CIT Bank vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | CIT BankPlatinum Savings Jan 9, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 9, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 0.25% - 3.75% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$188 $10,000+$375 $25,000+$938 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | This is a tiered savings account, where the 3.75% APY requires meeting the $5,000 balance requirement. Lower balances earn an APY of 0.25%. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredMod. MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® Supported | 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 4.20% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing CIT Bank vs. Popular Direct
As of CIT Bank offers an APY of 3.75% for its Platinum Savings account, with a minimum balance of $5,000, 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 $15 more than CIT Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. CIT Bank pays $375, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
In addition, CIT Bank also offers 3.65% APY for the Savings Connect account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Why CIT Bank?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.4 vs 1.3)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.65%-3.75%) 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 $375/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $938/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
CIT BankCIT Bank offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.4 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $15 more interest on a $10,000 balance than CIT Bank's Platinum Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
CIT Bank offers a tiered Platinum Savings account with a competitive APY of 3.75%, requiring a minimum balance of $5,000 to earn this rate, while lower balances yield 0.25%. Alternatively, their Savings Connect account provides a slightly lower APY of 3.65% with no minimum balance requirement. In comparison, Popular Direct features the Popular Direct Select Savings account, which boasts a higher APY of 3.90% with no minimum balance or direct deposit requirements, making it a more straightforward option. Both banks operate online only, with no physical branches available.
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
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
CIT Bank vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $15 more with Popular Direct than CIT Bank 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.
CIT Bank
Platinum Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$375.00(3.6%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,375.00
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 | CIT Bank | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.75% Range: 0.25% - 3.75% Verified: 1/9/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 1/9/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Platinum Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $5,000 | $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 Android4.4 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Supported for eChecking users post-First Citizens merger. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A- | A+ |
| Important Notes | This is a tiered savings account, where the 3.75% APY requires meeting the $5,000 balance requirement. Lower balances earn an APY of 0.25%. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteGo to CIT 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 | CIT Bank | Popular Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings Connect | Platinum Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.65% | 3.75% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.5 | -5.0 | -3.1 |
Days Since Change | 50 | 50 | 25 |
12-Month High | 4.00% | 4.35% | 4.60% |
12-Month Low | 3.65% | 3.75% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.25 | 0.41 | 0.82 |
Volatility Score | 0.035 | 0.047 | 0.036 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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