Barclays vs. Citibank
Comparing Barclays and Citibank for high-yield savings: Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 3.85% APY while Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings pays 3.20% 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 $50 more than Citibank annually ($370 vs $320).
Choose Barclays if getting the best rate matters most, or BBB rating matters to you. Choose Citibank if you want Zelle for quick transfers.
Important Considerations
Citibank's Accelerate Savings is only available in select states where Citi has no branch presence. Check eligibility before applying.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Feb 21, 2026 | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.70% - 3.85% | 3.20% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$185 $10,000+$370 $25,000+$925 | $5,000+$160 $10,000+$320 $25,000+$800 |
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%. | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat 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.
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 online-only and has no direct deposit requirement, making it a flexible option for savers. Alternatively, their Online Savings account provides a straightforward 3.50% APY with no minimum balance or maintenance fees. In comparison, Citibank's top product, the Citi Accelerate Savings, offers a lower APY of 3.20% with eligibility restricted to select states. Both banks provide online-only services, but Barclays's Tiered Savings account stands out as the winner based on higher APY offerings.
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 3.20%) on all balances
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Available Nationwide
Why Citibank?
- ✓Physical branch access (U.S. branches are concentrated in six metropolitan areas, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Miami.)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,500 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $370 vs $320/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $925 vs $800/yr).
Best for Simplicity
BarclaysBarclays's Online Savings offers 3.50% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Barclays's Tiered Savings pays $50 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Citibank's Citi Accelerate 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. Citibank Savings Calculator
You earn $50 more with Barclays than Citibank 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
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$320.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,320.00
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 $319 per year in interest.
Both Barclays and Citibank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Barclays | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% Range: 3.70% - 3.85% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.20% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Citi Accelerate Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $4.50. Waived for average monthly balances > $500 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None | U.S. branches are concentrated in six metropolitan areas, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Miami. |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $2,500/dayTiered limits based on account status (Citigold higher). |
| BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
| Important Notes | The 3.85% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.70%. | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Barclays Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Citibank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Citibank | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Savings | Tiered Savings | Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.85% | 0.03% | 3.20% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.5 | -3.5 | -0.0 | -4.7 |
Days Since Change | 1 | 1 | 365 | 25 |
12-Month High | 3.90% | 4.40% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
12-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.85% | 0.03% | 3.20% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.49 | 0.58 | 0.00 | 0.58 |
Volatility Score | 0.026 | 0.033 | 0.000 | 0.049 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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