Popular Direct vs. Wells Fargo
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Wells FargoPlatinum Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% | 0.05% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 | $5,000+$3 $10,000+$5 $25,000+$13 |
Min Deposit | $100 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | - | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedChecking Bundle |
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. Wells Fargo
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 Wells Fargo's 0.05% APY for its Platinum Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1,000,000.
Popular Direct pays $385 more than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 balance after one year. Popular Direct pays $390, while Wells Fargo pays $5 - an APY advantage for Popular Direct.
In addition, Wells Fargo also offers 0.01% APY for the Way2Save Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Why Popular Direct?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.90% vs 0.01%-0.05%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Wells Fargo?
- ✓Physical branch access (Wells Fargo offers branches and ATMs in 36 states and Washington, D.C.)
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.9 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle® (up to $3,500 a day)
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $390 vs $5/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
Popular DirectPopular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $975 vs $13/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
Wells FargoWells Fargo offers an iOS app rated 4.9 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings pays $385 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wells Fargo's Platinum 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 standout savings product, the Popular Direct Select Savings, with a competitive APY of 3.90%, making it a strong choice for savers, especially given its lack of direct deposit requirements and maintenance fees. In contrast, Wells Fargo's Way2Save Savings and Platinum Savings accounts yield significantly lower APYs of 0.01% and 0.05%, respectively, with the latter requiring a linked checking account for the best rates. While Wells Fargo provides a robust mobile app experience, the overall savings returns are markedly lower than those available at Popular Direct.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
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Top Market Contenders
Popular Direct vs. Wells Fargo Savings Calculator
You earn $385 more with Popular Direct than Wells Fargo 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
Wells Fargo
Platinum Savings
Higher APY requires $1,000,000
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$5.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,005.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Popular Direct | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change | 0.05% Range: 0.05% - 0.05% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 2.46%90d Change |
| Product Name | Popular Direct Select Savings | Platinum Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0.01 | $1,000,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance. |
| Branch Access | None | Yes |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS1.3 Android1.3 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Not Supported | Available Limit: $3,500/dayFounding member; zero fees to replace wires. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
| Important Notes | - | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wells Fargo Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Popular Direct | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct Select Savings | Platinum Savings | Way2Save Savings | |
Current APY | 3.90% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -2.9 | -61.6 | -0.0 |
Days Since Change | 23 | 82 | 177 |
6-Month High | 4.10% | 2.51% | 0.01% |
6-Month Low | 3.90% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.68 | 0.51 | 0.00 |
Volatility Score | 0.016 | 1.077 | 0.000 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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