Found Business Checking Account Review
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Found Bank Review: A New Challenger Offering Zero Fees and Competitive Yields
In a crowded fintech landscape, Found Bank has positioned itself as a “bank of the future” that promises no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and an interest‑paying checking account that rivals many savings‑only products. Business Insider’s recent review gives a detailed look at the bank’s features, fee structure, mobile experience, and overall value proposition for everyday consumers and those who want to maximize their savings without the hassles of traditional banking.
The Found Premise
Founded in late 2022 by former tech executives, Found Bank aims to simplify the bank‑check‑debit‑withdrawal cycle. The bank’s core promise is that every account earns a modest interest rate while providing unlimited, fee‑free debit transactions. The company markets itself as a “no‑frills” institution: a free checking account, a free debit card, a high‑yield savings product, and a small “Found Rewards” program that allows users to earn cash back on specific purchases.
Unlike many neobanks that charge a monthly maintenance fee or require a minimum balance, Found is built around a zero‑fee model. The review notes that Found’s “pay‑what‑you‑need” approach—where the bank only charges a 1% fee on cash withdrawals beyond the first $300 per month—has been a key selling point for early adopters.
Account Features
Checking Account: Unlimited free debit transactions, no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and a $0.99 fee per cash withdrawal after the first $300 per month. The account comes with a Visa debit card that can be used worldwide, and the bank claims 24/7 fraud protection. The review highlights that users can instantly transfer money between Found accounts and to external banks using the app’s “Instant Transfer” feature, which claims to work within minutes.
Savings Account: Found’s “Found Savings” product offers a competitive 1.90% APY (annual percentage yield) on balances up to $5,000, which the review notes is among the highest for mobile‑only banks. Interest is credited daily and compounded monthly. Users can set up recurring transfers from checking to savings, and the app offers “Savings Goals” that help track progress toward specific milestones.
Found Rewards: A cash‑back program that rewards users with 5% back on groceries, 2% back on gas, and 1% back on dining. Rewards accrue in a separate “Found Rewards” account and can be redeemed for cash or used to offset transaction fees on cash withdrawals.
Security & Compliance: The bank is FDIC insured, with 24/7 monitoring for fraud, real‑time alerts, and a “secure vault” feature that locks the app after three failed login attempts. Business Insider notes that Found uses tokenization for card data and offers a “contactless card” option for safety.
Mobile Experience
Found’s mobile app—available on iOS and Android—has been praised for its clean UI and straightforward navigation. The review highlights the “Money Map” dashboard that shows balances, recent transactions, and a quick link to the savings “Goal” tracker. In-app customer support is available via chat, and the FAQ section covers everything from how to add a new beneficiary to how to dispute a charge.
The app also integrates with popular budgeting tools like Mint and YNAB, allowing users to import transactions for better spend tracking. Business Insider found the app’s “Instant Transfer” feature to be a standout: funds are sent instantly to other Found users or external bank accounts, making the experience comparable to traditional wire transfers but without the wait time.
Fees and Charges
Found’s fee structure is intentionally minimal. The key points:
- No Monthly Fee: Checking accounts do not incur any monthly maintenance costs.
- Cash Withdrawal Fee: 1% on withdrawals exceeding $300 per month. Business Insider reports that a $300 withdrawal would cost $3, but if you pull $500 in a month, the fee would be $2.00 (1% of the $200 over the limit).
- Overdraft: Found offers overdraft protection that can be linked to the savings account, but the fee is $35 per overdraft. The review points out that the overdraft policy is strict: if you use it, you’ll need to pay the fee or bring your balance back into the account.
- International Transfers: Outgoing international transfers carry a flat fee of $12 per transfer. Incoming international transfers are free, but Business Insider warns that some foreign banks may impose their own fees.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zero monthly fees | Limited overdraft options |
| High‑yield savings | Higher cash withdrawal fees after the limit |
| Integrated rewards | No credit products or loans available yet |
| User‑friendly app | No physical branches for in‑person support |
| FDIC insurance | Limited customer service hours |
Who Is the Target Customer?
Found is best suited for tech‑savvy consumers who prefer digital banking, have no need for physical branches, and want a no‑fee checking account paired with a competitive savings rate. The rewards program also appeals to shoppers who frequently use debit cards for groceries and gas. The review cautions that if you’re a heavy cash user, the withdrawal fee may add up quickly.
Final Verdict
Business Insider’s review ultimately rates Found Bank as a solid, if slightly niche, challenger. Its zero‑fee, high‑yield model, combined with a clean mobile experience, makes it an attractive option for users who want to keep banking simple while earning interest on everyday balances. However, the lack of traditional banking services—such as physical branches, credit products, and robust overdraft policies—limits its appeal for those who rely on a full suite of banking options.
In sum, Found Bank fills a specific gap in the market: a low‑friction, fee‑free checking account that offers a decent savings rate and a rewards layer, all wrapped in an intuitive mobile app. If you’re comfortable managing your finances entirely online and don’t need a credit line or a brick‑and‑mortar presence, Found could very well be the right fit.
Read the Full Business Insider Article at:
[ https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/found-banking-review ]