(Digit has a new name, Oportun)
Digit is a handy personal finance app that lets you effortlessly save money for any goal that you have in mind, whether you’re looking to pay down debt, pad your emergency fund, or save up for a big purchase.
The tool works by analyzing your saving and spending habits, then deducting small amounts from your account whenever the algorithm determines you can afford it. This simple, painless method of saving can really add up over time, and Digit’s automated savings process is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it approach to saving.
What is Digit?
Digit (now Oportun) makes saving easy and uncomplicated by using a sophisticated algorithm to analyze your money habits and save money for you only when you can afford it. It’s a great option for people who are having trouble saving money each month and want one of the best money-saving apps that can save without you having to think about it.
How does Oportun work?
Digit works by withdrawing small amounts of money from your checking account into a Digit account every few days. To get started with Digit, you’ll first need to give Digit your phone number and enter a special code.
After that, it’s time to link your bank accounts up with Digit. You can select your bank from the menu or search for it up top.
You’ll need to provide your bank login info, then verify that it’s you using a security code sent to your phone.
Now, click the “see what’s next” button to get started saving with Digit.
Once you’re signed up, you can set and customize goals, track your progress, withdraw funds, and more!
How much does Digit cost?
When you sign up for Digit, you’re eligible for a 30-day free trial. After that, you’ll pay $5 a month for using Digit. While you might be wary of adding another monthly fee to your budget, Digit’s modest fee may be worth the money when you consider how much the tool could help you save.
Digit features
Digit has a simple premise: save money by withdrawing small amounts from your bank account each month. While this sounds simple, Digit offers some impressive features to get your savings journey started.
Sophisticated algorithm
Digit features an algorithm that analyzes your earning, spending, and saving patterns. When you can afford to save a few dollars, Digit tucks that money away into an account. And when cash is tight, Digit stops withdrawals. The tool is designed to make saving easy, automated, and so painless you don’t even notice it’s happening.
Savings goals
Digit allows customers to add particular savings goals, track their progress, and withdraw funds at any time. Digit can help you save up for your next big purchase, pay down debt, establish an emergency fund, or any other type of savings goal. The sky really is the limit when it comes to what you can save for.
No account minimums and unlimited withdrawals
There are no account minimums, so you can keep as little or as much as you want in your Digit account. There are also unlimited withdrawals, so you can take out money anytime you need it.
Checking account features
In the fall of 2021, Digit is going to be upgrading its offerings, with Digit Direct by MetaBank®. Direct will offer a banking feature that comes with a debit card that you can use at 55,000 fee-free ATMs, a “spending” account, and a “bills” account.
Direct is a hybrid savings and banking account that allows you to also automatically put aside money just for your bills. The cost? $9.99/month to use these features. If you are someone who needs to put their money on autopilot, you’ll need to carefully weigh the cost.
Overdraft protection and reimbursement
Another nice feature of Digit is that it protects you on the off chance that the tool ever withdraws too much from your account. You receive overdraft protection featuring automatic transfers to your checking account, and Digit will reimburse the fee if a withdrawal ever triggers an overdraft fee from your bank.
FDIC insured
When you use Digit, any savings held in your account are FDIC insured up to $250,000.
Savings bonuses
This is one especially unique feature of Digit. When you use Digit for three consecutive months, you’ll be rewarded with a 0.10% annualized Savings Bonus. This Savings Bonus is automatically deposited in your Digit account.
Credit card debt reduction
Not only can Digit help you save automatically, but they can help you also pay down your credit card debt. Digit’s Credit Card Debt Reduction feature lets you make automatic payments to your credit card company with the money held in your Digit account.
It’s simple and easy to activate the Credit Card Debt Reduction feature – just set a “credit card debt” goal in the app.
My experience using Digit
Digit is a handy service that makes saving easy and painless. If you find yourself struggling to stash away extra funds each month, Digit can help you save without you even noticing it. I liked that Digit automated the saving process so that it became something that could run in the background, rather than something to devote a lot of mental energy to each month.
I was also impressed with how easy it was to use Digit’s additional perks. Setting goals was a breeze, and you could customize just about everything. Plus, the ability to withdraw funds whenever you want is a major perk.
The only real downsides I could find is that Digit does charge a small monthly fee, but compared to other apps of the like, this fee is minuscule, and far offset by the money Digit saves throughout the month. Also, unlike some other savings tools, funds saved through Digit don’t accumulate any interest. But again, I believe if you’ve had trouble saving in a traditional account in the past, Digit’s features more than make up for the lack of interest.
Who is Digit best for?
People having trouble saving
Running up against the limit of your checking account each month? Digit can make saving money easy and painless. You might not even notice how much you’ve saved until you check your Digit account balance!
People who want to set-it-and-forget-it
Digit is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it savings tool. You don’t have to think about savings, transferring money, or making sure you have enough funds in your account. Digit does all the work for you, and you can devote your mental energy to the things that matter.
Who shouldn’t use Digit?
People who want to earn interest on their savings
One of the downsides of Digit is that consumers don’t earn interest on their savings. This means that people who are looking to accumulate interest on the money they save have better options than this tool.
People who want complete control
Because Digit automates the savings process, it withdraws funds according to an algorithm that decides when you can spare some extra change. This means that Digit might not be the best option for consumers who want complete control over the savings process.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Automates savings — One of the main benefits of Digit is that it automates the savings process so that you don’t have to think about it.
- Easy application process — It’s quick and easy to sign up with Digit – just connect your bank account, set a savings goal, and let Digit do the work.
- Perfect for first-time savers — Digit is an especially great tool for people who have trouble saving. By withdrawing small amounts only when you can afford it, Digit can “trick” consumers who might otherwise have difficulty saving into building up a sizable savings fund.
- Savings Bonus — After using Digit for three consecutive months, you’ll earn a 0.10% annualized Savings Bonus. This bonus is automatically deposited in your Digit account.
- Can help you reduce credit card debt — Thanks to their Credit Card Debt Reduction feature, you can make automatic payments to your credit card with money held in Digit.
Cons
- Monthly fee — Digit does charge a small monthly fee, which can be counterintuitive if you’re trying to save money.
- No interest rate — Aside from the small bonus you may get, Digit does not offer interest on the money held in your Digit account.
The competition
Digit is a great savings tool, but it’s not the only game in town. Here are a few other handy tools if you’re interested in automated savings.
| Digit | CountAbout | PocketSmith | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal setting | Digit allows you to create customized saving goals | Allows you to set goals as part of your budget | Allows you to save for purchases like a house, paying off student loans, and more |
| Fee | $5/month | $9.99/year | Free for a basic account |
| Automated savings | Entirely automated | No automated savings | No automated savings |
Oportun vs CountAbout
CountAbout is another personal finance tool that makes it easier than ever to manage your money. You can import data from your bank, credit cards, brokerages, and budgeting software, automatically download transactions, and manage your money on the go using their mobile app. You can even track your early retirement goals with CountAbout’s helpful FIRE widget that lets you track your expenses, assets, and passive income potential.
Unlike Digit, CountAbout doesn’t feature automated savings, although it does let you set goals and manage your money.
Oportun vs PocketSmith
PocketSmith is a personal finance tool that lets you better understand your finances, manage money, and save for your goals.
PocketSmith is an app that acts somewhat like a financial personal assistant. It helps you manage and organize your expenses in a way that allows you to understand your complete financial picture.
You can understand where you spend and then create a financial plan to better organize your spending.
- Excellent budgeting features
- Comprehensive financial dashboard
- Links with multiple accounts
- Pricing can be expensive
One unique feature of PocketSmith is that it allows you to project savings, earnings, and spending into the future in order to estimate where you will be financially months or even years down the line. PocketSmith is particularly well-suited to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and people with multiple income streams. However, also unlike Digit, PocketSmith doesn’t feature automated savings.
» MORE: Read our full PocketSmith Review
Summary
Digit is a great tool that encourages you to save money through the power of automatic, behind-the-scenes saving. It turns saving into something that you don’t even have to think about or devote mental energy towards. Instead, savings happens in the background, making reaching your savings goals is easy and painless.