Banking » Compare Banks » Synchrony vs Marcus: Which Offers Better CD Rates?
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Synchrony vs Marcus: Which Offers Better CD Rates?

Synchrony and Marcus offer high CD rates, including no penalty CD. How they compare when it comes to termss and early withdrawal penalty?
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

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Table Of Content

Synchrony Bank and Marcus are two noteworthy online banks that provide CDs with competitive rates and varying terms. Whether you seek a brief or extended investment option, Synchrony Bank and Marcus provide a broad spectrum of CD terms to select from.

This article will analyze and compare the CD rates presented by Synchrony Bank and Marcus, alongside other essential factors such as minimum deposit requirements, how their CDs work, and early withdrawal penalties.

Synchrony
Marcus
CD Range
2.25% – 5.00%
3.70% – 4.75%
Minimum Deposit
$0
$500
Early Withdrawal penalty
90 – 365 days of interest
90 – 270 days of of interest
Terms
3 months – 5 year
6 – 72 months

CD Rates Comparison

Based on the table provided below, we can observe that the CD rates offered by Marcus and Synchrony Bank are quite comparable.

Synchrony offers slightly better rates on most of the terms, but the differences are minor. Also, Synchrony doesn't have a minimum deposit while Marcus does.

However, if you're looking for a 3-month CD, you may want to look elsewhere since any of them offer a competitive rate.

CD Term
Synchrony APY
Marcus APY
3 Months
2.25%
N/A
6 Months
5.00%
4.25%
9 Months
4.80%
4.30%
12 Months
4.50%
4.75%
18 Months
4.50%
4.75%
24 Months
4.30%
4.35%
36 Months
4.30%
4.30%
48 Months
4.00%
4.00%
60 Months
4.00%
3.80%
72 Months
N/A
3.70%

Both Synchrony And Marcus Offer No Penalty CD

When comparing no penalty CDs, the Synchrony CD rate is higher. Not only do they offer better rates, but the term is also shorter compared to Marcus.

However, no-penalty CDs at such rates are quite rare, so while Synchrony is the winner – Marcus's option is also decent and competitive compared to the industry.

Marcus
Synchrony Bank
11 Months
N/A
4.10%
13 Months
3.50%
N/A

CD Early Withdrawal Penalty: How They Compare?

While the differences are minor also here, Synchrony penalty charges in case of an early withdrawal are higher than Marcus, especially for the longer CD terms.

CD Term
Synchrony Bank
Marcus
3 Months
90 days of interest
N/A
6 Months
90 days of interest
90 days of interest
9 Months
90 days of interest
90 days of interest
12 Months
90 days of interest
180 days of interest
18 Months
180 days of interest
180 days of interest
24 Months
180 days of interest
180 days of interest
36 Months
180 days of interest
180 days of interest
48 Months
365 days of interest
180 days of interest
60 Months
365 days of interest
180 days of interest
72 Months
N/A
270 days of interest

About Synchrony Bank

Synchrony Bank is an online bank established in 2003 that provides various financial products and services to its customers. The bank offers savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, and credit cards with attractive interest rates. 

As an online bank, Synchrony Bank has no physical branches, but it provides access to over 2 million ATMs worldwide. It also offers a mobile app and online banking tools that make banking more convenient for customers.

In terms of customer service, Synchrony Bank has a reputation for being responsive and helpful, with a customer service team available 24/7 to assist customers with their banking needs.

About Marcus

Marcus by Goldman Sachs is an online bank founded in 2016 that offers a variety of financial products and services. The bank provides savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), personal loans, and home improvement loans.

Marcus savings accounts offer competitive interest rates with no account fees, minimum deposit requirements, or withdrawal penalties. Marcus personal loans are another popular product that allows borrowers to consolidate high-interest debt, finance home improvements, or fund other major expenses. The bank offers fixed-rate loans with no origination fees, prepayment penalties, or hidden fees.

Compare CD Rates

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Best CD Rates

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