Popular Direct vs. Wealthfront
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 | WealthfrontCash Account Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 3.25% - 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$171 $10,000+$341 $25,000+$853 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums | FDIC InsuredNo 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. Wealthfront
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 Wealthfront's 3.90% APY for its Cash Account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Popular Direct pays $49 more than Wealthfront on a $10,000 balance after one year. Popular Direct pays $390, while Wealthfront pays $341 (with an effective APY of 3.41%) - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
Why Popular Direct?
No distinct advantages found vs Wealthfront.
Why Wealthfront?
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.9 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 $341/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $853/yr).
Best Mobile App Experience
WealthfrontWealthfront offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $49 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wealthfront's Cash Account.
*This comparison accounts for Wealthfront's introductory promotional rate, yet Popular Direct's standard rate still yields a higher 1-year return.
Executive Summary as of
Both Popular Direct and Wealthfront offer competitive savings products with an APY of 3.90%. Popular Direct's Select Savings account is ideal for those looking for higher returns on smaller deposits, with no maintenance fees and a minimum deposit of $100. Wealthfront's Cash Account, while also providing a 3.90% APY for the first three months, drops to 3.25% thereafter, making it less favorable for long-term savings. Both accounts are online-only and do not require direct deposit. However, Wealthfront is a financial services company rather than a traditional bank, which may be a consideration for some savers.
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. Wealthfront Savings Calculator
You earn $47.5 more with Popular Direct than Wealthfront 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
Wealthfront
Cash Account
Promo Rate: 3.90% for 3 months, then 3.25%.
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$342.50(3.3%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,342.50
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Popular Direct | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 3.90% Range: 3.25% - 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 - |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | Cash 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 | iOS4.8 Android4.9 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | F |
| Important Notes | - | Wealthfront is not a bank but a financial services company. It is FDIC-insured through its many partner banks. New clients get an APY of 3.90% for 3 months, after which the 3.25% APY applies. See terms at Wealthfront. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wealthfront Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | Cash Account | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -8.1 | -19.4 |
Days Since Change | 23 | 19 |
2-Month High | 4.00% | 4.15% |
2-Month Low | 3.90% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.55 | 0.55 |
Volatility Score | 0.013 | 0.030 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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