Ubank Vs Up Bank Australia – Which is Better in 2023? [Full Comparison]
Ubank and Up Bank are two of the leading digital banks in Australia, both offering online banking services that are designed to be accessible and user-friendly. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two banks that are worth exploring. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Ubank vs Up Bank Australia and help you decide which bank may be right for you.
Background and Overview
Ubank was established in 2008 and is a subsidiary of the National Australia Bank (NAB). It is a purely online bank that offers a range of banking products including savings accounts, term deposits, home loans, and personal loans. Ubank’s focus is on providing a simple, easy-to-use banking experience that allows customers to manage their money on the go.
Up Bank, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the Australian banking scene. It was launched in 2018 and is a digital-only bank that offers a range of transaction and savings accounts. Up Bank’s focus is on providing customers with a more personalized banking experience, with features like real-time transaction alerts, categorization of expenses, and custom savings goals.
Account Types and Features
Both Ubank and Up Bank offer a range of account types and features that are designed to meet the needs of different types of customers. Here’s a breakdown of what each bank offers:
Ubank
- Savings accounts: Ubank offers two savings accounts – the USaver and USaver Ultra accounts. Both accounts offer competitive interest rates and no account-keeping fees.
- Term deposits: Ubank offers term deposits ranging from 1 month to 5 years, with interest rates that are among the highest in the market.
- Home loans: Ubank offers a range of home loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options.
- Personal loans: Ubank offers unsecured personal loans with fixed interest rates and no ongoing fees.
Up Bank
- Transaction accounts: Up Bank offers a single transaction account that is designed to simplify banking. The account offers no account-keeping fees, no ATM fees, and real-time transaction alerts.
- Savings accounts: Up Bank offers a range of savings accounts including the Up Saver and Up Saver Goals accounts. These accounts offer competitive interest rates and flexible savings options.
- Budgeting and savings tools: Up Bank offers a range of budgeting and savings tools that are designed to help customers manage their money more effectively. These tools include transaction categorization, custom savings goals, and real-time spending alerts.
Fees and Charges – Ubank Vs Up Bank Australia
Both Ubank and Up Bank offer fee-free banking, which means that they don’t charge customers for everyday banking activities like making deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. However, there are some differences in the fees and charges that each bank applies:
Ubank
- Savings accounts: There are no account-keeping fees or transaction fees for Ubank’s savings accounts. However, there may be fees for things like overdrawing your account or making international transfers.
- Home loans: Ubank’s home loans come with a range of fees including application fees, valuation fees, and settlement fees. These fees can vary depending on the loan type and amount.
- Personal loans: Ubank’s personal loans come with a one-time establishment fee, but there are no ongoing fees.
Up Bank
- Transaction account: Up Bank’s transaction account is fee-free, with no account-keeping fees, ATM fees, or transaction fees.
- Savings accounts: Up Bank’s savings accounts are fee-free, with no account-keeping fees or transaction fees.
- Foreign currency transactions: Up Bank charges a fee of 2.5% for foreign currency transactions.
Mobile Banking
Both Ubank and Up Bank offer mobile banking apps that are designed to provide a seamless banking experience on the go. Here’s a breakdown of what each bank’s mobile app offers:
Ubank
- The Ubank mobile app allows customers to view account balances and transaction history, transfer money between accounts, and make payments to other people or bills.
- The app also offers a range of features including savings goals, budgeting tools, and the ability to lock and unlock your debit card if it’s lost or stolen.
Up Bank
- The Up Bank mobile app offers a range of features including real-time transaction alerts, categorization of expenses, and custom savings goals.
- The app also offers a range of security features including the ability to freeze your card if it’s lost or stolen, and biometric authentication for added security.
Customer Service
Both Ubank and Up Bank offer customer support through their mobile apps, websites, and call centers. However, there are some differences in the level of support that each bank offers:
Ubank
- Ubank offers customer support through its call center, email, and online chat. The bank also has an extensive online knowledge base that offers answers to frequently asked questions.
- The bank’s call center is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm AEST.
Up Bank
- Up Bank offers customer support through its mobile app, with customers able to access support via chat or email.
- The bank also has an online knowledge base that offers answers to frequently asked questions.
Table of Difference Between Ubank and Up Bank
| Feature | Ubank | Up Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Type | Traditional bank | Neo bank |
| Established | 2007 | 2018 |
| Parent Company | National Australia Bank (NAB) | Bendigo and Adelaide Bank |
| ATM Network | Over 10,000 ATMs through RediATM | No physical ATMs, can use any ATM |
| Account Options | Savings and transaction accounts | Transaction account only |
| Foreign Transaction | 2.5% foreign transaction fee | No foreign transaction fees |
| Mobile App | Account management, savings goals, etc | Real-time transaction alerts, savings goals |
| Customer Service | Call center, email, online chat | Mobile app support, email, online chat |
| Interest Rates | Offers competitive interest rates on savings | Offers competitive interest rates on savings |
| Loan Products | Offers a range of home loan and personal loan | No loan products offered |
| Credit Cards | No credit cards offered | No credit cards offered |
| Overdraft Facility | No overdraft facility offered | No overdraft facility offered |
| Bill Payment Services | Offers BPAY and PayID payment options | Offers BPAY and PayID payment options |
| Savings Goals Features | Allows customers to set and track savings goals | Offers customizable savings goals features |
| Budgeting Tools | Offers basic budgeting tools | Offers advanced categorization of expenses |
| Security Features | Offers the ability to lock and unlock debit card | Offers the ability to freeze card and biometric authentication |
| Availability | Available to all Australian residents | Available to all Australian residents |
Which Bank is Right for You?
Choosing between Ubank and Up Bank ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- If you’re looking for a more established bank with a wider range of products, Ubank may be the better option.
- If you’re looking for a more personalized banking experience with advanced budgeting and savings tools, Up Bank may be the better option.
- If you frequently travel overseas, Up Bank’s foreign currency transaction fees may be a consideration.
- If you place a high value on customer service and support, Ubank’s call center availability may be a consideration.
In summary, both Ubank and Up Bank offer competitive, fee-free banking solutions that are designed to meet the needs of different types of customers. Whether you prefer a more established bank with a wider range of products, or a more personalized banking experience with advanced budgeting tools, there’s likely an option that will suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between Ubank vs Up Bank Australia comes down to what matters most to you. Visit ThinkMoneyTrader for more financial bytes like this.
