Popular Direct vs. Upgrade
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 | UpgradePremier Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 3.05% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$153 $10,000+$305 $25,000+$763 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums | FDIC InsuredLow MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android App |
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. Upgrade
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 Upgrade's 3.05% APY for its Premier Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1,000.
Popular Direct pays $85 more than Upgrade on a $10,000 balance after one year. Popular Direct pays $390, while Upgrade pays $305 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 3.05%) on all balances
Why Upgrade?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 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 $305/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $763/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
UpgradeUpgrade offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (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 $85 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Upgrade's Premier 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 competitive savings option with its Popular Direct Select Savings account, which boasts an APY of 3.90%. This account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and has no maintenance fees or direct deposit requirements, making it a straightforward choice for savers. In contrast, Upgrade's Premier Savings account provides a lower APY of 3.05%, with a minimum balance requirement of $1,000, also featuring no maintenance fees. While Upgrade excels in mobile app experience, Popular Direct stands out with its higher yield, making it the more attractive option for those prioritizing returns.
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. Upgrade Savings Calculator
You earn $85 more with Popular Direct than Upgrade 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
Upgrade
Premier Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$305.00(3.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,305.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Popular Direct | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.05% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.37%90d Change |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | Premier Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $1,000 |
| 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 | iOS4.9 Android4.5 |
| 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 Upgrade Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | Premier Savings | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 3.05% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.6 | -11.1 |
Days Since Change | 23 | 67 |
11-Month High | 4.50% | 4.14% |
11-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.05% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.77 | 0.26 |
Volatility Score | 0.030 | 0.119 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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