comes down to priorities. Marcus wins on raw interest rates for both savings and CDs. The difference is meaningful over time. On the other hand, Synchrony offers more flexibility with ATM access and no CD minimums. For pure yield chasers, Marcus is the stronger pick. For savers who want convenient cash access alongside competitive rates, Synchrony delivers a well-rounded package.
Ultimately, the synchrony vs marcus choice is not about picking a bad option. Both banks are FDIC insured, fee-free, and far above the national savings average. Your best move may be opening accounts at both banks to capture the best of each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Synchrony Bank safer than Marcus by Goldman Sachs?
Both banks are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor. As a result, your money is equally protected at either institution. Synchrony is backed by Synchrony Financial, and Marcus is backed by Goldman Sachs. Both are well-capitalized financial institutions.
Can I have accounts at both Synchrony and Marcus at the same time?
Yes, you can open accounts at both banks simultaneously. In most cases, savvy customers use one bank for savings and the other for CDs. For example, you might keep your emergency fund at Marcus for the higher APY while using Synchrony CDs for their flexible terms.
Which bank has better CD rates in the synchrony vs marcus comparison?
Marcus currently offers higher CD rates across nearly every term length. However, Synchrony requires no minimum deposit to open a CD. Marcus requires $500. Typically, the rate advantage at Marcus makes it the better choice for larger CD deposits.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on banking regulations and consumer protection:
- FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation): fdic.gov
- CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau): consumerfinance.gov
- Federal Reserve: federalreserve.gov
- NCUA (National Credit Union Administration): ncua.gov
- SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission): sec.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.