Updated January 4, 2024

UFB Direct Review

By Katarina Rodriguez
Read more about UFB Direct
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UFB Direct offers high interest rates. But is it a safe choice? Find out in this review.

5-point scale (the higher, the better)

Pros and Cons

  • Competitive APYs
  • Easy online banking
  • Limited transactions
  • No physical locations

Bottom Line

Safe digital bank for high APYs on personal savings and MMAs

UFB Direct is an online bank that offers high-rate savings accounts and mortgage options with different features.

If you're looking to grow your money, UFB might be a great place to look. Read on to find out more.

What is UFB Direct?

UFB Direct is a digital bank under a well-known financial institution in the US called Axos Bank.

They offer two main accounts that allow consumers to earn exceptional interest: UFB Savings and UFB Money Market.

Aside from that, they also have low-interest mortgage loans for people who want to make their dream home a reality.

Continue reading to find out more about the details of each product.

What is UFB Direct Money Market?

UFB Direct's Money Market account offers an impressive 4.01% APY on all balance tiers. But what's the catch?

They actually require a $5,000 minimum opening deposit which you'll have to maintain every month to avoid paying the $10 maintenance fee.

With this high-yield Money Market account, you also get check-writing privileges and access to handy digital banking tools.

How do I order checks from UFB Direct?[1]
You can order online through your bank account, just follow these steps:
  1. Log-in to your account.
  2. Go to the "Accounts" tab.
  3. Choose which account you want to order checks for.
  4. Click "Detail" and select "Order Checks".

Pros + Cons

  • Competitive APYs
  • Handy digital banking tools
  • Check-writing privileges
  • No ATM card/branch access
  • Possible $10 monthly fee
  • $5,000 minimum opening deposit
  • Limited to 6 transactions per month

What is UFB Direct Savings?

UFB Direct's Savings is a high-yield savings account with a 4.01% APY on your entire balance.

Unlike the Money Market account, you won't have to worry about any minimum deposits or monthly maintenance fees.

UFB Direct also offers a complimentary ATM card and a seamless online banking experience, making your savings easily accessible.

You can even enjoy fee-free withdrawals at over 91,000 ATM locations nationwide.

Additionally, if you want to transfer funds between direct deposit accounts, you can do so at no added charge.

Pros + Cons

  • High APY on all balance tiers
  • Complimentary ATM card
  • Easy online banking
  • No opening deposit/monthly fees
  • No physical branch access
  • Limited to 6 transactions per month

Fees To Look Out For

UFB Direct's Savings account has no monthly charge, but their Money Market account possibly has one. Unless you're able to maintain a minimum balance of $5,000, you're going to need to pay $10 per month.

As far as overdraft fees are concerned, there is a $25 charge per transaction for insufficient funds.[2] It applies to items that are either paid or returned by the bank, which caps at $75 daily.

How to Open a UFB Direct Savings Account?

Follow these simple steps if you want to open a UFB Direct Money Market or Savings account:

  1. Go to the official website of UFB Direct and select your preferred savings product (Money Market or Savings).
  2. Choose Open An Account, set up your log-in details, and answer the online application form.
  3. If you chose UFB Direct's Money Market, you need to fund your account with at least $5,000.

To open a UFB Direct Savings account, you need to provide the following:
  • A Social Security number
  • A valid ID
  • A U.S. cellphone number
  • A valid U.S. address
  • A valid email

Who Is UFB Direct Best For?

UFB Direct's Savings is best for those who prefer a high APY account with practically no fees.

If you want the convenience of having an ATM card and being able to withdraw money, then this product is one to look out for.

Meanwhile, UFB Direct's Money Market is ideal if you want an account with an impressive APY and you have $5,000 to spare. Otherwise, you would need to spend $10 a month.

It is also great for those who are looking for online banks with check-writing privileges.

Here's a calculator you can use to see just how much your money can grow.

Savings Calculator

Overall, UFB Direct serves as an excellent choice for individuals who are looking for competitive rates and prefer online banking over physical branches.

Is UFB Direct Safe?

Yes, it is. UFB Direct deposit accounts are fully insured by FDIC through Axos Bank for up to $250,000 for individual accounts and $500,000 for joint accounts.[3] Your total insurance coverage will depend on your combined deposits at UFB, Axos Bank, and any of their other divisions.

Saving more than this? UFB Direct also has an InsureGuard+ Savings program that gives you expanded FDIC coverage up to $175 million. Talk to a Relationship Manager if you have a lot to save.

How to Reach UFB Direct?

Get 24/7 customer support by talking to a UFB Direct Banker at 877-472-9200 (except on Thanksgiving and Christmas).[4] Or dial 1-858-350-6200 when calling outside the US.

For a quicker response to common questions, you can refer to the FAQs section.

Or, chat with Evo, their virtual assistant, on the UFB Direct website or by logging in to your online banking. This service is open on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm PT. You can also send a secure message by selecting Messages.

Other UFB Direct Products

Aside from their savings and money market accounts, UFB Direct also offers mortgage options through their parent bank, Axos Bank.

They have fixed rate terms as well as adjustable rate terms. You can even get up to 3% annualized cash-back credit on your mortgage payments.

Since Axos is fully online, you can do this entire process in the comfort of your home.

Bottom Line

If you're looking to grow your money, UFB Direct is a great place to do just that. With a competitive APY for both Savings and Money Market, you're sure to save a lot.

Just remember that UFB Direct is an online-only bank, so it can be difficult to sort out problems with your account ASAP.

Nonetheless, they offer great rates for those really looking to boost their funds!

References

  1. ^ UFB Direct. How do I order checks?, Retrieved 8/21/23
  2. ^ UFB Direct. Deposit Account Agreement & Schedule of Fees, Retrieved 1/02/2024
  3. ^ UFB Direct. FDIC Insurance, Retrieved 8/21/23
  4. ^ UFB Direct. FAQs, Retrieved 1/02/2024
UFB Direct
Member FDIC

UFB Portfolio Savings - Earn up to 4.01% APY

Learn More
  • Earn up to 4.01% APY.*
  • No monthly maintenance fees.
  • No minimum deposit required to open an account.
  • Access your funds 24/7 with easy-to-use digital banking tools.
  • Enjoy peace of mind with FDIC insurance up to the maximum allowance limit – Certificate #35546.
CIT Bank
Member FDIC

CIT Bank Platinum Savings - $300 Bonus

Get Deal
  • Transfer a one-time deposit of $50,000+ for a Bonus of $300
  • 4.10% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
  • 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Member FDIC
Terms and Conditions
Axos Bank
Member FDIC

Rewards Checking - Up to 3.30% APY

Get Deal
  • Build your own APY with up to 3.30% APY*
  • Zero monthly maintenance fees
  • Zero overdraft or NSF fees
  • Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
  • No initial deposit requirement
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • Online debit card management
  • Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
Western Alliance Bank
Member FDIC

High Yield Savings Account - 4.25% APY

Learn More
on Raisin's Secure Website
  • No fees
  • $1 minimum deposit
  • 24/7 online access
  • FDIC insured
Bank of America
Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer

Learn More
Expires 5/31/2025
  • The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
  • The offer is for new checking customers only.
  • Offer expires 05/31/2025.
  • To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
  • Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
  • Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
  • *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
  • Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.

Write to Katarina Rodriguez at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

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