Barclays vs. Synchrony Bank
Barclays's Tiered Savings pays 3.65% APY while Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays 3.30% 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 ($350 vs $330).
Choose Barclays if getting the best rate matters most.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Sep 5, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Sep 5, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% - 3.65% | 3.30% |
Earns in a year | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 |
Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | The top APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, a lower APY applies. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these institutions offer rates below the top 10 savings and money market accounts we track. Those institutions all pay at least 4.01% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Barclays vs. Synchrony Bank
Executive Summary
Barclays offers a competitive Tiered Savings account with an APY of 3.65% for balances over $250,000, making it the standout option among its offerings. For lower balances, the APY is 3.50%. Additionally, Barclays provides an Online Savings account with a simpler structure and a lower APY of 3.20%, which does not require direct deposits or bundling. In comparison, Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings account offers a steady APY of 3.30% across all balance tiers, but lacks the higher yield potential available at Barclays. Both banks operate online only and are nationally available, though Barclays is accessible in more states.
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 (3.20%-3.65% vs 3.30%) on all balances
- No checking account or direct deposit required
- Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
Why Synchrony Bank?
No distinct advantages found vs Barclays.
Key Feature Differences
Better Returns at $10,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $350 vs $330/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
BarclaysBarclays's Tiered Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $875 vs $825/yr).
Better for Simplicity
BarclaysBarclays's Online Savings offers 3.20% 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
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
Synchrony Bank
High Yield 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.
Still at a large branch bank?
A typical branch-bank savings rate is 0.05% APY. On a $10,000 balance, the gap to these two banks is at least $325 a year in interest.
Both Barclays and Synchrony Bank advertise far more than that typical branch-bank rate.
| Feature | Barclays | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.65% Range: 3.50% - 3.65% Observed: 9/5/2026 0.35%90-day change | 3.30% Observed: 9/5/2026 0.10%90-day change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| In-Branch Access | No | No |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | 1 (DE) | 2 (FL, UT) |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC or NCUA Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not Rated |
| Important Notes | The top APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, a lower APY applies. | - |
| 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 | 3.65% | 3.20% | 3.30% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Speed of change | -0.04 | -0.04 | -0.05 |
Days Since Change | 73 | 2 | 79 |
12-Month High | 4.10% | 3.70% | 3.80% |
12-Month Low | 3.65% | 3.20% | 3.30% |
Changes per month | 0.33 | 0.41 | 0.33 |
Steadiness | 0.019 | 0.023 | 0.028 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
Trends and speed
- Trend: The general direction of the rate over the analyzed period. Useful for seeing whether a bank is raising its rate or letting it slip.
- Speed of change: How fast the rate moves. A high positive number means they raise rates quickly. A reading of 0.10 is a tenth of a percentage point each month.
- Changes per month: How often the rate moves. A high number means it changes constantly; a low number means it holds.
Risk & Range
- High/Low: The absolute ceiling and floor of the rate during the 362-day window.
- Steadiness: How far the rate swings around its average. A lower score means a steadier, more predictable rate.
- Days Since Change: A high number, for example above 90, means the rate rarely moves. A low number means it changed recently.
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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