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2.3

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: March 28th, 2025

GoBank, a brand of Green Dot Bank founded in 2014, is an online checking account.

To open an account, purchase a starter kit for $2.95 at a Walmart store, deposit $20 (the minimum opening deposit), and then follow the instructions in the kit to complete set up. Two other options are to go to GoBank.com or download the mobile app to start your account. The account can be opened on a smartphone or computer, and the starter Mastercard debit card is immediately activated and usable until the permanent card arrives.

It is important to note that GoBank assets are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means your money is just as safe as it would be in a normal bank.

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Attention: GoBank and GO2bank are separate Green Dot Bank products

In January 2021, Green Dot Bank introduced its new online banking program for consumers with limited access to financial products, GO2bank. Although both GoBank and GO2Bank are similar in name and function, they are not the same product and are meant to serve different consumer audiences.

 

Learn more about GO2bank's products and services

Continue reading for pros and cons of this online bank, as well as GoBank reviews from real customers.

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The Good

Award-Winning Mobile App

To take full advantage of what GoBank has to offer, customers are encouraged to download its mobile app.

Through the app, customers can check their balance, view their transaction history, find free ATMs, deposit checks, send money to other GoBank cards, and receive account alerts.

The app also includes the following helpful, and unique, features:

        • Fortune Teller — An exclusive feature to the GoBank mobile app. After building a budget on the app, Fortune Teller checks against your balance, budget, and a purchase amount to see if your next purchase will fit your budget.
        • Money Vault — If you want to set a certain amount of money aside, you can put it in the Money Vault for safe keeping. You can move money in and out whenever you want to, allowing you to set money aside as needed.

The app is available for both Android and iOS.

Monthly Fee Waiver

GoBank will waive the $8.95 monthly fee for your card account if you have signed up for Direct Deposit and have a monthly payroll or government benefits deposit of at least $500.

Easily Transfer and Receive Funds

Through the GoBank mobile app, you can easily send and receive money in just a matter of minutes.

It is important to note that money can only be transferred from your GoBank card to another GoBank card and vice versa. This makes it easy if many of your friends and family are GoBank customers, but if they are not it may not be an ideal way to send money.

Large ATM Network

Unique for an online banking service, GoBank has a massive free ATM network available for its customers. Through the GoBank app you can easily see the nearest ATMs to you.

Please note that for withdrawals made outside of the GoBank ATM network, you will be charged a $3 fee in addition to any other fees that the ATM owner may charge.

Deposit Cash Nationwide

GoBank makes it easy to deposit cash to your checking account at over 100,000 retail locations nationwide. This cash deposit service will cost you up to $4.95, or $0 at Walmart locations, and the process is simple and easy. At a participating location, you ask the cashier at the register to deposit cash directly to your GoBank card, and those funds should be available in your account within minutes.

It is important to note that this service is not available in the state of Vermont.

Uber Visa Debit Card

Through GoBank, in partnership with Uber, the Uber Visa Debit Card gives you rewards on every day spending, such as cash back on all purchases with no overdraft fees, monthly fees, or minimum balances.

It is important to note that this card provides larger cash back rewards at specific locations such as, Exxon and Mobil, Advance Auto Parts, and Jiffy Lube.

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The Bad

Multiple Fees

GoBank has multiple fees to be aware of:

  • $8.95 monthly fee which can be waived if you meet certain criteria
  • Out-of-network ATM fee of $3 if you withdraw money from an ATM outside of GoBank's network
  • Cash deposit fee up to $4.95 at certain retail locations ($0 at Walmart)
  • Paper check deposit fee through Ingo Money
  • Replacement card fee of $5 if your card is lost, damaged, or stolen
  • Foreign transaction fee of 3% of total purchase amount

Paper Check Deposit Stipulations

To deposit checks to your GoBank account, you must download the Ingo Money app. This may be inconvenient for consumers looking to do all their banking in one app. 

Ingo will generally accept checks from $5 to $5,000, and you are limited to how much you can deposit per day and per month. Your funds should be available to you within minutes, but for a fee. Checks deposited through Ingo require a fee of 2 percent for payroll and government benefit deposits with a pre-printed signature, 5 percent for all other checks, with a $5 minimum fee per check.

Slow Electronic Payments

Electronic payments take two to three days if done before 1 p.m. Otherwise, it will take longer. Also, there is no notification when the payment recipient cashes the check. Cash withdrawals cannot exceed $500 within a 24-hour timeframe.

Missing Card Response

If your GoBank debit card is lost or stolen, it could take up to four weeks to get a replacement. In the meantime, funds cannot be accessed and you may be charged a cancellation fee for the missing card.

Account Closure Process

To officially close your GoBank account, you need to spend or transfer the money in your account down to a $0 balance and then contact GoBank to close it. The $8.95 monthly fee will still be charged until your account is officially closed.

Customer Reviews

Of the more than 370 GoBank reviews, 90 percent of customers gave GoBank a 1-star rating.

Customers regularly complain about GoBank randomly closing accounts for unauthorized reasons, in addition to frequent reports of fraudulent use of GoBank debit cards. Some complaints include misallocated funds, misuse of the card or stolen card numbers, and intended funds that were never completed. This can upset balance transfers and cause banking issues. These problems usually result in a closed account, either closed by GoBank, or the account holder, losing out on future account opening opportunities. 

Even though GoBank advertises that it has 24/7 customer service, customers report that they stop answering the phone after a certain time in the evening. This is super frustrating for customers with questions about instant pay, online purchases, credit scores, points, statement credit, as well as Uber and Lyft questions concerning the Uber Visa Debit Card. Other customers report that customer representatives are insensitive and inflexible to their needs and individual requests, even though those needs and requests fall within the legal guidelines and normal expectations a checking account holder would have.

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The Bottom Line

GoBank can be a dream come true for people on the go who want to avoid working with big, traditional banks.

Those who choose to use GoBank's services can expect limited fees and penalties, online access to funds, and deposit limitations.

It is important to note that you must have a monthly direct deposit in order to qualify. Besides the direct deposit, good luck might be a requirement. Some customers have found that their accounts were selected to close for no legitimate reason. In addition, if you lose your debit card or it is stolen, it could take weeks before another is issued, and your funds cannot be accessed without a card.

View Best Online Banks

For more information, see GoBank reviews below. GoBank consistently receives poor reviews from its customers.

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Star Rating

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1.3

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455 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

5%

4 grade

1%

3 grade

1%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

91%

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Robert Edward Fair Haven, MI

Well there's so many negative reviews I figured I'd put mine in. I got this account when they first started in business. Back then you could choose how much you wanted to pay for service. Anywhere from $0 to $9 per month. And you can change it up or down any time you want. Over the years I've never missed a deposit, never had any issues reaching them I did however notice my customer service number is different from the one on the new cards. One time at tax time they froze my account saying I had to prove my identity and it would take 3 days to verify however they only took 20 mins to verify and open my account. So I'm not sure if the problems are with the Walmart versions which have a different customer service number or if I am just lucky. Several years now and I still have 0 problems. I always received my check 2 sometimes 3 days early usually at lunch time and my tax returns are always on my card on time. So I can't complain. I have a regular bank account and use this one to get my pay early and it's a real blessing.

7 years ago

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Starlet Oktaha, OK

I love the ease and convenience of my GoBank account and the app! I can pay all my bills from the app. No having to buy stamps! I also love that it’s completely free to use! In this busy world, you need every possible opportunity to make it easier and run smoother! Thanks GoBank for making my life easier!! One more thing, ABSOLUTELY NO OVERDRAFT FEES.......EVER!

5 years ago

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Amy Manteca, CA

I was wary after reading all the reciews, however, I opened an account several months ago and have been very pleased. My card arrived within a week. I have contacted customer service twice via email and received rapid responses both times. I did need to call customer service once and after a brief hold time, the representative was friendly and resolved my issue quickly. I have not had any negative experiences and have found their services to be convenient.

7 years ago

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lacrista lala Olive Branch, MS

I actually love this account. Both my husband and I have one and have had it for over a year. I've never payed over 5 Buicks for monthly service. Not sure why. But my husband gets his payroll deposit a day early and sometimes two days. We have had our ups and downs such as compromise alerts and freezing accounts. But when that happens, call them, you'll appreciate what they are doing. I promise. It's a safety feature bulk into the account. If purchases look suspicious, they will be flagged. You call in, answer don't questions and they will fix it ASAP. Love it!

8 years ago

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Brenda Leavy Manchester, NH

Fantastic I have never had any issues. Love how they have no hidden fees. They tell you when you are charged for something. The monthly fee is waived if you have so much in your direct deposit. I highly recommend them to everyone I know.

5 years ago

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Christine Vasquez Fond du Lac, WI

I was leary at first because the bank is digital not a physical place I could go visit. But I have had no issues with my bank or my bank card. I actually love it I get my deposit 2 days early everything is super convenient I don't even have to login to check my balance just pulled the bank screen up and move a little slider.

5 years ago

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dave Fillmore, IN

Direct deposit from employer is always available 2-days early for me, which is nice. Been banking for 1 1/2 years and never had a problem. Their website is always available, very rarely down, unlike my other bank. No regrets!

5 years ago

star star star star star

Bob Dole Barkhamsted, CT

I've had go bank card through uber for 2 years. I didnt use it for 7 months. Never had an issue when I started using it again out of the blue. Never lost money. Never had any issues what so ever. Maybe I'm lucky but I'd recommend go bank to anyone looking for a debt card not using a traditional brick and mortar bank.

5 years ago

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Lonnie Sapp Roswell, GA

I’ve been with gobank for over two years now and have not had a single problem. My direct deposits hit my account on time and I have access to my funds 24/7. It’s a great alternative to traditional brick and motor banks.

6 years ago

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Ryan Silapan Carthage, TX

I've had GoBank for nearly a year and it's been great. Direct deposits come through on time and don't need to balance a check book because the mobile app tracks every single one of your transactions. Highly recommend it.

3 years ago

star star star star star

Taylor Vining Jacksonville, FL

Go bank it's one of the best Banks I have ever had. When my fellow to-worries get paid on Friday I get paid on Tuesdays. They give you the option to save money by using their vault feature and make paying bills easy.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Falisha Brown

Gobank is awesome. One year running and no issues. My direct deposit is always on time or earlier. Secure check process and very secure when making bill payments. Gobank is the best.

7 years ago

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Catherine Jennings Danville, IL

We have 2 separate accounts, mine & my husbands. We have had no problems with anything. We use our debit cards, checks and have EBT’s taken out of both accounts.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Marjory H. Winter Garden, FL

Go bank is a great alternative to people who are unable to get a bank account. It was a great option for my son while he was working on getting his credit repaired.

5 years ago

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Cheryl Reese Aberdeen, MS

My money was transferred for no charge between my GoBank account and my account at another bank. I love it!!!

5 years ago

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Robin Sandston, VA

I can use my card anyway I've rented cars with it. I get my paycheck a day early. I really like this card

5 years ago

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Lisa Carter

I like go bank. Its very convenient.I have know complaints what so ever. I learned of go bank through Uber.

8 years ago

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Justin Johnson Marietta, GA

I use this service for direct deposit and have been very pleased with the service GoBank provides.

6 years ago

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Stacy Bentonville, AR

App is pretty awesome with a lot of options. Easy to add money. Luv it!

5 years ago

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Gloria Mercedes, TX

Very handy, useful, cost effective alternative to having checking account.

5 years ago

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rk101 Fishers, IN

Easy to deposit /take money with access in walmarts and cvs

5 years ago