Varo Advance review
Get up to a $100 cash advance with no interest — and a fee as low as $0.
Bottom line: Varo Advance can be a good option if you already have a Varo bank account and need less than a $100 cash advance. Consider something else if you need more than 30 days to repay the advance.
$20
Min. Amount
$100
Max. Amount
Instant turnaround
Turnaround time
Details
| Product Name | Varo Advance |
|---|---|
| Min. Amount | $20 |
| Max. Amount | $100 |
| Loan Term | 30 days |
| Loan Security | Secured |
| Turnaround Time | Instant turnaround |
| Requirements | Active Varo bank account that's at least 30 days old, has Varo Bank app, $1,000 minimum in direct deposits to your Varo accounts within the last 31 days |
Pros
- No interest charged
- One simple fee for the advance
- No credit check
- Flexible payments — as long as you pay it back within 30 days
Cons
- Must have a Varo bank account and the Varo Bank app
- Maximum of $100 cash advance
- One late payment can impact your ability to get future Varo Advances
Review by
Kimberly Ellis
kimberly.ellis@findercrew.comKimberly Ellis is a writer at Finder. She hails from New York City with a BA from Queens College and a New York State teaching certificate. After teaching in both public and private schools, Kimberly decided to take the world by storm and dive into the media industry — where she covers everything from home loans and investing to K–12 education and shopping. She’s also an aspiring polyglot, always in a book and forever on the hunt for the perfect classic red lipstick.
Expert review
Varo Advance is a short-term solution to stretch your paycheck. And with a minimum fee of $0, it can be an inexpensive alternative to payday loans.
But when you first sign up, you can only get an advance of $20 at a time until you build your repayment history. And maximum advance amount is $100, which may not be enough for everyone.
If you don’t have a Varo bank account, or you need to borrow more right away, check out even more payday loan options.
Varo Advance rates, fees and terms
There is no application fee, late payment penalty, interest rate or subscription charge to use Varo Advance. You'll pay a one-time fee for the service, which varies depending on how much cash you need.
| Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
$20 | $0 |
$50 | $3 |
$75 | $4 |
$100 | $5 |
You can make as many payments as you want within 30 days, or Varo will automatically deduct the full amount, including the fee, on your automatic repayment date. If your account doesn't have enough funds, it'll take the balance you owe from future incoming deposits until it's paid in full.
What is Varo, and is it legit?
Varo is a mobile banking startup that was chartered as a national bank in October 2020. Varo Advance is a legit short-term bridge that allows Varo banking customers to borrow up to $100 for 30 days.
Varo Bank is insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and doesn't sell your data. But it may share your information with other financial companies and its affiliates.
See more short-term loans
Select your state to see more payday loan options.
Varo Advance reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 4 out of 5 stars, based on 271 customer reviews |
| BBB customer complaints | 485 customer complaints |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 1,246 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 25 January 2021 |
Customers praise Varo Advance for getting them funds when they need them while avoiding expensive overdraft fees. Most complaints are directed towards its poor customer service. Many users also complain about sudden bank account closures and difficulty accessing funds after.
Am I eligible?
To get a Varo Advance, you'll need:
- An active Varo bank account that's at least 30 days old and not overdrawn.
- The Varo Bank app.
- Minimum $1,000 in direct deposits to your Varo checking or savings accounts within the last 31 days.
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can request a $20 advance at any time. For advances over $20, Varo will review your repayment history on previous advances and account profile to approve higher credit limits up to $100.
Late or missed payments can disqualify you from future cash advances.
What states is Varo Advance available in?
Varo serves all 50 states. You can request an advance regardless of where you live in the US.
How do I apply
Varo Advance is built into your Varo bank account. Once you qualify, you can request an advance in your Varo app and get your funds immediately.
Varo verifies your eligibility before the beginning of each business day for $20 advances. It'll see if you qualify for higher advance amounts before the start of each month.
What are my repayment options?
When you get a Varo Advance, you'll select a repayment date when Varo will automatically deduct what you owe from your bank account. You can also manually make a payment by initiating a transfer from your Varo checking or savings account as often as you like until your automatic repayment date.
If you need to borrow more than $100, or would rather not open an account with Varo, consider a different short-term loan.
Frequently asked questions
Our answers to common questions you may have about Varo Advance.
How often can I get a Varo Advance?
You can have only one advance at a time and only one a day, even if you've paid it back already.
What happens if I miss my autopay date?
You can set your auto-repayment date anywhere between 15 to 30 days from when you get your advance. If you miss your date, you still have until your 30-day due date to pay it back.