Oct
18
2023
What Is Budget Billing?

Guide to Budget Billing

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on Guide to Budget Billing

When your home energy usage peaks in the summer and winter, you could be surprised by a higher energy bill — and might have to scramble to cover the cost. Signing up for budget billing with your utility providers can eliminate these unexpected cost surges and make it easier for you to plan your monthly expenses.

But what exactly does budget billing mean, and is it right for everyone? Here, you’ll learn:

•   What is budget billing?

•   How does budget billing work on a monthly basis?

•   What are the pros and cons of budget billing?

•   Does budget billing save you money?

•   Can you start budget billing on your own, without the utility provider’s help?

What Is Budget Billing?

Budget billing is an alternative, optional payment program for utilities like gas and electric. By opting into budget billing, you will pay the same predictable amount each billing cycle, regardless of how much or how little energy you actually used.

With budget billing, you can avoid the roller coaster-like highs and lows of utility billing — where costs skyrocket during sweltering summers and frigid winters. For many, this makes building a monthly budget much easier.

To opt into budget billing, call your utility provider or check out the website for information about what is available.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

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Recommended: How to Organize Your Bills

How Does Budget Billing Work?

Energy prices and usage fluctuate throughout the year. This can make it difficult to anticipate what your gas and electric bills will be each month. Depending on where you live and how harsh the seasons are, you might be in for a surprise on a few bills each year.

Budget billing eliminates those bill fluctuations. Instead, your utility provider analyzes past energy usage for your residence (usually over the prior 12 or 24 months) to estimate an annual total. The company then divides that total into 12 identical payments for the upcoming year.

Of course, it’s unlikely that your energy consumption will be exactly the same as it was the previous year. And with increased inflation and unpredictable weather events, the price of electricity and natural gas could increase over time. To account for this, your utility provider will track your actual energy usage throughout the year and calculate what you would owe (sometimes called a “true-up amount”).

•   If you overpaid for the year, the provider will issue you a credit on an upcoming bill.

•   If you underpaid for the year, you’ll have to pay the outstanding balance.

Either way, the utility provider will use this year’s worth of data to calculate a new monthly payment for the year ahead.

Note: While annual plans are common for budget billing, some providers may also offer a quarterly (three-month) plan.

Recommended: Automating Your Finances

Does Budget Billing Save You Money?

Budget billing does not save money on utility bills. Instead, it just makes your monthly payments more predictable. Some months, you will likely pay less than what you actually owe. In others, you could be paying more than what you would owe.

Having a predictable line-item budget may make it easier for you to handle other monthly expenses or keep you from needing to dip into your emergency fund to cover an especially high energy bill.

Advantages of Budget Billing

So what are the pros of budget billing? For many families, budget billing can add some stability to their finances. Here’s how it may help you out:

Easier Budget Management

Not knowing how much you’ll owe your utility providers each month can make it tough to build a budget. With predictable bills, you’ll know how much money to set aside each month for utilities. You’ll also know how much is left for other expenses, as well as for savings and retirement contributions, debt repayments, and investments.

Less Financial Stress

If seeing an unusually high total on an email statement or paper bill can send you into a panic, you may appreciate the stability afforded by budget billing. Budget billing won’t save you money, but when you know what to expect each month, you might rest a little easier.

Reducing Late Payment Penalties

If you receive a high energy bill that you can’t afford to pay, you may have to take on unwanted credit card debt with a high interest rate, dip into emergency savings, or even just pay the bill late. The latter could result in late payment penalties.

With budget billing, you won’t have to worry about a spike in your monthly energy bills. This may help you avoid late payments altogether.

Drawbacks of Budget Billing

As helpful as budget billing can be for some families, there are also some cons to consider:

Potential Fees

Some utility providers charge a fee to enroll in budget billing. On top of the startup fee, the provider may charge ongoing fees for the service. If that’s the case, budget billing will actually cost you more money than a traditional billing program. It’s a good idea to ask about fees before signing up for any new program.

Recommended: Can You Change the Due Date of Your Bills?

Chance You Could Underpay

At the end of the program — usually a year after it kicks off — the gas or electric company will calculate what you actually owed for the year, based on your energy consumption. If you overpaid, you’ll get a credit on a future bill (nice!).

But if you didn’t pay enough each month, you’ll owe whatever remains. If it’s a sizable amount, you may have to rely on a credit card to cover other expenses or take money out of savings to pay off the bill. Many people enroll in budget billing to avoid such surprises to begin with, so this can be counter-productive.

Complacency

When you’re on a budget billing plan, you might get used to a low electric bill in the summer and be tempted to blast the AC. Similarly in the winter, it could be tempting to get all toasty by cranking up the heat. You won’t feel the financial repercussions of those decisions until much later, when your provider calculates your true-up amount and determines that you owe more money.

If you don’t think you can be responsible with energy consumption without the threat of a high bill looming over you each month, budget billing may not be the right fit for you.

Recommended: How to Pay Bills with a Credit Card

What Happens If You Are Billed Incorrectly?

Mistakes can happen. When you opt in to budget billing, it’s a good idea to read the agreement and understand how your monthly total is calculated. You want to be sure you understand how bill pay works. Even if you have your bill set to autopay, you may want to review your statement each month to ensure it’s what you expected. If it’s not, you can call your utility provider to discuss.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Automatic Bill Payment

Can You Make Your Own Budget Billing System?

You don’t have to opt into a utility provider’s system to take advantage of budget billing. In fact, you can make your own budget billing system if you’re willing to do some math.

Just analyze what you spent on utilities over the previous 12 months to figure out an average monthly total. Use this amount when building your monthly budget.

If your first bill comes in and is less than your monthly budgeted amount, pay the bill and hang on to the leftover funds. Stash them somewhere safe, where you won’t spend them. When your bill is eventually higher than what you’ve budgeted, you can dip into that leftover money to cover the difference.

By handling budget billing yourself, you can avoid any potential fees the utility provider might have charged you. Plus, you can store leftover budgeted funds in a high-interest savings account. While this approach requires discipline, it can be well worth the effort.

Alternatives to Budget Billing

Budget billing may not be for everyone. Some alternatives include:

•   Traditional bill programs: You’ll pay what you owe each month, but that means some bills might be high in the summer and winter. In other months, you may enjoy lower-than-average bill totals.

•   DIY budget billing: If you don’t mind doing some math to figure out an average monthly payment, you may be able to do budget billing without the fees and hassle of going through a provider. You’ll still pay what you owe each month, but by planning ahead and setting money aside in savings, you can make a more predictable budget.

•   Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Depending on your income level, you may qualify for government assistance with your home energy bills. Qualifying for the program does not guarantee assistance; roughly 20% of households that qualify actually receive help through LIHEAP.

Recommended: What to Do If You’re Bad With Money

The Takeaway

Budget billing allows utility customers to pay a set amount each month for electricity and gas, based on past usage patterns. You won’t save any money with budget billing, but it can make monthly budgeting more predictable. Before enrolling in a budget billing program, it’s a good idea to review the pros and cons and understand how it can affect your finances each year.

3 Money Tips

1.    Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts will pay you a bit and help your money grow. Online banks are more likely than brick-and-mortar banks to offer you the best rates.

2.    An emergency fund or rainy day fund is an important financial safety net. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses saved in case you get a major unexpected bill or lose income.

3.    If you’re faced with debt and wondering which kind to pay off first, it can be smart to prioritize high-interest debt first. For many people, this means their credit card debt; rates have recently been climbing into the double-digit range, so try to eliminate that ASAP.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Do all utility companies offer budget billing?

Not every utility company offers budget billing. Your state may have a network of regulated electric and gas providers that are required to offer this program, but unregulated suppliers may not offer budget billing.

Am I better off budget billing or not?

Budget billing can be helpful if you like a predictable utility bill each month. Knowing what you’ll spend may make it easier to budget for other expenses. However, budget billing does have its drawbacks, especially if the utility provider charges a fee for the service.

Can I budget bill for other areas of my budget besides utilities?

Outside of utilities, most recurring monthly bills are predictable — rent or mortgage, internet, phone, student loan payments, etc. But if you like the predictability offered by budget billing for utilities, you might benefit from creating your own budget billing program for other unpredictable monthly totals, like groceries and fuel for your car. To do so, just calculate your expenses from the last year and divide by 12 to determine your average monthly total. You may want to account for inflation when estimating expenses like food and gas.

Photo credit: iStock/Milan_Jovic

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Oct
18
2023
10 Benefits of Direct Deposit

10 Benefits of Direct Deposit

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on 10 Benefits of Direct Deposit

Not all methods of getting paid are the same. Taking a paper check to the bank can be time-consuming, not to mention you also have to wait a few days for it to clear before withdrawing funds. Direct deposit is a popular option that simplifies the process of getting paid.

With direct deposit, you can schedule payments to be added to your bank account automatically. Depending on where you maintain a checking and savings account, it may be possible to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Plus there’s no running to a bank branch or ATM to deposit an old-school paper check.

Understanding the benefits of direct deposit can help you decide if it’s worth taking advantage of this banking feature. Read on to get the full story, including:

•   What is direct deposit?

•   What are the benefits of direct deposit?

•   Are there any disadvantages to direct deposit?

•   How can you set up direct deposit?

What Is Direct Deposit?

What is a direct deposit? In simple terms, direct deposit is a service that allows money to be deposited directly into bank accounts, without requiring a paper check. You may be eligible to set up direct deposit of paychecks and other payments, including:

•   Federal and state tax refunds

•   Government benefits, such as Social Security payments

•   Court-ordered child support payments (when garnished from the payer’s wages)

•   Travel and expense reimbursements from your employer

•   Pension plan benefit payments

•   Annuity payments

•   Dividend payments from stocks or other investments

You may not have access to direct deposit if your employer doesn’t offer it or if you don’t receive any of the other types of payments listed above. It’s also possible to miss out on the benefits of direct deposit if you don’t have a bank account and rely on alternative banking products and services, such as prepaid debit cards, to pay bills and cover expenses.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


Recommended: Do Bank Transactions Process Through the Holidays?

10 Direct Deposit Benefits to Know

The main advantages of direct deposit center on convenience and flexibility. If you’re not enrolled in direct deposit yet, here are some of the main benefits you may be missing out on.

1. Get Paid Early

One of the main benefits of direct deposit is the ability to collect your paychecks early. Direct deposits may hit your account one to two business days ahead of your regular pay date. In terms of how long you’ll have to wait for the payment to clear, the average time for direct deposit varies. Some banks can make funds available the same day they’re deposited.

2. Skip the Branch

In addition to getting an early paycheck, direct deposit allows you to avoid the time and energy of visiting a bank to deposit a paper check. Going to a bank to deposit checks can be inconvenient if you’re trying to squeeze it in on your lunch break or scrambling to get to a branch before it closes at the end of the work day.

3. Easy Setup

Enrolling in direct deposit is usually as simple as filling out a form and passing it along to the appropriate payer, which may be your employer or a government agency. You’ll need to provide your personal information as well as your bank account information.

You may only need to have your bank account number and routing number to set up direct deposit. In some cases, you might be asked for a voided check to verify your account details.

What is a voided check for direct deposit? It’s simply a blank check that has “VOID” written across the front. You won’t sign this check or make it out to anyone. It’s only used as physical evidence of your bank account information.

4. Get Paid Anywhere

If you’re used to picking up paper checks from your employer, direct deposit eliminates the need for that in-person presence. That means you can still get paid if you’re on vacation, out sick, or traveling for work on payday. The money goes straight to your bank account, so you don’t have to worry about delays if you need to schedule bill payments or cover expenses.

5. No Risk for Stolen or Lost Checks

Getting a paper paycheck can be problematic if you misplace it or, worse still, someone steals it. In either case, you’d have to ask your employer to cancel the original check and issue a new one. That could result in a delay in getting paid. With direct deposit, you don’t have to worry about losing a check or having it stolen since there’s no piece of paper changing hands.

6. Control Where Your Money Goes

One nice benefit of direct deposit is that you can decide where to send the money. For example, if you’d like to save $100 out of every paycheck, you can ask your employer to send that amount to your savings account via direct deposit and put the rest in your checking account. That’s an easy way to pay yourself first and build savings automatically.

7. No Check Cashing Fees

Check cashing fees can take a bite out of any payments you receive. If you’re tired of paying steep fees for check cashing services, that could be a great reason to open a bank account and set up direct deposit. You can get paid without having to go through a third-party company or hand over part of your earnings in fees.

8. Avoid Bank Fees

Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for checking and savings accounts. They may waive that fee when you set up qualifying direct deposits. If you’d like to reduce what you pay in fees without switching to another bank, enrolling in direct deposit could be a simple way to cut costs and save money.

9. Simplify Multiple Deposits

As mentioned, you can use direct deposit to receive many different types of payments. If you have income from multiple sources, then managing multiple paper checks could be a headache. Having those funds added to your account through direct deposit can streamline the way you track incoming payments.

10. Easier Budgeting

Direct deposit can also take the stress out of budgeting. If you know when your payments will be deposited and when you can expect them to clear, that can eliminate the guesswork of timing bill payments. You can plan out your budget by paycheck or by the month, using your direct deposit schedule as a guide.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Direct Deposit?

If there’s a disadvantage or downside to direct deposit it’s that not everyone is eligible to enroll. If your employer insists on paper checks, then you may not be able to take advantage of the benefits of direct deposit. You can, however, still use direct deposit to receive other types of payments.

One other thing to keep in mind is that it may take a few pay cycles to get your direct deposit going. So if you enroll on the first of the month, for example, you may not see any direct deposits until the first of the following month. That means you’ll still need to deposit paper checks at the bank in the meantime.

Another possible issue is, as mentioned above, if you don’t have a conventional bank account, you won’t be able to sign up for the service.

Also, some people may prefer to get a paper check, with the pay stub attached, so they can immediately review earnings and deductions rather than look up that info online. There may be some people as well who don’t feel comfortable sharing their banking information with an employer or other business. For them, direct deposit may not be a good fit.

How to Enroll in Direct Deposit

The process for enrolling in direct deposit can vary, based on where you’re trying to set up the payments. Generally, you’ll need to fill out a direct deposit form in person or online and tell the payer where you want the money to go.

The payer will verify your bank account information and personal information to get the direct deposit process started. You can also specify whether you want your payments to be split across multiple accounts. Keep in mind that you may be asked for a voided check or deposit slip to complete the process.

The Takeaway

Enrolling in direct deposit can make your financial life easier since it means spending less time on banking, getting faster access to your funds, and being able to be paid, wherever you may be. If you’re not enrolled in direct deposit yet, it may be worth asking your employer about whether it’s an option.

You might also consider opening a new Checking and Savings account to receive direct deposit payments. With SoFi, qualifying accounts can get paycheck access up to two days early. You’ll also enjoy other perks, like no account fees and a competitive APY on balances. Plus, our Checking and Savings account lets you spend and save in one convenient place.

Start getting paid early with SoFi.

FAQ

Does direct deposit work on holidays?

Typically, banks do not process transactions on holidays. However, if you’re enrolled in direct deposit, your employer may schedule your payment to arrive a day before the holiday so there are no delays in receiving your pay.

What happens if my direct deposit goes to the wrong account?

If you’re sending a direct deposit to a closed account, then the bank may reject the transaction and return the payment to the payer. If you’re depositing money into an account that’s open but it’s the wrong account, you’ll have to contact the bank to ask about possible solutions. You may be able to withdraw money or transfer it to the proper account if both accounts belong to you. However, if you accidentally deposit money into the wrong account then the bank may leave it to the account owner to return it to you.

How long can a bank hold direct deposit?

Banks can vary in how long they hold direct deposits before releasing the funds to you. Depending on the bank, the holding period may be anywhere from one to seven business days.

Photo credit: iStock/skynesher

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOBK1122007

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Oct
17
2023
Direct Deposits vs Paper Checks: What’s the Difference?

Direct Deposits vs Paper Checks: What’s the Difference?

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on Direct Deposits vs Paper Checks: What’s the Difference?

Direct deposits and paper checks are both ways to move money from one bank account to another, typically for payroll purposes, but there’s a difference: A direct deposit automatically transfers wages from an employer to an employee’s bank account. While a paycheck is also a money transfer, it involves the employer cutting a check from their bank account. The payee or recipient can then deposit the funds into their bank account or cash the check at a local business.

Although both payment methods help employers pay their employees and conduct other fund transfers, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It can be helpful to understand the pros and cons so you can decide the best way to receive your salary or move money around.

Read on to learn the details, including:

•   What is direct deposit?

•   What are the benefits and downsides of direct deposit?

•   What are the pros and cons of paper checks?

•   When should you use direct deposit vs. a paper check?

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


What Is Direct Deposit?

Direct deposit is an electronic transfer of funds to a bank account. By using direct deposit, a payee can automatically send money to another party’s bank account without handling paper checks or cash. It’s quick and convenient for both an employer and employee, whisking funds from one account to another. This method can also help employers cut costs since they don’t have to print and mail checks every pay period.

For these reasons, direct deposit has become very popular. In fact, according to the 2022 “Getting Paid In America” survey, almost 94% of workers receive their paycheck via direct deposit.

That said, receiving a direct deposit from your employer isn’t the only way to use the technique for transferring funds. You can use it for other transactions including:

•   Getting a tax refund

•   Receiving child support

•   Getting Social Security benefits

•   Paying bills like garbage, electric, and water bills (this may be set up through your bank’s “bill pay” option).

Pros and Cons of Direct Deposit

Using direct deposit has its upsides and downsides. First, here are some of this the significant advantages of this financial process:

•   Convenient. Technological advancements have made direct deposits a fast and easy way to receive and send money. The payee and payer don’t need to travel to the bank to write or deposit checks since the funds transfer electronically from one account to the other.

•   Safe. When you exchange cash or a check, there is a possibility that funds can be lost or stolen. Since all direct deposits happen electronically, you don’t have to worry about a thief swiping your money.

•   Efficient. Many employers offer direct deposit because it helps expedite the payroll process. Funds are automatically transferred from their bank account to those of the recipients. There’s no need for an employee to pick up a check, deposit it, and wait for it to clear. The time it takes for direct deposit to go through can be hard to beat.

•   Avoid maintenance fees. Some banks will do away with maintenance fees if you set up direct deposit, which can be a nice financial perk.

•   Boost savings. Sometimes, you can identify a percentage of your paycheck and direct it to be deposited into your savings when you get paid. This way, you can automate your savings and pad that account without thinking about it.

While direct deposit is convenient, safe, and efficient, there are also some downsides you should consider.

•   Risk of cyber crimes. Yes, there are hackers and other sorts of criminals out there. Direct deposits are vulnerable to cyber crimes since all transactions occur electronically. While banks and financial institutions take precautions to keep bank accounts safe online, direct deposits may still be somewhat susceptible to cyber theft.

•   Requires a bank account. Direct deposits usually require the payee and payer to have a bank account. That’s not possible for folks who lack traditional bank accounts. They may need to find an alternative solution to send or receive payments.

•   Fees. Depending on your bank, you may have to pay a set-up fee to initiate direct deposits. Check with your bank to verify any potential costs before you get started.

•   Errors are easily missed. Because payments are 100% electronic, you may not have the opportunity or inclination to review the pay stub as you would with, say, a paper check. Not looking over your paystub regularly can make it easier to miss errors such as an incorrect paycheck amount.

Now, here’s how the pros and cons of direct deposit stack up in chart form:

Pros

Cons

No risk of losing cash or a checkRisk of cyber crimes
ConvenientRequires a bank account
May avoid account feesMay have to pay a fee to set up direct deposit
Can set up auto-transfers to savingsErrors can be easily missed

Recommended: What Is an Electronic Check?

Pros and Cons of Paper Checks

Now, let’s consider the benefits and disadvantages of using time-honored paper checks. First, the upsides:

•   Protects privacy. When you decide to use paper checks, you can keep your banking information private from your employer. For some people, it may provide peace of mind to know that your employer doesn’t have access to your bank account.

•   Save money on banking fees. Some banks charge fees for setting up direct deposit. If you prefer not to pay these fees, you can likely cash your paper checks for free.

•   May include an informative paystub. For some people, looking at their paystub is more convenient with a paper check. They can assess the deductions and other aspects of their wages without going hunting for the information online.

Drawbacks to using paper checks include:

•   Risk of theft. When you carry a physical check, it’s easier to misplace it or have it stolen. If this happens, your employer will likely be able to replace it. However, you may have to wait for the new check to process and pay a fee.

•   Time-consuming. When you receive a paper check, you must deposit it at the bank via a bank branch or online. Either way, it can eat up time that you could spend doing other things.

•   Waiting period. Even if you deposit a paper check right away, it could take several days to clear and hit your bank account, especially if it’s the weekend or a holiday.

Here’s how these advantages and disadvantages compare in chart format:

Pros

Cons

Protects bank information from employerRisk of theft or losing the check
Saves money on banking feesTime-consuming to get and deposit check
Makes payroll details easily accessibleMust wait for funds to clear

Recommended: Business Check vs. Personal Check: What’s the Difference?

When to Use Paper Checks Over Direct Deposit

When deciding to use checks vs. direct deposit, here are a few situations where it makes sense to opt for paper checks:

•   You don’t want to share your banking information with your employer. Using checks may make sense for folks who are worried about sharing banking information or who prefer not to put money into a bank account.

•   You distrust banks or don’t want to pay their fees. One of the top reasons millions of Americans choose not to have bank accounts is that they don’t trust banks and don’t want to pay banking fees. If you fall into this category, you may feel more comfortable opting for paper checks you can cash.

•   Don’t qualify for a bank account. Maybe you don’t have enough money or don’t meet the requirements to open an account. Whatever the situation, if you don’t have a bank account, it’s going to be hard to accept a direct deposit. Paper checks might be the only solution to receiving your paycheck.

Recommended: How Do You Write a Check to Yourself?

When to Use Direct Deposit Over Paper Checks

Now consider the flip side: situations in which direct deposit may make more sense than paper checks.

•   You want a quick, easy way to get paid. If direct deposit is a payment option, it could help you receive your wages or salary more quickly than with a paper check. Since funds are transferred electronically, your paycheck will be in your bank account on payday, ready to be used.

•   You struggle to save money. If you have difficulty setting aside savings, a direct deposit may help. Some direct deposit programs let you distribute a portion of your paycheck into your savings, allowing you to boost your emergency fund or another account without lifting a finger.

•   Your bank waives maintenance fees. Some banks waive maintenance fees when you meet specific requirements like setting up direct deposit.

The Takeaway

Paper checks and direct deposits are two payment options that allow your employer to transfer money so you can get paid. When comparing paper checks vs. direct deposit, know that direct deposit is usually the most convenient way for employees to receive their pay. However, employees who don’t have bank accounts or don’t like sharing their banking information may prefer paper checks instead. It’s all about what best suits your banking needs.

If you’re ready to open an online bank account, take a look at what SoFi has to offer. Our Checking and Savings account lets you avoid account fees (like those for direct deposit) and earn a competitive APY Qualifying accounts can get their paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit, too.

Are you ready to bank better? See how SoFi Checking and Savings puts you in control of your money.

FAQ

Do more people use direct deposit or paper checks?

Direct deposit is usually the deposit method of choice. In fact, about 94% of employees prefer to receive wage or salary payments via direct deposit.

Can you change from paper checks to direct deposit?

In many cases, yes. Whether you want to set up direct deposit with the IRS, your employer, or your utility company, you can follow a process to switch from checks to direct deposit.

Can you change from direct deposit to paper checks?

Yes, you can usually ask your employer to switch back to checks. Verify with your employer what the process is so you know what to expect.

Photo credit: iStock/RyanJLane

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SOBK1222016

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Oct
17
2023
Are Bank Bonuses Worth It?

Are Bank Bonuses Worth It?

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on Are Bank Bonuses Worth It?

When researching new bank accounts, you may find some that offer sign-up bonuses — free cash for opening an account and depositing some money — and wonder if it’s worthwhile. The answer is: It depends. This can make a bank account seem more attractive because of the quick payout, but it’s important to think about the long-term value of a bank account before opening it.

Are bank bonuses worth it for you? They can be if the bank also offers other features that align with your needs, like a high interest rate, no monthly fees, a large ATM network, and cash back rewards.

But in other cases, they may wind up just being an incentive that leads you into an arrangement that involves, say, high fees and low interest rates.

Here, you’ll learn more, including:

•   What is a bank account bonus?

•   Are bank account bonuses worth it?

•   What are the pros and cons of bank bonuses?

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


What Is a Bank Account Bonus?

A bank account bonus is a reward that customers earn for opening a new checking or savings account and meeting specific criteria during a set period. That might include setting up direct deposit, funding the account with a set amount of cash, using your new debit card a certain number of times, or meeting a specific spend threshold.

Bank account bonuses can vary in size, with some banks offering $50 and others offering up to $2,000 (expect some very strict criteria on very large deposit amounts to nab that kind of a gift).

Banks may offer other types of bonuses, but sign-up bonuses are the most common and are meant to entice you to open a new bank account.

Note: Banks generally offer bonuses during promotional periods that last a set number of months. At the end of that period, they may choose to extend the bonus, end it, or offer a new bonus that could be more (or less) valuable than the preceding one.

How Do Bank Account Bonuses Work?

A traditional sign-up checking account bonus generally requires that you are a new client of the bank — or haven’t had an account with the bank for a set number of years. Each bank will have varying criteria to earn the bonus. Depending on the bank, you might:

•   Simply need to set up and receive qualifying direct deposits

•   Deposit a certain amount of money into the account (say, through an external bank transfer) and keep the account funded for a set number of days

•   Use your debit card a set number of times or for a minimum spend amount in a given timeframe

•   Pay a minimum amount of bills using the account

Evaluation periods for such bonuses may range from a few weeks to several months to an entire year. That means it could take a while to receive the sign-up bonus.

Some banks may also take back the bonus if you close the account too soon after receiving the bonus. That’s why it’s a good idea to read all the fine print for a bank bonus before opening a new account.

What Are Some Common Bank Account Bonuses?

You may often see the phrase “bank account bonus” used interchangeably with “sign-up bonus.” However, banks may offer other types of bonuses that have nothing to do with opening a new account. Here are some common bank account bonuses to watch for:

•   New account bonus: A sign-up bonus, or new account bonus, is what we generally think of when we hear “bank bonus.” Consumers can earn these bonuses for opening a new account and meeting specific criteria.

•   Referral bonus: Some banks may offer referral bonuses. Get friends and family to sign up for a new account, and you — and maybe your referral — can earn a cash bonus.

•   Cash back bonuses: Though we often think of cash back with rewards credit cards, some banks may pay out cash back with debit card. You might get a percentage back when you make qualifying purchases.

•   Waived fees: Some bank accounts charge monthly service fees for keeping the account open. Often, these banks offer a way for you to have the fees waived — usually by maintaining a minimum balance, earning direct deposits, or meeting certain spending criteria. While you won’t earn cash, you’ll avoid paying fees; in that way, it’s like a bonus.

And don’t forget: Many banks offer sign-up bonuses on their credit cards as well. These also have their own criteria for earning the bonus that you may want to review before applying.

Pros of Bank Account Bonuses

Bank bonuses can be advantageous for consumers who are looking for a new account. Here are some of the pros:

Many Are Offered for Opening a New Account

Sign-up bonuses are a common form of bank bonus. Because the criteria are built around things you’d commonly do with a new account — setting up direct deposit, funding it with cash, using the debit card on everyday purchases — it can be easy to earn the bonus for activities you would’ve done anyway.

Recommended: Checking vs. Savings Account

Bonuses Can Be Enough to Pay Off Potential Fees

While it’s wise to prioritize a bank account without any monthly fees, big bonuses can offset such fees for several months. And even if you find a bank account with no monthly fees, you may still end up paying:

•   ATM fees

•   Minimum balance fees

•   Overdraft and NSF fees

•   Foreign transaction fees

Such occasional fees might be easier to swallow if you’ve already earned a bonus worth several hundreds of dollars.

Recommended: What Are ATM Fees?

Bonuses Can Help You Build Your Savings

If you earn a bonus for opening a new savings account, you can keep that money in your account where it will continue to earn interest. This makes bank account bonuses an easy way to jump-start your savings, whether you’re building an emergency fund or saving for a wedding, house down payment, or vacation.

Recommended: Different Types of Savings Accounts

Cons of Bank Account Bonuses

While it’s hard to imagine how free money could be a bad thing, bank account bonuses may have drawbacks for certain consumers. Here are some considerations as you decide if bank bonuses are worth it.

Bonuses Are Considered Taxable Income

First and foremost, a bank account bonus is never as big as it sounds. Here’s why: because Uncle Sam takes his cut. The IRS considers bank account bonuses earned income, just like any interest you earn on the account.

You Might Pay More in Fees

Sign-up bonuses are meant to entice you to open a new account, but it’s a good idea to consider the account as a whole before moving forward. While a shiny sign-up bonus may offer you money up front, consider how much you’ll spend on fees (or how much you’ll miss out on in interest if it’s a low-interest account).

Once you factor in fees and missed earning opportunities, a bank account offering even a large bonus may not be the best long-term option for you.

There Are Often Many Requirements to Receive the Bonus

Some sign-up bonuses are easier than others to earn. If you’ll struggle to meet all the criteria — for example, the account may have too high of a deposit threshold for you to meet — it probably doesn’t make sense to open the account for the bonus alone.

Is It Worth It to Switch Banks for a Bonus?

So are bank account bonuses worth it? That depends on your needs. If you’re happy with your current bank and like all the features it offers, it may not be worth the hassle to switch.

But if you have other reasons to switch banks right now — like you want a higher interest rate, better mobile app, or fee-free overdraft — it could be worth your time to compare bank bonuses and make the switch.

That said, sign-up bonuses are a one-time benefit. It’s a good idea to weigh other features, like annual percentage yield (APY), monthly fees, mobile banking features, and ATM access, along with new account bonuses when making your decision.

Recommended: How to Switch Banks

Banking With SoFi

Bank bonuses can be easy to earn and may offer a great jump-start to your savings. For most consumers, however, it makes sense to consider sign-up bonuses alongside other important banking features, like interest rates and fees, to make a sound financial decision.

Are you looking for an online bank that offers a competitive APY, no monthly fees, which may help your money grow faster, month after month? Open a new SoFi bank account and you’ll enjoy those benefits, plus the ease of spending and saving in one convenient place.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How can I qualify for a bank account bonus?

Banks offering sign-up bonuses for new accounts have specific terms and conditions to achieve the bonus. Read the fine print of any bank account bonus program to ensure you understand all the steps you need to take to qualify for the bonus.

What are the different types of bank bonuses?

The most common type of bank bonus is a sign-up bonus, which some banks offer when you open a new account and meet certain criteria during an evaluation period. Some banks may also offer:

•   Referral bonuses for getting friends and family members to open an account.

•   Cash back bonuses when you swipe your debit card.

•   Waived accounts fees for meeting criteria every month.

Banks might also have unique credit card rewards, like sign-up bonuses and cash back, travel points, or miles with every swipe.

Does SoFi offer a bank account bonus?

SoFi may offer a bank account bonus to new members when they sign up for the SoFi Checking and Savings Account; it may require setting up direct deposit. Check here to see what may be available right now.

Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SOBK1122008

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Oct
17
2023
11 Common Checking Account Mistakes

11 Common Checking Account Mistakes

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on 11 Common Checking Account Mistakes

A checking account is one of the most useful items you can have in your financial toolbox. You can use a checking account to pay bills, get paid early with direct deposit, or build your savings through automatic transfers.

However, it’s possible you’re not getting the most out of your account. Recognizing some of the most common mistakes you’re making with your checking account could help you to save money and time.

Ready to optimize this aspect of your financial life? Read on to learn:

•   Common mistakes you’re making with your checking account

•   Tips for improving your banking habits

Why Banking Mistakes Can Be Costly

Making mistakes with your bank account could cost you in more ways than one. It’s possible that you’re overpaying bank fees unnecessarily, missing out on valuable interest earnings, and possibly leaving yourself vulnerable to fraud. You may also be short-changing yourself and missing out on benefits and features if you’re using the wrong type of bank account for your needs.

Here’s why these issues can cost you:

•   High fees are generally not a good thing, as they can nibble away at your balances over time.

•   Losing out on the best interest rates means your money has less room to grow.

•   Fraud can potentially be the biggest drain on your accounts, if your debit card or bank account is used to make unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get back on track. That starts with knowing which checking account mistakes to avoid. You’ll learn about them next.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


11 Checking Account Mistakes to Avoid

Managing a checking account shouldn’t be complicated. Here are 11 of the biggest checking account mistakes that you’ll likely want to sidestep.

1. Not Shopping Around

Sticking with the same bank for years may be comfortable, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best deal. It’s a mistake not to shop around for better banking options, as banks regularly introduce new benefits and features to attract customers.

It’s also incorrect to assume that switching banks is time-consuming or difficult. Many banks offer switch kits that help to simplify the process of transitioning your accounts over. These kits include a checklist of steps to complete to get your new accounts open and shut down your old ones if you choose to do so.

2. Overlooking the Benefits of Online Banks

How you use your checking account matters but it’s also important to consider where you keep it. Online banks can offer benefits you don’t always get at traditional banks or credit unions, such as lower fees or higher interest rates for deposit accounts. These two features could help you build wealth.

Opening an online checking and savings account is usually something you can do in just a few minutes. The trade-off of choosing an online bank is that you don’t have branch banking access. Comparing online banking pros and cons can help you to decide if it’s right for you.

3. Paying a Monthly Maintenance Fee

Banks can charge monthly maintenance fees for having a checking account. In some cases, you might pay these fees for savings and money market accounts as well. Paying these fees is a mistake if there are ways to get around them.

Your options for avoiding monthly maintenance fees might include:

•   Meeting a daily or monthly minimum balance requirement

•   Scheduling a qualifying recurring direct deposit

•   Maintaining a minimum balance across multiple linked accounts at the same bank

•   Making a certain number of purchases with your debit card each month

You could also avoid monthly maintenance fees by moving to an online bank. Online banks tend to be more fee-friendly than traditional banks, and you could earn a higher rate on interest-bearing accounts as well.

4. Triggering ATM Fees

Here’s another common mistake you may be making with your checking account: When you need quick cash, you hit the first ATM you come across. Convenient, yes, but that’s a problem if your bank charges ATM fees.

What are ATM fees? They’re fees you pay to use another bank’s machine. Typically, your bank won’t charge if you use their ATMs. But they might tack on a foreign ATM surcharge if you use a machine that’s out of the bank’s network. The ATM owner can also charge a fee of their own. Typically, out-of-network ATM fees will cost you between $2.50 and $5 per transaction and possibly even more.

Knowing where you can withdraw cash fee-free is a simple way to avoid that mistake. You might also consider looking for a bank that reimburses foreign ATM fees each month. Some banks offer reimbursement, either as a flat dollar amount or up to a certain number of foreign ATM fees per month.

5. Not Keeping Enough in Your Account

Maintaining a lower balance in your checking account isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it could put you at risk of incurring overdraft of non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees.

Banks can charge overdraft fees to complete transactions when you don’t have enough money in your account. Non-sufficient funds fees may apply when you don’t have enough money in your account and the bank cancels or rejects the transaction.

In terms of how much you’ll pay for NSF vs. overdraft fees, that depends on the bank. However, it’s not uncommon for banks to charge anywhere up to $40 for these fees.

You could avoid overdraft fees by enrolling in overdraft protection. What is overdraft protection? It’s a service that allows banks to transfer money automatically from your savings account to checking if you’re in danger of overdrafting your account. You can avoid high overdraft fees by opting in, though banks may charge a smaller transfer fee.

6. Keeping Too Much Money in Checking

Keeping too much money in checking could also be a mistake if you’re missing out on interest earnings. Siphoning off some of the money in checking into a high-yield savings account or money market account, for example, could allow you to earn a competitive interest rate and APY on your balances.

It’s also important to consider how FDIC coverage limits apply to checking accounts. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership type, per financial institution. If you keep more than that in checking, you could be at risk of losing money in the rare event that your bank fails.

7. Choosing a No Frills Checking Account

A basic checking account should have all the features you need to pay bills, deposit money, or make purchases with a linked debit card. But a specialty account could offer a wider range of benefits.

For example, a high-yield checking account earns interest on balances. That’s like getting free money just for keeping a balance in checking. You will, however, have to pay tax on the interest you earn at the end of the year.

8. Missing Out on Potential Rewards

Another checking account mistake to avoid is losing out on potential rewards and bonuses. What are reward checking accounts? These are bank accounts that reward you with points or cash back for completing certain activities. For example, you might earn rewards when you make a specific number of debit card purchases each month or link a savings account.

These accounts are similar to rewards credit cards but the difference is you’re spending your own money to earn them, rather than borrowing from the credit card company. They can offer you some nice perks as you conduct your usual banking business.

9. Not Protecting Your Account When You Shop Online

Shopping online is convenient and you might be able to save money versus shopping in store if you’re using promo codes or coupons at checkout. However, you could be putting your checking account at risk if you’re shopping over unsecured WiFi networks or making purchases on untrusted websites.

A simple way to verify a site’s authenticity is to look for “https” in the site’s address. That indicates the site uses a Secure Sockets Layer certificate to encrypt and protect user data.

You can also protect yourself by not storing your debit card information at the checkout. If you’d like to be able to automatically enter your debit card details to pay, you can add them to a secure mobile wallet like Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.

10. Not Enrolling in Email and Text Alerts

There are different ways to keep track of your bank accounts, including online and mobile banking. If you don’t always have time to log in, you could use email and text alerts to monitor your accounts instead.

Banks can allow you to set up different types of alerts, including notifications for:

•   Low balances

•   New credit transactions

•   New debit transactions

•   Updates to your personal information or login information

•   New linked accounts

•   New wire transfer transactions

•   Failed login attempts

Not using alerts can be a mistake as it can save you time as you manage your financial life.

Enrolling in alerts can also help you to spot potentially fraudulent activity before someone is able to do any major damage with your account.

Recommended: The Biggest Money Scams in the U.S.

11. Using Weak Passwords

Your password is your entry key to your online and mobile banking accounts and it’s important to choose a strong one. The stronger your password, the more difficult it might be for hackers to steal your information, and your money.

If you’re using weak passwords that are easy to guess, you could be leaving yourself open to fraud. It’s also a mistake to reuse the same passwords to log in to multiple accounts. If a hacker gets their hands on the password, they could have instant access to bank accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, email accounts, and any other accounts you manage online.

Choosing strong passwords and updating them regularly can help you avoid that scenario. If you have trouble remembering passwords, you might consider storing them online in a secure password keeper.

Ways to Improve Your Banking Habits

Building better habits can take time, but it may be well worth the effort if you’re able to avoid making common checking account mistakes. Here are a few ways to improve your banking habits:

•   Check your accounts regularly. Logging in to your bank accounts once a day or every few days is a simple way to check your transaction history and balances so you know what you have to spend.

•   Sign up for alerts. Banking alerts can help you to spot potential fraud, track your balances, and know what’s being debited or credited to your account. It’s typically free to enroll, and you can personalize which alerts you want to receive.

•   Maintain a buffer. Getting in the habit of maintaining a cash cushion in your checking account can help you to minimize your risk of overdraft. For example, you might want to keep an extra $500 to $1,000 in your account at all times and not let your balance fall below that amount.

•   Review your accounts. Reviewing your checking account once a year can be a good way to see what you’ve paid in fees and what benefits you’ve enjoyed. You can then use that as a guide for deciding whether to stick with your current bank or shop around for a new one.

Recommended: Guide to Practicing Financial Self-Care

The Takeaway

Having a checking account can make managing your financial life easier, but it’s important to make sure you’re using it the right way. Avoiding common checking account mistakes and developing good banking habits can help you use your account to its full potential. Doing so can also help you earn more interest and pay fewer or lower fees.

If you’re ready to try a new banking experience, you might consider opening an online checking and savings account with SoFi. You can enjoy the convenience of saving and spending in one place, plus you’ll get benefits like paying no account fees and enjoying a great APY on deposits, which can help your money grow faster.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What is the worst checking account mistake that I need to avoid?

The worst checking account mistake may simply be choosing the wrong account or the wrong bank. When you fully understand what you need a checking account for and what kind of features you’d like to have, that can make it easier to find the right banking option that’s convenient and low-cost.

What to do if the bank makes a mistake?

If your bank makes a mistake with a deposit, bill payment, or any other transaction, it’s important to contact the bank right away. You can explain what you believe the mistake to be so the bank has an opportunity to correct it.

What are the disadvantages of these banking mistakes?

Making banking mistakes can cost you both time and money. You may end up spending more time than you’d like to managing your accounts. Or you might overpay banking fees if you’re not paying attention. Correcting any banking mistakes can help you avoid those scenarios.

Photo credit: iStock/MStudioImages

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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