Ways to fund your Varo bank account

Getting started with Varo should be just as easy as spending with us. Whether you’re a new member making your first deposit or a long-time customer managing your daily budget, you need your money to be where you are.

At Varo, we’ve built a variety of ways to move money into your bank account, ranging from instant digital transfers to the "set-it-and-forget-it" ease of direct deposit. Here is your guide to choosing the method that fits your life right now.

Already know the way you want to fund? Move money in the Varo app now.

1. The “need it now” options

When you’re at the checkout or need to cover a bill immediately, speed is everything. These methods are designed to get your balance up and running in a matter of seconds.

• Apple Pay: For iPhone users, it doesn't get easier than this. Transfer funds directly from your Apple Wallet into your Varo Bank Account with just a few taps.

• External debit card: Think of this as pulling money from your old bank into your Varo account, without having to wait. By linking a different debit card, you can instantly move money to Varo without the delay of traditional bank-to-bank processing.

• Cash App, PayPal, Venmo: If you have a balance sitting in one of these apps from a side hustle or a split dinner bill, you can send it straight to Varo with ease. Simply go to your Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal settings and link your Varo routing and account numbers to transfer cash using app-to-app connection.

2. The “cash in hand” solution

Digital banking doesn't mean you can't use physical currency. If you have a pocket full of cash, you can skip the traditional bank branch and deposit your money at participating retailers. ID requirements and limits may vary.

• Free cash deposits at CVS®: You can deposit cash into your Varo account, for free, at the register of over 7,000 CVS locations*. The funds will be available in your account in minutes. 

• Other participating retailers: If there’s no CVS near you, you can still deposit cash at over 90,000 participating retailers. Retail service fee up to $5.95 may apply. 

To find a retail location near you, in your app click Move Money > Add Cash > Show Retailer Locations.

Must have debit card or app barcode present to deposit cash. Deposit limits may apply. More details can be found here: How to deposit cash into your Varo account.

* Available at all standalone CVS® locations (through Green Dot Network®) with a cashier in the US except those located within hospitals, on military bases, or in Target. You can deposit between $20-$500 per transaction. A fee may apply for depositing cash at other locations. ©Copyright 1999-2026 CVS.com. Service provided by Green Dot®. ©2026 Green Dot Corporation. All rights reserved. Green Dot Corporation NMLS #914924; Green Dot Bank NMLS #908739.

3. The “paper check deposit” option

For when you have a physical check but don't want to deal with a physical bank.

• Mobile check deposit: Paper checks seem less common these days, but when you happen to receive one, you don't need to find an ATM or bank teller to get those funds into your account. Just tap Move Money > Deposit Check in your Varo app to get started. Quals apply2.

Simply follow the prompts to snap a photo of the front and back of your check. Make sure you follow the endorsement instructions on the back so everything goes smoothly! Once you submit, we’ll send you an email to let you know the review process has started and another once your funds are ready for use. Review times may vary.

Check out our support article, Deposit Checks, for more details including a full list of accepted check types and deposit limits.

4. The “set it and forget it” approach

If you’re looking to build long-term financial health and unlock the best perks Varo has to offer, these are the methods for you.

• Direct deposit (the gold standard): While a shift in your direct deposit can take 14-30 days to fully transition (depending on your employer’s payroll cycle), direct deposit is the ultimate way to fund your account. Not only is it automatic, but it also unlocks elevated Varo features like getting paid up to two days early1, better Savings Account rates, and potentially higher Varo Advance3 limits.

• Link an external bank account: For moving larger lump sums or setting up a recurring monthly transfer from a traditional bank, an ACH link is your best bet. While these transfers typically take 2-4 business days to kick-in, they are perfect for building a "nest egg" or moving your main savings over to Varo.

Which method is right for you?

Start funding your future today

Funding your bank account is the first step toward unlocking the full power of banking with Varo. From high-yield savings to flat-fee cash advances3, we aim to make the process as simple and intuitive as possible.

Ready to fund your account? Click here to get started, or tap "Move Money" in the Varo app.

Disclosures

1 We give you access to your direct deposits from employer and government payers on the day we receive them, which is typically up to 2 days earlier than your scheduled pay date.

2 Access to mobile deposit and deposit limits are set based on how long your Bank Account has been open and your prior account activity.

3 Varo Advance (VA) is a small dollar line of credit. Initial limits range from $20–$250. Fees range from $1.60–$40 based on loan amount, and deposits to your Varo Bank Account. No interest is charged. For full details see Terms and Conditions. Your current limit and applicable fees can be viewed in the Varo App. Only one outstanding advance at a time, must be repaid in full prior to requesting a new advance. Limits and eligibility evaluated daily and may change at any time. You must have an active Varo Bank Account with a positive balance, no delinquent VLOC or charged off Believe account in prior 6 months and one of the following: 1) receive Qualifying Direct Deposits (QDD) of $800+ to your Varo Account current or previous calendar month (max line size $500). 2) A linked account with QDD of $800+ in the current or prior calendar month, average daily balance of $100 in the previous 30 days and active for at least 60 days (max line size $250) or 3) receive deposits of $800+ to your Varo Account in the previous 3 months (max line size $100). Add’l qualifications may apply. Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security or unemployment) from your employer or government agency to the extent that can be identified. Tax refunds and government stimulus payments, Person-to-Person payments (such as Venmo or Varo to Anyone), and funds deposited using a Varo routing number are not considered a direct deposit.

* Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security or unemployment) from your employer or government agency to the extent that can be identified. Tax refunds and government stimulus payments, Person-to-Person payments (such as Venmo or Varo to Anyone), and funds deposited using a Varo routing number are not considered a direct deposit.