Tech Insider

Our experts answer readers' banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

Should you use GO2bank?

You might like GO2bank if you:You might not like GO2bank if you:
  • Are comfortable banking digitally
  • Are just looking for a simple checking account
  • Want an online account that lets you deposit cash
  • Want to receive direct deposits early
  • Want paper checks
  • Aren't comfortable banking digitally
  • Live in Vermont
  • Want to open a savings account, money market account, or CD
  • Want a checking account with more robust features, such as overdraft protection or interest paid
  • Don't qualify to waive the monthly service fee

Go2Bank Checking Review

The main perk of the GO2bank™ Account - Product Name Only is that you can receive your money early. You could receive your paycheck up to two days early and your government benefits up to four days early.

Keep an eye out for fees. GO2bank charges up to $4.95 to deposit cash at Green Dot locations, a $3 fee for withdrawing from a non-GoBank ATM, and a GO2bank™ Account - Fees Display. You may qualify to waive the monthly service fee.

GO2bank doesn't charge any overdraft fees, though. If you try to make a purchase that would overdraw your account, GO2bank simply denies it. On the plus side, you won't get surprised by overdraft fees. But on the downside, there are no overdraft protection options.

How GO2bank works

GO2bank is a brand of Green Dot Bank (Member FDIC) that provides an online-only checking account. The GO2bank™ Account - Product Name Only is pretty simple, but it might appeal to you if you either a) want to receive your paycheck early or b) want an online account that allows you to deposit cash.

There's only a handful of banks that let you receive your paycheck early. With GO2bank, you can receive your paycheck up to two days sooner than you would with another bank, and government benefits such as Social Security or unemployment checks up to four days before benefits day.

Not all online banks let you deposit cash. You can put cash in your GO2bank™ Account - Editorial Name Only at retailers with Green Dot locations, but you'll pay up to $4.95 each time. Cash deposits are available in every state except Vermont.

Is GO2bank trustworthy?

GO2bank is a brand of Green Dot and is a Better Business Bureau accredited company. The BBB has given Green Dot a B in trustworthiness because of 6,931 complaints against the business. The BBB grades a company based on its truthfulness in its advertising, openness about business operations, and responsiveness to consumer complaints.

GO2bank doesn't have any public controversies. Between its decent BBB grade and relatively clear history, you may decide you're comfortable using this banking platform.

How GO2bank compares to similar banks

We've compared GO2bank to two other online banking platforms that let you receive direct deposits early and deposit cash at Green Dot locations: Chime and Varo.

GO2bank review vs. Chime review

You may prefer Chime if you want to open both a checking and savings account, because GO2bank doesn't offer a savings account. But it's worth noting that you must open a Chime Spending Account before you can open a Chime Savings Account.

If you want overdraft protection, then you might like Chime. You can qualify to overdraw your account by up to $200 before Chime denies the purchase.

But if you like using paper checks, then you'll probably prefer GO2bank. Chime doesn't send you paper checks.

GO2bank review vs. Varo review

You'll prefer Varo over GO2bank if you're looking for a savings account. Not only does Varo have a savings account, but the Varo Savings Account pays one of the highest interest rates in the industry.

Varo lets you overdraw by up to $50 before it denies your purchase, but GO2bank doesn't let you overdraw at all.

Varo doesn't send you a checkbook, though, so you'll probably like GO2bank if you use paper checks.

 

Read the original article on Business Insider