Best Popular Direct CD alternatives in 2026
8 direct alternatives to Popular Direct CD, compared on rates, fees, and best-for use cases. Pick the right option without the marketing fluff.
Curated by Louis Corneloup · Updated Why people consider alternatives to Popular Direct CD
Popular Direct is the online deposit brand of Popular Bank, the US arm of Puerto Rico based Popular Inc. It has narrowed its CD line sharply: as of August 3, 2026 the site offers exactly three terms, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months. People most often switch away when one of these starts to bite:
- •Costs that add up (rare for this product, but limits can push people out)
- •Rates or rewards that stopped being competitive.
- •Limits or restrictions as your needs grow.
- •A specific gap you have hit in cd rates.
The 8 alternatives below cover the same core job (cd rates) with different trade-offs. Ranked by real-signal score: external ratings, media mentions, and editor review. No paid placement.
8 alternatives to Popular Direct CD
Ranked by independent ratings, media mentions, and editor review, plus how directly they replace Popular Direct CD.
- 1
BMO Alto Online Certificate of Deposit
BMO Alto's top CD is 3.00% APY at 5 years, the exact rate its own no lock savings account pays.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs BMO Alto Online Certificate of Deposit → - 2
Bread Savings Certificate of Deposit (18 Month CD)
Bread Savings pays 4.50% APY on its 18 month CD, the top rate in its lineup, with $1,500 minimum.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs Bread Savings Certificate of Deposit (18 Month CD) → - 3
American Express National Bank CD
American Express pays 4.25% APY on a 10 month CD with no minimum deposit, but the rest of its curve is weak.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs American Express National Bank CD → - 4
EverBank Performance CD
EverBank's best CD rate is 4.10% APY on a 7 month term, and that term auto renews into a lower paying CD.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs EverBank Performance CD → - 5
Capital One 360 CD (12 Month)
The Capital One 360 CD pays 4.00% APY on 12 months with no minimum deposit and real branch access.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs Capital One 360 CD (12 Month) → - 6
Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD
Marcus pays 4.35% APY on 18 month through 6 year High-Yield CDs, with a $500 minimum.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD → - 7
CIT Bank Term CD
CIT pays 4.00% APY on its 1 year Term CD while its 2 to 5 year CDs pay 0.40% to 0.50%.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs CIT Bank Term CD → - 8
Ally Bank High Yield CD (18 Month)
Ally's 18 month High Yield CD pays 4.00% APY with no minimum deposit and a 60 day early exit penalty.
Direct alternativeCompare Popular Direct CD vs Ally Bank High Yield CD (18 Month) →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Popular Direct CD?
Based on real-signal scoring (external ratings, media mentions, and editorial review), the top alternatives to Popular Direct CD are BMO Alto Online Certificate of Deposit, Bread Savings Certificate of Deposit (18 Month CD), American Express National Bank CD. Each solves the same core job with different trade-offs on rates, fees, and terms.
Is there a free alternative to Popular Direct CD?
Yes. BMO Alto Online Certificate of Deposit is one of the free alternatives to Popular Direct CD listed here (BMO Alto's top CD is 3.00% APY at 5 years, the exact rate its own no lock savings account pays). Other free options are flagged in the list below.
Why do people look for Popular Direct CD alternatives?
Common reasons people switch away from Popular Direct CD: fees that add up, rates or rewards that stopped being competitive, eligibility or usage limits, or a specific gap in cd rates. The alternatives on this page solve the same core problem with different trade-offs.
Still considering Popular Direct CD?
See the full review, fee breakdown, and community feedback before you decide.