Barclays vs. BMO Alto
Comparing Barclays and BMO Alto for high-yield savings: Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 3.85% APY while BMO Alto's Savings Account pays 3.15% APY.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Barclays pays $55 more than BMO Alto annually ($370 vs $315).
Choose Barclays if getting the best rate matters most, you're an iPhone user (no iOS app for BMO Alto), or you're an Android user (no Android app for BMO Alto).
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Feb 21, 2026 | BMO AltoSavings Account Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.70% - 3.85% | 3.15% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$185 $10,000+$370 $25,000+$925 | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
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%. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsDaily CompoundingRate 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.
Executive Summary
Barclays offers a competitive Tiered Savings account with an APY of 3.85%, available for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.70%. This account is ideal for those with larger deposits, as it provides better returns compared to BMO Alto's Savings Account, which has a maximum APY of 3.15%. Additionally, Barclays's Online Savings account offers a simpler option with a 3.50% APY, no direct deposit requirement, and no maintenance fees, making it a solid choice for those looking for ease of access. Both banks operate online only, ensuring no physical branch access.
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?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.50%-3.85% vs 3.15%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 vs 0.0)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 0.0)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
Why BMO Alto?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $370 vs $315/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $925 vs $788/yr).
Best for Simplicity
BarclaysBarclays's Online Savings offers 3.50% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
BarclaysBarclays offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 0.0) and Android app rated 4.7 (vs. 0.0)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Barclays's Tiered Savings pays $55 more interest on a $10,000 balance than BMO Alto's Savings Account.
*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. BMO Alto Savings Calculator
You earn $55 more with Barclays than BMO Alto 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
BMO Alto
Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$315.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,315.00
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 $314 per year in interest.
Both Barclays and BMO Alto dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Barclays | BMO Alto |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% Range: 3.70% - 3.85% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.15% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| 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 | iOS- Android- | |
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| 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%. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Barclays Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at BMO Alto Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | BMO Alto | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Savings | Tiered Savings | Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.85% | 3.15% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.5 | -3.5 | -5.1 |
Days Since Change | 1 | 1 | 4 |
12-Month High | 3.90% | 4.40% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.85% | 3.15% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.49 | 0.58 | 0.41 |
Volatility Score | 0.026 | 0.033 | 0.058 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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More Comparisons
Compare Barclays' APY of 3.85% with other banks
Compare BMO Alto's APY of 3.15% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| BMO Alto vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs American Express | 3.30% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| BMO Alto vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| BMO Alto vs Citibank | 3.20% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| BMO Alto vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| BMO Alto vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Synchrony Bank | 3.50% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| BMO Alto vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |