Barclays vs. Betterment
Comparing Barclays and Betterment for high-yield savings: Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 3.85% APY while Betterment's Cash Reserve pays 3.90% APY.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Betterment pays $20 more than Barclays annually ($390 vs $370).
Choose Betterment if getting the best rate matters most.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Mar 24, 2026 | BettermentCash Reserve Mar 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.70% - 3.85% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$185 $10,000+$370 $25,000+$925 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $10 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | The 3.85% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.70%. | Promo rate for new customers. 3.25% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.15% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Barclays vs. Betterment
Executive Summary
Barclays offers a Tiered Savings account with an APY of 3.85% for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.70%. In comparison, Betterment's Cash Reserve provides a slightly higher APY of 3.90%, but this rate is available only to new customers; existing customers earn 3.25%. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and are online-only. Barclays requires a minimum balance of $250,000 to achieve the higher APY, whereas Betterment has a much lower minimum deposit of $10. Overall, Betterment's Cash Reserve is the winner based on its higher APY for new customers.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why Barclays?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
Why Betterment?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $370/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BettermentBetterment's Cash Reserve pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $925/yr).
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Betterment's Cash Reserve pays $20 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Barclays's Tiered Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Barclays vs. Betterment Savings Calculator
You earn $20 more with Betterment than Barclays 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.
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Higher APY requires $250,000
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$370.00(3.6%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,370.00
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$390.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,390.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Still banking with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo?
On a $10,000 balance, you're missing out on at least $369 per year in interest.
Both Barclays and Betterment dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Barclays | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% Range: 3.70% - 3.85% Verified: 3/24/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 3/24/2026 ↗︎ 0.65%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Cash Reserve |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | N/A |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None | None |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | Yes |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A- |
| Important Notes | The 3.85% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.70%. | Promo rate for new customers. 3.25% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Barclays Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Betterment Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Betterment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiered Savings | Online Savings | Cash Reserve | |
Current APY | 3.85% | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.5 | -2.6 | -5.8 |
Days Since Change | 32 | 32 | 32 |
12-Month High | 4.40% | 3.90% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.85% | 3.50% | 3.25% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.58 | 0.49 | 0.33 |
Volatility Score | 0.033 | 0.026 | 0.083 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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More Comparisons
Compare Barclays' APY of 3.85% with other banks
Compare Betterment's APY of 3.90% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Betterment vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| Betterment vs American Express | 3.20% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Capital One | 3.20% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| Betterment vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Betterment vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| Betterment vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| Betterment vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| Betterment vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Synchrony Bank | 3.50% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| Betterment vs Wealthfront | 4.20% | $0 |