Popular Direct CD
Popular Bank offers a 4.11% 1-year, 3.85% 3-year, and 3.30% 5-year CD with a $10,000 opening minimum, held at Popular Bank (Member FDIC), which we confirmed is an active FDIC member. Rates come from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct provider relationships — a fixed, FDIC-backed return for money you can lock away.
Is the Popular Direct CD worth it?
The Popular Direct CD pays a 4.11% APY on a 1-year term, 3.85% on a 3-year, and 3.30% on a 5-year, with a $10,000 opening minimum. We source these rates from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct provider relationships. These rates carry our ◆ Partner data label — we did not fetch them from the bank ourselves.
The CD is held at Popular Bank. We confirmed with the FDIC that it is an active insured institution — certificate #34967 in New York, New York. Deposits are covered up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
A CD locks in a fixed rate for the term, which is its appeal and its catch: you earn a fixed return, but redeeming early triggers a penalty and you generally cannot add funds after opening. The quoted APY can change before you fund the account, so confirm the current rate on the provider’s own site. This is not financial advice.
How does a certificate of deposit (CD) work?
A certificate of deposit locks your money for a fixed term in exchange for a fixed rate. You agree not to touch the funds until maturity; withdrawing early usually triggers a penalty of several months' interest. When the term ends, many CDs auto-renew unless you move the money.
How much could you earn with the Popular Direct CD?
At a 4.11% APY, a $10,000 balance in the Popular Direct CD earns about $411 in interest over a year, before taxes. Double the balance and you roughly double the interest; your real return depends on how long the rate holds.
Illustrative estimate based on the figures on this page, not an offer. Your results will differ.
What are the pros and cons of the Popular Direct CD?
The Popular Direct CD stands out for 4.11% 1-year / 3.85% 3-year / 3.30% 5-year APYs, sourced from our data partner, though rate is partner-supplied — we did not fetch it from the provider ourselves.
- 4.11% 1-year / 3.85% 3-year / 3.30% 5-year APYs, sourced from our data partner
- $10,000 opening minimum
- Held at Popular Bank, an FDIC member we confirmed with the regulator
- Rate is partner-supplied — we did not fetch it from the provider ourselves
- Early-withdrawal penalty applies if you redeem before maturity
- You generally cannot add money after the initial deposit
Who should get the Popular Direct CD?
The Popular Direct CD is best for savers who can lock funds away for a fixed term.
- Savers who can lock funds away for a fixed term
- Anyone chasing a strong 1-year CD rate
- Risk-averse savers who want a fixed return
How does the Popular Direct CD compare?
Among the 9 certificates of deposit (cds) we track, the Popular Direct CD ranks #7 with a money8020 score of 85/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings CD | 99 | Essential | Bread Savings (Comenity Capital Bank) |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD | 99 | Essential | Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
| Capital One 360 1-Year CD | 94 | Essential | Capital One |
| Sallie Mae 18-Month CD | 93 | Essential | Sallie Mae Bank |
| E*TRADE Certificate of Deposit | 92 | Essential | Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. |
See all certificates of deposit (cds), ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a certificate of deposit (CD)
- Locking up money you might need before maturity and eating an early-withdrawal penalty.
- Letting the CD auto-renew into a lower rate instead of shopping at maturity.
- Picking the longest term for a slightly higher rate when a shorter ladder gives more flexibility.
- Ignoring the minimum deposit required to open the term you want.
Key takeaways
- Popular Direct CD earns a money8020 score of 85/100, ranking #7 of 9 certificates of deposit (cds).
- 4.11% 1-year / 3.85% 3-year / 3.30% 5-year APYs, sourced from our data partner
- At a 4.11% APY, a $10,000 balance in the Popular Direct CD earns about $411 in interest over a year, before taxes.
- Best for savers who can lock funds away for a fixed term.
- Rate and terms sourced from our verified data partner, NerdWallet.
Frequently asked questions about the Popular Direct CD
What are the CD rates at Popular Bank?
Per NerdWallet, our data partner, Popular Bank pays a 4.11% APY on its 1-year CD, 3.85% on its 3-year, and 3.30% on its 5-year, with a $10,000 opening minimum. CD APYs are fixed once you fund the account, but the rate offered can change before you open — confirm the current rate on Popular Bank's own site. This is not financial advice.
Is a Popular Bank CD FDIC insured?
Yes. Funds are held at Popular Bank, which we confirmed with the FDIC is an active insured institution (certificate #34967, New York, New York). Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
What happens if I withdraw from the Popular Direct CD early?
Most CDs charge an early-withdrawal penalty — commonly several months' interest — if you take the money out before maturity. Only commit funds you won't need during the term.
Does the Popular Direct CD renew automatically?
Many CDs auto-renew at maturity into a new term at the then-current rate unless you withdraw or change it during a short grace period. Confirm the renewal terms with the provider.
Sources
We sourced these figures from our verified data partner and independently confirmed the provider’s regulator status, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: