Popular Direct vs. Sallie Mae Bank
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Sallie Mae BankHigh-Yield Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums | FDIC InsuredNo 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 Popular Direct vs. Sallie Mae Bank
As of both Popular Direct (Popular Direct Select Savings) and Sallie Mae Bank (High-Yield Savings Account) offer an APY of 3.90% .
Both banks yield $390 in interest on a $10,000 balance after one year. Neither has an APY advantage, so consider other features (fees, access, app ratings, etc.) when choosing.
Why Popular Direct?
No distinct advantages found vs Sallie Mae Bank.
Why Sallie Mae Bank?
No distinct advantages found vs Popular Direct.
Shared Benefits
Executive Summary as of
Both Popular Direct and Sallie Mae Bank offer competitive high-yield savings accounts with an APY of 3.90%. Popular Direct's Select Savings account requires a minimum deposit of $100 but has no maintenance fees and allows for daily compounding. Conversely, Sallie Mae Bank's High-Yield Savings Account has a lower minimum deposit requirement of $0, also features no maintenance fees, and compounds daily. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposit. Given their identical APYs, rates are comparable.
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
Popular Direct vs. Sallie Mae Bank Savings Calculator
Both accounts earn exactly the same amount.
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
Sallie Mae Bank
High-Yield Savings Account
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 | Popular Direct | Sallie Mae Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| 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 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 | iOS1.5 Android1.6 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Sallie Mae Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Sallie Mae Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.6 | -0.1 |
Days Since Change | 23 | 341 |
11-Month High | 4.50% | 4.00% |
11-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.77 | 0.09 |
Volatility Score | 0.030 | 0.004 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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