If you’re thinking about downloading and subscribing to the Qube Money app, read this first! In this post, I’ll give my honest review of the Qube Money app and share my experience as a Premium user.
I started using this app as a Beta tester over a year ago, so I’ll be able to give you some insider insight into the app and how it actually works.
Because you’re here, I can assume that you know a little bit about the app already. But, on the off chance that you don’t, let me give you the rundown…
What is the Qube app?
Qube is a mobile banking app with a digital cash envelope feature. The biggest draw to the app is the digital cash envelopes—replacing traditional, physical envelopes.
The purpose of the app is to help you proactively manage your money by effectively separating it and allocating funds appropriately.
The way that the app works is based on the cash envelope budgeting system. Traditionally with the cash envelope budgeting system, you would take out the exact amount of cash that is allocated for a specific line item in your budget. But, as you know, many people no longer carry cash. So, what are you to do?
Well, Qube came up with a solution that would allow you to allocate and separate your money in digital “cash” envelopes. Instead of taking out cash and putting it in an envelope, you actually transfer money to different qubes. When you’re ready to spend the money, you simply open the qube (like you would an envelope) and spend up to the amount that’s available.
You’re able to experience the same effect that you would if you were actually using real cash.
How does the Qube App actually work?
The way that the app works is actually quite simple. As with any bank, you begin by transferring money in–either from another bank account or through direct deposit.
Once you have money in your Qube cloud, you can transfer specific amounts to your pre-determined qubes. Each qube would effectively represent a line item in your budget.
For instance, you can have a qube for groceries, bills, fuel…so on and so forth. If you’re not sure what to start with these budget categories, I suggest checking out my post on simple budget categories that you can use.
Spending
Once you have money in your qubes, you can then spend it as it’s intended. To do this, you will have to open your qube first. You must have enough money in your qube for the transaction to go through. If not, the payment will be declined.
If necessary, you can even pre-authorize a purchase that will be charged at a later date. You can also specify if a purchase is being made on Amazon. This will move it to an Amazon-specific qube, where the money will be taken out once your product has shipped.
Debit Card
The cool thing about Qube is that you don’t have to have your physical debit card present for it to work. You can connect your app to Apple pay or Google pay and make payments that way. You can also see your debit card number in the app, so if you’re making a purchase online you don’t need to go grab your physical card to get the number.
If you use your physical card, it’s important to note that it will not work without the app. In order to spend with the card, you must first open the qube from the app first. This is a great security feature because the card holds no value if it is stolen. The card maintains a zero balance until it has been transferred to the card from the app.
I have found in some cases that payment processing systems sometimes move faster than Qube‘s ability to transfer money. In this case, you may receive a decline. Simply try again and it should go through.
Pros of using the Qube app
Better money management
The most obvious pro of using the app is that it allows you to better manage your money. It takes a tried and tested money management system and adapts it to modern-day needs. So you get the benefit of the cash envelope system without having to carry around cash.
Transparency with your spouse
If you’re a couple using the app, it definitely forces communication about money. You’re alerted when your partner spends money, which should be expected or something that should be discussed. There is complete transparency when it comes to using the app as a couple, and eventually, with the child card feature.
Easily track your money & spending
Because you have to actually transfer money into your qubes and physically open your qube to spend, you’re able to track your money real time. There is no waiting for your bank statement or even overdraft fees. You know exactly how much money you have to spend at any given time.
Positive behavior changes
Qube removes the crutch that you have to overspend. If you’re accustomed to spending freely with credit cards or even getting overdraft fees, you won’t be able to do that with the app. There are boundaries in place to help keep your spending under control. This is perfect for those who need help in that area.
Cons of using the Qube app
The one downside that I’ve found with this app is that it takes a few days to access your funds after transferring from another bank account. As with any other bank-to-bank transfer, it can take up to 3-5 business days to complete. You can avoid this by doing direct deposit into Qube—which I have not elected to do just yet.
Who is Qube best for?
The Qube app is best for anyone who wants to be more proactive about their spending and use a modern-day cash envelope system. I especially think Qube is great for couples.
When I was first introduced to the app by one of the founders, he mentioned that they wanted to help reduce the divorce rate by helping couples manage money. With the features included in the Premium and Family plan, it can absolutely help with money management for couples. In fact, I’d say that it’s the best money app for couples!
Is Qube money free?
Yes. Though there are paid tiers of the app that give you access to more features, you can access it for free. This isn’t the trial period free either. You can use the app as a single account holder for free forever (at least for now).
If you want to take advantage of some of their other features—like the family version, shared accounts, and automatic transfers—then you will have to pay. Their paid plans currently go as low as $6.50 per month—which is easily a fraction of what you can save just by using the app to manage your money.
Here are their current pricing plans that you can take advantage of:
Basic Plan – $0
Premium Plan – $6.50/mo
Family Plan – $11.50/mo
Is Qube Money worth it?: Overall review of the Qube Money App
Let’s be honest. Budgeting apps come a dime a dozen. You can easily peruse the App Store on your mobile phone and find thousands of apps that claim to be the best for budgeting. So what makes this app so special?
I think the intent of the app and the heart of the founders is what makes it special. Not to mention all of the amazing features that I mentioned. Having met the team behind the app, I can truly say that they really want to see you succeed with money.
The app truly is an amazing financial management tool that can completely transform your money. You can be more intentional about budgeting and saving, while also making money management with your spouse easier.
So is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely!
FAQs
Is Qube money legit?
If by legit you mean FDIC insured, then the answer is yes. The app uses Choice Financial Bank to handle all transactions and funds are insured up to the legal limit of $250,000. So yes, Qube money is a legitimate banking app that you can use to save and spend your money.
Qube Money customer service
Contacting Qube’s customer service is simple. You can message them directly from the app with any issues. Otherwise, you can send an email to [email protected].
As Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), she has been teaching personal finances to women & youth for over a decade.
Fo is an established writer and expert contributor on the topics of personal finance, budgeting, debt payoff, money mindset, saving, entrepreneurship, investing, motherhood, personal development, and more.