Guide to Sinking Funds

Understanding Sinking Funds

It may sound like a negative thing, but a sinking fund is money that’s saved toward a specific goal. Governments and businesses can use sinking funds to hold reserve cash to fund future expenses, but this kind of account also has a place in personal finance as you build wealth and achieve goals.

What sinking funds are is a way to earmark and stash money so you can, say, buy a new car or take an amazing vacation. Understanding how sinking funds work can help you decide if you need to include them in your budget.

What Is a Sinking Fund?

A sinking fund is money that’s earmarked to pay planned expenses that fall outside of your regular budget. In accounting, a sinking fund is used to save money to pay debt or replace an asset that is declining in value. The name, which can admittedly sound negative, may be derived from the idea of sinking, or paying off, a debt.

As mentioned, individuals, businesses, and even governments can use sinking funds to hold money in reserve for future expenses. For example, the U.S. Treasury Department maintains a sinking fund for unused appropriations.

For an individual, the meaning shifts somewhat. A sinking fund can help you be financially prepared to pay certain expenses that are on the horizon. In this way, it can help you avoid having to turn to high-interest credit cards or loans to cover expenses that don’t fit into your monthly budget. Being able to avoid debt is one of the main reasons why saving is important.

💡 Quick Tip: Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts do, and online banks are more likely than brick-and-mortar banks to offer you the best rates.

Examples of s Sinking Fund

A sinking fund can be used to save money for a variety of expenses. Some of the most common sinking funds categories include:

•   Vehicle maintenance and repairs

•   Pet care

•   Home maintenance and repairs

•   Birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions

•   Wedding expenses

•   Baby expenses

Those are just a few of the things you might need a sinking fund for. The number of sinking funds you choose to establish can depend on your financial goals. You might create one for, say, a down payment on a home or a trip to Bali. It’s up to you.

You can set up separate accounts for each goal and, if you like, automate savings into each. You might add $25 per pay period to one, $100 to another. By setting up recurring transfers to occur right after your paycheck hits your checking account, you can help your savings grow with minimal effort.

Recommended: Should I Pay off Debt Before Buying a House?

Benefits of a Sinking Fund

Setting up sinking funds can offer some advantages if you have planned or recurring expenses.

•   You can use them to create a structured plan for saving toward various expenses or financial goals.

•   Depending on where you keep your sinking funds, you may be able to earn a decent rate of interest on your deposits.

•   Sinking funds ensure that when a planned expense comes due, you have the money to pay it. You can avoid dipping into your emergency fund or using a credit card.

Drawbacks of a Sinking Fund

Sinking funds can help you to be consistent with saving, but there are some potential drawbacks.

•   You have to be organized and disciplined when setting up a fund or multiple funds.

•   If you’re also saving or investing in other accounts, you may have trouble keeping track of what is sinking fund money and what isn’t.

•   Saving in multiple sinking funds could leave you spread thin financially if you’re not careful about budgeting.

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No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

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How to Create a Sinking Fund

Getting started with sinking funds isn’t that difficult. Here are a few simple tips for using sinking funds to save toward planned expenses.

List Your Sinking Fund Categories

The first step in creating a sinking fund is deciding what categories to include. A good way to choose sinking fund categories is to review your spending for the last six months to a year. Look for expenses that may recur periodically, like biannual or annual insurance premiums or annual home maintenance.

From there, consider what savings goals you might be working toward that are one-time expenses. That may include a wedding, a down payment on a home, a vacation, new furniture, or something else you only expect to pay for once. You can then use your recurring expenses and planned expenses to create your sinking fund categories.

Determine Your Savings Target

Next, decide how much you need to save toward each expense or goal on your sinking fund list. Assign an overall dollar amount first, then determine how much you need to save monthly, based on when you plan to spend the money.

Say you want to save $1,000 for a trip you’d like to take in a year. You’d divide the total by 12, and your savings goal would be $83.33 per month.

Decide Where to Keep Sinking Funds

Once you know what you need to save each month, you can choose where to keep your sinking funds. Again, this may be a single savings account or money market account, or a savings account with multiple subaccounts.

Certificate of deposit (CD) accounts are usually not the best place to keep sinking funds. They require you to leave money in them untouched for a set maturity term to avoid a penalty. However, you may be able to find an add-on CD account that is a work-around to this. These accounts may allow you to increase the funds on deposit; check with a financial institution that offers this product for more details.

Set Up Automatic Transfers

If you’ve opened sinking fund accounts, you can take the final step and link them to your checking account. You can then schedule recurring automatic transfers from checking to your sinking fund account each month to grow your savings automatically.

You might want to set up your automatic deductions for payday. It can be helpful to have the money whisked out of your checking account and into savings before you see it and think about spending it.

Sinking Funds vs Emergency Funds

You may be tempted to dip into your emergency fund for some expenses, like, say, buying a new mobile phone. However, a sinking fund may be a better option. While a sinking fund and an emergency fund are both designed for saving, they serve very different purposes.

With a sinking fund, you’re setting aside money regularly that you plan to spend at some point. (In the example of a new phone, maybe your current one is starting to have some glitchiness, and you know a new model will be released in six months with lots of bells and whistles.) Some sinking fund expenses may be one-time; others may be recurring.
An emergency fund, on the other hand, is designed to hold emergency cash in case you have an unexpected expense that you need to cover. Emergency funds are there for those “uh-oh” moments, when your hot water heater conks out or you get hit with a major dental bill.

Starting an emergency fund while also having sinking funds can be a good idea. When you have both, you have money set aside to pay foreseen and unforeseen expenses. And just like sinking funds, one of the benefits of having an emergency fund is that you’re less reliant on high-interest credit cards to pay for things.

Sinking Funds vs Savings Accounts

Sinking funds and savings accounts can refer to the same thing. For example, you might hold your sinking funds in a high-yield savings account at an online bank. But it’s also possible that you have other savings accounts that are not specifically used for sinking funds. Sinking funds usually have a specific goal, which can help you get motivated to save money.

Saving funds can be more general. If you have kids, you might set up savings accounts for them to teach them the value of money. Or you might have a savings account that you treat as a slush fund, where you keep money that you haven’t earmarked toward any specific goal.

If you have both sinking funds and savings accounts, it’s important to track what money goes where. That way, you can ensure that you’re saving enough in your sinking funds and not shortchanging any of your planned expenses.

Recommended: Smart Short-Term Financial Goals to Set for Yourself

Where Can You Keep a Sinking Fund?

When deciding where to keep a sinking fund, accessibility matters. You need to be able to add money to your sinking fund and withdraw it when needed. For that reason, you might open an online bank account to hold your sinking funds.
With an online savings account, you can earn interest on deposits and link your account to checking for easy transfers.

Some banks allow you to open a main savings account with multiple subaccounts. You might choose this option if you’d like to be able to add money to individual sinking funds for specific expenses. Subaccounts can allow you to see all of your sinking fund money in one place while keeping goals separate.

A money market account is another candidate for holding sinking funds. These accounts can earn interest like a savings account, but they may offer check-writing abilities or debit card access, which you typically don’t get with a savings account.

Just be sure to check if your bank limits the number of withdrawals you’re allowed to make from a money market account. For some people, this factor (if it exists) can be a deal breaker.

The Takeaway

A sinking fund can help you stay on track when saving for planned expenses. You can use sinking funds to save for a wide range of expenses, without having to dip into other savings, your emergency fund, or breaking out your plastic. It can be a helpful way to organize your finances and meet your money and lifestyle goals.

Where to keep money in a sinking fund? Someplace that bears interest but is easily accessible can work well.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


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 a sinking fund in simple terms?

A sinking fund is a type of account that has a specific goal (such as a down payment on a house or debt repayment). Funds are typically added to it regularly.

How much should you have in a sinking fund?

If your sinking fund is an emergency fund, you should aim to have at least enough money to cover three to six months’ worth of standard living expenses. Otherwise, it’s up to you to set the purpose of a sinking fund (a Peloton bike or a trip to Yellowstone?) and how much you want to save.

What is considered a healthy sinking fund?

A healthy sinking fund has enough money to cover any planned expenses you might have on the horizon. The size of your sinking fund will depend on which expenses you’re planning for, how often you’re saving for those expenses, and how much you’re saving toward them each month.


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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.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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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What Is a Christmas Club Account?

Guide to Christmas Club Accounts

Are you toying with the idea of opening a Christmas Club account? It may sound like a retro idea, but a Christmas Club (or Holiday Club account) is simply a short-term savings fund that can help you plan for and manage the annual spending blizzard. The strategy can be smart, since during the most recent season, consumers spent a whopping $964 billion, according to the National Retail Foundation.

Pacing yourself to save in advance of the holiday crush is great, but there can be pros and cons of a Christmas Club account. Learn the details here.

What Is a Christmas Club Account?

Christmas Club accounts started in 1909 at a Pennsylvania bank and are designed to help you save money for holiday expenses. They typically do not earn high interest but can help you pull back your purse strings when December comes along and avoid debt.

After making regular, scheduled contributions to the Christmas account, the money is withdrawn, typically in October, November, or December, depending on your bank’s rules. Christmas Club funds are transferred to your regular checking account with the bank or withdrawn in a check to cover your holiday expenses, be they toys, trimmings, or latke parties.

Saving in increments can be easier on your budget than scrambling for cash when Yuletide, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa come around. It can also spare you from putting all those charges on your credit cards and having a high balance due.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure mobile banking app.

How a Christmas Club Account Works

When you sign up for a Christmas Club account, you start with a deposit. Rules and regulations vary by bank. Some require a minimum to start; others don’t. Some have no minimum balance requirement in person at a branch but need a $25 minimum for setting up a Holiday Club account online.

You decide the amount you want to contribute regularly. For instance, you might opt for $25 or $100 swept from your checking account into your Christmas account every week or every payday.

Historically, banks have charged fees for withdrawing money before the club account matures. That encourages consumers to leave their money there until holiday shopping time. Just be aware that if an emergency comes up, like a broken water heater, and you take the money out, you will get hit with a fee.

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.


Reasons to Use a Christmas Club Account

There are several benefits to Christmas Club accounts that can make them a helpful financial tool. Here are some of the reasons why people open them:

•   To save for a predictable spend above and beyond your year-round monthly budget. Many of us try to celebrate the holidays on a budget. But the gifting/decorating/entertaining spree can still hit every winter. A club account plumps up a money cushion to help you avoid credit card debt.

•   To afford holiday travel. Most of us need extra dough, whether to rent a car to visit family or fly the kids home from college. To score the lowest airfare, car rental, and lodging costs, brush up on smart tips for finding travel deals. (If short-term savings won’t cover your trip, shop for the best travel loans with lower APRs, no compounding interest, and no fees.) Stashing funds in a club account, of course, is a viable solution.

•   To build up funds for other planned annual costs. Just because they are called Christmas Club accounts doesn’t mean they have to be used for holiday spending. Puzzling over how to save on spring break expenses or how to pay for your child’s summer sleepaway camp? In those cases, a club account can be golden.

Where Can You Find a Christmas Club Account?

Christmas Club accounts are most often available at smaller community banks and credit unions vs. banks with a national presence. You can open one in person at a branch or online at your bank’s website. (Search under savings accounts.) Often, the same banks that set up payroll direct deposit plans also offer short-term club accounts.

Christmas Club accounts are offered at credit unions all across America, from the Fidelity Bank and Trust in Iowa to the Pasadena Federal Credit Union in California, and in too many places in between to count.

Pros of a Christmas Club Account

If you’re trying to decide if a Christmas Club account is right for you, it’s worthwhile to consider the advantages of these accounts.

Simplifies the Process of Saving for the Holidays

Framing your holiday budget ahead of time can cut stress. Pacing yourself to save over months may be even better. If it helps, you can give these targeted accounts nicknames to keep your eye on the goal; say, “Christmas in Vermont” to “Kids’ Lego Fund.”

Alternative to Putting Holiday Purchases on Credit Card

Using Christmas cash can help you avoid overspending with credit cards. Once you turn to plastic, things can get out of control. You start hunting online for a scooter a child has her heart set on and then see an ad for the brown suede boots you’ve been wanting…ka-ching. Interest rates on credit cards are quite high, and you can be left with debt that takes a long time to pay off.

Recommended: How Does a Credit Limit Work?

Cons of a Christmas Club Account

It’s not all a winter wonderland; Christmas Club accounts can have downsides. Here are a few to consider.

Most Banks Have Saving Limits

Most Christmas Club accounts have a maximum dollar amount you can save. Some banks allow up to $5,000, but this number will vary. The cap might be less than what you’d like to save. If need be, consider opening a second Christmas club if the bank allows it or open an additional one at another bank, too.

Potential Fees for Early Withdrawal

If you need to get the money out before the set withdrawal date, you will most likely incur early withdrawal fees. These can vary. Find out what they are when you open your account.

Alternatives to Christmas Club Accounts

If you want to save money for the holidays but aren’t sure a Christmas Club account is right for you, consider these options.

•   Certificate of Deposit. A certificate of deposit (or CD) generally offers a higher interest rate than a savings account but comes with a term. The bank holds your money for anywhere from months to years, and you collect the interest when the CD matures at the end of the term. Since a CD will lock up your money for a specific amount of time (typically between six months and 18 months, but shorter and longer terms are available), you may need to plan this right to have funds available for holiday expenses.

•   Money Market Account. A money market account is an interest-bearing account that is federally insured and has competitive interest rates. It generally requires a higher opening deposit.

•   High-yield Savings Account. These high-yield bank accounts earn significantly more interest than standard savings; you may find the best rates at online banks. However, the accessibility of these funds can be a downside. We all know how tempting it can be to transfer money from savings to checking when an unexpected household expense or special occasion comes up.

•   Travel account. Like Christmas accounts, these savings accounts likely won’t pay great interest, but they help you save for your goal. You can pick where to keep travel fund savings, and then use the money to hop on a plane when the holidays roll around.

The Takeaway

Christmas Clubs (or Holiday Club accounts) can spur you on to save regularly for the winter holiday spend. Planning ahead reduces stress. What’s more, setting a savings goal can help you keep your eye on the limit and avoid credit card overspending. But beware of fees for early withdrawals and caps on total amount saved. In some cases, you might be better off with another savings vehicle, like a CD or money market account.

Another option is to stash cash in a high-yield account and earn more interest there.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


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 banks still do Christmas Club accounts?

Yes, community banks, smaller banks, and credit unions still offer Christmas Club accounts. Ask at your branch or search the bank’s website.

Are Christmas Club accounts worth it?

Christmas Club accounts generally have low interest rates. However, they can be worthwhile if they help you put money away regularly and thereby avoid a holiday spending blowout using credit cards.

Is there interest on Christmas Club accounts?

Yes, most accounts offer interest. The rates, though, tend to be lower than the interest rates for regular savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs).


Photo credit: iStock/NoSystem images
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.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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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What Is an International Bank Account Number (IBAN)?

Guide to International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs)

International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) are standardized numbers that play a key role in overseas banking. They identify bank accounts so that international financial transfers can be completed quickly and accurately.

Here, you’ll learn more about IBANs, how they work, and how they differ from other banking numbers.

🛈 Currently, SoFi does not support international money transfers, and therefore does not support IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT codes.

What Is an International Bank Account Number (IBAN)?

An International Bank Account Number, or IBAN, is a one-of-a-kind identifier that banks use to refer to a specific bank account in any of 80+ countries around the world. In turn, banks use that info to quickly move money between accounts in different countries.

While IBANs are useful in sending and receiving funds, they aren’t used for withdrawing funds or for transferring ownership of accounts.

How Does an IBAN Work?

An IBAN is a standardized numbering system that includes up to 34 alphanumeric characters to identify accounts for transactions. While the length of an IBAN varies by country, the sequence remains the same to ensure proper routing:

•   Country code (two letters)

•   Check digits (two digits); this validates the routing numbers and accounts. It is sometimes referred to as a control code.

•   Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN); this is an alphanumeric sequence that’s up to 28 characters long and represents a country-specific bank account number (which could represent different types of bank accounts, such as checking or savings).

While the format is standardized around the globe, the length of the code varies depending on the country.
It’s worthwhile to note that when using an IBAN to send or receive payments, there might be a processing fee or commission on the transfer.

IBANs are very much a part of the daily financial flow today. You may not have had international transactions in mind when you took the time to open a bank account, but they are becoming quite common. For instance, you might do business with a vendor overseas or shop online from a company based on another continent.

IBAN Example

Here is an invented example of an IBAN:

•   GB 28 2021 6126 1431 9576 17

This would be for a UK bank. It begins with GB for “Great Britain” and has 22 characters.

Here are other examples:

Albania: AL 35 2021 1109 0000 0000 01234567
Denmark: DK 95 2000 0123 4567 89
Spain: ES 7921 0008 1361 01234 56789

Recommended: All You Need to Know About Wire Transfer Fees

IBAN vs. SWIFT Code

Both IBANs and SWIFT codes (aka Society of Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) are globally recognized and accepted banking transfer identifiers. They play a part in making sure a transfer goes through successfully, and they help keep international finance running smoothly.

They are not, however, the same set of digits. The main difference between an IBAN and a SWIFT code lies in what they identify. Whereas a SWIFT code identifies the financial institution, the IBAN points to a specific bank account. Both work in tandem to help a transaction proceed.

To provide a bit more detail, here are a few other key differences between IBANs and SWIFT codes:

•   While an IBAN works more to identify a bank, branch, and bank account numbers, SWIFT identifies a particular bank during a transaction.

•   SWIFT Codes are issued by the Society of Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, which is a member-owned cooperative. The SWIFT banking system is a messaging network that enables financial institutions around the world to talk to one another securely. IBANs, on the other hand, are issued directly by the financial institutions.

•   Whereas IBANs are alphanumeric codes that are up to 34 digits, SWIFT codes include alphanumeric code that’s either 8 or 11 characters.

Do All Countries Use IBANs?

While more than 80 countries use IBANS, not every nation does. IBANs are generally used in the majority of banks in the Eurozone and other European countries. Parts of the Middle East, the Caribbean, and North Africa also use IBANs.

Some countries, such as Austria, Croatia, France, and the Netherlands make IBANs mandatory. Other countries don’t require the use of IBANs, but it is recommended. These include Albania, Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Virgin Islands.

Lastly, there are countries that don’t use IBANs. China, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S. fall into this camp.

Recommended: What You Need to Know About Foreign Currency Bank Accounts

When Is an IBAN Number Required?

An IBAN number is typically required for international banking transactions. It allows for the accurate transfer of funds between accounts in different countries.

If, say, you need to make a payment to a business in South America or you have bought an item at an auction in Europe, you would likely need the recipient’s IBAN to complete the transaction. With that information, the money could be moved from your checking account to the payee’s account.

How Do I Find an IBAN?

If IBANs are available in both the country you live in and in the recipient’s country, you can obtain an IBAN by reaching out to your bank or checking on your bank statement. The person you’d like to send or receive money from will also need to to get their IBAN by contacting their bank or looking at their bank statement.

If you live in the U.S. and need an IBAN to complete an international transaction, the payee will typically share their banking details for the transfer of funds, including their IBAN.

Worth noting: The IBAN website also has a handy tool to calculate your IBAN code based on your country, bank code, and account number.

The Takeaway

While the U.S. doesn’t use the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) system, when you are sending funds overseas, you’ll need the other party’s IBAN. This number contains vital information that will help the money get to the intended account in another country safely and quickly. In this way, IBANs play an important role in keeping international financial transactions flowing.

FAQ

What is the IBAN number for the USA?

The U.S. does not identify bank accounts by IBANs. Instead, we use routing numbers and account numbers.

Is an IBAN the same as an account number?

An account number is specific to the individual and identifies their account, while an IBAN layers in more information. It’s an alphanumeric sequence that contains such information as an account number, along with a bank code, bank branch code, and location code.

How many digits are in an IBAN?

IBANs vary in length depending on the particular country. They can include up to 34 alphanumeric characters.

Which countries don’t use an IBAN?

Among the countries that don’t use IBANs are the U.S., Canada, China, and New Zealand. Additionally, there are some countries that suggest using IBANs, but don’t make it mandatory.


Photo credit: iStock/tolgart

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.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

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.

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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Guide to Micro Savings Accounts

Guide to Micro Savings Accounts

Saving money can be a challenge, especially for those with a lower household income. To help individuals and families with lower incomes save, some financial institutions offer a type of bank account known as a micro saving account.

A micro savings account works similarly to a traditional savings account, but it’s designed for consumers who can only make small deposits. It can also be helpful for anyone else who finds that stashing away small amounts suits them. Regardless of your income, if micro saving suits your financial style, it can be a win-win.

What Is a Micro Savings Account?

A micro savings account (also sometimes seen written as microsavings account) is a savings account that can help meet the financial needs of consumers with smaller household incomes. It can also suit any saver who likes to tuck away small amounts here and there.

A micro savings account works a bit differently from how a savings account works at most financial institutions. Micro savings accounts typically don’t have a minimum deposit requirement, don’t charge service fees, and are more flexible regarding the possible amount of withdrawals.

Many financial institutions that offer micro savings accounts do so to incentivize consumers to save $1,000 a year by encouraging them to save just $20 a week. They often have educational initiatives in place to help guide micro savings account holders towards meeting this goal.

💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.00% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Benefits of Micro Savings Accounts

The following benefits are typically associated with micro savings accounts:

•   Low-risk savings account that can earn interest

•   Little to no upfront costs

•   No credit checks required for new account holders

•   Additional microfinance services such as microloans may be available for account holders

•   Lower or fewer fees or no fees at all

•   No minimum account balance requirements

•   More flexible withdrawal limits

Disadvantages of Micro Savings Accounts

There aren’t any real disadvantages associated with micro savings accounts. That said, here are a few small downsides worth considering:

•   Savings accounts tend to have a smaller return than other forms of investing (such as a CD vs. a savings account)

•   Micro savings accounts can be harder to find than normal savings accounts

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What Are Micro Savings Accounts Used For?

Here’s a closer look at what micro savings accounts are typically used for.

Creating a Regular Savings Habit

Micro savings accounts can help savers boost their liquid assets at an incremental level while giving them the chance to earn interest on their savings. Financial institutions offer micro savings accounts to help encourage good saving habits. These accounts can help remove barriers to saving for those who can’t afford to put away a lot of money. They can also suit those who like to save a little money here and there.

Saving Money Consistently in Smaller Amounts

One of the ideas that drives micro savings accounts is the concept that consistently saving small amounts of money can add up and make an impact. It may not seem that worthwhile at first glance, but setting aside $10 a week can help make a difference. That sum can begin to build a savings fund that can help consumers meet their financial goals or avoid taking on debt when unexpected expenses arise.

Keeping Savings Separate

Storing money in a checking account makes it a lot harder to ignore when spending temptations arise. Keeping money stored in a savings account (where it can grow slowly but surely if not touched) can make it easier to keep it separate from spending money.

Maybe you are saving for a vacation or you need a new washer/dryer. Whatever your goal is, when you are ready to spend money from a savings account, the funds will be there for the taking.

Managing Money Through a Mobile App

Today, lots of people love the convenience of using apps for P2P transfers and other activities. That ease is available with the many micro savings accounts that can be managed through mobile banking accounts. These can make it simpler to monitor spending and saving.

There are also micro savings apps (like Acorns) that have automated savings features that make it easier to save small amounts of money.

Alternatives to Micro Savings Accounts

If you don’t find a micro savings account that meets your needs, there are alternative saving options that can offer similar benefits. Here are two options worth considering.

•   Credit unions: Because credit unions are member-owned, unlike not-for-profit financial institutions such as banks, they tend to charge less fees and offer higher interest rates on savings. Applying to a credit union where you can consider opening a checking vs. savings account (or perhaps both) may be able to replace the purpose of a micro savings account.

•   High-yield savings accounts: High-yield savings accounts work the same way that normal savings accounts do but they tend to have a much higher interest rate on deposits.

   A high-yield savings account is a great way to take advantage of the power of compound interest and help your money grow faster.

   These savings accounts can often be found through online banks. Because these institutions don’t have the overhead of brick-and-mortar locations, they may be able to afford to offer higher interest rates.

   You don’t have to do anything differently than you would with a normal savings account to earn this extra interest. You can add small deposits as funds become available.

Recommended: A Guide to High-Yield Savings Accounts

The Takeaway

Saving money is hard and requires a lot of discipline. Micro savings accounts are designed to help those with lower incomes or who simply like to save little by little. These accounts typically allow you to make small contributions, charge fewer (or no) fees, and have lower minimum balance requirements. Having the right savings account can make it easier to meet your financial goals.

Another way to save successfully: Open a high-yield bank account.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


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 do I create a micro savings account?

Creating a micro savings account works the same as opening any type of savings account. First, you will need to open a bank account or just the savings account by filling out an application and providing the necessary identifying information and documentation. Once you’ve opened the account, you can start making contributions to the micro savings account.

What are the advantages of micro savings?

The main advantages of micro savings accounts are rooted in accessibility: These accounts tend to have no or lower account fees, have smaller or no minimum account balance requirements, and have more flexible withdrawal options. They make it easy to save with small contributions. Many financial institutions that offer micro savings accounts also offer educational initiatives and mobile banking apps that make it easier to learn how to save more money.

Are micro savings apps worth it?

Yes, micro savings apps can be worth downloading, as they can make it a lot easier to achieve savings goals. Alongside making it easier to track spending and saving habits, micro savings apps even have automated savings features that make it easier to stash away small amounts of money.


Photo credit: iStock/princessdlaf

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.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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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Guide to Outstanding Checks

Guide to Outstanding Checks

Outstanding checks are common for business owners and individuals. They are simply checks that have not yet been cashed or deposited at a financial institution. Since they are still outstanding, the payor (the entity that issued the check) should keep enough cash in their account so they can pay all outstanding checks. The payee, or recipient, should take steps to deposit outstanding checks as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of their becoming void.

Understanding what outstanding checks are can help you better manage your financial life and be a savvier consumer. Read on to find out:

•   How outstanding checks work

•   What to do with old checks

•   What risks are associated with outstanding checks

What Is an Outstanding Check?

Typically, a payor writes a check to a payee and the payee deposits the check. Funds are transferred into the payee’s account this way. Whether you have a traditional or an online bank account, you can typically make a mobile check deposit with just a few clicks on your phone.

But with outstanding checks, things don’t follow this flow. An outstanding check is a check that has been issued but not cashed or deposited. It is considered a liability for the issuer until it is redeemed. If outstanding checks aren’t redeemed, they can become void after a certain timeframe, often six months.

An outstanding check can also mean that a check was deposited at a bank but is still going through the process of clearing. This means it is en route to becoming available funds in the payee’s bank account, but it’s just not quite there yet.

Until it has been deposited and cleared, outstanding checks are liabilities on the payor’s balance sheet. This can be a challenge for both consumers and small business owners, because enough cash must be kept in the account drawn upon to cover outstanding checks until they are cashed. Outstanding checks can complicate accounting because the assumption is that a check gets issued, deposited, and paid. But if it hasn’t been cashed yet, it can throw off bookkeeping.

How Do Outstanding Checks Work?

Once you write a check or sign a check over to someone, the onus is on them to deposit the check. But sometimes, people don’t make a beeline for the bank or use their banking app right away. How often have you received a check, set it aside on your desk, then nearly forgotten about it? It’s not just you.

Business owners know that outstanding checks might take weeks or months to get cashed. Sometimes, checks wind up hanging around uncashed for a while. Or they even get lost.

Typically, though, check cashing is pretty straightforward. A check is simply a document that authorizes a transfer of money from a payor’s account to a payee’s account. When the payee deposits an outstanding check at a bank, a request to move money is initiated. Funds then move between the two accounts. A bank deposits the cash into the recipient’s account once the bank receives the money from the payor’s account. (Cashing a check without a bank account is more challenging, but you still have options to accomplish this.)

An outstanding check is when the payee neglects to cash or deposit a check (or the check gets lost). This means the check does not clear and does not show on a month-end bank statement. Outstanding checks are a liability for the payee, but once deposited, they are reconciled against the recipient’s account.

A Check I Wrote to Someone Is Outstanding: Now What?

If you wrote a check that is outstanding for more than a few weeks, there are steps you can take to resolve the situation. First, know that outstanding checks expire, often after six months, but sometimes as quickly as 30 or 60 days. Knowing how to stop payment on a check is useful as well if you wish to void an outstanding check (more on this below).

Here are more details on managing outstanding checks.

If the Check Is Less Than Six Months Old

•   Track the value of outstanding checks in your account register.

•   Reach out to the payee and ask what happened to the outstanding check.

If the Check Is Older Than Six Months

•   Reach out to the bank to confirm its policy on old or expired checks.

•   Issue a stop payment on the outstanding check.

◦   You might have to visit a branch location to make the request, and there could be a fee involved.

◦   Working with the bank to ensure a stale check gets deposited might require time and effort.

◦   Once voided, be sure to mark the old check as voided in your checkbook. Checkbooks can be useful when tracking old checks.

•   Contact the payee about the situation.

◦   Be sure to tell them that you issued a stop payment on the original check.

◦   Work with them to determine another way to be paid.

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Do I Need to Write a New Check?

When dealing with outstanding checks, you may wonder if there’s a limit on how long someone has to cash a check. There often is. Knowing when a check expires is an initial step before deciding whether to write a new check. If a check is outstanding for less than six months, you generally don’t want to write a new one. Instead, contact the payee to find out more about the situation. That also serves as a friendly reminder to have them deposit it. If more than six months have passed, that check may well be expired and considered void. A new check would have to be written or another method of payment could be used.

If you do write a new check, it may be safest to request that the old one be returned or ask for proof that it’s been voided. Otherwise, in rare cases, you might wind up with both the old (outstanding) and the new check being cashed, which would leave you with a financial loss.

A Check Issued to Me Is Outstanding: Now What?

You’ll want to take all reasonable steps to cash or deposit outstanding checks. If you wait too long, the check can go stale, and no longer be considered valid. If it has been more than six months, contact the issuer to resolve the matter. If the sticking point is that you don’t have an account into which you can deposit the check, you can easily open a checking account. It can take just minutes to do so online.

Risks of Outstanding Checks

There are many risks to outstanding checks.

•   One of the major ones is that it bounces by the time an attempt is made to deposit it. This is one of the reasons why knowing what to do if a check bounces is important.

•   You may wind up being charged overdraft fees and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees if the outstanding check is deposited and then bounces.

•   Outstanding checks also become stale and worthless after a certain period.

•   In business bank accounts, outstanding checks can cause hiccups in accounting if not tracked well.

Reasons Why Checks Aren’t Cashed

There are a number of reasons why checks don’t get cashed and wind up being outstanding:

•   Lack of urgency. A person just doesn’t get around to depositing it.

•   Simply forgetting about them or not keeping tabs on them properly.

•   Loss. Checks can be misplaced or even thrown away.

•   Mail and delivery problems that interfere with the check getting to its recipient (this can involve having an old address on file).

Avoiding Outstanding Checks

While there are many risks with outstanding checks, there are simple steps you can take to avoid them.

•   Keeping a balanced checkbook goes a long way toward preventing a check from being forgotten.

•   Maintaining a tidy desk and filing cabinet for important documents like checks can help you deposit funds promptly.

•   If you wrote the check, calling a payee to remind them that a check is outstanding is a wise tactic.

•   Using online bill pay services can help you dodge the headaches that can come with paper checks.

Banking With SoFi

It’s important to know what an outstanding check is and the potential risks that go along with them. Many checks remain outstanding which can cause risks to both the person holding a check and the entity that issued it. Fortunately, with today’s technology and mobile banking capabilities, it’s easier and faster than ever to deposit checks.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


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

Is an outstanding check bad?

Outstanding checks are not bad per se, but it’s generally wise to promptly deposit or cash checks so that they do not expire. Checks that remain outstanding beyond a certain time frame could become void, so if you hold such a check, you might be out of luck if you then wish to deposit it. Also, outstanding checks can make it hard to determine an account’s available balance, which can lead to bounced checks and overdraft charges.

How do you handle an outstanding check?

If you wrote a check and it is still outstanding, you should consider contacting the recipient to confirm they received it. That might give the payee a nudge that they should deposit it. If you possess an outstanding check, it’s good to deposit it as soon as possible to avoid having it go stale.

Is an outstanding check a debit or credit?

An outstanding check represents a payment that has been written but not yet cleared by the bank. In a double-entry accounting system, an outstanding check is considered a credit for the check writer, since credits record outgoing money. The funds have been earmarked to be deducted from their bank account, even though the actual cash hasn’t been withdrawn yet. For the recipient, the outstanding check is considered a debit, since debits record incoming money. The recipient is awaiting the receipt of funds that have been promised through the check.


Photo credit: iStock/Tassii

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.

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.


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