Throw away unnecessary fees and a big bank that treats you like a number, not a person. In this step-by-step plan you can read what you need to do to change banks. Find out how mobile banking without account fees can help you. Watch the video or read about it below.

Download the Varo app today and get started with free banking. www.varomoney.com

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Step 1: Find a good fit.

Think of finding a bank account as finding a great assistant to work for YOUR company. Your business is small and you need something reliable that will never let you down.

Here are some important features to look out for:

No account fees or minimum balance requirements
Get paid early with direct deposit
No cost overrun
Free debit card
Savings account with a high interest rate and no minimum balance requirement
24/7 access to your accounts
Easy to use mobile app
Real-time transaction notifications
Live customer service, 7 days a week

Step 2: Request your new account.

Well done. You have decided to make an offer to your new assistant, also known as your new bank account.

You'll probably want to open your new bank account before closing your existing bank account. Applying for a bank account usually only takes a few minutes.

To open most bank accounts you will need:

To be 18 years old.
A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
A valid citizen service number.
Personal information to verify who you are, including your date of birth, phone number and email address.
For a Varo bank account, applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status in the United States and the District of Columbia.

Step 3: Make a checklist.

Take a moment to review the income and accounts associated with your old bank account.

You can take a screenshot of your statement to create a checklist. Make sure you don't leave out accounts that are billed quarterly or annually.

Your checklist may include:

Bimonthly salary
Any side gig income (e.g. Lyft, Airbnb)
Rent or mortgage
Car payment
Student grants
Digital wallet (e.g. Square or PayPal)
Cell phone service
Utilities (e.g. water, electricity, cable, internet)
Insurance
Credit cards
Personal loans
Subscriptions (e.g. Spotify, Netflix, PlayStation)

Step 4: Deposit money into your new bank account.

Depending on your new bank account, there are options to fund it, electronically or with cash or check.

Some banks require you to make a deposit to open your account, others do not. (Varo does not require a deposit to open a bank account.)

A few ways to transfer money electronically to your new bank account:

Move your direct deposit. You must provide your new bank account number and routing number to your employer or payer.

Link your new bank account to your existing bank account and request electronic money. If you open a Varo bank account, this process can take two to four business days and will require a test deposit for verification.

Transfer money from a digital wallet (e.g. PayPal) to your new bank account by linking your new bank account to the wallet service.

Depending on your new bank account, you will need to check with the company about financing methods. You can read more about financing a Varo bank account in our FAQ.

Step 5: Transfer autopay invoices.

Once you have money in your new bank account, you can start transferring the bills that are on autopay.

Return to the checklist you created in step 3. Some of these accounts may be linked to your debit card number and others to your bank account number.

Typically, service providers connected through your debit card include your cell phone, cable/internet, Netflix, Hulu, Uber, Lyft, etc. Log in to these service providers and update the connected debit card with your new information.

Utility companies, credit card companies and lenders typically connect directly to your bank account. Log in to these service providers and update your linked bank account number and routing number with your new details.

Spend an extra minute to make sure you've entered all the correct numbers with your billers.

You got this!

Step 6: Close your old account.

Now it's time to politely close your old bank account. You don't have to get emotional.

Simply call the customer service of your existing bank account and tell them you want to close the account.

If you haven't cleared the bank account yet, you can ask for a paper check to be sent to you.

You may also want to send a letter or email clearly stating the name and bank account number you wish to close.

Download the Varo app today at www.varomoney.com and get started with mobile banking without account fees!

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