Uber And Green Dot Launch Mobile Banking For Drivers

When Uber and its drivers’ paychecks are usually discussed, it’s with both sides devolving into a shouting match over unfair labor practices and contract worker status. Today, at least, there’s news that everyone can feel good about.

Uber and Green Dot Corporation announced on Thursday (March 17) “Uber Checking by GoBank,” a digital wallet transfer service for Uber drivers who want their wages deposited immediately into their personal bank accounts. David Richter, vice president of strategic initiatives at Uber, explained that since more and more people are turning to on-demand work, it only makes sense that they have financial solutions that are as flexible and adaptable as their lives are.

“At Uber, we’re committed to offering great products that help drivers reach their goals,” Richter said in a statement. “Drivers say that having the flexibility to drive when and where they want is a top reason they choose Uber. Drivers often tell us that they’d like to have the flexibility to decide when to get paid, too. We’re excited to be able to offer this unique option with GoBank, which provides the convenience of online banking and gives drivers the ability to access their earnings instantly.”

Uber Checking by GoBank will be completely integrated into the driver-facing Uber app, and Rob Levy, managing director at the Center for Financial Services Innovation, urged observers not to make light of the ride-hailing company’s attempt to get its drivers — on-demand workers who may not be able to count on a guaranteed paycheck every week — their rightfully earned money as fast as possible.

“Innovations that allow people to get paid every day for work they’ve already done can make people’s lives a lot easier,” Levy told San Francisco Chronicle. “For some people, if they get a bill before payday, it puts a real pressure point on their lives.”