Current vs Varo

By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026

Quick Verdict

Overall Winner: Current (4.1/5)

We tested Current and Varo side-by-side. Current comes out ahead overall, but Varo may be better for specific use cases.

Score Breakdown

CriteriaCurrentVaro
Features7/107/10
Ease of Use8.5/108.5/10
Value for Money8/108.5/10
Customer Support6.5/106.5/10
Overall7.5/107.6/10

Feature Comparison

FeatureCurrentVaro
Early Direct DepositYesNo
Teen BankingYesNo
CashbackYesNo
High-Yield SavingsNoYes
Credit BuilderNoYes
No FeesNoYes

Pricing Comparison

Current: Free / Premium $4.99/mo

Varo: Free (no monthly fees)

Current Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Early direct deposit
  • Cashback at merchants
  • Teen banking accounts
  • Fee-free overdraft

Cons

  • Lower savings rates
  • Limited ATM network
  • Premium needed for best features
  • Fewer banking products

Varo Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Full bank charter
  • High-yield savings
  • No fees
  • Credit builder tool

Cons

  • Limited product range
  • No joint accounts
  • Basic app features
  • Smaller ATM network

Key Specifications

SpecCurrentVaro
Rating4.1/54/5
PricingFree / Premium $4.99/moFree (no monthly fees)
Year Founded20152015
HeadquartersNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA

Our Verdict

Current wins overall. Choose Current if you value Young adults. Choose Varo if you prioritize Savings-focused users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Current better than Varo?

Based on our testing, Current scores higher with a rating of 4.1/5 compared to Varo's 4/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.

What is the main difference between Current and Varo?

Current is known for: Mobile banking platform with early direct deposit and cashback rewards.. Varo is known for: FDIC-insured neobank with high-yield savings and no-fee checking..

Which is cheaper, Current or Varo?

Current pricing: Free / Premium $4.99/mo. Varo pricing: Free (no monthly fees).

Can I use Current and Varo together?

While both tools serve similar purposes in the Digital Banks category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.

What are the pros of Current?

Early direct deposit. Cashback at merchants. Teen banking accounts

What are the pros of Varo?

Full bank charter. High-yield savings. No fees

Which digital banks should I choose?

Choose Current if you value Young adults. Choose Varo if you prioritize Savings-focused users.