American Express vs. Barclays
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
3.40%APYDec 17, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Up to4.00%APYDec 17, 2025FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRange: 3.85% – 4.00%Show Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Comparison Analysis
Comparing American Express vs. Barclays
As of American Express offers an APY of 3.40% for its High Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Barclays's 4.00% APY for its Tiered Savings account, with a minimum balance of $250,000.
Barclays pays $45 more than American Express on a $10,000 balance after one year. American Express pays $340, while Barclays pays $385 (with an effective APY of 3.85%) - an APY advantage for Barclays.
In addition, Barclays also offers 3.60% APY for the Online Savings account, with a minimum balance of Enough to earn $0.01 in interest.
Why American Express?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
Why Barclays?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.60%-4.00% vs 3.40%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 3.6)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $385 vs $340/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $963 vs $850/yr).
Best for Simplicity
BarclaysBarclays's Online Savings offers 3.60% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Barclays's Tiered Savings pays $45 more interest on a $10,000 balance than American Express's High Yield Savings Account.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary
Barclays offers a Tiered Savings account with a competitive APY of 4.00%, available for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.85%. This account outperforms American Express's High Yield Savings Account, which provides a 3.40% APY with no minimum balance or maintenance fees. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposits. Additionally, Barclays has an Online Savings account with a 3.60% APY, which is noted for its simplicity and lack of restrictions. Overall, Barclays stands out as the winner based on the highest APY offered.
Analysis generated based on current Banksparency database records
* AI-generated content provided for informational purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed; always verify details with the provider.
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.25% APY.
American Express vs. Barclays Savings Calculator
You earn $45 more with Barclays than American Express on a $10,000 initial deposit for 1 year*.
*This calculation assumes that APYs remain unchanged for 1 year, and takes into account known promo rate periods, but does not factor in bonuses. You can see how often these banks have changed their rates in the Compare Savings Rates Over Time section below.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$340.00(3.3%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,340.00
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Higher APY requires $250,000
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$385.00(3.7%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,385.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Top Market Contenders
See who beats both American Express and Barclays.
| Feature | American Express | Barclays |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.40% Verified: 12/17/2025 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 4.00% Range: 3.85% - 4.00% Verified: 12/17/2025 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | Tiered Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $250,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android3.6 | iOS4.9 Android4.7 |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | The 4.00% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.85%. |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express | Barclays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | Online Savings | Tiered Savings | |
Current APY | 3.40% | 3.60% | 4.00% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.3 | -2.7 | -4.3 |
Days Since Change | 22 | 22 | 29 |
11-Month High | 3.80% | 4.00% | 4.50% |
11-Month Low | 3.40% | 3.60% | 4.00% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.36 | 0.55 | 0.64 |
Volatility Score | 0.032 | 0.026 | 0.037 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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