GO2bank Visa® Debit Card

In-Depth Review: GO2bank Visa® Debit Card 

The GO2bank Visa® Debit Card is an intriguing high-yield checking account from fintech GO2bank – part of the Green Dot Bank family.

GO2bank Benefits

Earn Over 10X the National Average Savings Rate

The major selling point with the GO2bank high-yield checking account is the impressive earning rate it offers. Account holders earn over ten times the national average with the GO2bank account, making it one of the market’s more lucrative high-yield checking and debit accounts.

The GO2bank checking account currently offers 1% APY on savings of up to $5,000. This 1% APY is paid quarterly if the account is in good standing and is significantly higher than the national average yield for a checking account – currently 0.06% APY.

Pay No Fees with Eligible Direct Deposits

Many high-yield checking accounts charge fees for enjoying an exceptional APY. This reality is especially true with checking accounts that offer a debit card that earns rewards – not so with the GO2bank Debit Card and high-yield savings account.

Account holders pay no monthly service fee when they meet direct deposit requirements. Those requirements are straightforward, with account holders only needing to receive a payroll or government benefits direct deposit in their previous monthly statement period. Meet this requirement, and you’ll pay no monthly account service fee – otherwise, the monthly charge is $5.

Account holders can also make direct deposits at select local retailers. Eligible retailers are constantly being introduced but currently include major names such as CVS Pharmacy, Circle K, Cumberland Farms, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Walmart, Walgreens., and more.

Another benefit of setting up a direct deposit? Account holders can receive their pay up to two days early with ASAP Direct Deposit. Receiving paychecks several days early isn’t something unique to the GO2bank account, but it is a nice perk that adds extra value to the account.

Earn Up to 7% Cash Back

Rewards aren’t the focal point of the GO2bank Visa® Debit Card, but it is a nice perk of having the card. Cardholders earn up to 7% in instant cash back when using the card to purchase electronic gift cards through the GO2bank mobile app.

Other Account Benefits

Other notable features of the GO2bank high-yield savings and checking account (with GO2bank Visa® Debit Card) include:

• Ability to easily move money from a linked debit card or bank account to GO2bank
• Deposit checks from home by snapping pictures of the check with a smartphone
• Free nationwide ATM network
• Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposits
• No minimum balance requirement
• No hidden fees
• EMV chip debit card for greater security

Go2Bank Debit Fee Schedule

Here are the various fees and charges associated with the Go2Bank Debit Card:

Comparison

Debit Card APY Comparison

Here’s how the Go2Bank debit card compares with other debit cards providing interest on deposited funds:

What We Love About Go2Bank

The Go2Bank Visa Debit Card provides quite a bit of bang for your buck. For starters, the 4.5% APY on savings is significantly higher than many other debit programs. Even better, the account allows for “savings subaccounts,” known as “Vaults,” which can help you manage your money and plan towards spending goals.

The card also earns solid rewards with eligible merchants. That up to 7% back is exceptional. Add the ability to purchase the card in stores, including major names like Walgreens, Walmart, 7-Eleve, Kroger, Sheetz, and more.

Things to Consider

One of the downsides of the Go2Bank Visa Debit Card is the fees – namely, the monthly maintenance fee of $5. Fortunately, that fee is easily waived by setting up and receiving one direct government benefit deposit into the account each month. However, other fees aren’t avoidable. There is a card purchase fee, out-of-network ATM charges, a foreign transaction fee of 4%, and hefty overdraft fees.

The other major letdown with the program is the limit on that high 4.5% APY on savings. The 4.5% APY is capped at $5,000 in savings. That total is probably higher than most customers plan to keep on the debit card account, but it can be frustrating to imagine lofty savings goals only to find out that there is a cap.

Go2Bank Ratings

How does the Go2Bank Debit and Go2Bank/Green Dot as a bank stack up? Here are a selection of expert reviews for the card and bank:

Should You Apply for the GO2bank High-Yield Savings Account and Visa® Debit Card?

High-yield savings accounts are a great way to build your savings – and the GO2bank account and Visa® Debit Card are excellent options to consider if this is your goal. The account offers up to 1% APY, significantly higher than the national average (currently 0 .06% APY), and other high-yield accounts from banks like Discover and Marcus by Goldman Sachs.

The account adds further value by eliminating service fees for meeting modest deposit goals each month. Simply have your paycheck or government check directly deposited into your account, and GO2bank waves the $5 monthly service fee. Even better, you can make additional deposits at a huge assortment of retailers, including prominent names like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and more.

Overall, the GO2bank account is an excellent high-yield account for anyone seeking to build their nest egg but still can spend when needed. GO2bank is part of the Green Dot Bank family, is FDIC insured for up to $250,000, and has served more than 33 million customers in over 20 years – making them a safe bet for boosting your savings.