Charlie Is Shutting Down — Here Are the Best Alternatives in 2025
- Purple
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Charlie was designed as a banking app for people 62 and older — offering a debit card, budgeting tools, and easy direct deposit for Social Security and retirement benefits.
But with Charlie shutting down in 2025, thousands of users are now looking for a replacement.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What to do if your Charlie account is closing
What features to look for in a replacement
The best Charlie banking alternatives in 2025
Why so many retirees and benefit recipients are switching to Purple
1. What to Do if Your Charlie Account Is Closing
If you were using Charlie to receive your Social Security, SSI, or retirement deposits, you’ll need to update your direct deposit information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) right away.
You can do this online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local SSA office.
To avoid any delays in your payments, make sure to:
Open a new account as soon as possible
Update your direct deposit info with the SSA
Transfer any remaining funds out of Charlie
2. What to Look for in a Charlie Alternative
Not all banks are built for people on fixed incomes or benefits. When switching, consider:
✅ Accepts SSA, SSI, and SSDI deposits
✅ Offers early direct deposit (up to 4 days¹)
✅ Has clear tools to track your money
✅ Respects asset limits if you’re on SSI
✅ Offers human support, not just chatbots
✅ Works with rep payees or ABLE accounts, if needed
3. Best Alternatives to Charlie in 2025
Here are some top picks for people switching from Charlie:
🟣 Purple
A debit account built specifically for people with disabilities, fixed incomes, and SSA benefits. Includes early access to deposits, spending insights, and tools that help protect your benefits. Also works for rep payees and integrates with ABLE accounts.
👉 Great for: SSI, SSDI, and Social Security recipients, caregivers, and those managing benefit compliance.
🟢 True Link
Geared toward older adults and families, especially for managing spending on someone else’s behalf. It offers prepaid cards with strict spending controls, but doesn’t offer early direct deposit or broader banking features.
👉 Great for: Caregivers who want to limit where money can be spent.
⚪ Direct Express
The default SSA-issued debit card. No credit checks or bank accounts required. Simple and direct — but no early deposit, no budgeting tools, and limited customer service.
👉 Great for: Simplicity, but not flexibility or features.
4. Why Retirees Are Switching to Purple
As Charlie winds down, many are turning to Purple — a modern account designed with benefit recipients in mind.
With Purple, you get:
Early access to SSA, SSI, and SSDI deposits (up to 4 days¹)
Balance tracking and spending controls
Support for rep payees and caregivers
Easy pairing with ABLE savings accounts
Live, accessible support when you need it
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC. The Purple Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by OMB Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Mastercard.
¹ Early access is not guaranteed and depends on payer timing. We generally make funds available on the day we receive the payment file, which may be up to 4 days early for government benefits like SSI or SSDI, and up to 2 days early for other deposits. Early access is available at no additional cost.
² See our fee schedule for complete details