Synchrony and Marcus are two of the most rate-competitive HYSAs in the market. Synchrony has historically matched or beaten Marcus on APY and uniquely offers an ATM card for cash access — rare among pure online savings accounts. Marcus is backed by Goldman Sachs, emphasizes rate consistency, and has a clean no-minimum no-fee structure. Pick Synchrony if ATM access or slightly higher APY matters; pick Marcus if you prefer a marquee bank name and frictionless simplicity.
Synchrony Bank
Strong APY with ATM card access — uncommon for online savings.
Pros
Goldman Sachs Bank USA
Best all-around online savings — no fees, no minimums, Goldman backing.
Pros
| Spec | Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings | Marcus by Goldman Sachs Online Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Online savings users who want ATM-card access for cash withdrawals when needed. | Anyone wanting a simple, well-backed high-yield savings account with zero account-management friction. |
◈ marks the stronger option for that row.
Pick Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings if: Online savings users who want ATM-card access for cash withdrawals when needed.
Pick Marcus by Goldman Sachs Online Savings if: Anyone wanting a simple, well-backed high-yield savings account with zero account-management friction.
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See all picks, methodology, and side-by-side comparison in Best High-Yield Savings Accounts 2026.
Yes. Synchrony's High Yield Savings account includes an optional ATM card, letting you withdraw cash from ATMs — unusual for a pure savings account. Most high-yield savings accounts do not include debit or ATM cards. Synchrony also reimburses up to $5 in ATM fees per statement cycle (verify current terms at synchronybank.com). Marcus does not offer an ATM card on its savings product.
Yes. Synchrony Bank and Goldman Sachs Bank USA (Marcus) are both FDIC-member institutions. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Source: fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/.
Synchrony High Yield Savings and Marcus by Goldman Sachs have historically offered among the highest APYs in the online savings market, often within 0.10% of each other. Synchrony has periodically posted a slightly higher rate and adds an optional ATM card. Both are variable and move with Federal Reserve rate changes. The Federal Reserve publishes national average deposit rates at federalreserve.gov as a reference. Verify current rates at synchronybank.com and marcus.com before deciding.
As of mid-2026, Marcus (Goldman Sachs) does not offer a checking account in the U.S. — its products include savings accounts, CDs, and personal loans only. Synchrony does not offer a traditional checking account but has a Money Market Account alongside its high-yield savings. For a full checking + savings banking relationship, alternatives like Ally, SoFi, or Capital One 360 offer paired accounts. Verify current product offerings at marcus.com and synchronybank.com.
Yes. Both Synchrony High Yield Savings and Marcus by Goldman Sachs compound interest daily and credit it monthly — per each bank's published account agreement. Daily compounding means each day's interest is added to the balance before the next day's interest is calculated. The practical difference between daily and monthly compounding at typical HYSA rates is small, but daily compounding is the industry standard for competitive online savings accounts. Verify terms at synchronybank.com and marcus.com.
Both Synchrony High Yield Savings and Marcus by Goldman Sachs pay variable APYs — not fixed rates. When the Federal Reserve cuts its federal funds rate target, banks typically reduce savings account APYs within days to weeks. Neither Synchrony nor Marcus guarantees a floor rate; the published APY can be lowered at any time at the bank's discretion. If protecting against rate cuts is a priority, a fixed-rate certificate of deposit (CD) locks in today's rate for a defined term. The Federal Reserve publishes its rate decisions and historical data at federalreserve.gov. Verify current terms at synchronybank.com and marcus.com.
Neither Synchrony High Yield Savings nor Marcus by Goldman Sachs requires a minimum opening deposit — both accounts can be opened with any amount. There are also no minimum balance requirements to earn the advertised APY; the full rate applies to the entire balance from day one. This makes both accounts accessible for savers building an emergency fund from scratch. Verify current account terms at synchronybank.com and marcus.com, as policies can change. Source: synchronybank.com, marcus.com.
Standard ACH transfers from Synchrony Bank typically take 1–3 business days for external bank-to-bank transfers. Marcus by Goldman Sachs ACH transfers also typically take 1–3 business days. Neither bank offers instant transfers to external accounts by default, though availability may vary based on your external bank's processing speed. Both banks allow you to set up external ACH transfer links through their online portals. Verify current transfer timelines at synchronybank.com and marcus.com. Source: synchronybank.com, marcus.com.
Yes — both Synchrony Bank and Marcus by Goldman Sachs offer certificates of deposit (CDs) alongside their high-yield savings accounts. CDs from both banks have historically offered competitive rates for terms ranging from several months to multiple years, with fixed rates that lock in for the term. Early withdrawal penalties apply if funds are withdrawn before maturity. For savers who want to lock in today's rates against future Fed cuts, a CD ladder across both banks is worth exploring. Verify current CD rates and terms at synchronybank.com and marcus.com. Source: synchronybank.com, marcus.com.
Synchrony Bank offers a Money Market Account in addition to its High Yield Savings account. The Synchrony Money Market account includes check-writing privileges — a feature not available with standard HYSAs. Marcus by Goldman Sachs does not offer a money market account; its personal banking products are limited to savings accounts and CDs. For customers who want check-writing access alongside competitive rates, Synchrony's Money Market is an option worth comparing against its HYSA. Verify current product offerings and rates at synchronybank.com. Source: synchronybank.com.
Independent editorial comparison. ClearValue Lending is not the issuer of any product compared here; affiliate links may pay a referral commission at no cost to you — selection is independent of compensation.