One of the big four banks, Barclays is a trusted place to put your savings with a host of accounts to choose from. It's known for offering decent interest rates, but these are sometimes reserved for existing customers only. Barclays Bank's top savings rate of 5.12% is available on one of its easy access accounts.
Easy access savings accounts
Cash ISAs
Fixed-rate bonds
Business savings accounts
What is Barclays's best savings account with the highest interest rate?
The best savings account depends on what you want from your savings. If you're after fast access to your money, then an easy-access account should suit you. However, if you're happy to lock your money away for a time to access a higher rate, then a fixed-rate bond is a good option.
Finally, if you're looking to maximise your returns and shield them from income tax, consider an ISA. Below, we've listed the different types of accounts Barclays offers, plus the highest interest rate currently available.
Savings account types include | Easy access, cash ISAs, fixed-rate bonds, business |
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Best easy access rate | 5.12% |
Best cash ISA rate | 3.95% |
Best fixed-rate bond rate | 3.9% |
Best business savings account rate | 1.51% |
Fixed bond terms | 1 year - 1 year 6 months |
Opening options | Branch, website, mobile app, telephone |
FSCS protection |
Other popular accounts
Barclays has all bases covered. Didn’t find the account type you were looking for? Check our other guides:
How do I decide which account is for me?
You need to work out what it is you need from your bank account. Are you looking to put a bit of money away each month? Do you want to put some money away and restrict access to it? Are you after rewards or hoping to maximise interest?
You need to work out what you need before comparing the different offers available for certain types of bank account. Once you’ve done that, useful guidelines to compare include:
- Interest rates. Obviously we all want the highest rates possible on our savings. You can also weigh up wether to go for a fixed- or variable-rate product.
- Access to cash. If your circumstances are likely to change, you might want to retain easy access to your savings. If things are pretty stable, you could lock some away for a set period in return for a better rate.
- Eligibility. Some Braclays savings accounts require that you’re already a banking customer.
What is Barclays Blue Rewards?
The Barclays Blue Rewards scheme is a paid-for-add-on which can give you access to members-only savings accounts. These accounts include the Blue Rewards Saver and Rainy Day Saver, which pay higher rates of interest compared to other Barclays’ savings accounts.
To benefit from the rewards, you’ll need to have a Barclays current account and agree to pay the membership fee of £5 a month. You’ll also need to pay at least £800 into your current account each month and register for the Barclays app or online banking.
Learn more about Barclays Blue Rewards and what other benefits it can offer in our guide.
Barclays savings account for over 50s
Barclays doesn’t offer savings accounts specifically for over 50s. However, over 50s are eligible to apply for all its savings products.
For those with a lump sum, looking to supplement pension income, a fixed-rate bond paying monthly interest away to a nominated account may appeal. The downsides of this are that your lump sum is effectively locked away for a set period, and by syphoning away the interest, it won’t benefit from compounding.
Does Barclays offer online or mobile banking?
Yep, it offers both. Here are some of the basic features:
Online banking
- Check balances. For any type of account.
- Transfer money between accounts. In a matter of seconds.
- Pay bills and people. All within the online portal.
Mobile banking
- All of those features. On the go.
- Send money to others using just a phone number. Formerly the ridiculously-named “Pingit”, “PayM” allows Barclays customers to transfer to friends without faff.
Barclays customer reviews
In our independent 2024 customer satisfaction survey, [percentage] of Barclays’ users said they’d recommend the brand to a friend. Customers highlighted the bank’s reliable brand and good customer service. However, some cited that the bank could offer more incentives. Here’s what one of those Barclays’ customers had to say:
“Easy to use app and website. Really good customer service and quick responses using the live chat service”
The Barclays app has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 1.6 million reviews on the App Store. On Google Play, the app has a score of 4.3 from over 500,000 Android app users (February 2024).
Barclays is well known and often people choose it because of this. It offers a range of savings accounts and extras such as Barclays Blue Rewards for £5 a month – which if you’re using the discounts offered could be beneficial. However, if it’s interest you’re after, there are better accounts on the market. Following the Bank of England raising the base rate, many providers are now offering higher rates than those from Barclays.”
What are the benefits and drawbacks of banking with Barclays?
Barclays is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London.
The benefits
- Online and mobile banking. The Barclays app makes it simple to keep an eye on your finances.
- Flexibility. Barclays does offer a wide range of accounts for any sort of financial need.
The drawbacks
- Better rates elsewhere? Rates are pretty poor right now across the board, but you might be able to squeeze a slightly better rate from other providers. (Depending on your needs!)
Customer service information for Barclays
Email support | |
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Telephone support | |
In-app or live chat | |
Contact form | |
Branch support |
Bottom line
From cash ISAs to children’s savings, Barclays certainly has the range. But it’s a shame that some accounts are for existing customers only.
However, as with any financial decision, do your research beforehand to check you’ll be getting the best rates and flexibility that you’re looking for.
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Hi I’m just looking for a Barclays saving account where I can set up to pay a weekly amount into and not be allowed to access it for 6 months.just to help me save.is there an account for that??
Hi Stuart,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Yes Barclay provides flexible and customizable options when opening a savings account. Though you may need to speak to a bank representative directly to provide the requirements you wish to have with the account. You may want to check the Barclays Bank Account. This account can be opened online. It offers flexibility and customisability, and is Barclays standard current account. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
What is the best interest saving account at Barclays? I have a current account and an ISA account.
Hello Richard,
Thank you for your comment.
Upon checking, Barclays have an everyday account which lets you earn 0.25% (£1 to £49,999) 0.30% (£50,000 to £10 million) (Rate % AER/gross per year).
Below is the list of the savings account you can open with Barclays:
Instant Cash ISA – Issue 1
2-Year Flexible Cash ISA – Issue 18
Help to Buy: ISA
Everyday Saver
1-Year Fixed-Rate Bond – Issue 92
2-Year Flexible Bond – Issue 38
2-Year Premier Flexible Bond – Issue 17
3-Year Flexible Monthly Income Bond – Issue 1
2-Year Premier Flexible Cash ISA – Issue 5
Children’s Instant Saver – Issue 1
Children’s Regular Saver – Issue 1
Euro Savings account
US Dollar Savings account
Helpful Start
I suggest that you visit Barclays’ website to know more about their accounts with high-interest rates.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I already have a savings and current account with Barclays. Can I open another savings account?
Hello Jo,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, it’s possible to open multiple savings and current accounts with Barclays.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hello I’ve got bank account with Barclay’s I got it as a joint account with my husband and we would like to open a saving acount
Hi Agnieszka,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Yes, you may still apply for a saving account. What you need to do is get in touch with Barclays. You can submit your application online through their official website or visit their local branch near you.
Alternatively, you may also check other bank accounts available on our page.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
If I open a savings account, does it have a sort code or do only checking accounts have sort codes?
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
Yes. Savings accounts are also assigned a sort code just like checking accounts as it identifies both the bank and the branch where the account is held.
You can find your Barclays sort code in one of the following places:
– On your Barclays debit card, usually on the front under your name
– On your Barclays Mobile Banking accounts homepage, just below your account name.
– On your Online Banking accounts homepage, just below your account name.
– On your bank statements
– Printed on your cheques or paying-in book
I hope this information helps.
Cheers,
Charisse