Barclays vs. Valley Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BarclaysTiered Savings Jan 21, 2026 | Valley DirectHigh-Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.85% - 4.00% | 3.40% - 4.00% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$193 $10,000+$385 $25,000+$963 | $5,000+$200 $10,000+$400 $25,000+$1,000 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $1,000 |
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%. | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.20% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Barclays vs. Valley Direct
As of Barclays offers an APY of 4.00% for its Tiered Savings account, with a minimum balance of $250,000, compared to Valley Direct's 4.00% APY for its High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Valley Direct pays $15 more than Barclays on a $10,000 balance after one year. Barclays pays $385 (with an effective APY of 3.85%), while Valley Direct pays $400 - an APY advantage for Valley Direct.
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
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
Why Valley Direct?
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $400 vs $385/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1000 vs $963/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account offers 4.00% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period (factoring in a 12-month promo), Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pays $15 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Barclays's Tiered Savings.
*Valley Direct's calculation includes their 12-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary as of
Barclays offers a Tiered Savings account with a competitive 4.00% APY for balances over $250,000, while lower balances earn 3.85%. In contrast, Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account also provides a 4.00% APY, but this rate is available to new customers, with existing customers earning a lower rate of 3.40%. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and compound interest daily. Barclays' account is online-only, whereas Valley Direct's account is accessible without online restrictions. Overall, Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account stands out for its simplicity and better returns on smaller deposits.
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. Valley Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $15 more with Valley Direct than Barclays 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
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Promo Rate: 4.00% for 12 months, then 3.40%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$400.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,400.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Barclays | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.85% - 4.00% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 4.00% Range: 3.40% - 4.00% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Tiered Savings | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1,000 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $250,000 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android4.7 | iOS4.8 Android4.6 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Allows Zelle directly on HYSA. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | The 4.00% APY is only available for balances over $250,000. For lower balances, the APY is 3.85%. | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Barclays Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Valley Direct Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Barclays | Valley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Savings | Tiered Savings | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.60% | 4.00% | 4.00% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.7 | -4.1 | -0.3 |
Days Since Change | 56 | 63 | 40 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 4.50% | 4.40% |
12-Month Low | 3.60% | 4.00% | 3.75% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.49 | 0.58 | 0.66 |
Volatility Score | 0.028 | 0.038 | 0.043 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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