Founded in 2003, Synchrony is an online bank that specializes in savings products, offering savings and money market accounts, CDs and IRAs. Its online-only business model allows it to cut overhead costs to offer competitive rates and no monthly service fees.
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How does it compare to other banks?
With $57 billion in deposits, Synchrony Financial is the 31st largest FDIC-insured institution in the country. While that pales in comparison to the Big Four’s combined $8.6 trillion, it’s the second-largest online-only bank in the US. Instead of having physical branches, banking completely online allows customers to easily access their money through its mobile app and efficient online platform.
It provides the most store-brand credit cards in the US and offers a specialized CareCredit card for healthcare procedures and services. In fact, as of 2014, it issued over 42% of all private label credit cards in the country, with clients including Amazon, Gap, Lowe’s and Walmart.
Savings accounts
Pros
Great rates. Since Synchrony is an online-only bank, it’s able to cut overhead costs and offer higher interest rates than many of its competitors.
No ATM fees. Synchrony doesn’t charge ATM fees and reimburses you up to $5 per statement cycle for ATM owner fees.
Cons
Difficult cash deposits. With no ATM deposits available, you’re stuck mailing a check or money order to deposit your cash.
Excessive withdrawals. Synchrony doesn’t charge for excessive transactions but reserves the right to close your account. Regulation D is currently suspended, so contact the bank to see if its policy is temporarily changed.
Withdrawal limits. There is a daily withdrawal limit of $1,000 from ATMs and $500 for point-of-sale withdrawals.
Longer processing times. It may take a few days to process when you mail in a check or send and receive a wire transfer.
CDs
Pros
Competitive APYs. You’ll earn anywhere from 0.25% to 4.8% APY depending on the CD term.
Low opening deposit. You only need $0 to open a CD.
Accessible interest. Although you can’t access your initial deposit until your CD matures, you can withdraw your interest for free at any time.
Online application. You can open a CD from the comfort of your home without having to visit a local branch.
Cons
Early withdrawal penalty. You’ll lose anywhere from 90 days to 365 days interest on any amount you withdraw from your CD before it matures.
Overall banking
Pros
Synchrony Perks program. Enjoy no monthly service fees, identity-theft resolution services, travel and leisure discounts and more.
Mobile banking. Synchrony offers a convenient mobile app that allows customers to open accounts, manage funds, order checks and more.
Convenient customer service. Access its 24/7 automated phone service or speak to a representative on weekdays from 7 a.m. to midnight ET.
Cons
One branch. Synchrony only has one physical branch in Bridgewater, New Jersey. If you live outside of this area, you can’t visit a branch to speak with a representative face to face.
Small product selection. You won’t find the selection of financial products you might find with another online bank, like personal checking accounts or banking for your business.
Synchrony Financial is FDIC insured, meaning that deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the FDIC if the bank fails. According to top ratings agencies S&P and Fitch, Synchrony holds a BBB- credit rating. This above-average rating means that the bank is likely to fulfill its debt obligations.
Synchrony has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since June 2006 and holds an A+ rating. However, of the 700 reviews on its BBB page, the majority of them are negative. And over 4,500 customers have filed complaints against the bank, with problems revolving around billing and collections issues with credit cards, including unwarranted late fees, accidentally canceled credit cards and mistakes in interest charges.
Synchrony Bank customer service
Get support in three ways:
Phone. Call 866-226-5638 weekdays from 7 a.m. to midnight ET or weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Online chat. Chat live online with a representative during business hours.
Mail. Send correspondence to PO Box 105972, Atlanta, GA 30348-5972.
Synchrony in the news
Synchrony was involved in the largest-ever credit card settlement back in 2014. When Synchrony was still known as GE Capital Retail Bank, the US Department of Justice led an investigation into the bank’s “deceptive and discriminatory practices.”
This revealed that GE Capital allegedly charging customers for credit card add-ons without the customer’s consent. It was also accused of discriminating against Latino-American customers by failing to offer several promotional credit deals to customers who had asked to receive communications in Spanish.
GE Capital ultimately reached a $225 million settlement with the US Department of Justice, paying $169 million in relief to more than 100,000 Hispanic borrowers affected by its discriminatory practices.
Bottom line
Synchrony’s low fees, high interest rates and great benefits make it perfect for those looking to hold on to more of their hard-earned money. However, it has a fairly limited product lineup and operates entirely online, so if you’re looking for a more traditional banking experience, you may be better off elsewhere.
How do I make deposits into my Synchrony bank account?
Visit an ATM, send a check, make a transfer from another bank account, deposit a check through the mobile app, use direct deposit from a third party and more.
How do I open a bank account at Synchrony if I’m not a US citizen?
Unfortunately for tax purposes, you need to be a US citizen to open a Synchrony account.
What is the routing number for Synchrony Bank?
The routing number for this bank is 021213591.
What do I need to open a Synchrony bank account?
To open an account with Synchrony, you’ll need to provide your:
Name and date of birth.
US address.
Social Security or tax identification number.
Driver’s license or other state-issued identification.
Peter Carleton is a freelance writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading. See full bio
Cassidy Horton is a freelance personal finance copywriter and past contributing writer for Finder. Her writing and banking expertise have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Money, The Balance, Money Under 30, Insure.com, and other top digital publishers. She holds a BS in public relations and an MBA from Georgia Southern University. See full bio
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