Valley Direct vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Valley DirectHigh-Yield Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.40% - 4.00% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$200 $10,000+$400 $25,000+$1,000 | $5,000+$171 $10,000+$341 $25,000+$853 |
Min Deposit | $1,000 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Valley Direct vs. Wealthfront
As of Valley Direct offers an APY of 4.00% for its High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to Wealthfront's 3.90% APY for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Valley Direct pays $59 more than Wealthfront on a $10,000 balance after one year. Valley Direct pays $400, while Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%) - an APY advantage for Valley Direct.
Why Valley Direct?
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 vs 4.6)
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $400 vs $341/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Valley DirectValley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1000 vs $853/yr).
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period (factoring in a 12-month promo), Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pays $59 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wealthfront's Cash Account.
*Both calculations include their respective introductory promotional rates and subsequent standard rates.
Executive Summary as of
Valley Direct offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 4.00%, which is available to new customers with a minimum deposit of $1,000. This account provides better returns compared to Wealthfront's Cash Account, which initially offers a 3.90% APY for new clients but reverts to a lower rate of 3.25% after three months. Wealthfront's account has no minimum deposit requirement and is online-only, while Valley Direct's account has a minimum balance of $0.01 and does not charge maintenance fees. Overall, Valley Direct's offering is more advantageous for those looking for higher returns.
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
Valley Direct vs. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $57.5 more with Valley Direct than Wealthfront 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.
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
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Promo Rate: 3.90% for 3 months, then 3.25%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$342.50(3.3%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,342.50
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Valley Direct | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Range: 3.40% - 4.00% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - |
| Product Name | High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $1,000 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | Yes | None |
| Account Type | Online & Branches | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.6 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Allows Zelle directly on HYSA. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | F |
| Important Notes | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Valley Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Valley Direct | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings Account | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -8.2 | -19.4 |
Days Since Change | 26 | 19 |
2-Month High | 4.10% | 4.15% |
2-Month Low | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.55 | 0.55 |
Volatility Score | 0.012 | 0.030 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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