Varo Bank Account Benefits and Fees

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With Varo Bank, you can earn up to 2.00% APY on your savings account, making it a great option for those looking to grow their savings.

Varo Bank doesn't charge any fees for overdrafts, so you can avoid those pesky overdraft fees that can add up quickly.

Varo Bank offers a Visa debit card with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for travelers.

Varo Bank's interest rates are competitive, with a 2.00% APY on savings accounts, and a 5.00% APY on savings accounts for customers who meet certain requirements.

Expand your knowledge: Varo Mobile Banking

Account Features

Varo Bank offers a high-yield savings account with no fees whatsoever. The account earns a base interest rate of 3.00% APY as of May 2023, and account holders can qualify to earn 5.00% APY on the first $5,000 of deposits if they meet two conditions.

To qualify for the higher APY, you must have $1,000 per month of qualifying direct deposits and a positive balance in both of your Varo accounts at the end of the month. This is a great incentive to save and earn more interest on your money.

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Varo also offers two automatic savings options to help you reach your savings goals: Save Your Pay and Save Your Change. Save Your Pay allows you to choose a percentage of each direct deposit into your Varo checking account and have it automatically transferred to your Varo savings account. Save Your Change rounds up every transaction to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into your savings account.

Here are some key features of the Varo Savings Account:

Varo's savings benefits are designed to encourage you to save and earn more interest on your money. With no monthly fees and a high-yield savings account, you can save with confidence and reach your financial goals.

Savings

Savings is a key feature of Varo's accounts, offering a generous APY that can help your money grow.

Varo's savings account has no minimum deposit or minimum account balance required to open it, making it easy to get started.

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The base interest rate on the Varo savings account is 3.00% APY, but you can earn up to 5.00% APY on balances up to $5,000 if you meet certain conditions.

To earn the higher APY, you need to make five debit card purchases, receive direct deposits of $1,000+ from government sources or payroll, and keep your balance below $5,000 for the calendar month.

Varo offers two automatic savings options to help you reach your savings goals: Save Your Pay and Save Your Change.

With Save Your Pay, you can automatically have a percentage of each direct deposit sent to your savings account.

Save Your Change rounds up your checking transactions to the nearest dollar and deposits the remaining cents into your savings account.

Here are the requirements to earn the higher APY:

  • Make five debit card purchases
  • Receive direct deposits of $1,000+ from government sources or payroll
  • Keep your balance below $5,000 for the calendar month

Varo's savings account also has no monthly fees, no hidden fees, and FDIC insurance up to $250,000, providing a secure place for your savings.

How to Open an Account

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To open an account with Varo Bank, download the Apple or Android version of its mobile app. You can initiate money transfers from outside financial institutions via the external source or through Varo's app directly.

Varo states on its website that transfers typically take between one and four business days. This timeframe is important to keep in mind if you want to use your account soon after opening.

A fresh viewpoint: Td Bank Mobile Banking App

Fees and Safety

Varo Bank's fees are straightforward and easy to understand. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no ATM fees at over 60,000 Allpoint ATMs.

Varo Bank prioritizes safety, with robust security measures in place to protect your account and personal data.

Is FDIC Insured?

Varo Bank is FDIC insured, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000.

This insurance is provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), a government agency that ensures bank deposits are safe and secure.

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If Varo Bank were to go out of business, your money would be reimbursed up to the insured amount, giving you peace of mind when banking with them.

This protection is a major advantage of banking with Varo, especially for those who are new to banking or have limited financial experience.

It's essential to note that this insurance only applies to deposits made in Varo's bank accounts, not to other financial products or services they may offer.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Simplii Financial

Is Safe?

Varo Bank is safe and secure, protecting customer data with 256-bit AES encryption. This robust encryption method ensures that sensitive information remains confidential.

Online banks like Varo adhere to the same government regulations as traditional banks, providing an added layer of security.

Usage and Access

With Varo Bank, you can access your money with ease. You'll receive a Varo Visa debit card that can be used like a credit card, and you'll be given a PIN code for safe use.

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You can add your debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay virtual wallets for added convenience. If you lose your card, don't worry - you can lock it from the app and Varo will replace it for free.

Varo has a large network of ATMs, with over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs available for free withdrawals. You can find the nearest ATM using the app's ATM locator.

To access your money, you can also request paper checks through the app, which will arrive in 3-9 business days.

New Hub

Varo has just announced its third hub, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. This new location joins existing hubs in San Francisco and Salt Lake City.

Charlotte is a city known for being a headquarters for large banks such as Bank of America and Truist. This makes it an ideal location for Varo to tap into the existing financial services talent in the area.

Varo has 120 employees operating out of Charlotte. This is a significant presence for the company, and it's clear they're committed to building a strong hub in the city.

The company chose Charlotte as its next location because it wanted to cover the whole country from a time-zone perspective.

How to Access My Money

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Accessing your money with Varo Bank is a breeze. You'll be handed a Varo Visa debit card that can be used just like a credit card.

To make purchases, simply use your card and enter the PIN code provided by Varo. If you lose your card, don't worry – you can lock it from the app and get a replacement for free.

You can also add your Varo Visa debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay virtual wallets for added convenience.

Varo Bank has partnered with Allpoint to offer fee-free access to 55,000 ATMs across the country. You can use the ATM locator in the Varo mobile app to find a machine near you.

If you need cash, you can use the Allpoint ATM network to withdraw funds for free. No need to worry about hidden fees or surcharges.

To request paper checks, simply enter the recipient's name and address in the Varo app and they'll arrive in 3-9 business days.

Here are some key benefits of Varo's checking account:

  • Direct deposit funds are made available quickly.
  • No minimum balance requirement, so you can put as much or as little in the account.
  • No monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees (if you meet certain conditions).

Zelle Usage

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Using Zelle with your bank account can be a convenient way to send and receive money. You can enroll in Zelle at Varo if you had a Zelle transaction in your Varo account before Nov. 3, 2022.

To use Zelle, you'll need to enroll in the service. After enrolling, you can send, request, or receive money with Zelle in your Varo app.

Enrolling in Zelle is a relatively simple process. You can start sending and receiving money with Zelle in your Varo app after you enroll.

Using Visa Debit Card Internationally

Using your Varo Visa Debit Card internationally is a breeze. You can use it wherever Visa is accepted.

One of the best things about the Varo Visa Debit Card is that it has no foreign transaction fees, and no exchange rate markups. This means you can save money on international purchases and withdrawals.

You can also withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Visa. Just be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee, but Varo won't.

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If you're planning to travel internationally, consider using your Varo Visa Debit Card. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to access your money while abroad.

Varo has partnered with WorldRemit, which means you can send money abroad directly from your phone. However, WorldRemit does add a markup when transferring money, so it's worth shopping around for the best rates.

To give you a better idea, here are some key points to consider when using your Varo Visa Debit Card internationally:

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No exchange rate markups
  • Can withdraw cash at any Visa-accepting ATM
  • Partnered with WorldRemit for international money transfers
  • WorldRemit adds a markup when transferring money

How Long Does It Take to Receive Money?

You can access your money from a Varo account at any Allpoint ATM. If you arrange to have your paycheck or tax refund directly deposited, you might be able to get it two days earlier than usual.

Saving Money

Saving money with Varo is a breeze. The bank offers a top-tier 2.50% savings APY that doesn't require many hoops to jump through. You can earn a 5.00% rate after meeting a handful of requirements.

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Varo's Save Your Pay and Save Your Change features allow you to automatically save money for you. With Save Your Pay, you can choose a percentage of each direct deposit into your Varo checking account and have it automatically transferred to your Varo savings account. Save Your Change rounds up your checking transactions to the nearest dollar, depositing the remaining cents into your savings account.

The benefits of Varo's system are clear: your money will stay in your pocket for good. One of the only times you may encounter a fee is when you deposit cash at a Green Dot retail location, such as CVS or Walgreens. In this scenario, a fee of up to $5.95 could be charged, not by Varo, but by a third-party like Green Dot.

Varo's savings account has no minimum deposit or minimum account balance required to establish it. You qualify for a 0.20% APY the moment you deposit funds in a Varo savings account. To earn a higher APY, make five debit card purchases, receive direct deposits of $1,000+ from government sources or payroll, and keep your balance below $5,000 for the calendar month.

Here are the requirements to earn a higher APY:

  • Make five debit card purchases
  • Receive direct deposits of $1,000+ from government sources or payroll
  • Keep your balance below $5,000 for the calendar month

Management

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Varo Bank doesn't charge any monthly or hidden fees, so you can breathe a sigh of relief. You'll have more money in your pocket to spend on the things you want.

With Varo, you can make cash deposits at retail locations like CVS and 7-Eleven through the Green Dot Network. The merchant may charge a fee of up to $5.95, but Varo itself doesn't charge a fee.

Varo has partnered with the Allpoint ATM network, which owns 55,000 fee-free ATMs throughout the U.S. However, if you use a non-Allpoint ATM machine, you'll incur a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee, in addition to any ATM operator fees.

Your Varo Bank Account will come with a Varo Visa debit card that features an EMV chip for security. This card will give you access to your account and allow you to make purchases, pay bills, and more.

To help you stay on top of your finances, Varo offers early direct deposit. When you set up direct deposit of your paychecks to your Varo Bank Account, you may receive them up to two days ahead of schedule.

For another approach, see: Bank Charge

Comparison and Alternatives

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Varo Bank is not the only digital bank in the market. Traditional institutions have launched services that mirror Varo's flagship products, such as early access to direct deposit and no overdraft fees.

Competition from these traditional players is actually welcome by Varo's CEO, Wright, who sees it as a sign of innovation and progress. However, he believes Varo's digital DNA and modern technical stack set it apart from the competition.

Varo's unique position in the market allows it to differentiate itself from other players, and this round of fundraising will enable it to continue investing in its products and customer experience.

For your interest: Digital Banking

Competition Welcome

Varo welcomes competition from traditional institutions, seeing it as a sign of innovation and progress.

Varo's latest round of fundraising comes as some traditional banks have launched services that mirror the digital bank's flagship products, such as early access to direct deposit and no overdraft fees.

Varo's CEO believes it's great to see traditional players offering products that Varo customers have grown accustomed to, like no overdraft fees.

Varo has a unique advantage over traditional banks due to its modern technical stack and lack of legacy infrastructure, positioning it to compete effectively.

Compared to traditional banks, Varo feels uniquely positioned to be differentiated in the marketplace.

Comparing Chime

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Chime offers a savings account with a 0.50% APY, which is relatively low compared to other options.

Varo, on the other hand, offers a high-yield APY of 3.00%, but only if you fulfill the monthly criteria.

Chime has a reputation for being easy to use and having low fees, but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for high interest rates.

Varo's high-yield APY makes it a more attractive option for those who want to earn more on their savings.

For more insights, see: Chime (company)

Who Is Best For?

If you're looking for a banking option that's easy to use on your phone, Varo is a great choice. It's designed for tech-savvy individuals who prefer handling their banking on their mobile device.

Varo is fee-free, which is a big plus for those who want to avoid unnecessary charges. This includes no maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no ATM fees at over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs.

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If you don't often need to deposit cash, you'll love that Varo doesn't require a trip to the bank. You can deposit checks remotely with the Varo app, making it a convenient option for those who prefer digital banking.

Varo offers a competitive savings rate, which is a great incentive for those who want to save money. With a high interest rate, you can earn more on your savings over time.

If you're looking for a simple banking experience, Varo is a good fit. It offers basic checking and savings accounts, which are perfect for those who don't need a lot of extra features.

Here are some key characteristics of Varo that make it a great choice for the right person:

  • Mobile banking experience
  • Fee-free banking
  • No cash deposit requirements
  • High interest rate on savings account
  • Basic checking and savings accounts
  • Easy access to fee-free ATMs
  • No paper checks

Pros and Cons

Varo Bank offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking for a low-fee banking experience.

No monthly fees is a major perk, as you'll pay no maintenance fees, overdraft fees, in-network ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, debit card replacement fees, or transfer fees. The only exception is a $3.00 out-of-network ATM fee, which is easy to avoid by using one of the 55,000 in-network Allpoint ATMs.

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Varo also offers a low-fee cash advance of up to $500 for qualified account holders, with a fee depending on the amount borrowed. To qualify for this program, you must receive at least $800 in total qualifying direct deposits each month.

Here are the key benefits of Varo Bank at a glance:

Pros Explained

Varo offers checking and savings accounts with no monthly fee, so you can bank without worrying about extra charges.

You'll also pay no overdraft fees if you're eligible, no in-network ATM fees, no foreign transaction fees, no debit card replacement fees, and no transfer fees. Just be aware that there is a $3.00 out-of-network ATM fee, but you can easily avoid it by using one of over 55,000 in-network Allpoint ATMs.

Varo Advance provides a low-fee cash advance of up to $500 for qualified account holders. The fee depends on how much you're borrowing, and you must qualify for the program by receiving at least $800 in total qualifying direct deposits.

With Varo, you'll have access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs, making it easy to find a convenient spot to withdraw cash or deposit funds.

Savers with Varo can earn between 3.00% APY and 5.00% APY, depending on their balance, which is a pretty impressive savings rate.

Cons Explained

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If you're considering opening a Varo checking account, it's essential to know about the potential drawbacks.

One of the main cons of Varo is that you can't deposit cash directly into your savings account. You must add it to your checking account first, then transfer it to savings using the mobile app.

Varo doesn't offer paper checks with its checking account, but you can send payments through the mobile app without incurring any fees.

Another limitation of Varo is that it only provides two types of deposit accounts: checking and savings accounts. If you're looking for other options, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market accounts, you'll need to look elsewhere.

If you do need to add cash to your Varo account, be prepared to pay a fee. You can deposit cash at participating retailers like Dollar General, Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, or Walmart, but you'll be charged up to $4.95 at the register.

Final Verdict

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Varo is a digital-only bank that excels in its limited offerings, making it a great option for young and newly-banked customers.

The no-fee accounts with no strings attached are a huge plus, especially for those who are just starting out with banking.

Varo's impressive APY on high-yield savings accounts can also tempt even veteran savers to give it a try.

However, it's worth noting that Varo doesn't have a great solution for cash deposits, which might be a drawback for some users.

You can withdraw up to $1,000 a day from ATMs or by using your debit card at a bank or credit union, which is a decent limit.

The limit on debit card cash advances at a store is $500 a day, so be mindful of that if you need to make large purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Varo a real bank?

Varo is a fully licensed and chartered bank, offering FDIC-insured deposits and a range of banking services

What is the controversy with Varo Bank?

Varo Bank is facing a lawsuit due to a data breach in March, which exposed customer phone numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers. The lawsuit alleges the bank failed to protect sensitive customer information.

What city and state is Varo Bank located in?

Varo Bank is based in San Francisco, California.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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