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Salem Five Direct Review

FDIC Insured Institution

Salem Five Direct catches attention right away with its high-yield savings account boasting a 4.01% APY—well above the market average of 2.25%. What's particularly appealing is the low $10 minimum deposit to get started, making this account accessible for just about anyone. Whether you're building an emergency fund or saving for a vacation, this combination of high returns and low entry point deserves a second look.

Their CD lineup shines brightest in the short-term options. The 6-month CD stands out with a 4.30% APY, beating most competitors and exceeding the average market rate of 2.65%. Their 9-month and 12-month CDs follow closely at 4.05% APY each. These rates make Salem Five Direct worth considering if you've got cash you won't need for a predetermined period.

The longer-term CDs tell a different story, though. Once you move beyond 24 months, the rates drop significantly—with 48 and 60-month options offering just 2.25% APY, falling below market averages. The $10,000 minimum deposit requirement across all CD products might also be a stumbling block for some savers. For those with substantial funds looking for short-term growth opportunities, Salem Five Direct delivers—but long-term CD shoppers might want to explore alternatives.

Salem Five Direct Bank Rates

These rates were last updated on June 28th, 2025.

Savings

Savings

APY 4.01%
Rate 3.94%
Min to Open $10
Min to Earn $0

CD

6 Month CD

APY 4.30%
Rate 4.30%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

1 Year CD

APY 4.05%
Rate 3.98%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

9 Month CD

APY 4.05%
Rate 4.05%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

1.5 Year CD

APY 3.50%
Rate 3.45%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

2 Year CD

APY 3.50%
Rate 3.45%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

4 Year CD

APY 2.25%
Rate 2.23%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

5 Year CD

APY 2.25%
Rate 2.25%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

2.5 Year CD

APY 2.00%
Rate 2.00%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

3 Year CD

APY 2.00%
Rate 2.00%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

Compared Against Other Banks

To help you see how Salem Five Direct's rates compare to other banks, we have gathered their rates here. These are rated highly for competitive rates, fees, and minimums. All offers are FDIC or NCUA insured.


Peak Bank

Savings

APY 4.44%
Rate 4.34%
To Open $100
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

Primis Bank

Savings

APY 4.35%
Rate 4.27%
To Open $1
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

CFG Community Bank

MMA

APY 4.32%
Rate 4.23%
To Open $1,000
To Earn APY $1,000
To Avoid Fees $1,000
Monthly Fee $10

Vio Bank

MMA

APY 4.31%
Rate 4.31%
To Open $100
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

Bread Savings

Savings

APY 4.30%
Rate 4.21%
To Open $100
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

Essential Banking Features & Services

Bank Features

Our team manually evaluates each bank across 52 essential features, giving you a comprehensive view of what really matters.

Updated on April 29th, 2025

Full Support
Partial Support
Unavailable
Unknown Support

Cost Benefits

No monthly maintenance fees are charged.
Keep any amount in your account without penalties.
Make foreign transactions without additional fees.
Use any ATM without additional charges.
Account includes overdraft protection options.
Fees apply for wire transfers.

Salem Five Direct breaks the mold with a truly fee-free banking experience. You'll never face monthly maintenance charges or struggle to maintain a minimum balance—your money stays yours, whether your account holds $50 or $5,000. Banking should be simple, not a financial obstacle course!

Travel enthusiasts will appreciate Salem Five Direct's global-friendly approach. Say goodbye to those sneaky 1-3% foreign transaction fees that can turn your $100 souvenir into a $103 memory. Even better, use any ATM anywhere without those frustrating out-of-network charges eating into your funds.

The bank also has your back with robust overdraft protection, preventing those heart-stopping moments when your card gets declined or you're hit with steep penalty fees. The only feature missing from this nearly perfect cost-benefit picture is free wire transfers—you'll need to use alternative methods for sending large sums quickly. Still, for everyday banking that respects your bottom line, Salem Five Direct delivers freedom from financial nickel-and-diming.


Security

Account access is protected by two-factor authentication.
Receive instant notifications for suspicious account activity.
Salem Five Direct takes measures to protect your identity, but has no specific service available.
Instantly freeze and unfreeze your cards as needed.
Set travel alerts to ensure uninterrupted card access.

Keeping your money safe is a top priority, and that's why the multi-layered security approach makes perfect sense. With two-factor authentication, your accounts stay protected even if someone somehow gets your password. Imagine being at dinner when your phone buzzes with a real-time fraud alert about a suspicious purchase—giving you the chance to shut things down before any real damage occurs.

Lost your card during that weekend getaway? No problem! The instant card lock feature lets you freeze your card with just a few taps on your phone. And speaking of trips, simply set up travel notifications beforehand so your legitimate vacation purchases don't trigger any false alarms while you're enjoying that well-deserved break.

While full identity theft protection services aren't completely available, the bank still takes important steps to safeguard your personal information. These security features work together behind the scenes, giving you peace of mind while you focus on what really matters in life—not worrying about the safety of your hard-earned money.


Mobile

4.7/5
4.4/5
Deposit checks through mobile app.
Find ATMs and branches via mobile app.
Customizable account alerts available.
Push notifications supported.

Salem Five Direct puts powerful banking right in your pocket with highly-rated mobile apps for both iOS (4.7/5) and Android (4.4/5) devices. Whether you're team Apple or Android, you'll enjoy full access to your accounts, transfers, and other essential banking functions through a clean, intuitive interface designed for your specific platform.

Never waste time driving to a branch again! With mobile check deposit, simply snap a photo to deposit checks from anywhere—perfect for those busy weekdays when fitting in a bank visit seems impossible. When you do need cash, the built-in ATM locator uses your location to guide you to the nearest fee-free options, saving you both time and those pesky surcharges.

Staying on top of your finances becomes second nature with Salem Five Direct's robust alert system. Set up customizable notifications for everything from low balances to large transactions, and receive them instantly as push notifications on your device. It's like having a personal financial assistant who only speaks up when there's something you really need to know.


Transfers & Deposits

Accept automatic deposits from employers and others.
Access direct deposits up to 2 days early.
Send and receive domestic wire transfers.
Send wire transfers to international destinations.
Link and manage external bank accounts.
Move money between banks at no cost.

Say goodbye to paper checks and waiting for your money! With direct deposit capability, your paychecks and government benefits go straight into your account automatically. Even better, you can access your funds up to two days early with early direct deposit—perfect for handling those surprise car repairs or getting ahead on monthly bills.

Need to move money quickly? Wire transfers provide same-day delivery for time-sensitive transactions, while international wires keep you connected to family or business partners abroad. These services ensure your funds arrive securely when timing matters most.

Managing multiple accounts becomes effortless with external account linking, which brings all your financial relationships under one digital roof. And when you're not in a rush, free ACH transfers let you move money between banks without any fees. While they take 1-3 business days, the savings make them ideal for regular transfers like feeding your savings account or paying back a friend.


Money Management

Built-in tools for creating and tracking budgets.
View detailed analysis of spending patterns.
Round-up savings feature not offered.
Create custom rules for automatic savings.
Sub-accounts not available.
Schedule and manage bill payments online.

Take control of your financial journey with smart budgeting tools that track where every dollar goes. Visual breakdowns of your expenses by category make it simple to set limits and stay on target with your money goals. Plus, detailed spending analytics automatically sort your transactions, revealing patterns that might surprise you—like that daily coffee habit adding up to more than you realized!

Turn saving from a chore into an automatic habit with customizable savings rules. Whether you want to stash away 10% of each paycheck or transfer a fixed amount every Friday, your money moves to savings without you lifting a finger. Pair this with the convenient bill pay service to manage all your monthly obligations in one place, and you'll never stress about forgotten due dates or late fees again.

While you won't find round-up savings or sub accounts for organizing multiple goals, the robust money management features still provide everything you need for a clearer financial picture. The combination of proactive budgeting tools and automated savings options creates a powerful system for staying on track—whether you're saving for next summer's vacation or just trying to spend less on takeout this month.


Integrations

Send and receive money instantly with Zelle.
Make payments with Apple Pay.
Make payments with Google Pay.
Wise transfers not available.
QuickBooks integration not available.

Salem Five Direct keeps your money moving with a full suite of digital payment options. Through Zelle, you can instantly send cash to your roommate for utilities or reimburse a friend for dinner—all within minutes and without fees. The bank's seamless Apple Pay integration turns your iPhone or Apple Watch into your wallet, letting you tap and go at checkout or breeze through online purchases.

For Android users, Salem Five Direct has you covered with Google Pay support. Beyond just contactless payments, you'll track rewards and gain insights into your spending habits right from your device. While the bank shines with domestic payment options, it's worth noting that Salem Five Direct doesn't currently support Wise for international transfers or QuickBooks for business accounting—something to consider if you frequently send money abroad or run a small business.


Customer Support

Phone support limited to business hours.
Chat is AI only.
Get assistance through email support.
Bill negotiation services not available.
Salem Five Direct is allowed to use Salem Five Bank for services.

Need banking help at 3 AM? While 24/7 phone support isn't on the menu, Salem Five Direct hasn't left you hanging completely. Their AI-powered live chat can tackle your questions when midnight banking thoughts strike, though for complex issues, you might want to wait for human assistance.

Email support shines as your go-to option for documenting important account questions. It's perfect when you need to share specific details or want a paper trail of your banking conversations. No rushing through explanations or worrying about forgetting important points.

While you won't find bill negotiation services to trim your monthly expenses, Salem Five Direct does provide something potentially more valuable – access to real financial advisors. Whether you're puzzling over retirement options or mapping out a strategy to buy your dream home, these professionals can guide your financial journey through Salem Five Bank's advisory services.


Physical Services

Salem Five Direct is allowed to use Salem Five Bank for services.
Deposit cash directly into your account.
Withdraw large amounts of cash when needed.
Get cashier's checks when needed.
Access notary services at branches.
Rent safe deposit boxes for valuables.
Only some of Salem Five Bank branches have currency exchange.
Access extensive network of ATMs.
Use ATMs worldwide for cash access.

Salem Five Direct blends digital convenience with the personal touch of traditional banking. You'll enjoy full branch access through Salem Five Bank locations whenever you need face-to-face assistance, notarization, or personalized financial guidance. Need to handle cash? No problem! You can make cash deposits and even withdraw large sums when life calls for it.

Security-minded customers will appreciate Salem Five Direct's full suite of physical services. From cashier's checks for your home closing to safe deposit boxes for your treasured heirlooms, they've got you covered. Their notary services save you the hassle of hunting down an independent notary when important documents need authentication.

Travelers, rejoice! Salem Five Direct supports your adventures with international ATM access, letting you withdraw local currency worldwide at competitive rates. While currency exchange is available at select Salem Five Bank branches, their robust ATM network ensures you're never far from your money. Whether you're banking from your couch or need in-person support, Salem Five Direct bridges the gap between digital and physical banking seamlessly.


Additional Services

Access integrated investment accounts.
Cryptocurrency services not available.
Credit monitoring not included.
Earn cashback on qualifying purchases.
Cannot hold foreign currencies.

Salem Five Direct brings a mix of practical financial tools to enhance your banking experience. Their investment accounts seamlessly integrate with your regular banking, giving you a one-stop shop to manage stocks, bonds, and mutual funds alongside your everyday finances. Imagine checking your savings and investment portfolio in one quick session—that's the convenience they've built in!

They also sweeten your spending with cashback rewards on debit card purchases. Every coffee run, grocery haul, or gas fill-up puts a little money back in your pocket, making everyday transactions work harder for you. While Salem Five Direct doesn't currently support cryptocurrency services, foreign currency accounts, or credit monitoring, they focus on delivering quality in their core investment and rewards offerings.

Compare & Choose

Compare Options

See how Salem Five Direct stacks up against other top banks. Compare features, rates, and services to find your perfect fit.

Contact Information

Get in Touch

Whether you're interested in opening an account or just want to learn more, you'll find Salem Five Direct's official contact information and website details here.

Headquarters Location

Salem Five Direct

210 Essex Street
Salem, MA 01970