UFB Secure Savings account review

Who is UFB Secure Savings best for?

UFB’s savings account has one of the highest APYs in the current market, and it even joined our list of the best high-interest savings accounts thanks to its high rate, no monthly fees and no opening deposit requirements. It also offers a complimentary ATM card, so this account is great for those needing to access their cash regularly. But you’ll have to be okay with managing your funds mostly online, as UFB only has one branch in California.

What we like about UFB Secure Savings

UFB Secure Savings is easily one the best accounts out there, thanks to its strong APY. At 5.25%, there are very few competitors who beat this rate.

The account is also FDIC insured up to $250,000, and as a division of Axos Bank, you’d have an account with one of the reputable online banks out there.

No opening or maintenance fees

You’ll pay no monthly fees or need an opening deposit to get this account. And although there are balance tiers, all tiers are currently the same. So you’ll earn the same high rate no matter your balance.

ATM card

You can get an optional ATM card, but you need to ask for it. UFB has a robust network of 91,000 ATMs nationwide. ATM cards aren’t a standard feature on savings accounts, so its inclusion in the UFB Secure Savings account is a noteworthy addition that helps with the account’s flexibility.

Where it falls short

This account has a lot going for it, but there are a few downsides.

First, as a division of Axos, an online-only bank, UFB only has one physical branch in San Diego, California. So if you’re not in the area, you’ll have no access to a branch. You’ll have to be comfortable managing your account online and through a mobile app. And while there are over 90,000 ATMs you can withdraw money from, not all ATMs accept cash deposits.

Also, if you wire transfers regularly, UFB is rather pricey, charging $35 for domestic wire transfers and $45 for international wires. If you were to overdraft with the account, there may be an overdraft fee, but it’s not disclosed.

Rate fluctuations

UFB’s savings account comes with different balance tiers, which can earn different rates. But you’ll currently earn 5.25% APY regardless of your balance. However, this could change at any time.

Also, UFB has launched several new savings accounts in the last few years. Customer reviews note that they have to call UFB to confirm that their account is the highest-earning one, and if it’s not, they request to “upgrade” to the most recent high-yield account with the best rate. Other customers note that UFB releases a new product whenever there’s a rate hike, and given the constant release of the latest and greatest high-yield account, this tracks.

UFB’s Secure Savings account really has one the highest rates we’ve seen to date, but we’d advise keeping an eye on it and frequently making sure you’re still earning the highest rate offered by the bank.

Compare UFB Secure Savings Savings to other savings accounts

Narrow down top savings accounts by APY, opening deposits and monthly fees. Select the Compare box on up to four accounts to see multiple accounts side by side.

Customer experience

UFB Direct does well in terms of customer feedback, garnering only a handful of complaints on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile in the last couple of years. Most banks and fintechs have thousands of complaints, so that’s a good sign. It also has the highest BBB rating of A+, which is awarded based on responsiveness and complaint volume.

Of the complaints and reviews with BBB, many customers note that UFB changes their rates and releases new savings accounts frequently, leaving some customers with an account that no longer has the best rate the bank offers. Other common complaints cite long transfer times of around five business days, frozen accounts that are later closed, expensive wire transfers and poor customer service.

On Trustpilot, UFB has fewer reviews than we normally see but holds a decent 3.8-star rating. Happy customers state the customer reps answer questions quickly, and when it comes to rate hikes, all they have to do is ask UFB to upgrade to the highest-yielding account and experience no hassles when switching accounts. Others state it was easy to set up an account, and they experienced fast withdrawal postings and a user-friendly app.

Overall, reviews are a mixed bag. Many complain of the frequent rate changes and new account releases, while others state they simply have to contact UFB and ask to upgrade to the newest account to get the best rate.