E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | E*TRADE from Morgan StanleyPremium Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 | $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 E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley vs. Popular Direct
As of E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers an APY of 3.50% for its Premium 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 $40 more than E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley on a $10,000 balance after one year. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley pays $350, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.7 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.7 vs 1.3)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.50%) 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 $350/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $875/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
E*TRADE from Morgan StanleyE*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers an iOS app rated 4.7 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.7 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $40 more interest on a $10,000 balance than E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley's Premium 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, providing a straightforward option for savers. In contrast, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley's Premium Savings Account offers a competitive APY of 3.50% with no minimum deposit or maintenance fees, but it does not match the yield of Popular Direct. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposit, appealing to those seeking flexibility.
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
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Top Market Contenders
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $40 more with Popular Direct than E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley 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.
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Premium Savings Account
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
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 | E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.50% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.25%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Premium 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 | iOS4.7 Android4.7 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Available for Premium Savings and Checking. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | D- | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley 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 | E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Savings Account | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -4.2 | -1.7 |
Days Since Change | 22 | 23 |
11-Month High | 4.00% | 4.30% |
11-Month Low | 3.50% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.18 | 0.64 |
Volatility Score | 0.043 | 0.019 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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