News & Events

Survey and Infographic Promote New Deposits Business

Seventy percent say savings rates are important

Barclaycard US commissioned an online survey to promote the consumer launch of the new online deposits business. Harris Interactive conducted the survey among 2,200 U.S. adults to understand consumer sentiments about savings accounts. Seventy percent of Americans who have a savings account said that savings interest rates are important to them and 70% said they are not at all satisfied or only somewhat satisfied with their current savings account interest rate.  Fifty-eight percent  said they would consider opening or switching to an online-only savings account if it offered consistently higher rates.

"Globally, Barclays puts a priority on simplicity and transparency. We\'re bringing this approach to U.S. consumers by making it easy to open and manage the new Barclays savings account and CD online," said Steve Carp, head of deposits.  "Just as important, the new high-yield account from Barclays delivers market-leading interest rates.  With these new products, consumers can now enhance their financial well-being with a safe and secure partner."

The survey revealed some interesting statistics on consumer saving behaviors and sentiments:

• A majority of U.S. adults consider themselves "Savers" (62%) instead of "Spenders" (38%)
• 80% of U.S. adults said they are currently able to save money right now, though 6% of those who are able to save said they are not currently saving money
• Of those who are able to save, 49% said they save money for emergencies - which is higher than those who are saving for retirement (43%)
• Other reasons for which people are currently saving money include: vacation/recreational spending (37%); major purchases, such as a home or car (30%); medical expenses (15%); family life cycle events, such as a baby or wedding (12%); or other reasons (8%)

"The survey underscores for us that the new savings products from Barclays are aligned with what consumers care about," Steve said.  "By providing an attractive rate with an easy to use online system, we deliver a product that can help consumers meet their goals."

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery omnibus product on behalf of Barclays PLC from February 8 through 10, 2012 among 2,211 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.