Sallie Mae Bank vs. Valley Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
3.90%APYDec 10, 2025FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsShow Fine Print & Trends Hide Details
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Up to4.10%APYDec 10, 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.
Sallie Mae Bank vs. Valley Direct Savings Calculator
Sallie Mae Bank earns $213.2 more than Valley Direct.
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,370.20(11.6%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,370.20
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Promo Rate: 4.10% for 12 months, then 3.50%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$2,157.00(10.7%)
- Total Contributions$13,000
- Initial Deposit$5,000
Projected Balance
$20,157.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Sallie Mae Bank vs. Valley Direct
Why Sallie Mae Bank?
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
Why Valley Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (4.10% vs 3.90%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.5)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.5 vs 1.6)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $410 vs $390/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1025 vs $975/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
Valley DirectValley Direct offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.5) and Android app rated 4.5 (vs. 1.6)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period (factoring in a 12-month promo), Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pays $20 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account.
*Valley Direct's calculation includes their 12-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary
Valley Direct offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 4.10%, making it the winner in this comparison. This account is online-only and requires a minimum deposit of $1,000, but has no maintenance fees and no direct deposit requirement. It is important to note that the advertised rate is restricted to new customers, with existing customers receiving a lower APY of 3.50%. In contrast, Sallie Mae Bank provides a High-Yield Savings Account with a solid APY of 3.90%, also online-only, requiring no minimum deposit or maintenance fees. While both accounts have their merits, Valley Direct's higher APY makes it the more attractive option for savers.
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 Sallie Mae Bank and Valley Direct.
| Feature | Sallie Mae Bank | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 12/10/2025 Stable (90d) | 4.10% Range: 3.50% - 4.10% Verified: 12/10/2025 ↘︎ 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 | iOS1.5 Android1.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.5 |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | Promo rate for new customers. 3.50% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Next Steps |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Sallie Mae Bank | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings Account | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 4.10% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -0.1 | 0.9 |
Days Since Change | 313 | 75 |
11-Month High | 4.00% | 4.40% |
11-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.75% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.09 | 0.65 |
Volatility Score | 0.004 | 0.044 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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