KOHO Plans Explained: Essential vs. Extra vs. Everything
Confused by KOHO's subscription tiers? We break down the differences between Essential, Extra, and Everything to help you pick the right plan.
KOHO has evolved from a simple prepaid card into a full financial ecosystem with three distinct subscription tiers: Essential, Extra, and Everything.
Choosing the right one can be tricky. Do you stick with the cheap option, or is the premium upgrade worth the cost? Let’s break down the differences side-by-side.
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The Comparison Table
| Feature | Essential | Extra | Everything |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 (with conditions) or $4 | $9 | $19 |
| Cash Back (Groceries/Transport/Dining) | 1% | 1.5% | 2% |
| Cash Back (All Other) | 0% | 0.25% | 0.5% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 1.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Credit Building Discount | None | 30% Off | 50% Off |
| International ATM | Standard Fees | 1 Free/Mo | 1 Free/Mo |
1. KOHO Essential: The “Starter” Plan
- Cost: Free (if you set up direct deposit or load $1000/mo), otherwise $4.
- Best For: Students, first-time users, and low spenders.
- Why: It gives you the core benefits (1% cash back on essentials) without a commitment. It’s better than most bank accounts, but lacks the travel perks.
2. KOHO Extra: The “Sweet Spot”
- Cost: $9/mo.
- Best For: The average Canadian spender.
- Why: The jump to 1.5% cash back and No FX Fees makes this a killer deal. If you buy a coffee every day and take an Uber occasionally, the extra cash back adds up fast. Plus, the 30% discount on credit building helps offset the fee.
3. KOHO Everything: The “Power User” Plan
- Cost: $19/mo.
- Best For: Families, heavy spenders ($1000+ monthly), and frequent travelers.
- Why: 2% cash back on the big categories is credit-card-level rewards. The 50% credit building discount is huge if you are repairing your score. And for snowbirds or digital nomads, the waived FX fees on everything are invaluable.
How to Choose
Ask yourself two questions:
- Do I travel or shop in USD? If yes, get Extra or Everything immediately. The FX savings alone cover the fee.
- Am I building credit? If yes, the discounts on the paid plans make them very attractive.
You can switch plans at any time in the app, so don’t feel locked in. Start with Essential, and if you find yourself using it for everything… upgrade to Everything!
Learn more: Is KOHO Everything Worth It? and why KOHO Beats Banks.
💳 Pick Your Perfect Plan
Start with Essential, upgrade anytime. Use KOHO referral code C4MNILZARC to get up to $65 in sign up bonus value.
