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UFB Direct Secure Savings Account
- Our Rating 5/5 How our ratings work
- APY5.25%
UFB Direct breaks balances into five tiers, but, currently, there is only one interest rate.
- Minimum
Deposit RequiredN/A - Intro Bonus N/A
The UFB Direct Secure Savings Account has one of the highest interest rates we’ve seen for a high-yield savings account at up to 5.25% APY. Plus, there are no monthly fees and no minimum balance to open.
Strong Interest Rates With a Few Unexpected Perks
The UFB Direct Secure Savings Account offers one of the highest interest rates available for your money. The UFB APY is up to 5.25% on your balances, the highest interest rate offered by the bank. There are no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance to open your account.
Pros
- Strong interest rate
- No maintenance fees or minimum monthly balances
- Free complimentary ATM card
- Mobile app and SMS banking
Cons
- No signup bonus
- No associated checking account
UFB Secure Savings Features
UFB Direct Secure Savings offers most of the features you'd expect from an online savings account, including secure mobile and online banking, as well as some you wouldn't expect, like an ATM card. While the APY has fluctuated significantly since the account's original launch, it's currently up to 5.25%, which is competitive with the best online savings accounts.
APY
UFB Direct breaks balances into five tiers, but, currently, there is only one interest rate.
| Tier | APY | Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$0-$9,999.99 |
5.25% |
5.12% |
|
$10,000-$24,999.99 |
5.25% |
5.12% |
|
$25,000-$49,999.99 |
5.25% |
5.12% |
|
$50,000-$99,999.99 |
5.25% |
5.12% |
|
$100,000 or greater |
5.25% |
5.12% |
Annual percentage yields (APY) fluctuate as financial institutions adjust their rates with the market. It's one of the primary reasons to shop around for the account that best suits your goals. If you're interested in locking in your money at a specific APY, consider a certificate of deposit (commonly referred to as a CD). The CIT Bank No-Penalty CD is a popular option with risk-averse investors who want flexibility with their savings.
No Monthly Fees
UFB Direct does not charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum opening deposit. Nor does it charge fees to withdraw funds from your account.
No Minimum Balance
The UFB Direct Secure Savings Account has no minimum daily balance. However, in the past UFB has enforced restrictions wherein you do not earn any interest if your account's average daily balance is below $10,000. While this restriction is not currently in place, if maintaining a $10,000 balance will be difficult for you, you may still want to consider opening a different account, just in case this rule returns.
FDIC Insured
All UFB Direct bank products are offered by Axox Bank. Deposits are FDIC insured through Axos Bank. Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account title. All deposits that you have with the same ownership and/or vesting at Axos Bank are included under the same FDIC coverage. It is possible to extend your FDIC coverage based upon how you title your account.
Recommended High-Yield Savings Accounts
| Bank Account | APY | Features | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
5.25%
UFB Direct breaks balances into five tiers, but, currently, there is only one interest rate. |
No minimum deposit |
Open Account |
|
|
0.50% - 4.60%
Customers earn 4.60% APY on savings balances when they set up recurring monthly direct deposit of their paycheck or benefits provider via ACH deposit. Alternatively, deposit at least $5,000 each month to earn 4.60% APY on your savings balance. Checking balances earn 0.50% APY |
No minimum deposit |
Open Account |
|
|
5.05%
Earn 5.05% APY on balances over $5,000. Balances of less than $5,000 earn 0.25% APY. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of July 27, 2023. Interest rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and subject to change at any time without notice. |
$100 minimum deposit |
Open Account |
|
|
4.65%
Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of July 27, 2023. Interest rates for the Savings Connect account are variable and subject to change at any time without notice. |
$100 minimum deposit |
Open Account |
Benefits and Tools
In addition to an attractive interest rate with a UFB APY of up to 5.25%, customers can enjoy other benefits with their UFB Direct Secure Savings Account.
There are no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, so you can deposit and withdraw as you need.
Free Debit Card
You'll receive a complimentary ATM debit card to withdraw money at an ATM or make debit card transactions.
Mobile and Online Banking
UFB Direct customers can view their account history, make transfers and contact customer service through online banking or the mobile app. SMS Banking is also available when you're without internet access or perform a request quickly.
Checks can be deposited through the app using mobile deposit. Use your smartphone to deposit checks anywhere you are.
Secure Website Guarantee
Some customers have a fear of online banking, which is why the bank offers an online safety guarantee. UFB Direct will cover 100% of any losses due to break-ins or funds that are lost, misplaced, or taken from your account without your authorization.
How to Access Your Money With UFB Direct
As a UFB Savings customer, you can access your account online, through the UFB Direct mobile app or with your ATM debit card. Additionally, you can initiate transactions through the telephone or in-branch.
Customers have access to their account anywhere in the world through online banking and the mobile app. The UFB Direct mobile app is available for both Apple and Android devices. If you don't have internet access, UFB Direct also offers SMS banking functionality.
Your ATM debit card can be used to withdraw cash or make debit card transactions. UFB Direct does not charge fees for using another bank's ATM, but it does not reimburse them either. If you withdraw foreign currency from an ATM, there is a 1% currency conversion fee.
You are allowed up to six transactions per statement cycle from among these activity types:
- Preauthorized transfers
- Telephone transfers or other electronic transmissions
- Online banking or mobile banking transfers or bill payments
- Debit card withdrawals or transactions
UFB Direct has one branch in Southern California. It is located in San Diego, California and its hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drawbacks
The UFB APY of up to 5.25% with no monthly fees is very attractive. However, there are some things to watch out for with the UFB Direct Secure Savings Account:
- Accounts closed mid-cycle forfeit all accrued interest
- Zero-balance accounts at the end of the monthly cycle will be closed and all interest accrued will be forfeited
Bottom Line
For readers who are ready to open a UFB Direct Secure Savings Account, you'll need this information to complete your online application:
- Social Security Number
- Valid form of identification – Driver's license or State ID
- U.S. mailing address that is not a P.O. Box
There are no minimum deposit requirements, so you do not need to fund your account right away. You must be a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien to apply.
You can open your account online from the UFB Direct Secure Savings Account page. It should take less than 15 minutes to open your account.
About UFB Direct
UFB Direct's banking services are provided through a partnership with Axos Bank (Member FDIC). By partnering with one of the top online banks, UFB Direct can offer its existing customers and the general public access to the very best online and mobile banking services. All UFB Direct deposit accounts are FDIC insured up to the legal limits through its partnership with Axos Bank.
Axos Bank was formerly Bank of the Internet USA, one of the first digital banks in the world when it was founded in 1999. The bank has no physical branches, but provides all of your banking needs online and through its mobile app.
Ready to open an account? Start here.
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi is a personal finance and travel writer and credit card expert. He has a degree in finance from Brigham Young University and worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance before writing full-time for NerdWallet and Student Loan Hero. Ben is now a full-time freelance writer and enjoys traveling and spending time with his two kids. His work has appeared in several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Money, Success and Slickdeals.
