Popular Direct vs. Santander 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 | Santander BankSantander Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 0.01% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$1 $10,000+$1 $25,000+$3 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported |
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. Santander Bank
As of Popular Direct offers an APY of 3.90% for its Popular Direct Select Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01, compared to Santander Bank's 0.01% APY for its Santander Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Popular Direct pays $389 more than Santander Bank on a $10,000 balance after one year. Popular Direct pays $390, while Santander Bank pays $1 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 0.01%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Santander Bank?
- ✓Physical branch access (Primarily in the Northeast and Miami, Florida)
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.0 vs 1.3)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $1/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $3/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
Santander BankSantander Bank offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.0 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $389 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Santander Bank's Santander 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 significantly higher APY of 3.90% with its Popular Direct Select Savings account, making it a strong choice for savers, especially since it has no direct deposit requirement and no maintenance fees. In contrast, Santander Bank's savings product provides a minimal APY of 0.01%, which is considerably lower. While Santander does offer a mobile app with a high user rating, the stark difference in APY makes Popular Direct the clear winner for those prioritizing savings returns. Both accounts require a minimum deposit, with Popular Direct starting at $100 and Santander at $25.
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
Popular Direct vs. Santander Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $389 more with Popular Direct than Santander 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.
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
Santander Bank
Santander Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$1.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,001.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Popular Direct | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 0.01% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | Santander Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $1 |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS1.3 Android1.3 | iOS4.8 Android4.0 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Branch-based retail accounts only. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not Rated |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Santander Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Santander Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | Santander Savings | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.6 | -0.2 |
Days Since Change | 23 | 110 |
11-Month High | 4.50% | 0.03% |
11-Month Low | 3.90% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.77 | 0.09 |
Volatility Score | 0.030 | 0.431 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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