Smart bills is a Set & Save feature that you can use to save for utility bills, subscriptions, or any repeating payment. You set a goal, how much you want to save and how frequently, and then give it a recurring due date. We then save a portion of your goal once a week to help you achieve your goal, and we send the money back to you before your due date. You can edit or pause your goal, or withdraw your funds at any time. After we transfer the money back, we automatically start saving for your next due date, without you needing to do a thing. Set goals to repeat every month, three months, or even every year.
Smart bills FAQs
How do Smart bills work?
How are Smart bills different from a one-time goal in Set & Save?
Smart bills are designed for things like monthly bills, subscriptions, or rent. Instead of saving small variable amounts daily, we help you plan for bills by saving the same larger amount every week—so when it’s time to pay, the money’s already waiting for you. The goal then automatically restarts after every due date, to help you stay on top of your finances.
When will I receive my funds back?
We’ll automatically initiate a transfer of your saved funds back to your linked account 5 business days before your goal’s due date. This gives you time to make your payment on time and stress-free.
Do I need to pay my bill, or will you handle it?
You are in full control of your money! We’ll return the funds to your linked bank account, and you’ll make the payment directly to your biller.
Can I transfer money back early?
Yes, you can manually transfer your money back at any time. Just keep in mind that transfers may take 3-5 business days to complete depending on your bank.
Are there any fees for transfers?
Standard transfers are free for most banks. Transfers may take 3-5 business days to complete depending on your bank.
How do you decide how much to save each time?
We look at your primary checking account’s balance and cash flow trends. Then, we save a set amount once a week to match your goal’s timeline—without causing unnecessary strain on your day-to-day spending. To get the best results, we recommend setting realistic goal amounts and making sure your primary bank account (where you receive your paychecks) is connected to Set & Save.
Can I skip a week?
Yes! You can pause or skip a save. Just note: if you skip too often, you might fall behind on your goal and not have the full amount ready by the due date.
What happens if I don’t have enough money in my account?
We’ll check your balance before trying to save. If funds are too low, we’ll either skip that save or pull a smaller amount that won’t overdraw your account. Try connecting your primary bank account for best results.
Can I change my goal amount or due date?
Definitely. You can edit your goal at any time—change the amount, due date, or even pause it entirely if your plans change. For bills that vary (like utilities), we recommend setting a goal slightly higher than average to be safe.
Can I use this to automatically pay my Oportun loan?
While you can use Smart bills to help plan and save for your Oportun loan, we don't repay the loan directly. Instead, we help you save up the money beforehand so it's ready when you need it. You stay in control of when and how you pay. If you already have the Oportun app, we recommend setting up auto-pay for your loan.
How will I know when money is saved or transferred?
We'll send you notifications via email and the app every time we save money toward your goal and when we transfer funds back to your account. We recommend turning on your notifications. We'll send you notifications via email and the app every time we save money toward your goal and when we transfer funds back to your account. We recommend turning on your notifications for timely updates.
What types of things should I use Smart bills for?
Smart bills are best for things that come up regularly, like:
- Car payments
- Rent or housing
- Credit card bills
- Loan payments
- Subscription services
- Basically, any recurring expense that you’d rather not scramble to pay for each month.
How do I set up a Smart bill?
To set up a Smart bill, open the Oportun app and select “Create goal” from the Set & Save screen. Then select to create a repeating bill and follow the on-screen instructions. Setting up a new Smart bill is quick, easy, and can help you stay on top of your finances.
Do my weekly or max savings limits affect Smart Bills?
No. Smart bills bypass your normal savings limits so they can save larger amounts and help cover your bill amount.