Novo
SMB checking for small operators.
- Who holds it
- A sponsor bank behind the brand — not the app you signed up with — Partner bank (Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.); Mastercard debit; credit card via Continental Bank.
- 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 Novo’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 · SMB & startups |
| HQ | Miami, US |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Custody | Custodial |
| Regulation type | Partner-bank model |
| License detail | Partner bank (Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.); Mastercard debit; credit card via Continental Bank |
| Card | MC · Business debit |
| Stablecoins | No |
| KYC | Yes |
| Active regions | North America |
| Countries | United States |
| Founders | Michael Rangel, Tyler McIntyre |
| Funding | ~$170M raised |
Verified links: official site ↗ · terms ↗ · privacy ↗ · @banknovo ↗
Common questions about Novo
What is Novo?
Novo is a fiat neobank built for SMB & startups, headquartered in Miami, US and founded in 2016. Your money is held custodially, so Novo or its partner bank holds the balance and you hold a claim on it. It operates on a partner-bank model (Partner bank (Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.); Mastercard debit; credit card via Continental Bank).
Does Novo have a card, and where can you use it?
It issues a Mastercard business debit card. It is available in North America.
Does Novo require KYC?
Yes. Novo requires identity verification (KYC) to open an account, as a partner-bank model.
Early investors
Head-to-head
Novo vs Mercury · Novo vs Relay · Novo vs Brex · Novo vs Ramp · Novo vs Bluevine
Peers
Chime · Wise · Varo · Current · SoFi · Ally Bank
Novo appears in
Neobanks running on someone else’s banking license (81) · Neobanks available in North America (126) · Neobanks for small businesses and startups (33) · Neobanks that issue a Mastercard (150) · 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.