Barclays vs. Chime
Comparing Barclays and Chime for high-yield savings: Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 4.00% APY while Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account pays 3.00% APY.
Note: Chime requires a checking account.
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 $85 more than Chime annually ($385 vs $300).
Choose Barclays if getting the best rate matters most, or you want a no-strings-attached account.
Important Considerations
Chime requires a checking account to unlock its top savings rate, while Barclays offers its savings account standalone.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Feb 17, 2026 | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Feb 16, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% - 4.00% | 0.75% - 3.00% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$193 $10,000+$385 $25,000+$963 | $5,000+$150 $10,000+$300 $25,000+$750 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | The 4.00% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.85%. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking BundleDaily 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 4.00% for balances over $250,000, making it the top choice for higher deposits. For lower balances, the APY drops to 3.85%. Additionally, their Online Savings account provides a simpler option with a 3.60% APY and no direct deposit requirement. In contrast, Chime's High-Yield Savings Account yields a maximum APY of 3.00%, but requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days. Both banks operate online only, with no maintenance fees.
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 (3.60%-4.00% vs 3.00%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
Why Chime?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $385 vs $300/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $963 vs $750/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 $85 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Chime's Chime High-Yield 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. Chime Savings Calculator
You earn $85 more with Barclays than Chime 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+$385.00(3.7%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,385.00
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$300.00(2.9%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,300.00
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 $299 per year in interest.
Both Barclays and Chime dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Barclays | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.85% - 4.00% Verified: 2/17/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.00% Range: 0.75% - 3.00% Verified: 2/16/2026 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Chime High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None | N/A |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | Yes |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | 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 | Visit SiteVerify at Barclays Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Chime Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Chime | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Savings | Tiered Savings | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.60% | 4.00% | 3.00% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.5 | -3.5 | 4.4 |
Days Since Change | 82 | 89 | 17 |
12-Month High | 3.90% | 4.50% | 3.75% |
12-Month Low | 3.60% | 4.00% | 2.00% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.41 | 0.58 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.026 | 0.033 | 0.152 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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