The listings featured on this site are from companies from which this site receives compensation. This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site. Advertising Disclosure

Synchrony logo View Rates Top

Synchrony Review

Synchrony occupies a somewhat different space than many online banks. While it's widely recognized for its retail financing and store-branded credit card partnerships, the company also operates a dedicated online bank focused on savings and deposit products.

Unlike many digital banks that prioritize checking accounts, budgeting tools, and everyday spending features, Synchrony leans more heavily into helping customers grow and manage savings. Its banking products are centered around savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs), making it particularly appealing to users looking for a dedicated place to build cash reserves. The entire banking experience is managed online. Customers can open accounts, transfer funds, monitor balances, and manage savings goals through the website and mobile app without needing to visit a branch.

Rather than trying to be an all-in-one financial platform, Synchrony takes a more focused approach. That narrower product lineup may not appeal to every customer, but it allows the bank to concentrate on what it does best: providing accessible digital banking tools designed around saving and cash management.

VISIT SYNCHRONY SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
VISIT SYNCHRONY CD RATES

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong focus on savings and deposit products
  • Multiple account options for different savings goals
  • User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
  • No branch visits required for routine banking
  • FDIC-insured banking products

Cons

  • Fewer budgeting and investing tools than some competitors
  • No traditional branch network

How Does Synchony Work?

Synchrony Bank is an online financial institution that focuses primarily on savings-oriented banking products rather than everyday spending accounts.

The bank offers a range of deposit products designed to help customers manage savings, emergency funds, and longer-term financial goals. Its core offerings include savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit, all of which can be opened and managed online.

While many consumers recognize Synchrony through its retail credit card partnerships, the bank itself also maintains a dedicated online banking division centered on deposit accounts and cash management.

For many customers, Synchrony serves as a complement to an existing checking account rather than a complete banking replacement. The platform is particularly geared toward individuals who want a separate place to grow savings while maintaining convenient access through digital banking tools.


Pricing

Synchrony's value proposition is closely tied to its savings-focused banking products rather than a broad collection of financial services.

The platform keeps the banking experience relatively streamlined, making it easy for customers to focus on saving and managing deposits. Account requirements, features, and benefits vary depending on the product selected, so customers should review the latest terms before opening an account.

For individuals primarily interested in building savings, maintaining emergency funds, or setting aside money for future goals, Synchrony offers a straightforward digital banking experience without many of the complexities associated with traditional banks.


Final Thoughts

Synchrony isn't trying to become the center of your financial life. Instead, it focuses on a more specific goal: providing a place to save, manage cash reserves, and access deposit products through a fully digital banking experience.

That specialization works in its favor. The platform feels less crowded than many modern banking apps, and customers who already maintain a primary checking account elsewhere may appreciate having a separate destination dedicated to savings goals and longer-term planning.

For customers looking to separate their savings strategy from their everyday banking activities, Synchrony delivers a focused and straightforward solution that stays true to its strengths.

VISIT SYNCHRONY

Synchrony Disclaimers
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal non-IRA accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. For CD accounts, a penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals. After maturity, if your CD rolls over, you will earn the offered rate of interest in effect at that time. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can deposit and withdrawal funds into your online account, and manage bills using your bank's secure mobile app, website portal, or by visiting an ATM. To deposit funds into your account, you can transfer money from another account, deposit mobile checks by uploading images of the front and back, use ATMs, or set up direct deposits for recurring incoming payments. For withdrawals, you can transfer money to another account, use ATMs, or request an electronic transfer. Use your online account's automatic payments and bill notifications features so you never miss a payment.
In most cases, you can use your online bank account right away. Opening an online account is fast, often taking just 10 to 15 minutes. Approval is typically granted immediately after application submission, allowing you to create your account, login, and begin banking straight away. If additional verification is needed, approval can take an additional 1 to 2 days.
Yes, nearly all online banks provide free ATMs nationwide and/or automatic reimbursements for ATM fees. Most online banks partner with large ATM networks to provide easy access to ATMs no matter where you live. If you run into difficulty locating in-network ATMs, oftentimes the bank will reimburse any out-of-network ATM charges.
The best bank depends on your financial needs. First, determine whether a checking account for everyday transactions or a savings account to earn interest on your deposits is right for you. Then, look for banks that offer low or no fees. competitive interest rates, great customer reviews, and helpful digital tools to manage your finances easily.
Yes, online banks must adhere to strict government regulations and licensing requirements just as traditional banks must, and many provide the same level of FDIC insurance. Robust encryption and cyber-security keep your personal information safe, in a similar way that traditional banks keep their customer databases secure. Selecting a reputable financial institution is key to any safe banking, so be sure to carefully evaluate and compare banks before agreeing to any terms.
FDIC insured banks are financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This insurance protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, meaning, in the event a bank ever fails, your money is secure.