6 Reasons to Consider a GoBank Checking Account

Over the past few weeks I have been using GoBank, a mobile checking account. It is a new bank designed to give people the option of opening an account no matter what kind of history (good or bad) they’ve had with banks in the past. Using the card has been pretty easy at every store that I’ve used it. The only issue I had was at a gas station where I needed to take the card to the attendant. Other than that it has been a no worries experience. I can easily see my balance with the GoBank app which is well designed. Just log in and see the balance and the most recent transactions. If you are considering trying out a GoBank checking account here are six reasons to go ahead and do it.

Rebuild financial life

There are no rigorous hoops to jump through to get a GoBank account. For a time when my financial situation was less than stellar, I was denied a bank account from a few banks. It was embarrassing and hard to rebuild my financial life with all the rejection I was getting. If GoBank had been around back then it would have been so much easier to get back on my feet. Financial institutions are recognizing that people had a really hard time after the economic crisis so they are giving people options.

Online and on-the-go convenience

Most banks give you access to your account online and GoBank is no exception. In fact your GoBank mobile app is primarily where you will do all of your banking. I prefer to bank this way and access my app to view and manage my account. GoBank has the convenience of paying your bills online. Want to check your balance without logging in? Just slide the screen at login and you can get a peek very quickly.

Low fees

GoBank has super low fees and most (if not all) are avoidable. In any month you make direct deposits totaling a minimum of $500, the monthly fee of $8.95 is waived. I think this is the best incentive for direct depositing your checks into your account. If you do not have direct deposit the fee is $8.95 monthly. Even if you direct deposit a part of your check into this account it would be worth it to get the $8.95 fee waived.

Free ATMs all over the U.S.

Ever struggle to find an ATM in your network? I have and it’s a bummer. With 42,000 free ATMs in their network, it would not be hard to find one to get cash when you need it. There are no fees when you use a network ATM, ever. My current bank will reimburse me for ATM fees, which is cool, but I like the idea of not having to pay a fee at all. Maybe it’s a mental thing for me but no fee ATMs are the way to go. If you use an ATM out of their network, a $2.50 fee will apply, plus any fee the ATM owner may access. So they encourage you to use their free ones!

Good starter account for teens to learn money responsibility

It’s important to build a strong financial reputation so you won’t have to rebuild it later! My teens are beginning to move into being more independent in all areas of their life including finances. When they turn 18, I would let them open a GoBank account. (You have to be at least 18 to open an account.) It’s easy to set it up. Just visit GoBank.com or download the GoBank app to open an account. You can also purchase a GoBank starter kit at Walmart. Learning how to manage money this way would be great for my son when he is of age. He’d be able to keep track of his balance and spending by downloading the app to his smartphone. Learning how to use his money responsibly will likely mean he will use all his money sometimes or find he can’t buy that new game because he doesn’t have enough money in his account. It’s all a part of the learning process and being responsible with his money.

Backup account

I’m a firm believer in not putting all my eggs in one basket. This is my primary philosophy about money. For this reason I keep my money in a couple of accounts. I of course separate my personal and business bank account. The point is, it is not a bad idea to have a backup account. GoBank is a quick and easy solution. Use the account for saving for a vacation, a car, or any other goal you may have. When you are at Walmart you can easily add money to the account, or like I mentioned earlier you can have a portion of your payroll check direct deposited into the account. Use the GoBank app to track your savings, which is backed by the FDIC so you know your money is growing and is safe.

You don’t have to take my word for it about the benefits of signing up for a GoBank account. You can try it and see how it works for you.

I received a GoBank card and test account to review for this article. The opinions expressed in this post are completely my own.