New Alberta banking app helps you save cash simply and easily

When we talk about saving money, making sacrifices and giving up some of the things we love (if even just temporarily) tend to come into the equation.

But what if this is just the way we think we should approach saving? A brand new banking app designed by Albertans — and exclusively for Albertans — has launched in our province, and it’s got a different philosophy.

Introducing: Brightside. It’s a free banking app on a mission to help you spend and save for what you love, without having to give up what you love. That means you don’t have to stop ordering your weekly takeout or cancel a streaming subscription mid-series (phew) in order to save.

Brightside challenges the status quo of banking, helping you deal with your money in simple, uncomplicated ways through a fully digital experience.

Brightside

Chances are you’ve gone through the typical process of opening a bank account before, involving one or more in-person meetings just to get set up. With Brightside, all you need is your mobile device and a piece of ID to get started.

You can download the Brightside app to your phone and sign up in a couple of minutes, whether you’re lounging at home or on the go.

One thing to note is that there’s no need for you to switch banks. Brightside securely connects to your existing bank accounts through the app, so you can start using its features in addition to how you’re already spending and saving.

Brightside

Brightside is packed with features you wouldn’t typically find on a banking app. It essentially empowers users to live their best life today while setting themselves up for their best life tomorrow.

With the holiday season approaching, the free Brightside Spend Card could be a good addition to your wallet. Transactions are linked to your Brightside account while you earn 0.5% cash back on every purchase, helping you save while spending your own money.

If holiday shopping is on your to-do list, possibly followed by a celebratory meal at a local restaurant, you could be racking up some sweet savings without the risk of unwanted debt. Plus, you can choose from three colourful card designs.

In the app, you can use Brightside buckets to organize your money (they’re similar to accounts but free to use). With the option to add up to 10 buckets with custom names (like mimosa money, future travel fund, etc.), users can budget, spend, and save their money however they choose — and have a little fun in the process.

Brightside

Another way to save while you spend is with the app’s Round Ups feature. When you connect it to any of your debit or credit cards, purchases will be rounded up to the nearest $1, $2, or $5. Those savings will then be automatically deposited into your Brightside account every week.

If you’re all about the “set and forget” motto, use the app’s Save Automagically feature to establish automated transfers that help you crush your savings goals.

Every little bit counts whether you’re planning to spend your free time on the slopes (followed by après ski) or focus on saving this winter.

Brightside is available only to Albertans aged 18 or older. If you’re of age and ready to try stress-free banking, download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Learn more about Brightside at hibrightside.ca or check them out on social @hibrightsider.