Varo Bank, N.A., the first all-digital, nationally chartered consumer bank in the U.S., today announced it will extend the program long term, expanding fee-free digital cash add capabilities for Varo customers across more than 2,000 Kroger Family of Stores locations nationwide.

Launched as a pilot in July 2026 the initiative sparked an immediate surge in new customers visiting Kroger locations to digitally add cash to their accounts. The decision to extend the program long term was driven by a substantial increase in nationwide foot traffic and customer adoption.

“Nobody should have to pay a fee just to deposit their own money,” said Gavin Michael, chief executive officer at Varo Bank. “Following an exceptionally successful pilot, we’re extending the program long term and making fee-free cash add capabilities available at stores nationwide. This allows our customers to access and manage their cash and digital banking in the checkout line, making everyday cash management simple and easy.”

Through this initiative, Varo customers can:

  • Add cash into their accounts fee-free at participating stores.

  • Utilize Green Dot’s expansive money processing network, the Green Dot Network, to generate a unique barcode within the Varo app, which a cashier scans to add the cash to their account.1

  • Save cash by not paying the $4.95 retail service fee.2

The fee-free cash add capabilities feature is available immediately at checkout and customer service desks across participating Kroger Family of Stores locations nationwide.

¹ Service provided by Green Dot®. ©2026 Green Dot Corporation. All rights reserved. Green Dot Corporation NMLS #914924; Green Dot Bank NMLS #908739.

² Customers can also use traditional swipe-based debit card cash loads, which will continue to incur the standard fee.

About Varo Bank

Varo Bank is the first nationally chartered consumer tech bank in the U.S., built from the ground up specifically for the millions of everyday Americans who want to make more progress and do more with their money. From credit building to savings to faster payments, Varo has a complete solution to help everyday Americans make progress in their financial lives. Varo combines the capabilities and nimbleness of a technology company with the security and oversight of a regulated financial institution, enabling agile product design that provides technology-first solutions. Varo has been named as one of the Inc. 5000 2025 fastest growth companies in the U.S., CNBC’s 2023-2026 list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies, one of Forbes’ World’s Best Banks, and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. For more information on Varo Advance, Varo Believe, visit www.varomoney.com. Follow us on Instagram, X and LinkedIn @varobank. ©2026 Varo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

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