Barclays vs. Synchrony Bank
Comparing Barclays and Synchrony Bank for high-yield savings: Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 3.85% APY while Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays 3.50% 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 $20 more than Synchrony Bank annually ($370 vs $350).
Choose Barclays if getting the best rate matters most.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Mar 24, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Mar 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.70% - 3.85% | 3.50% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$185 $10,000+$370 $25,000+$925 | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 |
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 MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily 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.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Barclays vs. Synchrony Bank
Executive Summary
Barclays offers a Tiered Savings account with a competitive APY of 3.85%, available for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.70%. This account is online-only and has no maintenance fees. In comparison, Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings account provides a solid APY of 3.50%, with no minimum balance requirements and also operates online. Both accounts do not require direct deposits. Overall, Barclays stands out with a higher APY for larger deposits, making it the winner in this comparison.
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 (3.85% vs 3.50%) on all balances
Why Synchrony Bank?
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $370 vs $350/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $925 vs $875/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank's High Yield 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 $20 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Synchrony Bank's High Yield 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. Synchrony Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $20 more with Barclays than Synchrony Bank 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
Synchrony Bank
High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
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 $349 per year in interest.
Both Barclays and Synchrony Bank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Barclays | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% Range: 3.70% - 3.85% Verified: 3/24/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.50% Verified: 3/24/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | High Yield Savings |
| 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 | N/A |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not Rated |
| 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 Synchrony Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Synchrony Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiered Savings | Online Savings | High Yield Savings | |
Current APY | 3.85% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.5 | -2.6 | -4.2 |
Days Since Change | 32 | 32 | 56 |
12-Month High | 4.40% | 3.90% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.85% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.58 | 0.49 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.033 | 0.026 | 0.043 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Compare Similar High-Yield Accounts
Compare Barclays vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
Compare Synchrony Bank vs...
Comparing against Standard Savings
High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
Looking for something different? Check out these top-rated alternatives.