Barclays vs. Wealthfront
Comparing Barclays and Wealthfront for high-yield savings: Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 3.85% APY while Wealthfront's Cash Account pays 3.95% APY (including a 3-month 0.65% promo boost).
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 $24 more than Wealthfront annually ($370 vs $346).
Choose Barclays if getting the best rate matters most, you want a no-strings-attached account, you want to avoid a promo rate with a scheduled drop, or BBB rating matters to you.
Important Considerations
The key difference? Wealthfront's 3.95% rate includes a promotional bonus for the first 3 months, after which it reverts to the standard rate (currently 3.30%). Barclays's 3.85% rate has no scheduled drop, though all rates are subject to change.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Feb 21, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.70% - 3.85% | 3.30% - 3.95% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$185 $10,000+$370 $25,000+$925 | $5,000+$173 $10,000+$346 $25,000+$866 |
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%. | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.95% for 3 months, after which the 3.30% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| 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. Wealthfront
Executive Summary
Wealthfront's Cash Account offers the highest APY at 3.95%, making it an attractive option for savers looking for simplicity, as it requires no direct deposit or minimum balance. However, this rate is promotional and applies only for the first three months; thereafter, it drops to 3.30%. On the other hand, Barclays provides a Tiered Savings account with a competitive APY of 3.85%, but this rate is only available for balances over $250,000, with a lower rate of 3.70% for smaller amounts. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees, appealing to those seeking hassle-free savings options.
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?
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
Why Wealthfront?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $370 vs $346/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $925 vs $866/yr).
Best for Simplicity
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account offers 3.95% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Barclays's Tiered Savings pays $24 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wealthfront's Cash Account.
*This comparison accounts for Wealthfront's introductory promotional rate, yet Barclays's standard rate still yields a higher 1-year return.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Barclays vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $22.5 more with Barclays than Wealthfront 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
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Promo Rate: 3.95% for 3 months, then 3.30%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$347.50(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,347.50
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 $345 per year in interest.
Both Barclays and Wealthfront dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Barclays | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% Range: 3.70% - 3.85% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.95% Range: 3.30% - 3.95% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Cash Account |
| 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 | None |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | Yes |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | F |
| Important Notes | The 3.85% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.70%. | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.95% for 3 months, after which the 3.30% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Barclays Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Wealthfront | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Savings | Tiered Savings | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.85% | 3.95% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.3 | -1.5 | -8.6 |
Days Since Change | 1 | 1 | 22 |
3-Month High | 3.70% | 4.10% | 4.15% |
3-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.85% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.60 | 0.60 | 0.60 |
Volatility Score | 0.010 | 0.008 | 0.028 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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