Varo Bank: Online Banking icon
Varo Bank: Comprehensive Review of Mobile Banking Capabilities

by Varo Bank, N.A.

4.7
ANDROIDFinance
Varo Bank provides full-service digital banking with early direct deposit, high-yield savings, and cash advance features. The app targets users seeking fee-free mobile banking with modern financial tools and FDIC insurance protection.

Detailed Review

Varo Bank represents a complete digital banking solution that combines traditional banking services with modern financial technology. As an FDIC-insured institution, Varo offers the security of a conventional bank while operating exclusively through mobile channels, eliminating physical branch overhead to provide fee-free core banking services. The application delivers comprehensive banking functionality including checking and savings accounts with competitive APY rates, early direct deposit availability up to two days in advance, and automated savings tools. Additional features include cash advances up to $500 for qualified users, credit score monitoring through partnership with TransUnion, and the Varo Believe card designed to help users build credit history. The platform supports mobile check deposit, bill pay, peer-to-peer transfers, and provides real-time transaction notifications. User experience centers around a clean, intuitive interface that organizes financial information clearly across multiple account types. The dashboard provides immediate visibility into account balances, recent transactions, and savings progress. Real-world usage patterns show particular appreciation for the early payday feature, which users report provides significant flexibility in managing cash flow between pay periods. The automatic savings tools and high-yield savings options demonstrate strong engagement among users building emergency funds or working toward financial goals. User feedback indicates generally positive experiences with specific functional concerns. Multiple reviewers, including Rae Kitty (June 2025) and Alexis Sullivan (August 2025), note issues with notification consistency and balance display functionality in transaction alerts. Matt Hicks (August 2025) reports extended hold times for mobile check deposits, while Jason Yate (July 2025) suggests additional customization options for hiding savings balances from the main view. Positive feedback highlights the reliability of early direct deposit and the utility of small cash advances during financial emergencies. The application excels in providing accessible banking services without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, making it particularly valuable for users seeking to avoid traditional banking fees. Limitations include notification system inconsistencies and extended fund availability periods for certain transaction types. Varo Bank proves most effective for digitally-native users comfortable with mobile-only banking who value early fund access, automated savings tools, and seek alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar banking institutions.

Key Features

  • Early direct deposit enables access to paychecks up to two days early, providing significant cash flow flexibility for users living paycheck to paycheck
  • High-yield savings accounts offer competitive APY rates without minimum balance requirements, making savings accessible to all account holders
  • Cash advance functionality provides up to $500 in emergency funds with small fees, serving as alternative to payday loans for qualified users
  • Credit building tools include secured credit card options and credit score monitoring, helping users establish and improve credit history
  • Real-time transaction notifications deliver immediate spending alerts, though some users report inconsistent balance display functionality
  • Mobile check deposit allows remote check processing with extended fund availability periods that some users find excessively long

Why Users Love It

No monthly maintenance fees
Early direct deposit access

Perfect for: Digitally-native users seeking fee-free mobile banking with early fund access

Screenshots

Varo Bank: Online Banking screenshot 1Varo Bank: Online Banking screenshot 2Varo Bank: Online Banking screenshot 3Varo Bank: Online Banking screenshot 4Varo Bank: Online Banking screenshot 5Varo Bank: Online Banking screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Varo Bank: Online Banking's performance in Finance over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#42

1 from last week

Best Rank

#34

All-time high

Average Rank

#41

30-day average

User Reviews

Mickey Jo
Jul 28, 2025

Best bank app I've ever used. The early payday feature is great, you need a refund from another place, no problem varo will have your money back with in a day sometimes an hour! They have advanced money for small emergencies up to 500 with a small fee, so that's really nice, and their Believe card helps you build credit. Great experience so far, no issues.

Jason Yate
Jul 29, 2025

The best app, without a doubt. I would like to save in the Varo Bank savings account, however, every time I see money there, I use it. I'd like the option to hide it from the main page so I can forget about that money for a while, money that increases percentage-wise with each check I receive from my job. Thanks.

Jason Yate
Jul 29, 2025

The best app, without a doubt. I would like to save in the Varo Bank savings account, however, every time I see money there, I use it. I'd like the option to hide it from the main page so I can forget about that money for a while, money that increases percentage-wise with each check I receive from my job. Thanks.

Xyyriph Boyde
Jul 28, 2025

Varo locked me out of my Zelle account after I repeatedly stated it was for rent payment. Every time I try to contact customer service I'm met with an error. There was a human element in calling but the key word there is was. I can't get a response via email either. For a bank that advertised itself as convenient it's anything but.

Taylor Tsosie
Aug 7, 2025

I was so angry on my initial review. Maybe a little harsh, to which I apologize. I've actually since been with Varo a long time and use them as my primary banking with no issues yet. If you invest in them, the perks will come. 5 stars currently.

App Details

Developer

Varo Bank, N.A.

Platform

android

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

10/7/2025