High-Yield Savings Account Comparison

Barclays vs. CIT Bank

Barclays edges out CIT Bank slightly at 3.85% vs 3.75% APY. On a $10,000 balance, the difference is just $5 per year—so other factors may matter more.

Analysis by Aviel Fahl
Updated March 23, 2026

The Bottom Line

The Barclays and CIT Bank savings accounts are very similar. Choose CIT Bank if you want Zelle for quick transfers.

Comparison of Barclays vs CIT Bank savings accounts
Metric

Barclays

Tiered Savings

Mar 23, 2026

CIT Bank

Platinum Savings

Mar 23, 2026
APY3.70% - 3.85%0.25% - 3.75%
Est. Earnings
$5,000+$185
$10,000+$370
$25,000+$925
$5,000+$188
$10,000+$375
$25,000+$938
Min Deposit
$0$100

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%.This is a tiered savings account, where the 3.75% APY requires meeting the $5,000 balance requirement. Lower balances earn an APY of 0.25%.
Features
FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often
FDIC InsuredMod. MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® SupportedDaily 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.

See Top Rates

Comparison Analysis

Comparing Barclays vs. CIT Bank

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Executive Summary

Barclays offers a Tiered Savings account with a competitive 3.85% APY for balances over $250,000, while lower balances yield 3.70%. In contrast, CIT Bank's Savings Connect account provides a 3.65% APY with no minimum balance requirement, making it a simpler option. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees. However, the Barclays account yields a higher APY, making it the winner for those with larger deposits. For those preferring lower balances, CIT Bank's Savings Connect is a viable alternative.

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 distinct advantages found vs CIT Bank.

Why CIT Bank?

  • No checking account or direct deposit required
  • Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
  • Fast transfers via Zelle®

— Key Feature Differences —

Best for Simplicity
CIT Bank

CIT Bank's Savings Connect offers 3.65% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.

Shared Benefits

Both offer monthly maintenance-free account options Available Nationwide Available to New & Existing Customers
The Bottom Line on APY (Interest Only)

Over a 1-year period, CIT Bank's Platinum Savings pays $5 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.

BarclaysCIT Bank
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Barclays

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CIT Bank

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Top Market Contenders

Capital One
3.20% APY
Discover Bank
3.30% APY
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
3.65% APY

Barclays vs. CIT Bank Savings Calculator

Calculations based on current APY for Tiered Savings and Platinum Savings
$
$

You earn $5 more with CIT Bank 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

3.85% APY

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

Effective APY
3.70%

CIT Bank

Platinum Savings

3.75% APY

Savings Breakdown

  • Interest Earned
    +$375.00(3.6%)
  • Total Contributions
    $0
  • Initial Deposit
    $10,000

Projected Balance

$10,375.00

Effective APY
3.75%

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 CIT Bank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.

Big banks currently pay 0.01% APY on savings vs 3.75%+ here
FeatureBarclaysCIT Bank
APY
3.85%
Range: 3.70% - 3.85%
Verified: 3/23/2026
↘︎ 0.15%90d Change
3.75%
Range: 0.25% - 3.75%
Verified: 3/23/2026
Stable (90d)
Product NameTiered SavingsPlatinum Savings
Minimum Deposit$0$100
Min. Balance for APY$250,000$5,000
Monthly Fee$0$0
Compound FrequencyDailyDaily
Branch AccessNoneNone
Account Type
Online Only
Online Only
Physical BranchesNoneNone. You cannot make use of First Citizens Bank's branches.
Direct Deposit Req.NoneNone
Checking BundleNoNo
Mobile Apps
iOS4.9
Android4.7
iOS4.8
Android4.7
FDIC Insured
Zelle® Support
Not Supported
Available
Supported for eChecking users post-First Citizens merger.
BBB RatingA+A+
Important NotesThe 3.85% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.70%.This is a tiered savings account, where the 3.75% APY requires meeting the $5,000 balance requirement. Lower balances earn an APY of 0.25%.
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📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time

Historical Performance

Last 12 Months Analysis
MetricBarclaysCIT Bank
Tiered SavingsOnline SavingsSavings ConnectPlatinum Savings
Current APY
3.85%3.50%3.65%3.75%
Trend
Stable Stable Stable Stable
Velocity (bps/mo)
-3.5-2.6-3.8-3.8
Days Since Change
3131123123
12-Month High
4.40%3.90%4.00%4.10%
12-Month Low
3.85%3.50%3.65%3.75%
Adjustments / Mo
0.580.490.250.25
Volatility Score
0.0330.0260.0370.036
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)

Trends & Velocity

  • Trend: The general direction of the rate over the analyzed period. Useful for spotting if a bank is currently aggressive or pulling back.
  • Velocity (bps/mo): Speed of change. A high positive number means they raise rates quickly. 10 bps = 0.10%.
  • Adjustments/Mo: "Twitchiness." High frequency means the rate changes constantly; low frequency means it's stable.

Risk & Range

  • High/Low: The absolute ceiling and floor of the rate during the 365-day window.
  • Volatility Score: Lower is better for predictability. It indicates how wildly the rate swings relative to its average.
  • Days Since Change: If this number is high (e.g., >90), the rate is very sticky. If low, it changed recently.

More Comparisons

Compare Barclays' APY of 3.85% with other banks
Compare CIT Bank's APY of 3.75% with other banks