X
Why You Can Trust CNET Money

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners. Review CNET's ethics statement.

  • Money
  • Banking
  • Banking

LendingClub: Banking Review

A one-stop shop for banking and loan products.

Headshot of Toni Husbands
Headshot of Toni Husbands
Toni Husbands Former Staff Writer
Toni Husbands was a staff writer with CNET Money. She began writing about personal finance to document her experience paying off $107,000 of debt, which is detailed in her book "The Great Debt Dump." Previously, she wrote for CreditCards.com, Centsai, Wisebread and other sites, and she was also a regular contributor to Business AM TV.
Expertise Personal finance | Budgeting | Debt elimination | Credit score improvement Credentials
  • Author of "The Great Debt Dump" (2015)
Toni Husbands
3 min read
LendingClub
Overview

LendingClub is a digital marketing bank founded in 2007 that offers a robust set of financial services from checking and savings accounts to personal loans.

With more than 4 million members, this San-Francisco-based online-only bank is a one-stop shop for those who are comfortable managing all of their retail banking needs via mobile app, but enjoy the option of contacting customer service through an online chat session or phone call when personal assistance is required.

LendingClub
Overview

LendingClub is a digital marketing bank founded in 2007 that offers a robust set of financial services from checking and savings accounts to personal loans.

With more than 4 million members, this San-Francisco-based online-only bank is a one-stop shop for those who are comfortable managing all of their retail banking needs via mobile app, but enjoy the option of contacting customer service through an online chat session or phone call when personal assistance is required.

What we like

  • No fees: There are no fees for standard services such as minimum balances, overdraft or monthly maintenance fees. 
  • Robust mobile banking app: Access money and banking features anywhere via the mobile app. LendingClub app allows customers to manage all transactions that would be handled through traditional banks.
  • Supports cash deposits: LendingClub customers can make cash deposits at any MoneyPass or NYCE ATM that accepts deposits.

What we don't like

  • No physical branches: Customers can only access assistance via mobile device or telephone support. 

LendingClub products

Overview

LendingClub offers a free checking account called Rewards Checkings. There’s no minimum deposit required to open an account, no minimum balance required to avoid monthly maintenance fees and no overdraft fees. The account pays a small annual percentage yield of 0.10% when a balance of $2,500 is maintained. The account also earns 1% cash back on credit purchases made with LendingClub’s debit card when $2,500 in direct deposits are made and a monthly balance of $2,500 is maintained.

 

Checking Account Features

 

APY0.10%
Minimum balance$0
Monthly fee$0

 

Note: APYs shown below are as of Oct. 17, 2022

 

Pros

  • No fees: There are no fees for standard services such as minimum balances, overdraft fees or monthly maintenance fees.

  • Unlimited ATM Rebates: Customers can use any ATM and receive unlimited rebates of fees charged by out-of-network ATMs.

  • Supports cash deposits: LendingClub customers can make cash deposits at any MoneyPass or NYCE ATM that accepts deposits.

  • Early deposits: Customers receive paychecks by direct deposit up to two days early.

Cons

  • High balance required to earn interest: Account holders must maintain a balance of $2,500 to earn interest.

  • Low interest rates: Checking accounts pay higher yields at other banks.

Overview

The high-yield savings account consistently pays a competitive interest rate. The highest rate is applied to any balance. Open an account with a $100 minimum deposit online or through the mobile app. Free ATM cards are available upon request.

 

Savings Account Features

 

APY3.12%
Minimum balance$100

 

Pros

  • No fees: There are no fees for standard services such as minimum balances, overdraft or monthly maintenance.

  • Low minimum deposit: An account can be opened with a minimum of $100.

  • Optional ATM card. A free ATM card is available upon request.

Cons

  • No youth savings account. Minors under age 18 can’t open savings accounts.

Overview

LendingClub offers a traditional certificate of deposit account with five different terms ranging from one to five years. APYs offered on CDs are competitively priced. There’s a minimum $2,500 deposit required to open a CD and it automatically renews with a 30-day grace period.

 

CD Account Features

 

1-year APY3.50%
18- month APY3.60%
24-month APY3.70%
3-year APY3.70%
5-year APY3.70%
Minimum deposit$2,500
Early withdrawal penaltyAmount equal to simple interest earned to date

 

Pros

  • Competitive APYs: LendingClub CDs are among the highest yielding CDs available compared with other banks

  • Variety of terms: LendingClub offers a decent variety of CD terms to choose from

Cons

  • High minimum deposit: A higher minimum deposit is required to open an account than at many other competitors.

  • Restrictive early withdrawal penalty: The penalties charged are higher than other banks.

Banking experience

LendingClub doesn't have physical branches, but customers can manage their accounts online or through its mobile app, link external accounts, create a budget and view their net worth. Customer service offers extended hours via live chat and toll-free telephone assistance. 

Overdraft fees

LendingClub doesn't charge overdraft fees.

Customer Service

Customer service is available through LendingClub's website or a toll-free phone number: 888-596-3157. You can reach customer service Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT, and 8 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT on Saturdays.