BMO Alto vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | BMO AltoSavings Account 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 | $0 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo Minimums | 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 BMO Alto vs. Popular Direct
As of BMO Alto offers an APY of 3.25% for its Savings 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 BMO Alto on a $10,000 balance after one year. BMO Alto pays $325, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why BMO Alto?
No distinct advantages found vs Popular Direct.
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.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $65 more interest on a $10,000 balance than BMO Alto's Savings Account.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
BMO Alto offers a competitive online Savings Account with an APY of 3.25%, requiring no minimum deposit or balance, and no maintenance fees. However, Popular Direct's Select Savings account stands out with a higher APY of 3.90%, also with no maintenance fees and a low minimum deposit of $100. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposit. Popular Direct's higher yield makes it a more attractive option for savers, especially for those looking to maximize their returns without complex requirements.
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
BMO Alto vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $65 more with Popular Direct than BMO Alto 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.
BMO Alto
Savings Account
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 | BMO Alto | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.25% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Savings Account | 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. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS- Android- | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at BMO Alto 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 | BMO Alto | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Savings Account | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.25% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -6.6 | -2.6 |
Days Since Change | 110 | 23 |
11-Month High | 4.10% | 4.50% |
11-Month Low | 3.25% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.43 | 0.77 |
Volatility Score | 0.069 | 0.030 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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