Extra vs Current Build Debit Card and Services

Updated: Jan 3, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

Comparing Current Build vs Extra. How Are These Banking Services Different and Which Debit Card is Better?

Current vs Extra – both offer debit cards for eligible US individuals, but their banking services are different. The Current is an NYC-based online-only fintech company offering services by FDIC-insured Choice Financial Group and Metropolitan Commercial Bank. It combines checking and savings accounts’ features and offers money-saving and budgeting tools and an opportunity to earn interest and rewards on purchases at select merchants. The Extra has partnered with FDIC-insured Evolve Bank & Trust to help its debit card users build credit and earn rewards on all purchases.

  • The Current Build – best for applicants who are looking for solid financial advice and budgeting tool, plan to use online banking and savings services when swiping a debit card and earning rewards. Good choice for teens!
  • The Extra – best for those who want to use innovative online banking solutions to earn rewards while building or restoring their credit ratings.
Comparing Current vs Extra Banking Services and Debit Cards

Current Build vs Extra Debit Card Comparison Table

Current BuildExtra
BankMetropolitan Commercial BankEvolve Bank & Trust
ServicesOnline banking & savings, education, debit card, rewardsOnline banking, debit card, rewards, credit building tools
Program levels/ plans Teen, Basic, and PremiumCredit building, credit building + rewards
Program levels/ plans & fees– Teen: $0
– Basic: $$4.99 / month
– Premium: $4.99+ / month
– Credit Building ($149$200/year)
– Rewards+Credit Building ($199$265/year)
Credit neededAccepts allAccepts all
Best forFinancial planning and education for TeensBuild credit and earn rewards
Money management toolsYes, very well developedNo
Credit reportingNoYes, Equifax and Experian
Credit buildingNo, does not build creditYes, its all about building credit
RewardsUp to 15x points per $1% cashback, unlimited
Rewards redemptionAt 14,000+ participating merchantsAt Extra Rewards Store
Savings Yes, 4.00% APYNo
Debit cardYes, Current Build Visa Debit CardYes, Extra Debit Card
Credit checkNoNo
Opening minimumNoYes, $8
FDIC- insuredYesYes
Referral bonusYes, $45No
ATM withdrawalsYes, the AllPoint ATM networkNo, no ATM access
Foreign trans. feeYes, 3% No, cannot be used outside the U.S.
More infoCurrent Build VisaExtra Mastercard
Rate & review this offerReview Current BuildReview Extra
ApplicationClaim this offerClaim this offer
* – Terms and conditions apply

Debit Card Deposits

Once you sign up for a Current Build account via the official mobile app, you can connect a bank account to fund your new debit card or sign up for direct deposit (Premium accounts only). Direct deposit also allows you to get a paycheck two days early. You’ll access the mobile check deposit feature after the initial deposit, which you can use to add cash to your card at participating retailers. You can deposit up to $500 per transaction or $1,000 per day, while $10,000 is a monthly limit.

The Extra debit card works differently. It lets you connect a Plaid-compatible bank account and, similarly to credit cards, gives you a spending limit (Spend Power) based on your account balance. It supports 10,000+ banks across the US. You automatically get a $10 spending limit when you sign up, which will increase once you verify your identity and connect your bank account. The limit will continue rising as you make regular purchases or use it to pay utility bills or pay off loans or credit card debt.

Withdrawals

The Current Build Visa debit card gives you access to 40,000+ surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint ATM network in the US. You can withdraw up to $500 per day at any ATM. As for card purchases, you can spend a maximum of $2,000 per day and send a maximum of $5,000 through Current Pay, a peer-to-peer payment platform. Extra gives you no ATM access, so you can’t withdraw funds.

Current Build vs Extra Rewards

Current Build Rewards Program has different features for Basic and Premium users. The former can earn one point per dollar spent on debit card purchases, while the latter can enjoy up to 15x more points per dollar. For instance, Burger King offers 2x points, while Forever 21 offers 5x points. The rewards are available for in-store purchases at 14,000+ participating merchants across the US, including Subway, True Value, Cold Stone Creamery, and Rite Aid. You can redeem them for cash (100 points per dollar) in your Current account, apply them to Premium subscription fees, or use them to purchase products at partner retailers.

Extra is weaker in the rewards department, allowing cardholders to get back up to 1% cash on purchases. It also limits them to its Extra Rewards Store, the only place where they can spend the rewards points.

Referral Bonus

Extra has no referral program, while Current Build lures users with a generous $45 referral bonus. If your referral signs up for an account using your referral link or code and receives a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 within 45 days of opening an account, you’ll receive $45 each. The maximum amount in referral bonuses is $1,000 per calendar year.

Money Management Tools

You’ll find no money-management tools with Extra, while Current might surprise you with its unique features, such as:

  • Savings Pods – Each allows a $2,000 maximum balance and lets you set a savings goal. Basic accounts can have only one, while their Premium counterparts can have three.
  • Budgets – Premium users can set multiple budgets in various categories, while Basic users are limited to only one. The Insights widget shows the monthly spending to help users manage money better.
  • Round-Ups – This optional feature rounds up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar, transferring the change to a specific Savings Pod.
  • Saving with Interest – Only Premium accounts have access to a 4% APY on a maximum of $6,000 in savings in Pods.

Current Build also offers Teen debit card features with various money-management features with parental control, including – Automated allowances; Budgets; Round-Ups; Weekly chores; One Giving Pod for charitable donations; Blocked purchases at specific merchants; and Purchase notifications. Teen accounts have no Savings Pods, and parents can use the mobile app to transfer money to kids and pause their debit cards.

Credit Building Features

Current has credit-building features. Extra is all about helping people build or improve credit. There are no credit checks or minimum credit score requirements because Extra is not a credit card. However, the company reports purchases to Equifax and Experian monthly, helping cardholders build credit. Another advantage is you don’t have to keep your credit utilization below 30% because it resets every 24 hours.

Current Build vs Extra Fees

Current Build: Premium users can overdraft up to $200 without overdraft fees by enabling the Overdrive feature, with a starting limit of $25. All users can enjoy the lack of minimum balance fees, bank transfer fees, instant transfer fees when using Current Pay, and in-network ATM withdrawal fees. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals incur $2.50 per transaction, while that jumps to $3 plus 3% in foreign transaction fees for international ATM withdrawals. You’ll also need to pay a $3.50 transaction fee for cash deposits.

Extra: There are no foreign transaction fees because you can’t use it outside the US. The card has overdraft protection, no interest on purchases, and no hidden costs.

Plans and Service levels

ExtraCurrent
Level 1Credit building: $149 $200 per year (Now 25% Off)Teen Plan: $0
Level 2Credit building + rewards: $199 $265 per year (Now 25% Off)Basic Plan: $4.99/ month ($59.88/ year)
Level 3Premium Plan: $4.99 + / month

Eligibility Requirements

Current Basic and Premium users must be at least 18 and receive a minimum of $500 in monthly paychecks via direct deposit. Minors need a parent to open a Teen account.

Extra users also must be at least 18, but they need a qualifying US bank account, an SSN or ITIN number, and a valid US mailing address (not a PO box).

Current Build & Extra Competing Offers and Alternatives

Debit CardSavingsBuilds CreditWelcome BonusRewardsBest forApplication
Aspiration PlusYesNo$150 cash creditUp to 10% cashbackEco-friendly attitude, saving the environmentClaim this offer
NorthOne Debit CardNoNo1 month FreeFreelancers, entrepreneurs, businessesClaim this offer
Kikoff Credit AccountNoYesBuilding credit with minimum paymentsClaim this offer
Sable Debit MastercardNo YesUnlimited 1% cashbackGlobal citizens, international transfersClaim this offer
Quontic Bitcoin RewardsYesNoExtra rewards1.5% Bitcoin rewardsCrypto enthusiasts and beginnersClaim this offer
Pink ACE FlareYesNo$100 cash creditFighting against breast cancerClaim this offer
Chime Debit CardYesYesImprove credit, grow your savingsClaim this offer

RELATED: Best Credit Builder Apps, Greenlight vs Current Build

The Bottom Line

These debit cards cater to different users, so we can’t say one is better.

Current – can be a good choice for those looking for essential banking features while earning rewards points on eligible purchases. Many cards with no monthly fees offer similar features, but this one’s built-in money-management tools and referral bonuses might make it worth the cost.

Extra – debit card has higher fees and is even more expensive if you want to access the not-so-favorable rewards program. However, it can be excellent for building or improving credit without putting down a security deposit, worrying about credit checks and scores, and maintaining a low credit utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions



×

Advertiser Disclosure

Market Pro Secure® is an independent payment card comparison service supported by advertisers, a complete list of which can be seen in our Editorial Guidelines. Even though some of these advertisers are financial product providers and credit card issuers, our paid partnerships don't affect card ratings or the Best Card Picks on our website. We don't post any content that is provided or commissioned by any of our partners. However, our paid partnerships may affect how and where products appear on our site, including the order in which they are presented within listing categories. This order may also be affected by our website rules, as well as the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. We can't offer any warranty for the accuracy of the credit card information we share on our website, even though we do our best to keep the Terms and Conditions, rates, and other credit card details up-to-date. For more accurate information, click "APPLY NOW" to get transferred to the credit card issuer's official website. Market Pro Secure® doesn't include all available payment cards in the marketplace.