So what’s so different about Dwolla?

Instead of using old credit card systems, we have crafted our own network leveraging state-of-the-art anti-fraud measures, experienced strategic partners, and web-driven technologies, all innovations and ideas that weren't available in the 1960s. In doing so, we were able to engineer a system that links directly to your bank account and works more efficiently. No credit cards, just free access to your cash on the nation’s smartest payment network.
 

Benefits of using Dwolla?

Dwolla is a shiny and powerful network that allows users to setup free accounts to do some pretty amazing things:
 
Power of mobile: Your phone can do a lot of cool things that a piece of plastic can’t. With Dwolla you can pay for a coffee with your phone, send money to a Facebook friend, and even buy some new shoes online, all without worrying about where an ATM is or if your card is “on you.”

Cutting interchange fees: Each year, small businesses and non-profits pay over $50 billion in something called interchange. This means that your coffee costs more, that many mom and pop stores can’t take credit cards, and non-profits want cash donations. That’s not right. With Dwolla all transactions are 25 cents, well unless it’s under $10 (see below).

Free micro-transactions: We honor the social contracts of spotting a buddy money, splitting a bar tab, and waging a gentlemen’s bet. So much so in fact, that we want to honor these small transactions by making them free to you. Yup, every transaction under $10 is free.

Move money through your social networks: Dwolla allows you to sync your Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and even your Linkedin connections to easily send money to your friends, family and contacts. You can even connect to Foursquare to get automatic check-ins wherever you pay.

Security: Credit card fraud is huge, costing Americans billions every year. So Dwolla asked, “Why don’t we just eliminate it?” Therefore, we did. Instead of including the sensitive information found in the 16 digits on your card, we decided to remove it.

Auto-deposit: Keep your account fully stocked at all times by authorizing automatic debits from your bank account. 

Control: Just because the term “privacy” has changed drastically over the last few years, doesn’t mean you should lose control of your personal information. With Dwolla, we’ve carefully crafted new controls to let you experience Dwolla the way you want to, and you can rest assured we’re not selling your data. That’s yours, not ours.

Transparency: We’re ushering a new era of transparency when it comes to payments. No more mystery men, smoke and mirrors, or shadowy figures. C’mon, this is your money, shouldn’t you know what’s going on?
 
How do I start?
Easy, register (Currently only available in United States, FYI). It’s free. Don’t over think it. Go here.