Popular Direct vs. Valley Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Valley DirectHigh-Yield Savings Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 3.40% - 4.00% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$200 $10,000+$400 $25,000+$1,000 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $1,000 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. |
| 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. Valley Direct
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 Valley Direct's 4.00% APY for its High-Yield Savings Account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Valley Direct pays $10 more than Popular Direct on a $10,000 balance after one year. Popular Direct pays $390, while Valley Direct pays $400 - an APY advantage for Valley Direct.
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Available to New & Existing Customers
Why Valley Direct?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.6 vs 1.3)
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
— Key Feature Differences —
Best Mobile App Experience
Valley DirectValley Direct offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.6 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period (factoring in a 12-month promo), Valley Direct's High-Yield Savings Account pays $10 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings.
*Valley Direct's calculation includes their 12-month introductory promotional rate and subsequent standard rate.
Executive Summary as of
Valley Direct offers a High-Yield Savings Account with a competitive APY of 4.00%, making it the winner in this comparison. This account requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 and is available to new customers, while existing customers may receive a lower rate of 3.40%. In contrast, Popular Direct provides a Select Savings account with a slightly lower APY of 3.90%, requiring a minimum deposit of just $100. Both accounts have no maintenance fees and compound interest daily, but Valley Direct also boasts a superior mobile app experience. Popular Direct operates online only, while Valley Direct has a broader presence.
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. Valley Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $10 more with Valley Direct than Popular Direct 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
Valley Direct
High-Yield Savings Account
Promo Rate: 4.00% for 12 months, then 3.40%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$400.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,400.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Popular Direct | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 4.00% Range: 3.40% - 4.00% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.10%90d Change |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | High-Yield Savings Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1,000 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| 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 Android4.6 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Allows Zelle directly on HYSA. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Important Notes | - | Promo rate for new customers. 3.40% APY applies to existing customers. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Valley Direct Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Valley Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | High-Yield Savings Account | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 4.00% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.1 | 0.6 |
Days Since Change | 23 | 26 |
12-Month High | 4.60% | 4.40% |
12-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.75% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.82 | 0.66 |
Volatility Score | 0.036 | 0.046 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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High Rates (With Checking Bundle)
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