Current Fintech App Review: Spend and Save

Current is a banking app that tries to modernize banking and make it accessible and easier for everyone.

man banking smartphone
Updated April 24, 2024
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Key takeaways

  • Current is a fintech app that aims to make managing money easier for everyone. It offers a Current Account, Build credit card, and more with few fees2.
  • Current’s Build secured credit card helps users build credit without piling on debt.
  • The Current app comes with unique features, including early direct deposits, instant gas hold removals, and the opportunity to trade in cryptocurrency.

There are tons of apps out there promising different things to attract customers. With most, you have to jump through hoops or have large direct deposits every month to get the best rates. This isn’t the case with Current, the fintech app that tries to modernize banking and make it easier for everyone. Instead, Current offers unique features, including their Build Card2 to help improve your credit score3, early access to direct deposits4, and special accounts for parents and teens.

Read on to see everything this fintech app has to offer and discover if it’s the right fit for you.

About Current

Current2 is a fintech company founded in 2015 by Stuart Sopp, formally of Morgan Stanley and Citi. It operates as a fintech app, designed to make banking easier and more accessible. One way they do this is by not checking your credit or ChexSystems when you go to open an account. This is helpful if you’ve made banking mistakes in the past and don’t qualify for a regular bank account.

Current is not a bank in the traditional sense but partners with Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank to offer FDIC-insured banking services2 through a mobile platform. These services include a Current Account, a Build Card2 designed to help improve credit2, Savings Pods5 with an annual Bonus, paycheck advances1, and teen accounts that allow parents and guardians to help monitor their kid’s spending and teach them healthy money habits.

Current’s products

Current account

When you open a personal account with Current, you get a debit card2 that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted (and can be added to your digital wallet), budgeting tools, savings pods, and more. No annual fee and no minimum balance fee make a Current account more affordable and accessible than a traditional bank account. Besides low fees, Current lets you get paid up to two days faster with direct deposit4, enjoy fee-free overdraft up to $2006, and earn points7 towards cash-back at participating merchants.

Teen accounts

Current’s teen account feature lets parents transfer money directly to their kid’s account and supervise how they spend it. Parents get real-time notifications for each swipe, can block certain retailers, and set spending limits. One popular feature is that parents can automate allowance payments, assign chores via the app, and set up payments for each completed chore.

The teen account comes with its own Visa debit card2, a savings pod, and a giving pod. Like a regular Current account, the teen account has low fees.

Current Build Card

Current’s Build Card2 is designed to help you build or repair your credit score. It is essentially a secured credit card, but you don’t have to do a credit check or put down a security deposit to use it. Instead, your Current Account balance acts as your spending limit. When you add money to your Current Account, your spending limit will automatically be updated.

The Build Card makes credit building even easier by helping you avoid overspending. Current will set aside the amount you’ve spent in your Reserved Funds. You can then pay your bill manually or enable AutoPay from your Reserved Funds so that you never miss a payment. Current reports your credit and payment activity to the major credit bureaus every month. A positive payment history can help improve your credit score3. Conversely, if you miss a payment this can hurt your credit score.

Like other Current products, the Build Card is affordable. There is no annual fee8 and no minimum security deposit. Whatever money is in your Current Account is your spending limit be it $1 or $10,000. Use your Build Card for everyday purchases, pay your bills on time, and improve your score.

Credit Builder Card is Amazing

“This account and credit builder is amazing I didn’t know anything about credit or crypto now I’m know fico and three main credit builder and my TransUnion score is almost at 700 this is a must have for beginners.”

Benjamin F Cook

Savings pods

Savings Pods5 are an innovative feature that allows you to set aside money for specific goals. Pods are essentially individualized savings compartments within your Current Account. You can allocate funds towards specific savings goals, like an emergency fund, a vacation, or buying a car. Having separate savings pods makes it easier to stay organized and track your progress.

Unlike traditional banks, Current does not limit you to six transactions per month. Instead, you can add or take money from your Savings Pods at any time. One easy way to add money and save is their round-up feature. When you swipe your debit card2, Current will round up to the nearest dollar and add the remaining to your chosen Pod.

Current gives a boost9 to your savings with a Bonus of up to 4.00% annually, helping you reach your goals faster. There is no minimum balance required to earn a Bonus on savings, but you can only earn one on the first $2,000 per Pod. Luckily, you can have up to three Savings Pods, letting you earn an annual Bonus of up to $6,000.

Get a paycheck advance

Current’s latest feature is its paycheck advance1. You can access as much as you qualify for as often as needed. There are no credit checks, no credit reporting, and the tip is optional.

To get a paycheck advance, you must enroll in Paycheck Advance. Eligibility is typically based on your anticipated recurring eligible payroll deposit, historical spending, transaction history, and other risk-based factors. If eligible, Current will set a limit of $50 to $500. Maintain your payroll amount, and your limit can grow.

Paycheck advance is free and will arrive in three to five business days. If you can’t wait, you can get instant access to your paycheck for a fee.

Trade in cryptocurrency

Current offers options to purchase cryptocurrency10 within the app. You can find a wide range of popular cryptocurrencies and can get started with only $1. Add money, pick a coin, and buy Crypto. There are no trading fees.

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What we like about Current

Money management tools: Current is committed to helping people establish healthy money habits. You can easily track your expenses, get insights into your spending habits, and budget your money better.

Fast access to direct deposits: When you set up direct deposit4 with Current, you can get paid up to two days earlier than with traditional banks. Current releases your direct deposit as soon as they receive it, without the typical two-day hold, allowing you to get paid earlier.

Paycheck advances: Get instant access to your paycheck advance1 for a fee, or get it fee-free in 3-5 days. No credit checks and no credit reporting.

Free in-network ATMs: Current is part of the Allpoint ATM network giving you access to over 40,000 ATMs in the U.S. without ATM fees.

Instant gas hold removals: Current instantly removes all gas holds, a common annoyance for debit card users. Gas holds are typically $100, and most banks let them remain in place for up to 10 days. Current’s instant gas hold removals help you avoid overdrawing your account and significantly improve your cash flow.

Fee-free overdraft: Overdraft up to $2006 without any overdraft fees. This feature acts as a safety net, preventing penalties and additional fees that can quickly add up at traditional banks. To qualify for the feature, you must have an active Current Account in good standing, be over 18, and receive $500 or more in direct deposits in each 30-day period.

Best Banking App2

“One of the best bank apps out there, not only do I get my check 2 days early, if I overdraft I don’t have to worry about additional fees, AND the credit card has raised my score 10 points since I’ve been using it.”

Easily improve your credit: The Build Card2 offers a simple way to access credit and improve your score3, especially for those building their credit history. You can get the card without a credit check. Nor do you need to put down a security deposit. Its credit limit is set by your funds. Simply use your Build Card and set up AutoPay so all your payments are made on time. A positive payment history will help boost your score.

Earn points towards cash-back: Earn up to 7x points7 on purchases at participating merchants when you use your Current debit or Build Card2. Points are available at over 14,000 merchants, including Burger King, Rite Aid, and Forever 21. You can also find lots of participating local merchants via the Current app. Your points never expire and can be redeemed for cash-back at participating merchants.

Mobile check deposit: Current lets you easily deposit checks through their mobile app. There’s no need to go to an ATM. Just take a photo and the funds will be in your account in up to 5 business days. You can deposit up to $2,000 per month.

What Current could improve

Low max annual bonus: The maximum balance eligible for the annual Bonus9 of up to 4.00% is a relatively low $6,000. This limits the earning potential on larger balances. If you have over $6,000 in your Savings Pods5, then it would be a good idea to open an external savings account.

Fee to add cash: While so much of banking has gone digital, cash is still present in our everyday lives. Current allows customers to add cash at over 60,000 stores nationwide, including CVS, Walmart, and local grocery stores. The catch is that there is a charge per transaction, and you can only deposit up to $1,000 per day, no more than $10,000 per month. 

App only: Current operates exclusively through its mobile app, without offering a traditional online platform. This app-only approach is pretty common but may be difficult if you prefer using a computer or like to do things in-person.

How to open a Current account?

Opening an account with Current is easy and can be done on either your iOS or Android phone.

1

Download the Current app.

2

Choose if you want to open a personal account or parent/teen account.

3

Provide basic personal information like your SSN, address, and phone number.

4

Fund your account. Remember there is no minimum balance requirement.

5

You’ll receive your debit card2 within 7-10 days of opening your account.

There are multiple ways to fund your Current Account. You can add money through mobile check deposits, transfer funds from an external bank account, add cash at a participating retailer, or set up direct deposits. Once funded, you can start using it immediately. Simply add your virtual debit card2 to your digital wallet and you’re good to go.

Fast Money and Few Fees

“First off- Current gets me my money faster, which is always appreciated (and needed). I also really like the user friendly app, helps me manage spending better and actually save money! Highly recommend if you wanna switch up from “normal banks”.. they have credit building options and crypto if you’re into that. virtual banks2 are the new way to go!!”

Sarah Proctor

Current fees and pricing

Current’s fee structure is straightforward, with a focus on minimal fees for basic services. There is no subscription fee, no annual fee, no minimum balance fee, and no monthly balance fee. However, certain services do incur fees. The detailed fee structure is available on their website.

Is Current safe?

Current employs industry-standard security measures, including encryption and fraud protection. All funds are FDIC-insured11 up to $250,000 through their banking partners Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank. You can keep your account safe with fingerprint and Face ID locks. Current also allows you to block transactions and merchants, and pause or unpause your card instantly. This is incredibly helpful if your card has been stolen or compromised.

Bottom line

Current is a good choice if you want a simple low cost fintech app. It offers some novel features like teen accounts and an easy-to-use Build Card2. Additionally, you can grow your savings with an annual Bonus9 of up to 4.00%, get paid up to two days faster with direct deposit4, and enjoy fee-free overdraft up to $2006. Current is one of the top fintech apps for good reason. So, if you want to track your teen’s spending and help them create smart money habits, need faster access to your paycheck, or want an easy way to build credit without piling on debt3, then Current might be the right fintech app for you.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.
4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC
6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.
7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.
8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.
11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.
12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

About the author

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.