Barclays vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Jan 7, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% - 4.00% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$193 $10,000+$385 $25,000+$963 | $5,000+$171 $10,000+$341 $25,000+$853 |
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%. | 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 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App |
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.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Barclays vs. Wealthfront
As of Barclays offers an APY of 4.00% for its Tiered Savings account, with a minimum balance of $250,000, compared to Wealthfront's 3.90% APY for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Barclays pays $44 more than Wealthfront on a $10,000 balance after one year. Barclays pays $385 (with an effective APY of 3.85%), while Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%) - 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.
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. $385 vs $341/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $963 vs $853/yr).
Best for Simplicity
WealthfrontWealthfront's Cash Account offers 3.90% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Barclays's Tiered Savings pays $44 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.
Executive Summary as of
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, making it a strong choice for those with larger deposits. In comparison, Wealthfront's Cash Account provides an introductory APY of 3.90% for new clients for the first three months, dropping to 3.25% thereafter. Wealthfront's account also has no direct deposit requirement and is online-only. Overall, Barclays's Tiered Savings is the winner based on its higher APY for significant balances.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Barclays vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $42.5 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+$385.00(3.7%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,385.00
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Promo Rate: 3.90% for 3 months, then 3.25%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$342.50(3.3%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,342.50
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Barclays | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.85% - 4.00% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $0 |
| 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 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | F |
| Important Notes | The 4.00% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.85%. | 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 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% 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 | 3.60% | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -5.6 | -2.7 | -18.8 |
Days Since Change | 42 | 49 | 19 |
2-Month High | 3.70% | 4.10% | 4.15% |
2-Month Low | 3.60% | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.55 | 0.55 | 0.55 |
Volatility Score | 0.011 | 0.007 | 0.030 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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