How Bank Simple Makes Managing Your Money Easy

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From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland
Credit: pexels.com, From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland

Bank Simple makes managing your money easy by offering a mobile banking app that allows you to track your spending in real-time.

The app provides a clear overview of your transactions, including the date, amount, and category of each purchase, making it simple to identify areas where you can cut back.

With Bank Simple, you can set budgets and receive alerts when you go over, helping you stay on top of your finances.

By using the app's budgeting feature, you can make informed decisions about how to allocate your money and achieve your financial goals.

How to Open an Account

Opening an account with Simple is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. You can start by visiting the bank's website or mobile app and clicking the "Apply Now" button.

To get started, you'll need to create a username and passphrase for yourself, as well as enter your email address. You'll also need to provide some basic information, such as your Social Security number and home address.

Silver and Gold Coins Near Piggy Bank
Credit: pexels.com, Silver and Gold Coins Near Piggy Bank

The good news is that opening an account with Simple only requires a $10 deposit, making it an affordable option for anyone looking to start banking. You'll also need a government-issued, unexpired photo ID to complete the process.

Here are the specific requirements for opening an account with Simple:

  • $10 deposit
  • Government-issued, unexpired photo ID
  • Social Security Number
  • Documentation of satisfied debt from Chex System notation if necessary

Once you've opened your account, you'll have access to a $100 fixed Simple Access Overdraft Protection Limit, which can be used to pay transactions and avoid overdraft fees.

Account Features

With Bank Simple, you can enjoy a range of features that make managing your finances a breeze. No minimum balance is required, and you won't be charged overdraft, returned item, or daily overdraft fees.

One of the standout features is the Early Access to Direct Deposit, which allows you to receive your direct deposits up to two business days early. This is a huge time-saver, especially if you're relying on direct deposit for your income.

For your interest: Truist Bank Overdraft Fees

Bank Notes
Credit: pexels.com, Bank Notes

You'll also appreciate the flexibility of free overdraft protection transfers with any linked account, and the ability to send money to friends and family with Zelle, available within the mobile app. Additionally, you can purchase money orders and official checks for half price with cash.

Here are some of the key account features:

  • No minimum balance
  • No overdraft, returned item, or daily overdraft fees
  • Early Access to Direct Deposit (up to 2 business days early)
  • Free overdraft protection transfers with any linked account
  • Free Mobile, Online, and Text Banking
  • Free Enhanced MasterCard Debit Card with ID Theft Protection
  • Money orders and official checks available for half price with cash
  • Send money to friends and family with Zelle (within mobile app)

Features

With a checking account, you can enjoy a range of features that make managing your finances a breeze.

One of the key benefits is the ability to avoid overdraft fees, as overdrafts are not enabled on some accounts to help you spend only what you have in your account.

You can also enjoy paper statements or eStatements, whichever suits your preference.

Free ATMs are available nationwide with the MoneyPass ATM Network, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance without incurring extra fees.

Free Mobile, Online and Text Banking allow you to stay on top of your finances from anywhere, at any time.

Person Putting Coin in a Piggy Bank
Credit: pexels.com, Person Putting Coin in a Piggy Bank

An Enhanced MasterCard Debit Card with ID Theft Protection is also included, providing an added layer of security for your transactions.

Money orders and official checks can be purchased for half price with cash, saving you some extra money.

Overdraft Protection Transfers with any linked account are also free, giving you peace of mind in case of unexpected expenses.

You can quickly and easily send money to friends and family with Zelle, available within our mobile app.

Here are some of the key features of a simple checking account at a glance:

Account Details

Account Details are pretty straightforward with the Simple Access Account. There's no minimum deposit to open, which is a great perk for those who want to get started right away.

You won't receive paper checks, except for those processed through Online Bill Pay. This means you'll need to rely on digital payments or use your debit card for transactions.

The account comes with electronic cash withdrawals only, which can be made at the ATM, through a point of sale purchase, or as a cash advance in the banking center.

Close-up image of a shiny pink piggy bank surrounded by US hundred dollar bills, symbolizing savings and finance.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up image of a shiny pink piggy bank surrounded by US hundred dollar bills, symbolizing savings and finance.

To move to another account type, you'll need to have had the Simple Access Account open for 12 months and have a positive balance. This gives you some time to get settled and build up your account.

The account comes with a $4.00 monthly service fee, but you can avoid this fee by having at least one direct deposit, one debit card transaction, or one online bill pay transaction per statement cycle.

Here are the qualifications to avoid the monthly service fee:

  • At least one (1) direct deposit (ACH Credit such as payroll or other automatic transfer)
  • At least one (1) Debit card point-of-sale (POS) transaction
  • At least one (1) Online bill pay transaction per statement cycle

If you do end up with a negative balance, don't worry – you won't be charged an overdraft fee. However, be aware that you could still be declined or have transactions returned if you don't have enough money to cover the charge.

For another approach, see: M and T Bank Statements

Fee-Free with Actual Humans

You can have a bank account that's fee-free, and still interact with actual humans. Simple, a bank the author's wife Rachel was introduced to, has been around since 2009.

The author's wife was a longtime customer of a national bank, which had horrible phone and website experiences, and confusing fees. She thought all banks were the same.

The author showed his wife his bank, which made a big difference.

A unique perspective: E S a Payments

Managing Your Account

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Credit: pexels.com, A laptop showing an analytics dashboard with charts and graphs, symbolizing modern data analysis tools.

Managing your account with Bank Simple is a breeze. You can access your account online by logging in with your username and passphrase, and then check on your transactions, set and edit your goals, manage your budget and more.

You can also set up direct deposit, which allows you to receive your direct deposits up to two business days early, and pay your monthly bills automatically. This feature is available at no cost, and no action is needed to take advantage of Early Direct Deposit (ACH) Access.

To avoid account closure or maintenance fees, make a deposit within 60 days. You can also use Zelle to send money to friends and family, but you must have a bank account in the U.S to use this service.

Here are some key account management features to keep in mind:

  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No overdraft, returned item, or daily overdraft fees
  • Free online and mobile banking, bill pay, and mobile deposit
  • Fee-free transactions at over 90,000 Republic Bank/Presto/SUM/MoneyPass/Allpoint ATMs
  • Free overdraft protection transfers with any linked account

Account Opening Requirements

Opening an account with Simple is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. You'll need to visit the bank's website or mobile app and click the "Apply Now" button.

Top view of a vintage wooden piggy bank and assorted coins on a black surface, symbolizing savings and wealth.
Credit: pexels.com, Top view of a vintage wooden piggy bank and assorted coins on a black surface, symbolizing savings and wealth.

To get started, you'll need to create a username and passphrase for yourself, as well as enter your email address. This is a simple step that will help you get set up with your new account.

You'll also need to provide some basic information, including your Social Security number and home address. This is a standard requirement for opening most bank accounts.

Here are the specific requirements you'll need to meet to open an account with Simple:

  • Only $10 to open
  • Government-issued, unexpired photo ID
  • Social Security Number
  • Documentation of satisfied debt from Chex System notation if necessary

These requirements are all clearly outlined on the Simple website, and they're designed to make the account opening process as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Managing Your Account

You can access your account online by logging in with your username and passphrase, which is a combination of four random words. This allows you to check on your transactions, set and edit your goals, and manage your budget.

Simple offers a Safe-to-Spend tool that helps you spend responsibly by budgeting your available balance, goals, and scheduled payments all in one place. This tool shows you exactly what you can afford to spend.

Related reading: One - Mobile Banking

Shallow Focus Photography of White Ceramic Piggy Bank
Credit: pexels.com, Shallow Focus Photography of White Ceramic Piggy Bank

The account also includes tools to help you track your spending with detailed reports, labels, and even photos and hashtags. This allows you to quickly search your transaction history and gain insights from Simple's graphs, charts, and other helpful features.

You can set an amount to save and a date you would like to have it saved by using Simple's Goals tool. This tool will then automatically help you along toward those various objectives.

Simple's online and mobile presence is extensive, convenient, and user-friendly. You can access your account, check on your transactions, set and edit your goals, and manage your budget all from the comfort of your own home.

If you're looking for an easy checking account, Simple doesn't charge any fees, not even for maintenance, overdrafts, transfers, or debit card replacements. You also won't be held to any minimum balance requirements.

You can also use Simple's online and mobile banking to send money to friends and family with Zelle, a service that's available within the mobile app.

Here are some key features of Simple's account:

  • No minimum balance
  • No overdraft fees
  • Free ATMs nationwide with MoneyPass ATM Network
  • Free Mobile, Online and Text Banking
  • Free Enhanced MasterCard Debit Card with ID Theft Protection
  • Money orders and official checks may be purchased for half price with cash
  • Free Overdraft Protection Transfers with any linked account
  • Quick and easy access to your account information and transactions

You can also receive your direct deposits up to two business days early with Simple's Early Access to Direct Deposit feature. This feature is available for direct deposits of $25,000 or less.

Saving Money

Close-Up Photo a 20 Euro Bill on Piggy Bank
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Photo a 20 Euro Bill on Piggy Bank

Bank Simple offers a number of features that can help you save money through more responsible money management habits.

The Simple Checking Account earns interest at an initially low APY of 0.01%, but you can boost your interest earnings by opening a Protected Goals account, which jumps your APY up to 0.40%.

The Goals tool helps you set aside funds for specific purposes, working like virtual envelopes to prevent you from spending important funds on the wrong expenses.

You can track your savings towards those goals more easily than you could with a real envelope full of cash.

Safe-to-Spend, a budgeting tool, tells you right away what you can and cannot afford by taking into account your Goals funds, remaining balance, and the costs of the purchases you want to make.

Fees and Access

The Simple Access account has no overdraft fees, and you'll only spend the money you have available. This makes it a great option for people who want to avoid unnecessary charges.

A Blonde-Haired Woman in Black Top Using ATM
Credit: pexels.com, A Blonde-Haired Woman in Black Top Using ATM

The account also comes with a $100 fixed Simple Access Overdraft Protection Limit, which means subsequent charges will be declined and no overdraft fees will be charged.

You can apply for an account in just 10 minutes, and there's no minimum balance required. This makes it easy to get started with banking.

Here are some key features of the account:

  • No minimum balance
  • No Overdraft, Returned Item (per Item), or Daily Overdraft Fees
  • $100 fixed Simple Access Overdraft Protection Limit
  • Free Online & Mobile Banking, Bill Pay & Mobile Deposit
  • Fee-free Transactions at over 90,000 Republic Bank/Presto/SUM/MoneyPass/Allpoint ATMs

The account also offers early access to direct deposit (up to two business days early) and federal tax refunds (up to 5 days early). This can be a big help when you're counting on a specific payment to come through.

Merchants Access Checking

The First Merchants Simple Access Checking account is a great option for those who want simplicity with no overdrafts. You'll only spend the money you have available, which is a huge relief.

This account offers no overdraft fees, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Plus, you can apply for the account in just 10 minutes.

For another approach, see: Bank Account with No Check System

A vibrant red piggy bank against a minimalist and contrasting studio background, ideal for finance themes.
Credit: pexels.com, A vibrant red piggy bank against a minimalist and contrasting studio background, ideal for finance themes.

The Simple Access account also comes with Online & Mobile** Banking, allowing you to access your account from anywhere. This is super convenient, especially if you're always on the go.

You'll also get a Mastercard Debit Card loaded with easy-to-use technology like touchless pay and card controls. This makes it easy to manage your account and make purchases.

Here are some important disclosures to keep in mind:

  • Simple Access Truth In Savings Disclosure
  • Account Rules Packet and Other Important Disclosures

What You Pay

If you're looking to avoid monthly fees, Simple Access accounts from Republic Bank offer a great option. You can waive the $4.95 monthly fee with just one direct deposit, debit card transaction, or online bill pay transaction per statement cycle.

For those who can't make a direct deposit, don't worry - this account still has plenty of benefits. Free online and mobile banking, bill pay, and mobile deposit are all included.

One thing to note is that ATM fees are waived at over 90,000 Republic Bank/Presto/SUM/MoneyPass/Allpoint ATMs. This can be a huge cost-saver for frequent users.

A piggy bank and pink gerbera daisy rest on colorful illustrated books, symbolizing savings and creativity.
Credit: pexels.com, A piggy bank and pink gerbera daisy rest on colorful illustrated books, symbolizing savings and creativity.

If you do need to use an out-of-network ATM, be aware that you'll be charged a fee. But if you're a TD Bank customer, you're in luck - ATM fees are waived at TD ATMs.

The monthly maintenance fee for TD Bank accounts is $5, but you can waive it with a daily balance of $300 or more. If you're 18 or under or 62 or older, the fee is waived regardless of your balance.

With Simple Access accounts, you can earn interest on your balance, which is a great way to grow your savings over time.

Readers also liked: Swiss Bank Account Advantages

Goals and Planning

Budgeting can be a real pain, but Simple's Goals feature makes it surprisingly easy. It's a 21st-century take on the tried-and-true envelope budgeting system, built right into your checking account.

You can create multiple Goals to work toward different financial objectives, like saving for fun stuff or giving to people and places that matter to you. Most people want to pay their bills, save for fun, and give back.

Person Putting Coin in a Piggy Bank
Credit: pexels.com, Person Putting Coin in a Piggy Bank

There are two types of Goals: Save Now and Save Over Time. Save Now is great for setting up a sinking fund, like replacing your phone every couple of years or paying for car insurance every 6 months.

With Save Now, you save money now towards something, and spend it when you need to spend. This makes it easy to set up a system where you refill your Goals on payday and spend from them throughout the month.

Save Over Time is perfect for those who are a little more relaxed with their money. You can set up a goal to save for a specific amount over a certain period of time, like saving $300 for a road trip in two months.

Simple will automatically take a set amount out of your Safe-to-Spend every day and put it toward your goal, making it easy to save without even thinking about it.

Expand your knowledge: 3 Months of Bank Statements

Downsides to?

Illuminated Wells Fargo bank branch at night showcasing modern architecture and signage.
Credit: pexels.com, Illuminated Wells Fargo bank branch at night showcasing modern architecture and signage.

Simple doesn't have branches, which can be a hassle for certain situations.

The 10% of customer service scenarios that can't be handled over the phone are a big problem. For example, tasks like updating your address or changing your name require mailing in documents, which can take a week or more to process.

There's no way to deposit cash, which can throw off your budget if you're used to covering expenses with cash and getting reimbursed later.

Writing a check is also a challenge with Simple, as you'll need to send it in with a form or another method, which can be inconvenient.

Simple is only open to US residents for now, and only for personal non-business accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Simple bank shut down?

Simple bank shut down due to BBVA reassessing its goals as part of a planned sale to PNC Bank. The acquisition deal was reached in November 2020, with the shutdown announced for later in 2021.

What is Simple bank called now?

Simple bank accounts are now part of BBVA checking and savings accounts. BBVA is a leading European bank with a global presence.

Is Simple bank safe to spend?

Simple's Safe-to-Spend feature helps you determine what you can afford by considering your Goals, remaining balance, and purchase costs. This tool gives you a clear picture of your spending power in real-time.

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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