
Varo Mobile Banking is a game-changer for people who want to manage their finances on the go. It offers a range of innovative features that make saving and spending easier.
With Varo, you can open a no-fee savings account that earns up to 2.80% APY. This is a great way to grow your savings over time.
Varo also provides mobile banking services that allow you to deposit checks remotely, transfer funds, and pay bills. This makes it easy to stay on top of your finances from anywhere.
Varo's mobile banking app is user-friendly and secure, with features like fingerprint login and account alerts to keep you safe.
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What is Varo Mobile Banking?
Varo Mobile Banking is a game-changer for anyone looking for a modern banking experience. Varo Bank is a fintech company that offers 100% online mobile banking services.
Varo was founded in 2015 by CEO Colin Walsh, who aimed to pair banking industry veterans with tech experts to modernize the banking industry. Varo's mission is to improve the financial health of its customers through better technology and total transparency.
Varo Bank accounts come loaded with features that make it hard to resist. You can earn up to 5% Annual Percentage Yield on your savings, which is significantly higher than the national average.
No minimums, no monthly fees, and no overdraft fees - Varo's got your back. You can also send and receive money with Zelle, making it easy to stay on top of your finances.
Deposits at Varo are FDIC insured up to $250,000, giving you peace of mind. Now, let's talk about cash withdrawals - a crucial aspect of banking. Varo has made it easy with 55,000+ fee-free Allpoint ATMs located in various places you probably already shop, including Target, CVS, Safeway, and more.
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Account Types
Varo offers a range of account types to suit your needs. You can choose from a checking account or a savings account.
Varo's checking account is a standout option, with no minimum balance required. This means you can open an account without having to worry about keeping a certain amount of money in it.
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The checking account also comes with no overdraft fees, which can be a huge cost saver. Industry standard overdraft fees can be as high as $35, so this is a significant advantage.
You can also expect no monthly maintenance fees with a Varo checking account. This means you won't have to pay extra just for having the account.
Direct deposit is available on both Varo's checking and savings accounts. This makes it easy to get paid or receive funds into your account.
With a Varo checking account, you can also make transfers, withdrawals, and ATM transactions without incurring transfer fees or foreign transaction fees.
Varo has partnered with over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs, giving you access to a vast network of fee-free ATMs.
Here are some key features of Varo's checking account:
- No minimum balance
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Direct deposit
- No transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs
Account Features
With Varo mobile banking, you can enjoy a range of account features that make managing your finances a breeze. Varo offers a high-APY savings account that earns 3% APY right away, with the potential to earn an additional 2% if you meet certain requirements.
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You can start saving automatically with Varo's Save Your Pay feature, which lets you choose a percentage of your direct deposits to go straight to savings. Save Your Change is another nifty feature that rounds up your transactions to the nearest dollar and moves the change to savings.
No minimum balance is required for Varo's savings account, and you won't be charged any monthly fees. You can also enjoy fee-free banking, with no overdraft fees, transfer fees, or foreign transaction fees.
Here are some of the key account features you can expect with Varo:
- Varo Savings Account – High-APY savings account with no monthly fees
- Varo Checking Account – No minimum balance, no overdraft fees, and no monthly maintenance fees
- Fee-Free Banking – No banking fees with Varo
- Varo Visa Debit Card – Secure purchases and cash withdrawals with Visa Zero Liability Policy
Varo also offers a range of other features, including early direct deposit, mobile check deposit, and easy money transfers. You can even deposit cash into your Varo account at participating retail locations nationwide.
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Fees and Charges
Varo Bank Fees are minimal, which is a great perk for customers. Traditional banks with branch locations have higher overhead costs that are passed on to customers in the form of fees.
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Varo's digital-only model allows them to save on these costs and pass the savings on to customers. This means no maintenance fees, no transfer fees, and no foreign transaction fees.
Some fees do apply, however. For example, Varo charges $3 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals at non-Allpoint ATMs. They also charge $2.50 for over-the-counter cash withdrawals.
Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect with Varo:
Fees
Fees can be a major headache when it comes to managing your finances, but some banks and financial institutions are working to minimize them. Varo Bank is a great example of this, offering a range of fee-free services to its customers.
No maintenance fees, no transfer fees, and no foreign transaction fees - it's a refreshing change from the traditional banking model. Varo's ability to pass on savings to customers is a direct result of being a 100% digital bank.
If you're a Varo customer, you'll be happy to know that you won't be charged any maintenance fees or transfer fees. However, there are a few fees to be aware of.
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Here are some of the fees you might encounter with Varo:
- $3 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals (non-Allpoint ATMs)
- $2.50 for over-the-counter cash withdrawals
- Fees charged per advance for any amount over $20 (Varo Advance)
It's worth noting that these fees are relatively low compared to what you might find with traditional banks.
Overdrafts
Varo doesn't let overdrafts happen, instead declining transactions that would create a negative balance.
Chime, on the other hand, offers an overdraft program called SpotMe, which allows customers to overdraft up to $200 if they make at least $200 in direct deposits per month.
Varo does offer a cash advance program, called Varo Advance, which allows customers to get a cash advance of up to $100 for a fee of up to $5.
To qualify for Chime's SpotMe on Debit service, customers must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to their Chime Checking Account each month.
SpotMe on Debit allows customers to overdraft up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may later be eligible for a higher limit based on their account history and other factors.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Varo mobile banking offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking for a convenient and hassle-free banking experience.
Varo's savings account comes with an impressive up to 5% APY, which can help your money grow over time.
One of the major drawbacks of Varo is the lack of in-person services, which may be a concern for those who prefer to visit a bank branch in person.
Varo's no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fees make it a great option for those who want to avoid unnecessary charges.
FDIC insurance up to $250,000 provides an added layer of security for your deposits.
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of Varo mobile banking:
Customer-First No Fee Overdraft
Varo and Chime are two banks that have a customer-first approach to overdrafts. Varo doesn't let overdrafts happen by declining transactions that would create a negative balance.
Chime, on the other hand, has an overdraft program called SpotMe, which allows customers to overdraft up to $200 if they make at least $200 in direct deposits per month. This is a game-changer for those who struggle to keep track of their finances.
Varo offers a cash advance program called Varo Advance, which allows customers to get a cash advance of up to $100 for a fee of up to $5. This can be a helpful option for those who need some extra cash between paychecks.
Chime's SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no-fee overdraft service that allows customers to overdraft up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially. The limit can increase to up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history and other factors.
One thing to note is that Chime's SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions.
Pros and Cons
Varo Bank offers some great benefits for its users. One of the biggest advantages is the high interest rate on savings, up to 5% APY, which is a great way to earn some extra money.
Varo Bank has no minimum balance requirement, so you don't have to worry about keeping a certain amount of money in your account to avoid fees. This makes it a great option for people who want to save money without any hassle.
Another benefit is that Varo Bank doesn't charge any monthly fees, which means you can save even more money by not paying unnecessary fees. This is a huge plus for people who want to keep their expenses low.
Varo Bank is also FDIC insured up to $250,000, which means your money is protected in case the bank fails. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your savings are safe.
One of the most convenient features of Varo Bank is its direct deposit early access, which allows you to access your money as soon as it's deposited, rather than waiting for the next business day.
Here are the key benefits of Varo Bank:
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest cons is the lack of in-person services, which means you'll have to do everything online or through the app. This might be a problem for people who prefer to bank in person.
Varo Bank also doesn't offer retirement accounts, such as a traditional or Roth IRA, which means you'll have to look elsewhere for retirement savings options. This is a significant drawback for people who want to save for retirement through their bank.
Additionally, Varo Bank doesn't offer business accounts, which might be a problem for self-employed individuals or small business owners who need to manage their business finances through the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Varo a real bank account?
Varo is a national bank, having been granted a charter by the OCC, offering a real bank account with a unique fintech twist
How do you qualify for a cash advance on Varo?
To qualify for a cash advance on Varo, you need to have received a combined $800 or more in direct deposits within the current or previous month, and have a good payment history with no outstanding advances. Meet these requirements to unlock access to cash advances.
Does Varo have 24-7 customer service?
Yes, Varo offers 24/7 live customer support through the Varo app. Get instant help with your Varo account at any time.
Sources
- https://www.wallstreetzen.com/blog/varo-bank-reviews/
- https://www.onlinearena.fun/details/varobankmobilebanking/index.html
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/varo-vs-chime-which-is-better-for-you
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/varo-leads-customer-first-banking-with-launch-of-no-fee-overdraft-300907196.html
- https://www.maximizingmoney.com/banking-bonuses/varo/
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