Citibank vs. Popular Direct
Comparing Citibank and Popular Direct for high-yield savings: Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings pays 3.20% APY while Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays 3.90% APY.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Popular Direct pays $70 more than Citibank annually ($390 vs $320).
Choose Citibank if mobile app quality matters, or you want Zelle for quick transfers. Choose Popular Direct if getting the best rate matters most, or BBB rating matters to you.
Important Considerations
Citibank's Accelerate Savings is only available in select states where Citi has no branch presence. Check eligibility before applying.
| Metric | CitibankCiti Accelerate Savings Feb 21, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.20% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$160 $10,000+$320 $25,000+$800 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® SupportedDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.15% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Citibank vs. Popular Direct
Executive Summary
Popular Direct offers a higher APY of 3.90% on its Popular Direct Select Savings account, making it the winner compared to Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings account, which has an APY of 3.20%. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposit, but Popular Direct has no maintenance fees, while Citibank charges a $4.50 fee that can be waived with a balance over $500. Popular Direct also has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, while Citibank has no minimum deposit. Overall, Popular Direct provides better returns and simplicity 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.
Why Citibank?
- ✓Physical branch access (U.S. branches are concentrated in six metropolitan areas, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Miami.)
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $2,500 a day)
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.20%) on all balances
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $320/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $800/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
CitibankCitibank offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $70 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Citibank's Citi Accelerate Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Citibank vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $70 more with Popular Direct than Citibank 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.
Citibank
Citi Accelerate Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$320.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,320.00
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.
Still banking with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo?
On a $10,000 balance, you're missing out on at least $319 per year in interest.
Both Citibank and Popular Direct dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Citibank | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.20% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Citi Accelerate Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $4.50. Waived for average monthly balances > $500 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | U.S. branches are concentrated in six metropolitan areas, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Miami. | None. You cannot make use of Popular Bank's branches. |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $2,500/dayTiered limits based on account status (Citigold higher). | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | D- | A+ |
| Important Notes | Eligibility restricted to select states. | - |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Citibank 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 | Citibank | Popular Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® Savings Account | Citi Accelerate Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 0.03% | 3.20% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -0.0 | -4.7 | -1.9 |
Days Since Change | 365 | 25 | 68 |
12-Month High | 0.03% | 3.80% | 4.30% |
12-Month Low | 0.03% | 3.20% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.00 | 0.58 | 0.58 |
Volatility Score | 0.000 | 0.049 | 0.021 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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More Comparisons
Compare Citibank's APY of 3.20% with other banks
Compare Popular Direct's APY of 3.90% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs American Express | 3.30% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| Popular Direct vs Barclays | 3.85% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| Popular Direct vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| Popular Direct vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| Popular Direct vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Synchrony Bank | 3.50% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |