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Branch App review

Cassidy Horton
Cassidy Horton
Last updated:  

This free checking account features early direct deposits and free instant paycheck advances.

Branch is a free checking account offering unusual perks like free instant paycheck advances and early direct deposits. But the account is currently waitlisted and it’s only targeted to hourly employees.

$0

Monthly fee

N/A

APY

$0

Minimum deposit to open

Details

Monthly fee$0
Minimum deposit to open$0
ATM transaction fee$0
Out-of-network ATM fee$0
Overdraft fee$0

Expert review

Cassidy Horton

Review by

Cassidy Horton is a writer for Finder, specializing in banking and investments. She has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. Cassidy enjoys educating people about financial services, exploring the Pacific Northwest and watching endless reruns of The Office.

Expert review

Branch is ideal for hourly employees looking for a checking account with unique features like early direct deposits and instant cash advances. The account is completely free and there are no minimum balance requirements.

But you must manage your account through the mobile app and you can only reach customer service through the contact form on its website. You can’t call or chat them if you have questions.

What are the benefits of a checking account with Branch?

When you open a Branch account, you’ll enjoy features like:

  • No monthly fees. Branch never charges monthly, overdraft, ATM or membership fees.
  • No minimum balance requirements. Account holders don’t have to worry about keeping a certain dollar amount in their account every month.
  • Paycheck advances. Get a free instant advance on your paycheck with the Branch debit card.
  • Early direct deposit. Receive your paycheck two days earlier when you have direct deposits going into this checking account.

What should I look out for?

Potential drawbacks of Branch include:

  • Waitlisted debit card. You’ll need to open a Branch account and hop on the waitlist to save your spot in line.
  • Employers required. Branch recommends users to sign up only if their employers are registered as there are features that are unavailable to individuals.
  • Limited support. There are no physical locations to bank — you can only chat with customer support through the contact request form on its website.
  • Mobile app only. Branch doesn’t have a web-based version of its service, so you’ll have to manage your account entirely from your phone.

If you think a standard checking account with a high APY is what you’re after, shop around for other options.

Branch’s ATM network and fees

Branch doesn’t have an ATM network, so you’re free to use any ATM worldwide. The company doesn’t charge any ATM fees, but you’re still subject to operator fees.

Compare with other checking accounts

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HSBC Advance Checking
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Surcharge-free HSBC ATMs nationally and internationally, plus up to four rebates a month for using non-HSBC ATMs in all US states except New York
Get up to $270 (max. $50 per month) for eligible new customers who open an HSBC Advance checking account. Conditions apply. Deposit products are offered in the US by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC.
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Chase Total Checking
Chase Total Checking
$0
Access to 16,000 ATMs and nearly 4,900 branches nationwide
$2.50
Get a $200 bonus when you open a new Chase Total Checking account and set up direct deposit within 60 days of opening your account. Chase's simplest checking account is easy to use and gives you access to 16,000 ATMs and nearly 4,900 branches. Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
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BBVA Free Checking
BBVA Free Checking
$25
1,000 fee-free ATMs across the country
$3
Pay a $0 monthly service charge and get free access to BBVA ATMs.
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Chime Spending account
Chime Spending account
$0
38,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
$2.50
Linked checking and savings accounts from a mobile-first bank that’s light on fees.
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Citibank® Account Package
Citibank® Account Package
$0
No access to ATMs
$2.50
Earn a $400 bonus after opening new eligible checking and savings accounts and completing required activities.
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Chase Premier Plus Checking
Chase Premier Plus Checking
$0
Access to 16,000 ATMs and nearly 4,900 branches nationwide
$2.50
Get a $300 signup bonus as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase Premier Plus Checking account and set up direct deposit. Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
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Compare up to 4 providers

How do I open a Branch account?

Open a Branch account and add yourself to the debit card waitlist in five steps:

  1. Download the official Branch mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, launch the app and click Sign Up.
  2. Enter your employer’s name and location and click Find My Workplace.
  3. Select your employer from the list and click Continue.
  4. Enter your name, email address and phone number and click Verify.
  5. Connect a bank account and add yourself to the waitlist for the Branch card.

Eligibility

You’ll need to meet the following requirements to open a Branch account:

  • Minimum 18 years old
  • An existing checking account to link to Branch
  • Social Security number

Required information

Have the following information on hand when you open an account:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Employer’s name and address
  • Residential address
  • Social Security number

How do I deposit or withdraw my money?

There are a few ways to deposit and withdraw money through Branch:

Deposits

  • Direct deposit from an employer
  • External transfer from another bank
  • ATM that accepts cash deposits

Withdrawals

  • ATM using your debit card
  • Cashback at a retailer
  • External transfer to another bank

What other checking options does Branch offer?

Branch doesn’t offer any other checking accounts.

Frequently asked questions

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