Barclays vs. Citibank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Jan 7, 2026 | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% - 4.00% | 3.30% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$193 $10,000+$385 $25,000+$963 | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 |
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%. | Eligibility restricted to select states. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® Supported |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
As of Barclays offers an APY of 4.00% for its Tiered Savings account, with a minimum balance of $250,000, compared to Citibank's 3.30% APY for its Citi Accelerate Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Barclays pays $55 more than Citibank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Barclays pays $385 (with an effective APY of 3.85%), while Citibank pays $330 - an APY advantage for Barclays.
In addition, Barclays also offers 3.60% APY for the Online Savings account, with a minimum balance of Enough to earn $0.01 in interest, while Citibank offers 0.03% APY for the Citi® Savings Account account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Why Barclays?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.60%-4.00% vs 3.30%) 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. $385 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $963 vs $825/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 $55 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.
Executive Summary as of
Barclays offers a competitive Tiered Savings account with a high APY of 4.00% for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.85%. Alternatively, their Online Savings account provides a simpler option with a 3.60% APY and no minimum balance requirement. In contrast, Citibank's top product, the Citi Accelerate Savings account, yields a lower APY of 3.30% but has no minimum balance requirement and is available in select states. Both banks offer online-only products, with Barclays's accounts having no direct deposit requirement. However, Citibank's eligibility is restricted to specific states.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
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Barclays vs. Citibank Savings Calculator
You earn $55 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+$385.00(3.7%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,385.00
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Barclays | Citibank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.85% - 4.00% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 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 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android4.7 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $2,500/dayTiered limits based on account status (Citigold higher). |
| BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
| Important Notes | The 4.00% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.85%. | 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 | 3.60% | 4.00% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.7 | -4.1 | 0.0 | -4.8 |
Days Since Change | 42 | 49 | 344 | 50 |
11-Month High | 3.90% | 4.50% | 0.03% | 3.80% |
11-Month Low | 3.60% | 4.00% | 0.03% | 3.30% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.44 | 0.61 | 0.00 | 0.52 |
Volatility Score | 0.027 | 0.037 | 0.000 | 0.047 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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