Axos Bank vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Axos BankAxos ONE Jan 7, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.31% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$216 $10,000+$431 $25,000+$1,078 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | The 4.31% APY is available with the Axos ONE savings and checking bundle. The checking account earns 0.51% APY. To qualify, you must either set up a direct deposit of $1,500 and maintain an average daily balance of more than $1,500 in your ONE Checking account, or receive at least $5,000 in total monthly qualifying deposits and maintain an average daily balance of more than $5,000. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppChecking Bundle | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums |
Prefer In-Person Banking?
Both of these banks are online-only. If you need physical branch access, check out our list of high-yield accounts with brick-and-mortar locations.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Axos Bank vs. Popular Direct
As of Axos Bank offers an APY of 4.31% for its Axos ONE account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Popular Direct's 3.90% APY for its Popular Direct Select Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Axos Bank pays $41 more than Popular Direct on a $10,000 balance after one year. Axos Bank pays $431, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Axos Bank.
In addition, Axos Bank also offers 3.75% APY for the Summit Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Why Axos Bank?
- ✓Earn 0.51% APY on checking account
- ✓Access to 95,000 fee-free ATMs
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.75%-4.31% vs 3.90%) on all balances
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.7 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.5 vs 1.3)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
Why Popular Direct?
No distinct advantages found vs Axos Bank.
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Axos BankAxos Bank's Axos ONE earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $431 vs $390/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Axos BankAxos Bank's Axos ONE pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $1078 vs $975/yr).
Best for All-in-One Banking
Axos BankAxos Bank's Axos ONE pays a superior APY for customers who also open a checking account.
Best Mobile App Experience
Axos BankAxos Bank offers an iOS app rated 4.7 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.5 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Axos Bank's Axos ONE pays $41 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Axos Bank offers a competitive savings option with its Axos ONE account, providing a high APY of 4.31%, which is superior to Popular Direct's Select Savings account at 3.90%. The Axos ONE account requires the opening of a checking account and is best suited for customers who can maintain qualifying deposits, while Popular Direct's account requires a minimum deposit of $100 but has no specific eligibility restrictions. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees, making them accessible for digital banking users.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
* Secure link to our partner
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Axos Bank vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $41 more with Axos Bank than Popular Direct 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.
Axos Bank
Axos ONE
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$431.00(4.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,431.00
Popular Direct
Popular Direct Select Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$390.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,390.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Axos Bank | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.31% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.20%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Axos ONE | Popular Direct Select Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | Not required, but is the easiest way to earn the highest APY. | None |
| Checking Bundle | Yes | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.7 Android4.5 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | The 4.31% APY is available with the Axos ONE savings and checking bundle. The checking account earns 0.51% APY. To qualify, you must either set up a direct deposit of $1,500 and maintain an average daily balance of more than $1,500 in your ONE Checking account, or receive at least $5,000 in total monthly qualifying deposits and maintain an average daily balance of more than $5,000. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteGo to Axos Bank * Secure link to our partner | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Axos Bank | Popular Direct | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Yield Savings | Summit Savings | Axos ONE | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 0.61% | 3.75% | 4.31% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | 0.0 | -3.1 | -4.5 | -3.2 |
Days Since Change | 364 | 27 | 36 | 23 |
12-Month High | 0.61% | 4.00% | 4.86% | 4.60% |
12-Month Low | 0.61% | 3.75% | 4.31% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.08 | 0.33 | 0.82 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.024 | 0.038 | 0.037 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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