Citizens Access™ vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Citizens Access™Citizens Access® Savings Jan 6, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$158 $10,000+$315 $25,000+$788 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $0.01 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo 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 Citizens Access™ vs. Popular Direct
As of Citizens Access™ offers an APY of 3.15% for its Citizens Access® Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, 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 $75 more than Citizens Access™ on a $10,000 balance after one year. Citizens Access™ pays $315, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why Citizens Access™?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 vs 1.3)
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.15%) 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 $315/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $788/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
Citizens Access™Citizens Access™ offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $75 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Citizens Access™'s Citizens Access® Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Popular Direct offers a competitive savings account with a higher APY of 3.90%, making it the winner in this comparison. This account, the Popular Direct Select Savings, requires a minimum deposit of $100 but has no maintenance fees and allows for daily compounding. Citizens Access™ follows closely with its Citizens Access® Savings account, which offers an APY of 3.15% and has no minimum deposit requirement. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposit. Popular Direct is noted for its better returns on various deposit amounts, making it a strong choice 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
Citizens Access™ vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $75 more with Popular Direct than Citizens Access™ 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.
Citizens Access™
Citizens Access® Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$315.00(3.1%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,315.00
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 | Citizens Access™ | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.15% Verified: 1/6/2026 ↘︎ 0.35%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Citizens Access® Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0.01 | $100 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $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 Android4.9 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Citizens Access™ 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 | Citizens Access™ | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens Access® Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.15% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -4.8 | -2.4 |
Days Since Change | 28 | 23 |
11-Month High | 3.70% | 4.50% |
11-Month Low | 3.15% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.26 | 0.78 |
Volatility Score | 0.052 | 0.027 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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