Digit app review

This microsavings app helps you save money effortlessly — but don’t expect to get rich fast.

finder.com’s rating: 4.0 / 5.0

★★★★★

The world of finance is ever-changing, helped along by new technology. The Digit microsavings app is the perfect example of old-school frugality mixed with 21st-century tech.

With Digit, you can easily save money for short-term goals. But you might try other ways to save if you have a more rigorous target in mind.

What are the benefits of saving with the Digit app?

Available for download to your smartphone, Digit is a simple, FDIC-insured means to passive savings that offers:

• Automatic transfers. Digit learns your habits, including your expected income and spending. It then transfers the leftovers into savings for you.
• No minimum balance. Start with your small change, and let the savings add up over time.
• Overdraft protection. Digit helps avoid overdrafts by transferring back into your checking if your balance runs too low. Plus, if the app causes your checking account to overdraft, Digit reimburses fees for up to two transactions.
• Unlimited withdrawals. Need to tap into your savings? Withdraw what you need anytime without incurring fees.
• Manage from mobile. View your balance, make a withdrawal, move money into your Rainy Day Fund and more from your smartphone.

What should I look out for?

Digit only offers the ability to deposit or withdraw your money online, by app or by text. Other potential drawbacks to be aware of include:

• Monthly fee. You’ll pay $2.99 a month to use Digit‘s services. Or more than $35 a year.
• Low interest. You can earn a 1% bonus on your average daily balance every three months — a rate most high-yield savings accounts can beat.
• Limited support. You can’t get help by phone, in person or through live chat. Instead, you’ll need to email your question and wait for a response or search the online Help Center.

Compare with other savings accounts

How do I sign up?

Get started with Digit in three easy steps:

1. Download the Digit app to your mobile phone or visit the website. Click Sign Up Now.
2. Enter your cell phone number and choose a password. Click Sign Up.
3. Choose one or more savings goals inside the app, connect your bank’s checking account and start saving.

How do I deposit or withdraw money?

Digit makes use of technology for everyday transactions. Transfer money in or out of the app in three ways:

• Online. Log in to your online dashboard from Digit‘s website.
• App. Transfer money into your Digit account or withdraw from it using your phone.
• Text. Text the company commands like “withdraw” or “pause” for fast transactions.

How can I get in touch with customer service?

Everything about Digit is online or on mobile, including its customer service:

• Online. If you have a question, search the help center. It’s chock-full of articles breaking down how the app works.
• Email. Complete the secure contact form from the help center for a response from customer service.

Bottom line

Digit is designed to embrace “savings without thinking” through passive transactions that can help you budget for specific goals. But unlike a traditional savings account, you won’t earn much interest on your savings. And you’re on the hook for a monthly fee for the convenience.

If you’re looking to grow a nest egg with higher returns, weigh savings account options for the strongest benefits you’re eligible for.

Frequently asked questions

• How does Digit know how to save money?

  The app’s algorithm accounts for any upcoming income and bills as well as recent spending habits. Digit transfers the leftovers toward savings goals you establish through the app.

• Where does Digit keep my money?

  Digit stores your money in FDIC-insured partner banks, which are protected for up to $250,000.

• How is Digit different from a recurring transfer into my bank's savings account?

  By learning and adapting your spending habits, Digit begins to narrow down the best times to save your money.

  A recurring bank transfer requires you to set up a set amount to transfer into your savings without weighing whether it’s good for your monthly budget.