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Salem Five Direct Review

FDIC Insured Institution

Salem Five Direct stands out with its savings account that packs a punch at 3.71% APY—well above the market average of 2.34%. What's particularly appealing is the low barrier to entry: you only need $10 to get started. That's less than the cost of lunch! This makes it an ideal option for savers just starting their financial journey or those wanting to dip their toes into higher-yield banking.

Their CD lineup shines brightest with their 9-month option, boasting a 4.01% APY that tops the market average of 2.60%. If you've got $10,000 to park for less than a year, this could be your sweet spot. Their shorter-term 6-month CD requires just $2,500 to open and still delivers a solid 3.01% rate.

One thing to note is Salem Five Direct's longer-term CDs don't quite match the appeal of their shorter options. Their 48-month and 60-month CDs both offer 2.25% APY, which falls below the market average. If you're planning to lock away funds for several years, you might want to shop around or stick with their excellent savings account instead.

Salem Five Direct Bank Rates

These rates were last updated on December 12th, 2025.

Savings

Savings

APY 3.71%
Rate 3.65%
Min to Open $10
Min to Earn $0

CD

9 Month CD

APY 4.01%
Rate 4.01%
Min to Open $10,000
Min to Earn $0

1 Year CD

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

2 Year CD

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

1.5 Year CD

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

6 Month CD

APY 3.01%
Rate 3.01%
Min to Open $2,500
Min to Earn $0

4 Year CD

APY 2.25%
Rate 2.25%
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.


Openbank

Savings

APY 4.20%
Rate 4.12%
To Open $500
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

Peak Bank

Savings

APY 4.20%
Rate 4.11%
To Open $100
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

Vio Bank

Savings

APY 4.16%
Rate 4.07%
To Open $100
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

Jenius Bank

Savings

APY 4.05%
Rate 4.05%
To Open $0
To Earn APY $0
To Avoid Fees $0
Monthly Fee $0

EverBank

Savings

APY 4.05%
Rate 3.97%
To Open $0
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 December 3rd, 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.
A portion of ATM fees are refunded based on account type.
Account includes overdraft protection options.
Fees apply for wire transfers.

Say goodbye to those pesky monthly maintenance fees that silently chip away at your balance! With no minimum balance requirements either, you're free to use your money as needed without worrying about dropping below an arbitrary threshold. Banking should work for you, not against you.

Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the absence of foreign transaction fees, making international shopping and vacations more affordable. Imagine buying that perfect souvenir in Paris without calculating an extra 3% surcharge! While you won't get completely free ATM access everywhere, a portion of out-of-network fees are refunded depending on your account type.

Peace of mind comes standard with built-in overdraft protection, sparing you from those heart-stopping moments when your card might be declined during dinner with friends. The only notable missing piece is free wire transfers – you'll still pay the usual fees when sending money this way. But for everyday banking that doesn't nickel-and-dime you at every turn, this fee-friendly approach keeps more money where it belongs – in your account.


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.

Salem Five Direct takes your security seriously with multiple layers of protection for your peace of mind. Their two-factor authentication goes beyond simple passwords, requiring a second verification step that keeps your accounts secure even if someone manages to guess your password. When you're out shopping and something unusual happens with your account, their real-time fraud alerts kick in immediately—letting you know right away if someone tries using your card at that gas station across the country!

Need to freeze your card quickly? Salem Five Direct's instant card lock feature lets you shut down access with a few taps when your card goes missing between couch cushions (or actually gets stolen). They've also got your back when you travel—simply set up travel notifications before your big trip, and you won't find yourself stranded at a restaurant with a declined card. While they take steps to protect your identity, they don't offer a full-fledged identity theft protection service—though their other security measures help fill this gap nicely.


Mobile

4.7/5
4.2/5
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 tools right in your pocket with highly-rated mobile apps for both iOS (4.7/5) and Android (4.2/5) users. Whether you're team Apple or Android, you'll enjoy streamlined access to your accounts, transfers, and other essential banking functions through a thoughtfully designed interface.

Never waste time driving to a branch again! With mobile check deposit, simply snap a photo of your check and watch your balance grow. The built-in ATM locator makes finding fee-free cash access points a breeze, especially handy when you're exploring unfamiliar territory or traveling.

Staying on top of your finances is effortless with Salem Five Direct's robust notification system. Set up customized account alerts for everything from deposits to low balances, and receive instant push notifications that keep you informed about transactions and security concerns in real-time. It's like having a personal financial assistant who never sleeps.


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.

Getting your money where you need it, when you need it has never been easier. With direct deposit capabilities, you can wave goodbye to paper checks and hello to instant access to your funds. Even better, early direct deposit puts your paycheck in your hands up to two days ahead of schedule—perfect for tackling those bills before they're due or handling surprise expenses without the payday wait.

Need to move significant sums quickly? Both domestic and international wire transfers are at your fingertips, providing same-day service domestically and reaching global destinations within 1-3 business days. Whether you're closing on a house or sending funds to family overseas, these secure options ensure your money arrives safely and promptly.

Managing multiple accounts becomes remarkably simple with external account linking, bringing all your financial information into one convenient view. And for regular transfers between banks, free ACH transfers have you covered—they might take 1-3 business days, but the zero-dollar price tag makes them ideal for routine money movements like funding your vacation savings or automating monthly transfers to investment accounts.


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.

Salem Five Direct puts powerful money management right at your fingertips with robust budgeting tools that make tracking your monthly spending a breeze. Set up spending limits, monitor categories, and visualize where your money goes—all designed to keep your financial goals within reach. Plus, their spending analytics automatically sort your transactions, revealing spending patterns you might not have noticed on your own.

Taking control of your finances gets even easier with Salem Five Direct's automated savings rules. Create custom conditions that work with your lifestyle—whether that's transferring a percentage of each paycheck or moving a set amount on specific dates. Imagine setting it up once and watching your savings grow without lifting a finger! Their bill pay feature also streamlines your financial life by centralizing all your monthly obligations in one place, helping you avoid those pesky late fees.

While Salem Five Direct doesn't currently offer round-up savings or sub accounts for separate savings goals, their existing money management suite still packs enough punch to transform how you handle your finances. The combination of visual spending breakdowns and automated savings creates a financial management system that works quietly in the background while you focus on living your life.


Integrations

Send and receive money instantly with Zelle.
Make payments with Apple Pay.
Make payments with Google Pay.
Send international transfers through Wise.
Connect and sync with QuickBooks.

Salem Five Direct makes everyday money moves a breeze with its full Zelle integration. Need to split dinner costs or send cash to your roommate for rent? Zelle lets you transfer money within minutes between almost any U.S. bank account—all without fees cutting into what you send.

Your wallet can stay at home with Salem Five Direct's complete support for digital payment options. Whether you're an Apple fan making contactless purchases with your iPhone, or an Android user tapping to pay with Google Pay, you're covered. Both options add layers of security while making checkout faster wherever you shop.

Going global is surprisingly simple with Salem Five's Wise integration. Unlike traditional bank transfers that hide fees in poor exchange rates, Wise gives you competitive rates and clear pricing when sending money internationally. Meanwhile, small business owners and freelancers will appreciate the seamless QuickBooks connection that automatically syncs transactions, saying goodbye to manual data entry headaches.


Customer Support

Phone support limited to business hours.
Connect instantly with support via live chat.
Get assistance through email support.
Bill negotiation services not available.
Connect with professional financial advisors.

Salem Five Direct keeps the lines of communication wide open with their stellar support options. Need help at 3 AM with an urgent banking question? Unfortunately, their 24/7 phone support isn't available—but don't worry! Their robust live chat feature connects you with helpful representatives right from your device, letting you skip those dreaded phone queues while getting immediate assistance.

When your questions aren't time-sensitive, Salem Five Direct's email support steps in beautifully. It's perfect for those complex situations where you need a paper trail or when you're sending detailed information about your account. While they don't offer bill negotiation services to help trim your monthly expenses, they make up for it with full access to financial advisors.

These professional advisors become your personal financial guides, helping navigate important money decisions whether you're mapping out retirement plans, saving for your dream home, or trying to make sense of investment options. The combination of digital support channels and expert financial guidance creates a support system that works around your schedule and needs.


Physical Services

Salem Five Direct can use Salem Five Bank branches for a fee.
Deposit cash directly into your account.
Partial support for Large Cash Withdrawals is available.
Get cashier's checks when needed.
Access notary services at branches.
Rent safe deposit boxes for valuables.
Exchange foreign currency at branches.
Access extensive network of ATMs.
Use ATMs worldwide for cash access.

Need a traditional banking experience with a modern twist? You can still visit physical branches when you bank with Salem Five Direct, though you'll pay a small fee to access Salem Five Bank locations. When you need face-to-face assistance with complex transactions or personal financial guidance, that branch access can be invaluable.

Managing cash is hassle-free with this bank. You can make cash deposits without restrictions and handle large withdrawals with some limitations. For those special situations requiring guaranteed payment, cashier's checks are readily available, and the bank also provides convenient notary services for your important documents.

Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the robust ATM network that includes international access, making it easy to withdraw cash wherever your adventures take you. Need a safe place for your valuables? Safe deposit boxes protect your precious items and important documents with more security than a home safe could provide.

The currency exchange service rounds out the physical banking experience, giving you better rates than you'd typically find at airports or tourist spots. Whether you're planning a vacation abroad or just need to exchange leftover currency from your last trip, you won't need to look beyond your bank for this service.


Additional Services

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

Looking to grow your money while handling your everyday banking? Investment accounts put financial growth opportunities right alongside your checking and savings. You can manage stocks, bonds, and mutual funds without juggling multiple platforms – perfect for keeping your financial life streamlined in one place.

Earn while you spend with cashback rewards on your debit card purchases. Instead of watching money leave your account, you'll see some coming back with every transaction. It's like getting a small discount on everything from your morning coffee to monthly bills.

While you'll enjoy these money-maximizing features, Salem Five Direct doesn't currently support cryptocurrency trading, credit monitoring, or foreign currency accounts. For many everyday banking customers, though, the combination of investment options and cashback rewards creates a solid foundation for both spending and growing your money.

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
Customer Support