Betterment vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BettermentCash Reserve Jan 7, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$163 $10,000+$325 $25,000+$813 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $10 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums |
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 Betterment vs. Popular Direct
As of Betterment offers an APY of 3.25% for its Cash Reserve 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.
Popular Direct pays $65 more than Betterment on a $10,000 balance after one year. Betterment pays $325, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why Betterment?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 1.3)
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.25%) on all balances
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $325/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $813/yr).
Best for Simplicity
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings offers 3.90% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Best Mobile App Experience
BettermentBetterment offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.7 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $65 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Betterment's Cash Reserve.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Popular Direct offers a higher APY of 3.90% for its Popular Direct Select Savings account, making it the winner in this comparison. This account is online-only, requires a minimum deposit of $100, and has no maintenance fees. In contrast, Betterment's Cash Reserve provides a competitive APY of 3.25% with a lower minimum deposit of $10, also with no maintenance fees. Both accounts do not require direct deposit and are FDIC insured, but Popular Direct's higher rate positions it as the more advantageous 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.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Betterment vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $65 more with Popular Direct than Betterment 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.
Betterment
Cash Reserve
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$325.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,325.00
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 | Betterment | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.50%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Cash Reserve | Popular Direct Select Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $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. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.7 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A- | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Betterment Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Betterment | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserve | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.25% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -5.8 | -3.1 |
Days Since Change | 25 | 23 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 4.60% |
12-Month Low | 3.25% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.25 | 0.82 |
Volatility Score | 0.068 | 0.036 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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