Branch
Instant pay + wallets for gig/hourly workers.
- Who holds it
- A sponsor bank behind the brand — not the app you signed up with — Partner banks (Lead Bank; Evolve Bank & Trust); Mastercard debit for workforce payouts.
- The ledger
- Split between a program manager and the sponsor bank — the modular setup that broke in Synapse.
- If it fails
- Any claim runs through the sponsor bank, and only works if the two ledgers reconcile.
Derived from Branch’s regulation type and custody — a class of protection, not a guarantee. Limits and eligibility vary by scheme, balance and jurisdiction; confirm before you rely on it. What happens if a neobank shuts down →
The facts
| Category | traditional · gig workers |
| HQ | Minneapolis, US |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Custody | Custodial |
| Regulation type | Partner-bank model |
| License detail | Partner banks (Lead Bank; Evolve Bank & Trust); Mastercard debit for workforce payouts |
| Card | Visa · Debit |
| Stablecoins | No |
| KYC | Yes |
| Active regions | North America |
| Countries | United States |
| Founders | Atif Siddiqi |
| Funding | ~$100M+ raised |
Verified links: official site ↗ · terms ↗ · privacy ↗ · @branchapp ↗
Common questions about Branch
What is Branch?
Branch is a fiat neobank built for gig workers, headquartered in Minneapolis, US and founded in 2015. Your money is held custodially, so Branch or its partner bank holds the balance and you hold a claim on it. It operates on a partner-bank model (Partner banks (Lead Bank; Evolve Bank & Trust); Mastercard debit for workforce payouts).
Does Branch have a card, and where can you use it?
It issues a Visa debit card. It is available in North America.
Does Branch require KYC?
Yes. Branch requires identity verification (KYC) to open an account, as a partner-bank model.
Peers
Chime · Wise · Varo · Current · SoFi · Ally Bank
Branch appears in
Neobanks running on someone else’s banking license (81) · Neobanks available in North America (126) · Neobanks that issue a Visa card (182) · Neobanks in United States (66)
Figures compiled from public sources, for comparison only — not financial advice. "Up to" rates change constantly; always confirm with the issuer. Spotted an error? Suggest a fix.