Barclays vs. Upgrade
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Up to4.00%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRange: 3.85% – 4.00%Show Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Upgrade
Premier Savings
3.05%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Upgrade
Premier Savings
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.25% APY.
Barclays vs. Upgrade Savings Calculator
Barclays earns $508.4 more than Upgrade.
Barclays
Tiered Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,338.00(11.5%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,338.00
Upgrade
Premier Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1,829.60(9.2%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$19,829.60
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Barclays vs. Upgrade
Why Barclays?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.60%-4.00% vs 3.05%)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
Why Upgrade?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
UpgradeUpgrade's Premier Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $305 vs $0/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
UpgradeUpgrade's Premier Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $763 vs $0/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 $80 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Upgrade's Premier Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary
Barclays offers a Tiered Savings account with a competitive APY of 4.00% for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.85%. This account is online-only and has no maintenance fees or direct deposit requirements. Alternatively, their Online Savings account provides a 3.60% APY with similar terms. In contrast, Upgrade's Premier Savings account yields a lower APY of 3.05%, also online-only, with no fees and a minimum balance of $1,000. Overall, Barclays is the winner with its higher APY for substantial balances.
Analysis generated based on current Banksparency database records
* AI-generated content provided for informational purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed; always verify details with the provider.
Top Market Contenders
See who beats both Barclays and Upgrade.
| Feature | Barclays | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.85% - 4.00% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.05% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 0.97%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Premier Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| 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 Android4.5 |
| 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 |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Upgrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Savings | Tiered Savings | Premier Savings | |
Current APY | 3.60% | 4.00% | 3.05% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.6 | -4.4 | -10.4 |
Days Since Change | 14 | 21 | 39 |
11-Month High | 4.00% | 4.50% | 4.14% |
11-Month Low | 3.60% | 4.00% | 3.05% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.56 | 0.65 | 0.28 |
Volatility Score | 0.025 | 0.036 | 0.105 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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