American Express vs. Valley Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
3.40%APYDec 6, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Up to4.10%APYDec 6, 2025FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppRange: 3.50% – 4.10%Show Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.25% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing American Express vs. Valley Direct
Why American Express?
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
Why Valley Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (4.10% vs 3.40%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.5 vs 3.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $410 vs $340/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1025 vs $850/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account offers 4.10% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
American ExpressAmerican Express offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 4.8) and Android app rated 3.6 (vs. 4.5)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pays $70 more interest on a $10,000 balance than American Express's High Yield Savings Account.
Executive Summary
Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account stands out with a competitive APY of 4.10%, making it the winner in this comparison. This account is available online only and requires a minimum deposit of $1,000, while existing customers may receive a lower rate of 3.50%. In contrast, American Express offers a High Yield Savings Account with an APY of 3.40%, which is also online-only and has no minimum deposit or maintenance fees. Both accounts feature daily compounding and are FDIC insured, but Valley Direct provides better returns, particularly for new customers. Overall, Valley Direct's offering is more advantageous for those looking for higher yields.
Analysis generated based on current Banksparency database records
* AI-generated content provided for informational purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed; always verify details with the provider.
Top Market Contenders
See who beats both American Express and Valley Direct.
| Feature | American Express | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.40% Verified: 12/6/2025 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 4.10% Range: 3.50% - 4.10% Verified: 12/6/2025 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change |
| Product Name | High Yield Savings Account | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1,000 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0.01 |
| 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 Android3.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.5 |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | Promo rate for new customers. 3.50% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Next Steps |
Savings Comparison
Valley Direct earns $448.9 more than American Express.
American Express
High Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,050.50(10.2%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,050.50
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,499.40(12.2%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,499.40
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | American Express | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings Account | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.40% | 4.10% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.2 | 1.0 |
Days Since Change | 10 | 71 |
10-Month High | 3.80% | 4.40% |
10-Month Low | 3.40% | 3.75% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.38 | 0.66 |
Volatility Score | 0.030 | 0.044 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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