Updated October 16, 2026 · VaultCue Editorial Team
Cathay United digital accounts vs Step
Cathay United digital accounts
Step
Higher score in this comparison
Cathay United digital accounts vs Step: the differences
| Compare | Cathay United digital accountsReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | StepReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | Interbank transfer/remittance NTD 30 per item up to NTD 2,000,000, plus NTD 10 per each additional NTD 1,000,000; interbank card transfer NTD 0 for the first NTD 500 item per account per day, then NTD 10 (NTD 501-1,000), NTD 15 (above NTD 1,001) | Small fee for Instant Transfer to a linked debit card |
| Monthly fee | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Deposit protection | Not confirmed | FDIC up to USD 250,000 |
| Local account details | Not confirmed | Us ACH |
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Key differences
- Founded is lower at Cathay United digital accounts: 1975 vs 2020.
- Support channels: only Step offers Help centre.
- Audience: only Cathay United digital accounts offers Expats.
- Audience: only Step offers Teen.
Our verdict on each
Cathay United digital accounts
The FAQ defines the digital deposit account as a Taiwan-dollar or foreign-currency demand savings account opened through an automated channel.
Step
Step suits teens and students in the US who want a free everyday account and easy access savings, with an overall score of 6.3. Costs sit at $0 a month and savings run at 3% variable, but that rate waits on a status earned by card spending or qualifying direct deposits.
Score breakdown
| Area | Cathay United digital accounts | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 9.3Monthly fee of $0 on a no monthly fee model, with free atm for ATM withdrawals. |
| Offer | 9.2 | 9.4Higher |
| Trust | 9.5Higher | 8.1 |
How they place
| Ranking | Cathay United digital accounts | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Savings accounts | 944 of 1420 | 490 of 1420 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Cathay United digital accounts | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Expats | Teen |
| Pricing model | Not confirmed | No monthly fee |
| Features | Not confirmed | Free ATM |
| Legal entity | Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd. | Step Financial LLC |
| Headquarters | Taiwan | United States |
| Founded | 1975Lower | 2020 |
| Support channels | Email, Chat, Phone | Chat, Email, Phone, Help centreCovers more |
Money transfer
| Fact | Cathay United digital accounts | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Payout methods | Bank | Not confirmed |
| Fee to send 1,000 | NT$300 | Not confirmed |
Savings
| Fact | Cathay United digital accounts | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Headline rate | Not confirmed | 3% |
| Rate type | Not confirmed | Variable |
| Minimum deposit | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Access terms | Not confirmed | No savings minimums; 3.00% on savings requires Step Black status, earned by spending $500 with the Step Card or $300 in qualifying direct deposits each calendar month |
| Account kind | Not confirmed | Easy access |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Cathay United digital accounts | Step | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Not confirmed | $0at the median | $0 |
Median across 144 listed accounts.
Pros and cons
Cathay United digital accounts
Pros
- The FAQ defines the digital deposit account as a Taiwan-dollar or foreign-currency demand savings account opened through an automated channel.
- Applicants receive the review result by email and text message after submitting details.
Step
Pros
- Monthly fee of $0 on a no monthly fee account
- Savings rate of 3% variable with a minimum deposit of $0
- free atm means no ATM charge when you need cash
Cons
- The full savings rate is tied to a status earned by card spending or qualifying direct deposits, so an inactive month earns less
- Small fee for Instant Transfer to a linked debit card for an Instant Transfer to a linked debit card
Who each suits
Cathay United digital accounts
Who it suits
- Taiwan applicants checking Cathay United digital deposit accounts
Step
Who it suits
- Teens in the US building their first account
- Students who keep a direct deposit in place to keep the better savings rate
Who should look elsewhere
- bunq and bunq Spain Bank Account, where a euro account serves a euro market rather than a US teen account
- Pixpay FR, which charges a monthly fee of €3.99
Current offers
Step
Current offer
Bonus
Cashback on Step Card purchases with Step Black: Up to 10% cashback on purchases with select Step Black Partners, and unlimited 1% cashback on everything else
Requires Step Black enrollment; Step Black is an earned status available at no cost and full status is earned by meeting qualifying activity thresholds each month
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Step savings reward: 3.00% on your savings balance (cash rewards, not interest)
Step Black is an earned status available at no cost; full status is earned by meeting qualifying activity thresholds each month; percentage is variable and may change
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | Cathay United digital accounts | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | Yes | No |
| United States | No | Yes |
Questions about each
Step
How much does a Step account cost each month?+
The monthly fee is $0 and the account follows a no monthly fee model, so there is nothing to pay simply for holding it. Cash handling is covered by free atm, so withdrawing at an ATM costs nothing either. The one charge to watch is Small fee for Instant Transfer to a linked debit card to a linked debit card.
What interest do I get on savings?+
The headline savings rate is 3% and it is variable, so it can move rather than being locked. The minimum deposit is $0, which means you can start small. Savings are easy access, so you can take money out without giving up a fixed term.
What has to be true for the full savings rate?+
The 3% rate depends on holding a status level, which is earned by spending with the Step Card or by qualifying direct deposits each calendar month. Keep that activity up and the account pays the headline 3%. Let the activity lapse and the return on your savings drops.
Is my money protected?+
Banking services are provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, and deposits are covered FDIC up to USD 250,000. The cover is stated in US dollars, which matches how a US teen account is funded. The account itself is easy access, so withdrawals are not held for a notice period.
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Cathay United digital accounts
Step