FloatMe is a fintech app that offers $50 cash advances between paychecks. While there is a monthly fee, there are no interest charges and no credit check is required for approval. 

FloatMe is one of a growing number of cash advance apps that are designed to cover small loans.

Cash advance apps like FloatMe can help you out small emergencies. But can you access more than $50, and is FloatMe worth the fees? We answer those questions and more in this full review. 

What Is FloatMe?

FloatMe is a fintech app that enables users to receive small cash advances to cover minor expenses between pay days. In addition to cash advances, FloatMe offers some basic financial management tools to help you monitor your bank account transactions, and forecast your balances. 

What Does It Offer?

FloatMe offers two primary services: Cash advances, known as Floats, and Personal Financial Management Services. Here's a closer look at what's included 

Floats

Users eligible for Floats can receive cash advances of up to $50 at no cost, transferred into a linked bank account via ACH deposit. Transfers take between 1 and 3 business days for processing; however, you can also request an "Instant Deposit" for an additional fee through your debit card. Instant deposits can be received within minutes. 

FloatMe does not charge any interest, but there is a monthly fee of $3.99, whether you use the cash advance service or not. You can only take out one cash advance at a time, and you must repay your current advance in full before you can qualify for another one. 

You can be eligible for Floats if you are 18 years of age, are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a valid SSN or TIN, and have a physical address anywhere in the U.S. besides Maryland, Connecticut, Washington D.C., or a U.S. territory. 

Financial Forecast

FloatMe's Financial Forecast feature predicts your account balance seven days into the future by analyzing your deposit and spending habits. You'll receive a notification if the data indicates that you may be in danger of overdrawing your account (nonsufficient funds). While you should not rely solely on FloatMe's analysis, it can be a helpful money management tool. 

Are There Any Fees?

There is a $3.99 monthly fee to use FloatMe's cash advance service. There is also an additional fee if you request an Instant Transfer. This fee ranges between $3 and $7 depending on the cash advance amount. 

How Does FloatMe Compare?

Earnin is similar to FloatMe in that it offers cash advances that are repaid from your linked account. However, Earnin doesn't charge any mandatory fees, and you can draw up to $750 per pay day, much higher than FloatMe. Earnin will accept tips, but you can tip $0. There are also no monthly fees. Like FloatMe, if you want to receive your advance quickly, you can pay extra for an instant transfer. 

Brigit is similar to FloatMe in that it offers cash advances based on subscription pricing. There is a free version that provides access to budgeting and account monitoring tools, however, if you want access to cash advances, you'll have to pay at least $9.99 per month. Brigit has a higher cash advance limit than FloatMe ($250) and more tools to offer, including Credit Score Monitoring, but it is significantly more expensive. 

How Do I Open An Account?

You can open a FloatMe account through the mobile app. Once you've downloaded the app, your first step will be to create a username and password. FloatMe will then as you to provide some personal information, including your name, mailing address, email address, phone number. Note that to access cash advances, you will have to link your bank account to FloatMe

Is It Safe And Secure?

Yes, FloatMe is safe to use. The company uses the same levels of security that banks and other financial institutions use for their online banking platforms. Additionally, FloatMe partners with Plaid to access your bank account information, and transfer funds back and forth. Plaid is a third party that securely links your bank account to various fintech apps. 

How Do I Contact FloatMe?

FloatMe does not offer telephone or live chat support. The FloatMe Support page has a Help Center where you can get answers to many common questions. There is also an FAQ section on the website. If you still need help, you can submit a question via the online contact form or by emailing support@floatme.com. 

Is It Worth It?

While it's nice that FloatMe does not charge interest on cash advances, you can only borrow $50 at a time, and you have to pay a $3.99 monthly subscription. Earnin has no mandatory fees, allows you to borrow up to $750 per cash advance, and offers more tools, including credit score monitoring. If you don't mind paying the monthly fee, and only forsee requiring small cash advance amounts, then FloatMe might be worth it. After all, the monthly fee beats getting a $35 NSF charge. Otherwise, we recommend you look elsewhere. 

Check out FloatMe here >>

FloatMe Features

Service Credit Union is a full-service credit union that primarily serves active military members and their famikies, current and former Department of Defense employees, and those who work for select employer groups.

The credit union offers a full range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, share certificates, credit cards, loans, mortgages (including VA loans), and more. Our review focuses on Service Credit Union's personal deposit products as we let you know how they compare to other military financial institutions, like USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union. 

What Is Service Credit Union?

New Hampshire-based Service Credit Union opened its doors in 1957 to serve military members and their families stationed at Pease Air Guard National Base in Portsmouth. It has grown to include over 50 branches in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Germany. 

What Does It Offer?

Service Credit Union offers a full range of financial products and services for individuals and businesses. For the purpose of this review, we're focusing primarily on its personal deposit products (checking, savings, share certificates.) 

Checking Accounts

Service Credit Union offers an Everyday Checking Account, which has three levels: Basic, Everyday Checking with Direct Deposit, and Direct Deposit+. Through regular activity and by setting up additional services, such as payroll direct deposit, you unlock additional features offered with the latter two tiers. There are no monthly maintenance fees charged on Everyday checking accounts. 

The Everyday Checking includes the following features: 

• Rewards on debit card purchases 
• Mobile bill pay and remote check deposit 
• Early direct deposit (get paid up to two days early) 
• Up to 0.75% loan discounts on select loans 
• Up to $30/month in ATM surcharge and foreign transaction fee rebates

You can also open a Dividend Checking Account, which unlocks 0.15% APY in dividends on the entire balance. However, you must maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance to avoid the $10 monthly fee. 

Savings Accounts

Service Credit Union offers several different savings accounts, including its Primary Savings, Youth Accounts, Military Savings Accounts, Holiday Club, Money Market, and Trust accounts. 

The Primary Savings Account is mandatory if you want to become a credit union member. It includes a small, $5 minimum deposit, and you will earn 5.00% APY on the first $500 and 0.25% APY on balances over $500. This is a great option for anyone who wants to earn an attractive rate on smaller savings balances. 

Credit union members who are currently serving active duty in a combat zone may qualify for a savings rate of 10% APY on balances up to $10,000 in a Deployed Warrior Savings Account. Service Credit Union recommends that you contact them directly to find out if you qualify. 

Share Certificates

Share certificates are the credit union version of certificates of deposit (CDs). These are savings accounts that require you to lock-in your funds for a predetermined period in exchange for a guaranteed rate of return. Because of this lock-in period, certificates tend to offer higher returns than most savings accounts, with the same principal guarantee. 

Service Credit Union offers share certificates with the following terms and APYs: 

*APYs are current as of September 1, 2024 and are subject to change. 

Money Market Accounts

If you're looking for a higher return on your savings, but you don't want to lock your funds into a share certificate, you might want to consider a Service Credit Union Money Market Account. Money market accounts are similar to savings accounts, but it offers a tiered interest rate. In other words, the more money you deposit, the higher your return. And you don't need to set up a direct deposit to qualify for the better rates. 

Service Credit Union's Money Market account has the following tiers: 

This account is really only worthwhile if you have over $2,500, as you won't earn any interest below that amount and you'll be subject to a $5 monthly fee. Also, if you know you won't need to touch your money for at least six months, you're better off purchasing a 6-month share certificate, which is currently paying a much higher APY of 4.90%. 

Are There Any Fees?

Service Credit Union doesn't charge any monthly maintenance fees on its Everyday Checking and Primary Savings accounts. There are also no monthly fees on share certificates. However, you will pay a $10 monthly fee on the Dividend Checking if you cannot meet the $1,500 minimum daily balance requirement, and $5 per month on a money market account if you fail to maintain $2,500 in the account. 

Of course, you will be subject to various fees and other charges on other Service Credit Union accounts, as they also offer credit cards, loans, mortgages, and small business banking products. 

How Does Service Credit Union Compare?

When it comes to day-to-day banking products, Service Credit Union is competitive with similar financial institutions. For example, it offers slightly better savings rates than Navy Federal Credit Union, which is the nation's largest retail credit union. Certificate rates are similar, although Navy Federal is currently offering 5.30% APY on its 12-month Special EasyStart Certificate. 

And Service Credit Union's savings rates are better than another financial institution serving military members, USAA. On most tiered balances, it offers a meagre 0.01% APY, and you need over $500,000 to earn 1.50%. While competitive, its certificate APYs are also a bit lower than Service Credit Union. 

How Do I Open An Account?

To open an account with Service Credit Union, you must belong to one of the following groups: 

• Active military member, veteran, or family member 
• Current or former Department of Defense employee or family member. 
• Work for a Select Employer Group (check this list for eligibility)
• Be a member of the Financial Fitness Association (FFA) 
• Be a member of the American Consumer Council (ACC) 

The first account all members must open is a Primary Savings Account. From there, you can open a checking account, share certificate or other account. To begin, select "Get Started" from the Service Credit Union website homepage, then "Open An Account". 

You'll be required to provide the necessary identification, your Social Security Number, and your account information for the initial deposit. There are four steps in the online application process: Account selection, Personal Information, Agreements, and Funding. Once you've successfully completed all four steps, your new account will be ready to go. 

Is It Safe And Secure?

Yes, Service Credit Union has been around for many decades and is a well-established and respected financial institution. For its online banking services, including mobile banking, it employs the same levels of security protection that you would expect with any reputable financial institution. Also, Service Credit Union is a member of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which insures your eligible deposits up to $250,000. 

How Do I Contact Service Credit Union? 

For assistance with daily banking, you can contact Service Credit Union at the following numbers: 

• (800)-936-7730 (U.S. Nationwide)
• 00800-4728-2000 (International)

You can also access live chat support through its website or via text at (877)-849-4559. If you live close to a Service Credit Union location (most are located in New Hampshire and Germany), you can visit a branch in person. 

Is It Worth It?

If you're eligible for membership with Service Credit Union and live close to a branch, you may be able to benefit from its free checking account, attractive certificate yields, and various other products and services. Even if you have a small savings balance, you'll appreciate the 5.00% APY on balances up to $500. However, better CDs and high-yield savings account rates can be found with many online banks, so if you have no particular affinity to Service Credit Union, you're better off looking elsewhere. 

Check out Service Credit Union here >>

Service Credit Union Features

Forbright Bank is a mission-driven bank offering digital and branch banking services in Maryland and Virginia. Online customers can open a high-yield savings account and certificates of deposit (CDs) with terms ranging from 9 to 60 months.

What sets Forbright Bank apart from most financial institutions is it's focus on sustainability. For example, it finances projects that fight climate change. This includes solar residential loans, wind turbine repairs, and affordable housing.

For the purpose of this Forbright Bank review, we'll focus on its online deposit products, and let you know how it stacks up.  

What Is Forbright Bank?

Maryland-based Forbright Bank was founded in 2003. It offers a full product lineup through its four full-serve branches, including checking, money market, savings, and retirement accounts, credit cards, and lending products. Online customers can open high-yield savings and CD accounts.

What Does It Offer?

Forbright Bank offers several personal and busineess banking products through its full-serve branches (four in total), including checking, money market, savings, and retirement accounts, credit cards, and lending products. Online customers can open high-yield savings and CD accounts. 

Growth Savings Account

Forbright Bank offers a high-yield savings account, called Growth Savings. It's current 5.30% APY is very competitive with leading online banks, and there are no monthly maintenance or withdrawal fees, and no minimum opening deposit. 

You cannot access the account with a debit card, which means no ATM withdrawals. However, you can make unlimited monthly transfers to a checking account of your choice. Note that while the account doesn't have a opening balance requirement, if you have a zero balance for 21 days, it will be closed for security reasons.  

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Forbright offers five CDs with terms ranging from 9 months to 5 years. You can open a CD in person at a Forbright branch or on the bank website. The minimum deposit amount for all CDs is $1000. Current APYs and terms are as follows: 

To open a CD account, you must be 18 years of age or older and provide the following information: A valid ID, an SSN, your current residential and email address, and funding bank details. 

Are There Any Fees?

Forbright Bank does not charge any monthly maintenance fees on its Growth Savings account. There are also no fees to open a CD; however, if you withdraw your CD funds early, the following penalties will apply: 

• A 3-month interest charge applies to terms less than 24 months. 
• A 6-month interest charge applies to terms of 24 months or longer. 

How Does Forbright Compare?

Forbright's 5.30% APY is comparable with other leading online banks, and it's much higher than the average bank. It's CD yields, while not class leading, are respectable. BrioDirect is an online only bank offering the same 5.30% APY, but it's CD terms are limited. 

Ally Bank is a full-service online bank that offers far more products (online) than both Forbright or BrioDirect. If you're looking for accounts beyond savings and CDs, it's an excellent choice, although it's savings APY is only 4.20%. 

How Do I Open An Account?

You can apply for a Forbright Bank Growth Savings Account within a few minutes online. Start by selecting "Apply Now" from the Savings Account landing page. Once your account has been approved, you can deposit funds via Forbright's secure third-party transfer system. 

Is It Safe And Secure?

Forbright Bank is an FDIC-member institution (Cert #57614). This means that eligible deposits are insured up to FDIC limits. Additionally, the bank has a 4 out of 5 star rating from Bauer Financial, an independent bank rating service.

However, the bank received a Consent Order from the FDIC as recently as May 2024. According to this Banking Dive article, the FDIC was concerned about the bank's reliance on "non-core funding", and expressed concerns about liquidity risk. 

How Do I Contact Forbright Bank?

You can contact Forbright Bank by telephone, email, or by visiting a branch in-person. If you require support for its Growth Savings Account, you can call 1-800-550-0159 during business hours (Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST). You can also email customersupport@forbrightbank.com. 

Is It Worth It?

If you are an existing Forbright Bank branch customer, its Growth Savings Account is a solid choice as you can manage the account online and earn a high APY without having to deal with another bank. It's 5.30% APY is one of the highest available, and there are no fees to worry about. 

That said, the FDIC has expressed concern (recently) about Forbright's liquidity risk, which has to be a consideration when shopping around for a place to store your hard earned money. Other online banks have more to offer, so if you have any concerns surrounding risk, you're better off looking elsewhere. 

Check out Forbright Bank here >>

Forbright Bank Features

BrioDirect is the online banking arm of Webster Bank, N.A., which is an FDIC member organization. BrioDirect offers a very competitive APY on its high-yield savings account, as well as certificates of deposit (CDs). 

But with no checking accounts, credit cards, loans, or long-term investment products, is BrioDirect worth it?

Also, how does it compare to other top online banks? We answer those questions and more in our full review. 

What Is BrioDirect?

BrioDirect is an online bank offering two types of deposit products: A high-yield savings account, and various CDs. The financial institution is a brand of Webster Bank, N.A., an FDIC-member and a leading provider of employee benefits solutions.

Webster Bank has over $70 billion in assets and has its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

What Does It Offer?

BrioDirect offers a high-yield savings account and three high-yield CDs, ranging between 12 and 36 months. Here's a closer look at both products: 

High-Yield Savings

BrioDirect offers one of the highest savings annual percentage yields (APYs) on the market. You can get 5.30% with an initial deposit of $5,000. You also must maintain a balance of $25 to continue qualifying for the high rate. You can open an account online within minutes, and there are no monthly maintenance fees. 

Brio offers several ways to fund your account, although the easiest is via an ACH deposit from your primary bank. You can also send funds via check or wire transfer. You can access funds in your Brio Direct account by using its External Transfer feature to send money to another bank. 

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

On its website, BrioDirect features three CD terms: Its Promo High-Yield 12-Month CD is currently offering an attractive yield of 5.00%. While lower than what Brio is offering on its savings account, it's a fixed-rate, so the APY won't change for the full 12 month term. Also, the minimum deposit is only $500, whereas the savings account minimum is $5,000. 

Unfortunately, BrioDirect's other two CDs leave a lot to be desired. At the time of writing, the APYs are a lacklustre 2.30% on the 24-month, and 2.45% for the 36-month term. You can find higher returns elsewhere. 

Are There Any Fees?

There are no monthly maintenance fees with a BrioDirect Savings account. There are also no fees to purchase a BrioDirect CD, however, if you withdraw funds before the CD term expires, you will incur an early withdrawal penalty, of up to 9 months interest, depending on the term length. 

How Does BrioDirect Compare?

BrioDirect offers a very attractive savings APY, but its product lineup is very limited. If you're looking for a more comprehensive online banking solution, there are more suitable options. 

Discover Bank is an online bank and FDIC-member. If offers a much broader range of products than BrioDirect, including checking and savings accounts, money market, CDs, credit cards, and personal, student, and home loans. While its savings APY is lower than BrioDirect (4.20% vs. 5.30%), there is no minimum opening deposit, and customers have access to more banking options. 

Like Discover Bank, Ally Bank is a full-service online bank. Customers have access to checking and savings accounts, money market, CDs, investment accounts (including retirement), credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans. Ally Bank's high-yield savings also lags behind BrioDirect (4.20% vs. 5.30%); however, there are no monthly maintenance fees, and you can take advantage of Ally's RoundUp Savings feature to boost your balance. Also, it's CD rates are superior to BrioDirect. 

How Do I Open An Account?

According to BrioDirect, it only takes a few minutes to open an account online. You will need the following: your smartphone, contact information, driver’s license, passport or state I.D., and Social Security number.

Is It Safe And Secure?

BrioDirect is a division of Webster Bank, N.A., which is a reputable bank. BrioDirect employs the same protections that most banks use, including password requirements, face ID, One Time Password, and security questions. It also uses multi-factor authentication. And your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. 

How Do I Contact BrioDirect?

You can contact BrioDirect's Client Service Telephone Center by dialing 1(877) 369 - 2746 (BRIO) during business hours: Weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm ET, and Saturday, 8:30 am to 3 pm ET. The bank's mailing address is: Webster Bank, 1 Jericho Plaza, Jericho, NY 11753 (Attn: BrioDirect Deposit Operations). We could not locate an email address on the company website. 

Is It Worth It?

If you have over $5,000 to deposit and are looking for a solid, low-risk return, then BrioDirect is worth considering. It's high-yield savings APY is up there with the best rates at other leading online banks. If you can't meet the high opening deposit requirements, or are looking for more from an online bank, including checking, credit cards, and other options, then you're better off looking elsewhere. Unfortunately, with the exception of its 12-month Promo CD, Brio's CD APYs are mediocre at best. 

BrioDirect Features

Money Pickle is a financial advisor matching service.

The relationship between you and your financial advisor can be critical to your long-term financial success. Unfortunately, too many investors are matched with the wrong type of advisor, for various reasons. Perhaps you found an advisor through a friend, or based on a hunch. 

Money Pickle believes that finding a financial advisor matched to your unique situation should be a convenient, quick, and free process. The use modern technology to match individual investors with trusted financial advisors. We explain how the Money Pickle process works in this full review. 

What Is Money Pickle? 

Money Pickle is an online platform that connects individuals with vetted financial advisors. These advisors must be comfortable with providing high-quality financial advice via Money Pickle's 1:1 video conference format, and the advisor is responsible to cover the costs. Advisors benefit from the opportunity to meet with prospective clients. There is no obligation for the individual to become a client of the advisor.

What Does It Offer?

Money Pickle uses technology to match individuals with vetted advisors at no cost to the investor. Here's a closer look at how the process works. 

Matching Survey

The process to find a matched advisor begins with a short quiz, which you can access from Money Pickle's website homepage. You'll be asked for some basic information, such as your age (from a range), the financial topics that matter the most to you, e.g., General finance, retirement, investments, estate planning, etc., your annual income, the types of investments you currently hold, and your approximate portfolio size. You'll also be asked whether you prefer to receive a consultation via video chat or phone call. 

Appointment Scheduling

Once you've completed the initial survey and provided your email and phone number, you'll be given an opportunity to book a preferred appointment time on Money Pickle's secure online calendar. To help you find the best possible match, Money Pickle will ask a few more qualifying questions. For example, they'll want to know what type of investor you consider yourself to be: Conservative, Moderate, or Aggressive, if you're looking for a one-time meeting or a long-term relationship, and whether you would like to discuss Estate Planning in your meeting. They'll also ask for your Zip Code, in case there is a qualified advisor located nearby. 

How Does Money Pickle Match Individuals With Advisors

According to Money Pickle, the company only matches clients with fiduciary financial advisors. A fiduciary advisor is legally bound to act in the best interests of their clients. Furthermore, all advisors must be considered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to have a clean industry history, a Series 65 or Series 66 Registration, and at least 5 years of experience. 

When looking for a match, Money Pickle considers your stated amount of assets and your location and willingness to work with a remote advisor. For example, if your investable assets are $150,000, you won't be matched to an advisor who only works with clients who have over $1 million to invest. 

Important Note: Remember that advisors are paying Money Pickle for access. And Money Pickle discloses on its website that the more money an advisor pays them, the more likely they are to appear in the results page when you're searching for a match. That said, all advisors are vetted, regardless of their advertising budget. 

Are There Any Fees?

There is no cost to the individual for using Money Pickle's services to find an advisor, nor are there any fees for the initial video or phone call consultation. Money Pickle's costs are covered by the advisors, who use their advertising dollars to find potential clients via Money Pickle's platform. 

Only when you decide to establish an ongoing relationship with an advisor (separate from Money Pickle) will you then be required to pay fees (to the advisor). Remember that there is no obligation to continue with an advisor after the free consultation. 

How Does Money Pickle Compare?

There are several other services that match clients with vetted-financial advisors. Two of the most recognizable Money Pickle alternatives are WiserAdvisor and Smartasset. 

WiserAdvisor offers an advisor matching service, along with several financial calculators and educational tools. The company is more established than Money Pickle, having been in business since 1998. Like Money Pickle,  it connects you with vetted financial advisors after you complete a simple form. There is no cost to use its matching service. If you would rather browse through a larger pool of advisors, you can browse WiserAdvisor's online directory. The company has a solid TrustPilot rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with over 300 reviews.

Smartasset is an online resource that connects millions of Americans to helpful financial tools and calculators. It also offers an advisor matching service, which is free to use. Smartasset works with Fee-only and Fee-based advisors who have been throroughly vetted. While some advisors may have minimum investment requirements if you choose to pursue an ongoing relationship, there is no investment minimum to use Smartasset's matching services. 

How Do I Open An Account?

Money Pickle makes it easy to begin their matchmaking process. As mentioned, you can connect to a short online quiz from its website homepage. Once that's completed, you'll be given an opportunity to book a video or phone appointment at a time that's convenient for you via Money Pickle's secure online calendar. Once you've completed your free consultation, there is no obligation to continue working with your advisor. 

Is It Safe And Secure?

Yes. Money Pickle's website is fully encrypted, and the company employs best industry practices to keep your information confidential. While you are sharing some personal information with them, such as your name and email address, it's a free service, so Money Pickle isn't storing any credit card or bank account details. 

How Do I Contact Money Pickle?

You can fill out a contact form on Money Pickle's website, email cam@moneypickle, or call or text to 1(248) 520-8333. There is a chat feature on the website, with an estimated response time of a few minutes. I reached out to them on a Saturday, and was asked to provide my email address so that they could reply to my question at a later time. 

Is It Worth It?

Many people need the assistance of a financial advisor, but are unsure where to turn or don't meet the portfolio qualifications many advisors require. If you're struggling to find quality financial advice, Money Pickle's free service may be the answer. Its user-interface is incredibly easy to use, and there is no obligation to continue working with your advisor beyond the initial consultation. 

Money Pickle is probably not for you if you're uncomfortable with virtual meetings, and they cannot match you with an advisor in your local area. Also, remember that Money Pickle is being paid by the advisors they are recommending on their platform. 

Check out Money Pickle here >>

Money Pickle Features