Master Your Money: Banks vs. FinTech

Описание: Many of us rely on apps like CashApp, Venmo, or Chime for our daily spending. While they are convenient, they don’t offer the same financial protections and long-term benefits as a traditional bank account. During this workshop, our guest speakers from BankOZK compare the two and show you how to make the most of your hard-earned dollars.

Key Takeaways:
Banks offer superior security and support. They provide FDIC insurance (protecting funds if the bank fails) and a local branch for in-person help, same-day debit card replacement, and fraud resolution.
FinTech apps lack these protections. They are not FDIC insured, offer limited customer support, and provide no recourse for funds lost to scams (e.g., via "friends and family" payments).
FinTech credit comes at a high cost. Apps often provide credit lines with interest rates of 30–35%, far exceeding typical bank rates and making it difficult to build credit effectively.
"Bank On" accounts provide a second chance. These no-overdraft accounts help consumers with past banking issues rebuild their financial standing, often converting to a standard account after 12 months.

Major Topics:

Traditional Banks vs. FinTech Apps

Traditional Banks (e.g., Bank OZK)
Security: FDIC insured up to $250k/account holder, protecting funds if the bank fails. Dedicated fraud departments actively work to recover scam losses.
Access & Support: Local branches for in-person help, same-day debit card replacement, and immediate cash access.
Products: Offer a full range of services (checking, savings, loans, mortgages) with personalized advice.

FinTech Apps (e.g., Cash App, Venmo, Chime)
Security: Not FDIC insured; funds are lost if the company fails. Limited fraud protection, especially for "friends and family" payments.
Access & Support: No physical branches. Card replacement requires waiting for mail (7–10+ business days), blocking access to funds.
Products: Often have strict cash withdrawal limits and high-interest credit lines (30–35%).

Banking Products & Services
Deposit Accounts:
Checking: For daily transactions (deposits, purchases, bills).
Savings: For long-term goals, earning interest.
CDs (Certificates of Deposit): Higher interest for funds committed to a fixed term (e.g., 7 or 13 months).
Credit & Loans:
Credit Cards: Build credit by using less than 30% of your limit and paying the balance monthly to avoid interest.
Lines of Credit: Unsecured (e.g., PayPal Credit) or secured (e.g., Home Equity Line of Credit, with lower rates).
Loans: Installment, mortgage, etc., with rates determined by a personal banker.

"Bank On" Accounts (visit bankonar.org for info):
A "second chance" checking account for those with past banking issues.
Key Feature: No overdrafts, preventing negative balances.
Purpose: Helps consumers prove responsible financial management over 12 months, after which the account can convert to a standard type.
Access: Requires an in-person visit to a bank branch.

The Cost of Being Unbanked
Check cashing services and money orders have significant fees that use up valuable income.
Example Costs:
Check cashing: $5–$10 per check.
Money orders: ~$1+ each.
Long-Term Impact: These fees can total ~$500 annually, accumulating to ~$25,000 over a working lifetime.
Savings Opportunity: A bank account enables free auto-draft payments (e.g. Conway Corp bills) and free ATM withdrawals at the bank's machines.

Next Steps:

Consumers with past banking issues: Visit a local branch to inquire about a "Bank On" account.
Consumers using FinTech credit: Review monthly statements to understand interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
Consumers paying bills with cards: Use bank account auto-drafts to avoid transaction fees.
All consumers: Use Zelle within your bank's app for secure, instant, fee-free money transfers.