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Synchrony Bank CD Rates: Are They Worth It in 2026?

Review Updated
Brooklyn Sprunger
Author: Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Content Manager

Brooklyn Sprunger is a former full-time Content Manager and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where she oversaw product reviews and ratings while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics.

See Full Bio

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. APY = Annual Percentage Yield.

I'm a big believer in letting your cash work while it sits. If you've got money parked for a home down payment, a vacation, or just an emergency fund you don't plan to touch, a CD is one of the simplest ways to squeeze more out of it.

Synchrony Bank is one of the banks I actually recommend when people ask. It consistently offers top APYs, and has great terms for savers of all types.

Here's everything you need to know.

Current Synchrony Online CD rates and terms

Rates as of July 31, 2026

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for Synchrony Online CD
Synchrony Online CD
Bottom Line

Perhaps one of the lesser-known names on the list, Synchrony (Member FDIC) is a full-line bank with a 90-year history. Synchrony's CDs are notable for competitive rates at most term lengths, plus no minimum balance requirements.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $0
Read Review
13 Mo. APY 15 Mo. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 4 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
4.00% 3.90% 3.80% 3.50% 3.60% 3.50% 3.75%

Unlike other banking products we evaluate, certificates of deposit (CDs) do not receive a star rating from us. This approach is due to the frequent updates in interest rates and terms associated with CDs. Instead, we highlight CDs on our best-of list pages based on their annual percentage yield (APY) and the fees associated with early withdrawals. Our top CD selections typically offer competitive APYs without complex qualification tiers, low early withdrawal penalties, reliable strong brand reliability, and user-friendly features.

Motley Fool Money focuses exclusively on standard CDs and does not review IRA CDs, bump-up CDs, callable CDs, or other specialized CD accounts.

Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.

Unlike other banking products we evaluate, certificates of deposit (CDs) do not receive a star rating from us. This approach is due to the frequent updates in interest rates and terms associated with CDs. Instead, we highlight CDs on our best-of list pages based on their annual percentage yield (APY) and the fees associated with early withdrawals. Our top CD selections typically offer competitive APYs without complex qualification tiers, low early withdrawal penalties, reliable strong brand reliability, and user-friendly features.

Motley Fool Money focuses exclusively on standard CDs and does not review IRA CDs, bump-up CDs, callable CDs, or other specialized CD accounts.

Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.

Key features of Synchrony Online CDs

Feature Details
Minimum Balance $0
Range of Term Lengths 3 months to 5 years
Compounding Schedule Daily (interest paid monthly)
Grace Period 10 days after maturity
Data source: Synchrony Bank.

Early withdrawal penalties

If you take your principal out before the CD matures, you'll face a penalty. Here's the breakdown:

  • Terms of 12 months or less: 90 days of simple interest
  • Terms between 12-48 months: 180 days of simple interest
  • Terms longer than 48 months: 365 days of simple interest

These penalties are pretty standard, but still, something to think about before locking up your funds.

Pros and cons of Synchrony Online CDs

Pros:

  • No minimum balance, which makes it super accessible
  • Competitive APYs, especially for mid-length terms
  • You can withdraw interest anytime without paying a penalty

Cons:

  • No terms longer than 5 years
  • Early withdrawal penalties can be steep on longer terms
  • No physical branches if you like in-person help

How do Synchrony Online CD rates compare?

Synchrony Bank holds its own against most of today's top CD rates -- especially if you want a no minimum balance option with the flexibility to pull your interest earnings along the way.

That said, a few niche online banks do edge them out on raw APY, and some require a higher minimum deposit to get there. The table below shows how Synchrony Bank stacks up on the terms most people actually care about.

Rates as of July 31, 2026
EverBank CD Raisin

EverBank CD Raisin

APY:
4.10%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$1
Open Account for

On Raisin's Secure Website.

CIT Bank No-Penalty CD

CIT Bank No-Penalty CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.90%
Term:
11 Months
Min. Deposit:
$1,000
Open Account for

On CIT's Secure Website.

How to get the most out of a Synchrony Online CD in 2026

Build a CD ladder

One strategy I'm a fan of is called CD laddering. It's when you don't put all your money in one term. Instead, you spread it across a few different accounts -- like, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years.

As each CD matures, you either roll it into a new CD or keep the cash liquid if you need it.

With Synchrony offering terms from 3 months all the way to 5 years, you've got plenty of ladder "rungs" to work with. It's a simple way to stay flexible without giving up the guaranteed rate.

Not sure a CD is the right move?

If there's any chance you'll need your cash before the CD term is up, a high-yield savings account is probably the place to save. You won't get a locked-in rate, but you also won't pay an early withdrawal penalty to get your own money back.

The good news is most of today's top banks offer high-yield accounts with no monthly fees, minimums, and fast transfers.

Compare savings rates

Make sure you're getting the best account for you by comparing savings rates and promotions. Here are some of our favorite high-yield savings accounts to consider.

Account APY Bonus Next Steps
up to 4.00%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Min. to earn: $0
Earn $50 or $400 and +0.90% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply. Circle with letter I in it.

Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
3.50%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Balances less than $250,000 earn 3.50%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 3.65%.
Min. to earn: $0
$200 Bonus with qualifying activities. Terms Apply Circle with letter I in it.

To earn a $200 bonus, new customers can open a savings account; deposit $25,000 or more within 30 days; and maintain at least that balance for 120 consecutive days. The bonus will be credited to your account within 60 days of meeting these requirements. Offer ends Oct. 31, 2026. Terms apply.
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings

On Barclays' Secure Website.

4.00% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. *LevelUp Rate of 4.00% APY applied to full balance with $250+ in deposits in Evaluation Period. Otherwise, accounts earn Standard Rate of 3.00% APY. LevelUp Rate applies to first two statement cycles. Rates variable & subject to change at any time. See terms: https://www.happen.com/legal/deposits/levelup-savings-t-and-cs
Min. to earn:
N/A
Open Account for Happen Bank LevelUp Savings

On Happen Bank's Secure Website.

Disclaimers

https://www.happen.com/legal/deposits/levelup-savings-t-and-cs

Tax tip

CD interest is taxed as regular income, even if you don't withdraw it. If you're putting in a large amount, keep that in mind when comparing your potential returns to other options.

How to open a Synchrony Online CD

It's easy to get started -- no in-person visit required.

  1. Click on this link to open a Synchrony Online CD account
  2. Enter your info: Name, address, SSN, and date of birth
  3. Choose your term: You've got 16 different CD options
  4. Fund the CD: Transfer from an existing account or another bank

Once funded, your money starts earning interest right away.

Should you open a Synchrony Online CD?

A Synchrony Online CD is great for you if:

  • You're looking for competitive CD rates with no balance minimum
  • You want the option to access interest earnings along the way
  • You're building a CD ladder or saving for a set time frame

Maybe skip it if:

  • You need access to your full balance at any time
  • You're chasing the absolute highest rate (some niche banks beat Synchrony Bank)
  • You want customer support via physical branches

If that's you, check out our top high-yield savings picks instead.

FAQs

  • Yes. Synchrony Bank is a legit FDIC-insured financial institution. Which means your accounts are protected up to $250,000 per depositor. That's the same protection you'd get at any big traditional bank.

  • You'll have a 10-day grace period to decide what to do. Your options are to withdraw, roll it into a new CD, or make changes to your term. If you don't do anything, Synchrony Bank will automatically renew it at the current rate for the same term.

  • You can pull your interest earnings anytime without penalty. But if you withdraw your initial principal before the CD matures, you'll face an early withdrawal penalty. The longer your term, the steeper the hit. That's why it's important to make sure you're comfortable locking that money up and not touching it.