Popular Direct vs. Synchrony Bank
Comparing Popular Direct and Synchrony Bank for high-yield savings: Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays 3.90% APY while Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings pays 3.50% APY.
See how they compare on rate stability, mobile app ratings, and more below.
The Bottom Line
Who pays more interest on $10,000? Popular Direct pays $40 more than Synchrony Bank annually ($390 vs $350).
Choose Popular Direct if getting the best rate matters most, or choose Synchrony Bank if mobile app quality matters.
| Metric | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Feb 21, 2026 | Synchrony BankHigh Yield Savings Feb 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 3.50% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$175 $10,000+$350 $25,000+$875 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppDaily CompoundingRate Changes Often |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.15% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Popular Direct vs. Synchrony Bank
Executive Summary
Popular Direct offers a competitive savings option with its Popular Direct Select Savings account, boasting a 3.90% APY with no direct deposit requirement, making it an attractive choice for savers. This account stands out for providing better returns on both small and large deposits compared to Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings account, which offers a lower APY of 3.50%. Both accounts are online-only and have no maintenance fees, but Popular Direct's higher yield positions it as the preferred option for those seeking better savings rates.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.50%) on all balances
Why Synchrony Bank?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.5 vs 1.3)
— 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
Synchrony BankSynchrony Bank offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.5 (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 Synchrony Bank's High Yield Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Popular Direct vs. Synchrony Bank Savings Calculator
You earn $40 more with Popular Direct than Synchrony 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
Synchrony Bank
High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$350.00(3.4%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,350.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
Still banking with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo?
On a $10,000 balance, you're missing out on at least $349 per year in interest.
Both Popular Direct and Synchrony Bank dramatically outperform the typical 0.01% APY at traditional big banks.
| Feature | Popular Direct | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change | 3.50% Verified: 2/21/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | High Yield Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Compound Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Physical Branches | None. You cannot make use of Popular Bank's branches. | N/A |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | ||
| FDIC Insured | YesVerify FDIC | YesVerify FDIC |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not Rated |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Synchrony Bank Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Synchrony Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | High Yield Savings | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 3.50% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -1.9 | -3.9 |
Days Since Change | 68 | 25 |
12-Month High | 4.30% | 4.00% |
12-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.50% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.58 | 0.25 |
Volatility Score | 0.021 | 0.040 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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More Comparisons
Compare Popular Direct's APY of 3.90% with other banks
| Bank Pair | Competitor APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct vs Ally Bank | 3.20% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs American Express | 3.30% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Axos Bank | 4.21% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Bank of America | 0.01% | $100 |
| Popular Direct vs Barclays | 3.85% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Capital One | 3.30% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Chase Bank | 0.01% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Chime | 3.00% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs CIT Bank | 3.75% | $100 |
| Popular Direct vs Citibank | 3.20% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Discover Bank | 3.30% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs EverBank | 3.90% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 3.65% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Newtek Bank | 4.20% | $0.01 |
| Popular Direct vs Openbank | 4.09% | $500 |
| Popular Direct vs Pibank | 4.60% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs SoFi Bank | 4.00% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Varo Bank | 5.00% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Wealthfront | 3.95% | $0 |
| Popular Direct vs Wells Fargo | 0.05% | $25 |