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BANKINGFORTUNERECOMMENDSBANKINGBRIO DIRECT BANK REVIEW 2023: COMPETITIVE APYS BUT NO CHECKING OPTION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Brio Direct Bank Review 2023: Competitive APYs on CDs, but no other account options

Updated January 30, 2023, 5:33 PM UTC
Illustration of the Brio Direct bank logo surrounded by a green and blue frame.
The APY on Brio’s savings is 3.75% while its CDs go as high as 4%.
Illustration by Fortune; Original logo by Brio Direct

Brio Direct is an online bank that is a sub-brand of Webster Bank. All accounts opened with Brio are provided by Webster, which is an FDIC-insured bank. Brio currently only offers one primary product: certificates of deposit (CDs). Its accounts feature competitive APYs as high as 4%. However, the bank does not currently offer any checking, savings, or money market accounts.

Though Brio Direct’s mailing address is in Jericho, N.Y., there are no physical bank branch locations. However, Brio representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. EST until 8 p.m. ET and from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. ET on Saturday. 

All rates and fees are current as of Jan. 27, 2023, and are subject to change. 

Brio Direct offerings 

Brio Direct offers high-yield CDs, available in terms ranging from 30 days to 60 months.

Certificates of deposit

Brio Direct CDs

Brio Direct’s standard 12-month CD APY is 0.45% but the bank is currently offering a promotional high-yield CD rate of 4.00% for new accounts only. CDs renew automatically at their maturity date, but the bank provides a seven-day grace period to deposit or withdraw funds with no penalty.

  • APY:
    • 30-day: 0.05%
    • 3-month: 0.25%
    • 5-month: 0.15%
    • 9-month: 0.30%
    • 12-month: 0.45%
    • Promo 12-month high-yield CD: 4.00%
    • 18-month: 1.35%
    • 24-month: 2.30%
    • 30-month: 0.45%
    • 36-month: 2.45%
    • 48-month: 0.45%
    • 60-month: 0.45%
  • Fees:
    • Monthly maintenance fee: $0
  • Early withdrawal penalty: Varies based on CD term
    • 30 days or less: 1 month interest
    • 12 months or less: 3 months interest
    • At least 18 months but less than 60 months: 9 months interest
    • 60 months or more: 12 months interest 

Minimum opening deposit: $500

Other services Brio Direct offers 

Brio Direct does not offer any other services. However, its parent institution, Webster Bank, offers a variety of additional banking products including:

  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Loans
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • CDs

The Brio Direct platform and customer support 

Brio Direct offers mobile banking through an app that allows users to make transfers, deposits, and payments. The app also includes features designed to help manage spending including providing analysis of financial patterns and budget review. In addition, the app can be used to set alerts for payment due dates and low account balances. External accounts can be linked to the Brio Direct mobile app.

Brio customer service representatives can be reached via phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. ET. They can also be reached on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. ET and 3 p.m. ET.  The bank can also be reached via mail at its Jericho, N.Y., business address.

Pros and cons of Brio Direct

If you are considering banking with Brio Direct, here are some of the pros and cons to keep in mind.

Pro: Competitive APY on CDs. The APY on Brio’s promotional high-yield CD is an industry-leading 4.00%.

Pro: Accounts can be opening in minutes. Opening a CD with Brio can be done quickly online as long as you have your driver’s license, U.S. passport or state I.D. and Social Security number readily available.

Con: Limited account options. Brio currently offers just one type of financial product, which may be limiting for some potential customers.

Con: Brio does not offer a live chat option. For any kind of assistance, customers only have one option available for contacting a customer service representative—calling on the phone. Hours are also limited on the weekends.

Frequently asked questions

Is BrioDirect FDIC insured?

BrioDirect is the online brand of Webster Bank, which is an FDIC-insured institution. Deposit accounts with Brio Direct are provided by Webster Bank, and account holders are Webster Direct clients. 

How do I open an account online with BrioDirect?

To open an account you simply need to complete an online application, which takes just a few minutes. You will need to provide contact information; a driver’s license, passport, or state ID; and a Social Security number.

Does BrioDirect have an app?

Yes, BrioDirect has a mobile app.

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