Key takeaways
- GO2bank is an affordable mobile bank account for people unable to access traditional accounts.
- The digital bank offers a variety of features, including direct deposit up to two days early, overdraft protection, and a secured credit card.
- As with any financial product, there are a few fees, many of which are avoidable.
Approximately 6% of American adults are considered unbanked, meaning neither they or their spouse have access to a checking, savings, or money market account, according to data from the Federal Reserve.
That’s where GO2bank comes in. GO2bank is a digital banking initiative owned by Green Dot Bank, a financial technology company. It aims to provide Americans who do not have access to a checking or savings account with an affordable alternative.
Interested? Read more about how they may be the online bank you’ve been looking for.
Overview of GO2bank
GO2bank is an FDIC-insured bank that offers affordable and accessible banking services. Launched by Green Dot Corporation, it provides a wide range of features without the hassle and costs of a traditional bank. Products and services include a checking account with no monthly fee (with qualifying direct deposits during the previous monthly statement period), early access to paychecks, and a high-yield savings account. One of its standout offerings is the option for users to receive up to $200 in overdraft protection.
It’s easy to obtain a bank account due to the no-credit check policy. With no hidden fees and a straightforward mobile app, this neobank has become a convenient choice for users looking for modern, cost-effective banking solutions.
Checking account
The checking account is basic and affordable. It does not charge a monthly fee (as long as you receive qualifying direct deposits); you get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, a mobile app, and a Visa debit card.
With a checking account, you can receive your direct deposit up to two days early, and government benefits up to four days early. Early access to paychecks is made possible through the bank’s affiliation with Plaid, which has direct connections to numerous payroll services. Customers with eligible direct deposits can also opt-in to overdraft protection of up to $200. You don’t pay anything at all if you bring your balance back to $0 within 24 hours.
High-yield savings account
The savings accounts are called ‘vaults’ and are designed to help you grow your money effortlessly. Customers can open up to five vaults at a time and can earn an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.50%, paid quarterly. The bank only pays interest on balances up to $5,000. Though there is a cap on interest payments, the 4.50% APY is significantly higher than 0.46%, which is what the FDIC found to be the national average APY. If your entire balance is less than $5,000, the high APY makes this a great option.
Are you ready for credit?
Secured Visa® Credit Card
Customers can also build or improve their credit scores with GO2bank’s secured credit card. There’s no credit check to open the card, so your score won’t suffer. You apply, and if accepted, you put down a refundable security deposit of at least $100. The security deposit sets your credit limit and gives the bank insurance in case you don’t pay. The money will be returned to you when you close the account with a positive balance.
Use your card as you would any other credit card. GO2bank reports your credit activity to all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. By responsibly using your card – pay all your bills on time and spend less than 30% of your limit – you’ll see your score improve.
Unlike many credit cards for bad credit, the secured card has no annual fee. This makes it affordable for anyone looking to build credit without incurring additional costs. Additionally, you receive your VantageScore from Equifax once a month for free so you can track your progress. Having a higher credit score can open doors to better credit cards in the future.
GO2bank account features
Fees and charges
There are a few fees that customers should be aware of, but many are avoidable. GO2bank fees include:
- Monthly fee: $5 (waived if you received a qualifying direct deposit)
- Card purchase fee: $0 if you open an account online, $2.95 if you buy a card from a retailer
- In-network ATM withdrawal: $0
- Out-of-network ATM fee: $3 per transaction
- Out-of-network ATM balance inquiry: $0.5 per inquiry
- Transfer from a linked debit card: 3%
- Transfer from a linked bank account: $0
- Check cashing fee: $0 with a 10-day processing period; 1% or 5% (minimum $5) for instant processing
- Cash deposits: Up to $4.95 retail service fee
- Teller cash withdrawal: $3 per transaction
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of transaction amount
- Replacement debit card: $0, expedited delivery is $24.95
- Overdraft fee: $15 (avoided if you bring your balance back to $0 within 24 hours)
Deposit and withdraw money
You have a few options to deposit and withdraw money. You can easily set up direct deposit or transfer funds from another bank without any fees. You can deposit cash for a fee at over 90,000 retail locations nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Dollar General.
Mobile check deposits are also available through the app. You can wait up to 10 days for the check to clear or pay a fee to expedite it and have the money available instantly.
Another option is to transfer money from another debit card. Unlike bank transfers that can take three business days, these transfers are instant but not free.
The easiest way to withdraw cash is to visit an ATM. The bank provides access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs across the country. You cannot transfer money directly to an external bank account. This limitation means you will need to withdraw cash or transfer funds via a third-party service like Venmo or Cash App.
Account limits and restrictions
The digital bank has several limits and restrictions to ensure secure account management. Your bank account’s balance cannot exceed $50,000. The GO2bank cash deposit limit is $3,000 per day. External account funding transactions (Venmo or Cash App) are capped at $1,500 monthly. The minimum amount you can transfer from a linked debit card is $10, while the maximum is $500.
The GO2bank daily spending limit for debit card purchases is set high at $10,000. In contrast, the bank’s ATM withdrawal limit is only $500 per day and $3,000 per month.
These limits are designed to protect your account while providing ample access to funds for day-to-day needs. It’s important to stay aware of these restrictions to avoid any interruptions in accessing your money, especially when managing large purchases or cash withdrawals.
Mobile app
GO2bank’s mobile app helps customers manage their money easily on the go. You are able to:
- Access your money 24/7
- Cash checks by taking a picture
- Check your balance
- Locate fee-free ATMs
- Purchase eGift cards and receive up to 7% instant cash-back
- Receive real-time transaction alerts
- Lock and unlock your debit card
Customer service
Customers have multiple options for help. You can access Chat online or call Customer Support at (855) 459-1334. Both are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
GO2bank sign up bonus 2025
Want to earn rewards? Refer friends or family, and you’ll both receive $50. To get GO2bank’s sign on bonus, they must open a new account and make a direct deposit of $200 or more within 45 days of account opening.
How to open an account
Opening an account is simple. You can either go online or download the app to begin. You will need to provide your full name, address, Social Security number, date-of-birth, phone number, and copy of your driver’s license or identifying documents. Once approved, your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days.
If you need your debit card immediately, you can open an account at a participating retailer, such as 7-Eleven, CVS, Dollar Tree, or Walmart. The initial card fee is $2.95, and you will have to load money onto your card right away. Your initial deposit can be anything from $20 to $500. There is no minimum deposit when you open an account online.
GO2bank account pros and cons
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No credit check
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Earn up to 7% cash-back on eGift card purchases in the app
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No monthly fees with eligible direct deposit
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Up to $200 in overdraft protection
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Savings account has a 4.50% APY
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Deposit cash at over 90,000 retail locations
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Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
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Direct deposits available up to two days early
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No minimum balance needed
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Build credit with the Secured Visa® Credit Card
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No minimum deposit required to open an account online
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Monthly fee if you don’t receive direct deposits
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No interest on savings over $5,000
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Out-of-network ATM fees
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Customer service issues
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Limited overdraft coverage
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Fees for cash deposits
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Cannot transfer money to another bank
GO2bank reviews
GO2bank customer reviews are mixed. Many users praise the early access to direct deposit funds, ease of mobile banking, and overdraft protection.
Happy with GO2bank
“I’m happy with GO2 Bank. Been using for almost a year. No problems so far. Direct deposit hits 5 days early for me. You can lock & unlock card quickly, as needed. I recommend it to my family & friends.” OldMan Sinclair, Trustpilot ReviewMy favorite mobile bank
“It is by far my favorite mobile account. With the 5 savings vaults, overdraft protection, and the credit card that easily allows you to adjust your credit limit. I use this as my main account for putting money to the side. Transfers to cc are immediate. I have found that if you scan the barcode within the app to add cash, it is posted almost right away. If you do a generic greendot load, it takes more time to process. Plz check into the debit transfers, I keep getting a failed load message.” Angela Hasbrouck, Google Play ReviewGO2bank complaints focus on issues with poor customer service, trouble accessing accounts, and fees.
Too many fees
“There is a $5 “monthly maintenance fee” for whatever reason and it doesn’t matter if you are even using your account! Password requirements are weak and there is no 2FA security. Card does not have NFC (Tap to pay). I like that they give you a virtual card right away while you wait for your debit card in the mail but that is the only good thing I can say. Cash deposit fees are high along with ATM fees. All in all this is a 1 star bank and there are a lot of better options out there, avoid!!” Joel C., Google Play ReviewAs with any financial service, it’s important to read reviews and weigh both positive and negative feedback. Take a look at sites like Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of potential concerns and how the bank handles customer complaints.
How it compares to other banks
The neobank has a lot to offer. It has a competitive APY, provides direct deposits up to two days early and government benefits up to four days early, and makes its debit card available at major retailers like CVS and Walmart. Even so, with more and more online banks, there’s a lot of competition out there. Take a look at how it compares to Chime and Current.
GO2bank | Chime | Current | |
Top APY | 4.50% (on up to $5,000) | 2.00% (no limits) | 4.00% bonus annually (on up to $6,000) |
Monthly fee | $0-$5 | $0 | $0 |
Overdraft protection | Up to $200 | Up to $200 | Up to $200 |
ATM access | 55,000+ Free ATMs | 50,000+ Free ATMs | 40,000+ Free ATMs |
Early direct deposit | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deposit cash | Yes at over 90,000 retail locations | Yes at over 75,000 retail locations (free at Walgreens) | Yes at over 60,000 retail locations |
Build credit | Secured Visa® Credit Card | Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card | Build Card |
FDIC-insured | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Who is GO2bank best for?
GO2bank is a good option for consumers comfortable with online and mobile banking who plan to receive direct deposits, save up to $5,000, and do not need to transfer money out of the account. It is affordable as there’s no monthly fee with an eligible direct deposit. The overdraft protection of up to $200 makes it an attractive option if you frequently find yourself short on cash. The bank does not require a credit check, making it accessible to individuals with low credit scores. It also offers a secured credit card designed to help with credit repair.
Tired of your applications being denied?
Frequently asked questions
1. Does opening a GO2bank account directly impact my credit score?
Opening an account does not impact your credit score as the bank does not perform a hard credit check. If you open a secured credit card, your credit activity will be reported to the credit bureaus, which may affect your score.
2. Is GO2bank legit?
Yes, GO2bank is a real bank. It is a product of Green Dot Corporation, a well-established financial technology company. Green Dot has served over 33 million customers since 1991.
3. Is GO2bank safe?
Yes, the bank is FDIC-insured for up to $250,000, meaning your deposits are protected in case of bank failure. Features like real-time transaction alerts, chip-enabled debit cards, and the ability to instantly lock your card all serve to further secure your account.
4. Why did I randomly receive a GO2bank card in the mail?
If you received a card in the mail, it was either because you are a former customer or because you opted to receive marketing material from one of the bank’s partners. No one has opened an account in your name. If you do not want the card, simply cut it up.
Bottom line
GO2bank was designed to meet the needs of everyday people. The company believes that everyone should have access to bank accounts, no matter their credit score. Therefore, it offers banking to individuals who traditional banks have turned down.
Furthermore, the mobile bank is affordable, with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no ATM withdrawal fee at over 55,000 ATMs. The mobile app allows you to easily access your checking or savings accounts while on the go. Early direct deposit from both employers and government benefits makes it easy to get your money. Whether you want to deposit cash, build savings, or increase your credit score, the neobank has a product for you.