Discover Bank vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Discover BankOnline Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.40% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$170 $10,000+$340 $25,000+$850 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat 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 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Discover Bank vs. Popular Direct
As of Discover Bank offers an APY of 3.40% for its Online 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 $50 more than Discover Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Discover Bank pays $340, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why Discover Bank?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $600 a day)
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.40%) 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 $340/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $850/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
Discover BankDiscover Bank 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 $50 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Discover Bank's Online Savings Account.
*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% on its Popular Direct Select Savings account, making it the winner in this comparison. This account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and has no maintenance fees, while also being online-only. In contrast, Discover Bank's Online Savings Account provides a competitive APY of 3.40% with no minimum deposit or fees, also being online-only. Both accounts do not require direct deposit. Popular Direct is noted for better returns at various deposit levels, enhancing its appeal 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
Discover Bank vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $50 more with Popular Direct than Discover 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.
Discover Bank
Online Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$340.00(3.3%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,340.00
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 | Discover Bank | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.40% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Online 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 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $600/dayStrict 90-day seasoning period for new accounts. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Discover Bank 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 | Discover Bank | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Online Savings Account | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.40% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.5 | -2.7 |
Days Since Change | 99 | 23 |
12-Month High | 3.75% | 4.50% |
12-Month Low | 3.40% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.34 | 0.77 |
Volatility Score | 0.036 | 0.031 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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