Chime vs. Valley Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | ChimeChime High-Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 | Valley DirectHigh-Yield Savings Account Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 1.00% - 3.50% | 3.40% - 4.00% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $5,000+$200 $10,000+$400 $25,000+$1,000 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $1,000 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDirect Deposit ReqChecking Bundle | 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 Chime vs. Valley Direct
As of Chime offers an APY of 3.50% for its Chime High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to Valley Direct's 4.00% APY for its High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Valley Direct pays $50 more than Chime on a $10,000 balance after one year. Chime pays $350, while Valley Direct pays $400 - an APY advantage for Valley Direct.
Why Chime?
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
Why Valley Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (4.00% vs 3.50%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
- ✓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 $350/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1000 vs $875/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 $50 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Chime's Chime High-Yield Savings Account.
*Valley Direct's calculation includes their 12-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary as of
Valley Direct offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 4.00%, making it the clear winner in this comparison. This account does not require a direct deposit and is available to new customers, while existing customers earn a lower APY of 3.40%. In contrast, Chime's High-Yield Savings Account provides an APY of 3.50%, but requires a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the last 34 days. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and allow for daily compounding, but Valley Direct's higher APY and fewer restrictions make it a more attractive option for savers.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
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Top Market Contenders
Chime vs. Valley Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $50 more with Valley Direct than Chime 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.
Chime
Chime High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
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 | Chime | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Range: 1.00% - 3.50% Verified: 1/21/2026 Stable (90d) | 4.00% Range: 3.40% - 4.00% Verified: 1/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Chime High-Yield Savings Account | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1,000 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | RequiredYou need to receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within the preceding 34 days | None |
| Checking Bundle | Yes | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.8 | iOS4.8 Android4.6 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Allows Zelle directly on HYSA. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Chime 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 | Chime | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Chime High-Yield Savings Account | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 4.00% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 8.5 | -0.8 |
Days Since Change | 97 | 40 |
12-Month High | 3.75% | 4.40% |
12-Month Low | 2.00% | 3.75% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.17 | 0.67 |
Volatility Score | 0.175 | 0.041 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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