May
20
2024

How Many Savings Accounts Should I Have?

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | No Comments

How many savings accounts you should have will depend on your savings goals and money management style. You may prefer the simplicity of having just one savings account. Or, you might find it helpful to have different savings accounts for different savings goals, such as an “emergency fund” and a “travel fund.”

There’s no ideal number of savings accounts to have, nor is there a limit to how many savings accounts you can open. So what’s the right number?

Read on to learn why you may want to have more than one savings account, the pros and cons of having multiple savings accounts, types of savings accounts to consider, and how to manage your savings accounts so you reach your financial goals.

Key Points

•   Multiple savings accounts can help separate and manage funds for different financial goals effectively.

•   An emergency fund should ideally be kept in a distinct account to avoid accidental use.

•   Using different accounts facilitates easier tracking of progress towards individual savings goals.

•   There are benefits to having multiple accounts, such as better organization and potentially earning more interest.

•   Managing multiple accounts might involve additional fees and requires careful monitoring to avoid errors.

How Many Savings Accounts Should You Have?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The number of savings accounts you should have depends on your financial goals and personal preferences. Some people find it helpful to have multiple accounts to separate their savings for different purposes, such as an emergency fund, a vacation fund, or a down payment on a house. Others prefer to keep all their savings in a single account for simplicity.

You might aim to have at least two savings accounts, one for your emergency fund (since you don’t want to accidentally deplete that for another purpose) and one for other savings goals. Or, you might want to further subdivide your savings. For example, you might have savings accounts for:

•   A vacation

•   A home improvement project

•   A down payment for a car or home

•   Holiday shopping

•   A wedding or other event

Earn up to 4.00% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.

9x the national average savings account rate.

Up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance.

Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.


Reasons to Have Multiple Savings Accounts

Here’s a look at some reasons why you may find it helpful to have more than one savings account.

Separating Your Goals

Having multiple accounts allows you to separate your savings for different goals. This can make it easier to track your progress toward each goal and avoid the temptation to dip into funds earmarked for a specific purpose.

Emergency Fund

Many financial experts recommend having enough money set aside in an emergency fund to cover at least three to six month’s worth of living expenses. This helps ensure you can pay for a sudden expense like a car repair or medical bill without having to run up expensive debt. By keeping your emergency fund in a separate account, you’re less likely to touch it until it’s truly needed.

Tracking Your Progress

If all of your savings are lumped into one account, it can be hard to tell how much you have saved up for different goals, and how much farther you have to go. For example, if your goals include building up your emergency fund, saving for a vacation next year, and making a down payment on a home within three years, it can be unclear how much you’ve put away for each purpose. If you have multiple accounts, on the other hand, you’ll have different balances attached to different goals.

Advantages of Having Multiple Savings Accounts

There are both pros and cons to having more than one savings account. Here’s a look at some of the benefits.

•   Organization: Multiple accounts can help you keep your savings organized and easily accessible for different purposes.

•   Goal tracking: Separating your savings into different accounts makes it easier to track your progress toward each goal.

•   Earning more bonuses: If you set up savings accounts at several financial institutions, you might reap an account-opening bonus (which is usually cash) from each bank or credit union.

•   Get a higher interest rate: Opening savings accounts at different banks could help you take advantage of higher interest rates. For example, your brick-and-mortar bank may pay a lower annual percentage yield (APY) for a regular savings account compared to a high-yield savings account at an online bank.

Disadvantages to Having Multiple Savings Accounts

There are also some downsides to having multiple savings accounts. Here are some to consider.

•   It may trigger fees: Some savings accounts may be fee-free, while others might charge fees if your account dips below a certain balance. If you can’t meet the minimum balance required for each account, you could end up racking up fees by having multiple savings accounts.

•   More difficult to keep track of: Managing multiple accounts can be more time-consuming and require more effort than managing a single account. You may find that monitoring multiple accounts is too much of a juggling act.

•   Potential for errors: With multiple accounts, there is a risk of forgetting about or neglecting some accounts, which could lead to missed savings opportunities.

•   You could lose out on higher interest rates: Some banks have a tiered interest rate structure for savings accounts, meaning you only earn the highest rates once your balance reaches a certain amount. If your money is spread out, you may find it hard to reach the threshold for the best rate.

Types of Savings Accounts to Consider

There are different types of savings accounts you can open, and which one is best will depend on your goals and needs. Here’s a brief look at how they compare.

•   Traditional savings accounts: These accounts are offered by brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions and are designed to be a basic savings option. They typically pay a low interest rate, and may come with a monthly or minimum balance fee.

•   High-yield savings accounts: These accounts offer a higher interest rate than the average for savings accounts. You’re more likely to find high-yield savings accounts at online banks, though some traditional banks and credit unions offer them. In addition to providing higher average APYs, online banks usually charge lower (or no) fees due to their reduced overhead costs.

•   Money market accounts: These accounts are a hybrid of a checking account and a savings account. They pay interest on your deposits and also allow you to write checks or make withdrawals and purchases using a debit card. Money market accounts typically offer higher interest rates than basic savings accounts but may have higher minimum balance requirements.

•   Certificate of Deposit (CD): Certificates of deposit, or CDs, usually pay a higher yield than traditional savings accounts because you agree to let the bank keep your money locked up for a specific term that could range from three months to five years or longer. Should you need to withdraw your money before the CD has matured, you’ll incur an early withdrawal penalty.

Tips on Managing Multiple Savings Accounts

While having more than one savings account may sound confusing, it doesn’t have to be. Here are six tips for making the most of multiple savings accounts.

1.   Use account nicknames. If your bank allows it, consider giving each saving account a title, such as “Hawaii Fund” or “New Furniture Fund.” This makes it easy to identify the account and track your progress.

2.   Look for the best rates. If you’re looking to open a new savings account, see what online banks are offering (thanks to lower overhead, online-only banks often offer the most competitive APYs).

3.   Automate your savings. Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings accounts will ensure that you’re consistently saving toward your goals.

4.   Use technology to track your accounts. Many banks offer online or mobile banking apps that make it easy to track your savings goals and account balances all in one place.

5.   Resist the urge to dip into different accounts for different needs. For example, try not to touch your emergency fund to come up with cash for a home improvement project.

6.   Stay on top of your financial goals. If your goals change, you might want to adjust how much money is going into each account – and how often.

Recommended: How Much Money Should I Save a Month?

The Takeaway

Ultimately, the decision of how many savings accounts to have is an individual one. While having multiple accounts can offer benefits such as goal separation and organization, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as fees and complexity.

By carefully considering your financial situation and goals, you can make an informed decision about how many savings accounts are right for you.

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 it a good idea to have multiple savings accounts?

Having multiple savings accounts can be a good idea for several reasons. It can help you organize your finances by separating your savings goals, such as an emergency fund, a vacation fund, or a down payment for a house. Being able to clearly see individual goals and track progress can help you stay committed and motivated to save.

However, having multiple accounts can also mean more fees (if your bank charges them) and more effort to manage them, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual financial situation and goals.

Can you have multiple savings accounts at the same bank?

Yes. Many banks allow customers to open multiple accounts, each with its own account number and possibly different features or benefits. This can be useful for organizing your savings for different purposes or for taking advantage of different interest rates or account types offered by the bank.

What is the cost of having multiple savings accounts?

The cost of having multiple savings accounts can vary depending on the bank and the specific accounts you have. Some banks don’t charge any fees for savings accounts. Others may charge monthly maintenance fees or only charge fees if your account dips below a certain minimum balance. Before you open multiple savings accounts, you’ll want to make sure you understand what fees (if any) may be involved.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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.

SOBK0124038

Read more
May
20
2024
50-30-20 budget rule

The 50/30/20 Rule: Budgeting Your Money Wisely

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | No Comments

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a super simple way to budget; say, no more than three figures you had to keep in mind to take control of your finances? That’s exactly what the 50/30/20 budget rule (aka the 50 30 20 rule) can do for you. It’s a simple and effective way to manage your money, allocating 50% of your take-home income to “musts,” 30% to “wants,” and 20% to saving for your future.

For anyone who has ever felt that budgeting was too complicated and headache-triggering to take on, this guideline can make things clear and easy.

Key Points

•   The 50/30/20 budget rule simplifies financial planning by allocating income into three categories: needs, wants, and savings.

•   Essential expenses should take up 50% of after-tax income, covering necessities like housing and food.

•   Discretionary spending, or “wants,” should account for 30% of the budget, including entertainment and non-essential purchases.

•   Savings and financial goals should receive 20% of income, emphasizing the importance of future financial security.

•   This budgeting method was popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren to help individuals manage finances more effectively.

What Is the 50/30/20 Rule?

The 50/30/20 budget or “rule” is a budgeting framework that can be relatively easy to create and implement. It’s one potential way to help keep your finances on track and help you work towards your goals.

The 50/30/20 numbers refer to percentages of your take-home income that you would allocate to three main categories: ”needs” or “musts” (essentials), “wants” (nonessentials), and saving (financial goals), respectively.

The primary goal of the 50/30/20 rule is to learn to prioritize saving money by making it a key part of your spending plan.

Everyone’s financial needs and goals are different, however. And, while these percentages can be a great starting point, you may find that you need to tweak these exact numbers to better suit your needs and current financial situation.

Where Did the 50/30/20 Rule Come From?

The 50/30/20 budget rule gained popularity when Sen. Elizabeth Warren explained it in her book, “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan,” which was first published in 2005.

The simplicity of the concept (and the math) contributed to its appeal. The idea of dividing one’s money into three instantly understandable buckets proved to have staying power.

How the 50/30/20 Rule Works

In the 50/30/20 budget, you allocate your take-home (or after-tax) income into three main categories or buckets according to percentages.

Recommended: Check out the 50/30/20 calculator to see a breakdown of your money.

50% to “Needs”

These are things you cannot live without and the bills you cannot avoid paying. Consider them the “musts;” the items that you need to survive or that would leave you in a difficult situation if you didn’t pay them.

Here are some examples of typical needs:

•   Rent or one of the different kinds of mortgage payments that are possible (in a nutshell, your housing costs)

•   Utilities, including electricity, WiFi, and water

•   Car payments and/or other transportation expenses (say, to get to work)

•   Groceries (but not that pricey takeout salad)

•   Basic clothing (what you need to wear in daily life, at work, and/or to stay warm; not the latest style of jeans just because they’re cool)

•   Insurance payments

•   Healthcare costs

•   Debt payment, such as the minimums on student loans and/or your credit card

The “needs” category does not include items that are extras, such as Netflix, dining out, and clothing beyond what you need for work. Those fall under the next category.

30% to “Wants”

Also known as personal, discretionary, or nonessential spending, these are the things you buy that you could technically live without. This includes:

•   Dining out or takeout food

•   Going to the movies, a show, or a concert

•   Vacation/travel costs

•   Streaming channel subscriptions (unless they are somehow vital for your work)

•   New clothes, simply because you feel like buying them

•   Electronics that are cool but not vital to your job

•   Spa treatments

•   Ubers or taxis instead of public transportation.

Wants are all the little extras and upgrades you spend money on that make life more fun.

20% to Savings

This is the money you save for future financial goals. This category often provides a means to financial security. This includes:

•   Money put into an emergency fund

•   Saving for a downpayment on a home

•   IRA or other retirement contributions

•   Extra payments to help pay off your loans sooner (minimum payments are part of the “needs” category).

Even though the budget is written as 50/30/20, the purpose of this system is to prioritize the saving aspect, this 20%. (It may be more appropriately named the 20/50/30 budget.) The goal here is to get people to save for tomorrow rather than just spend today.

The idea is to make space for the 20% without laboring over the rest. The minutiae of where your fun money is going ($5 for a latte here, $10 for an appetizer there) isn’t super important if you’re saving enough to meet your financial goals.

Another point to note: If you aren’t saving 20% of your income right now, that’s okay. The process of setting up the 50/30/20 budget will help you find out where your money is going so that you can make adjustments. After completing your budget breakdown, you can address the areas where you’d like to cut back.

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.


Benefits of the 50/30/20 Budget

The 50/30/20 rule may be a minimalist budget, but it can pack the same powerful benefits you would get with a more labor-intensive budget.

Some of the payoffs of setting up and following a 50/30/20 include:

•   Knowing where you stand. As a popular adage goes, “what gets measured gets improved.” It can be hard to start spending less and saving more if you aren’t clear on how much and where you are currently spending.

•   Identifying easy ways to cut back. As with any budgeting process, the 50/30/20 budget can reveal opportunities to cut back on spending. Simply going through the process – and seeing exactly where your money is going each month – can help to motivate you to make some relatively pain-free adjustments.

•   Reducing financial stress. While building a budget may seem like a stress-inducing exercise, it can ultimately relieve a lot of financial worry. It can add structure and clarity to your spending. Instead of angsting over every purchase, you’ll have built-in boundaries that allow you to spend freely within your budget.

•   Simplifying the budgeting process. By having fewer categories than a traditional monthly budget, the 50/30/20 rule of thumb can be easy to set up and to maintain. It can also be simple to track a 50/30/20 budget digitally.

•   Achieving your savings goals. By making saving a priority and setting some money aside before you start spending, a 50/30/20 budget can help you work effectively towards your financial goals. Whether that’s creating an emergency fund, making a downpayment on a home, or going on a great vacation is your decision.

Tips for Implementing the 50/30/20 Budget

Want to give the 50/30/20 budget a try? If you decide to go this route, or you’re just looking for some budgeting basics, here are some steps you can take to get started.

Gathering Your Financial Records

To get started with any kind of budget, it’s helpful to collect the last three months or so of bank and credit card statements, pay stubs, receipts, and bills.

Calculating Your Monthly Income

You can use your statements to figure out exactly how much money you are bringing in each month after taxes are taken out. You can think of after-tax dollars as the pot of money you have to siphon into the three budget categories each month.

Setting a Savings Target

You may want to begin with the most important category, which is the 20% (savings). Since the goal for this budget is to turn the 20% into a nonnegotiable part of the plan, you’d calculate 20% of your monthly after-tax income and set that figure aside for things like debt repayment, cash savings, retirement investing, and any other financial goals that you have.

Even if you don’t feel it’s realistic for you to put 20% into saving right now, you might run the exercise assuming that you will. You’ll be able to tinker with the numbers later.

Calculating Essential Monthly Expenses

Next, you may want to make a list of all of your monthly essential or fixed expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

Currently, do essential items absorb more than 50% of your take-home income each month? If so, what percentage do they comprise? And, is there any way to reduce any of these monthly expenses?

Building a Hypothetical Budget

After adding up savings and essentials, what is left over is what can be allocated towards discretionary spending, or the “wants” outline above.

It can be helpful to keep in mind that the 50/30/20 numbers are just a guideline. If the cost of living is high where you live, for example, it may not be feasible to keep essentials to 50% of your take-home income. In this case, you may need to reduce spending on wants.

Or, you may decide that at this point you can’t quite afford to put 20% into savings. There are variations on the 50/30/20 theme that accommodate these situations, such as the 70/20/10 rule, which acknowledges that for some people, a hefty 70% will be needed for the “musts” of life.

Recommended: Cost of Living by State Comparison

Once you see your numbers in black and white, you can play with the percentages and come up with a workable plan for roughly how much you can spend on nonessentials, or fun, each month.

Putting Your Plan into Action

Now that you have a basic guideline of how much money you will put into one type of savings account each month and how much cash you can spend each month on wants, it’s time to give your budget a try.

You may want to plan on tracking your spending for two to three months to start. You can do this by saving receipts and logging expenses according to the three categories at the end of the day. Or, you could use a budgeting app that makes it easy to track and categorize expenses.

Another tip: Try automating your finances and having money transferred from your checking account to your savings right after payday. That way, you won’t see the cash sitting in checking and think it’s there for the spending.

Making Some Tweaks

After tracking your spending for several months, you’ll probably have enough data to refine your original 50/30/20 budget. From there you can adjust the categories based on your actual spending, not just your projected spending.

You may also find that you need to adjust your spending. Discretionary spending is typically the easiest place to do some trimming.

You may decide you need to cook at home (rather than get takeout) a few more times a week, save on streaming services by dropping a channel you rarely watch, or ditch the gym membership and work out at home.

it may also be possible to pare back some of your fixed monthly expenses. Reducing utility bills, saving on gas, and, if possible, rent, could free up more money for fun spending.

After making some adjustments, you can execute your new and improved budget. You may want to continue to track spending in a method that works best for you until spending according to your budget becomes second nature.

The Takeaway

The 50/30/20 rule of thumb is a set of easy guidelines for how to plan your budget. Using them, you allocate your monthly after-tax income to the three categories: 50% to “needs,” 30% to “wants,” and 20% to saving for your financial goals.

Your percentages may need to be adjusted based on your personal circumstances and goals. But using this simple formula can be a good way to get a better handle on your finances, and to start working more effectively towards your goals.

You may find that technology can make sticking to a budget simpler. If you open a bank account online with SoFi, you’ll have features and perks that can help make the most of your money. Our Checking and Savings offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and charges you no account fees. Plus you’ll spend and save in one convenient place, be able to track where your money goes, and use Vaults and Roundups to boost your savings.

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 the 50/30/20 rule a realistic goal?

For many people, the 50/30/20 rule is a realistic way to budget for essentials, discretionary expenses, and savings contributions. For others, it may not be realistic. If you are just starting your work life, earn a lower salary, live in an area where housing is very expensive, or have considerable debt to manage, you might do better with a different budget guideline.

Is the 50/30/20 rule weekly or monthly?

When budgeting, people typically work with their monthly expenses, since that is how housing costs, utilities, and other payments (say, student loans and credit card debt) are assessed. You could, however, apply the 50/30/20 guideline to your weekly spending and see how your finances are tracking.

What is the 60/30/10 rule budget?

The 60/30/10 budget is a different version of the 50/30/20 rule that can work well for super savers. It allocates 30% more for the “musts” of life and 10% for discretionary spending. The remaining 60% is for saving, investment, and paying off debt.

What is the 70/20/10 rule for money?

The 70/20/10 rule is a budgeting system that allocates 70% of one’s take-home income towards needs (minus debt) and “wants” (discretionary spending), 20% to saving and investing, and 10% towards debt repayment or donations.

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.

SOBK0123023

Read more
May
20
2024

Guide to Direct Deposit

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on Guide to Direct Deposit

If you’re like most Americans, your paycheck turns up in your bank account automatically, without any check to sign or wad of cash to pocket and then get to the bank.

With direct deposit, funds are electronically transferred out of one bank account and (ka-ching!) deposited into another. It’s a convenient way to automate one’s finances, and it’s not limited to paychecks. It can streamline other financial transactions as well.

Here, you’ll learn more about this process, the pros and cons of direct deposit, and ways you might want to put it to work for you.

Key Points

•   Direct deposit is an electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another, commonly used for payroll.

•   It was introduced in 1972 with the formation of the first Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.

•   Nearly 93% of employed Americans receive their salaries via direct deposit.

•   The process involves employers sending an electronic file to the bank, which then distributes funds to employees’ accounts.

•   Direct deposit is also utilized for government benefits, tax refunds, and other payments.

What Is Direct Deposit?

As mentioned above, direct deposit is a way of electronically transferring funds between bank accounts.

It was pioneered more than 50 years ago. In 1972, the first automated clearing house (ACH) network formed to manage electronic payments, with other networks quickly following. In 1975, the Social Security Administration (SSA) decided to test the system of direct deposit for payments they issued. Today, 99% of SSA’s payments are directly deposited.

Today, nearly 93% of employed people in the United States receive their salaries or wages this way.

What’s more, these automatic bank transfers are used today in ways beyond having paychecks directly deposited, including bill pay, retirement account contributions, and more.


💡 Quick Tip: Did you know online banking can help you get paid sooner? Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier when you set up direct deposit with SoFi.

How Does Direct Deposit Work?

You’ve now learned a bit about what direct deposit is and how the ACH system facilitates direct deposit, allowing funds to flow seamlessly and quickly from one account to another.

Here, a bit more intel on how this process can be put to work for you and how to set up direct deposit.

Direct Deposit for Payroll

Let’s say that someone is ready to start a new job. The human resources department explains how the company either requires direct deposit or offers the option.

•  If that employee wants to set up direct deposit, they would need to share bank information with their new employer, including the bank’s name, the routing number that identifies the financial institution, and the employee’s bank account number. Sometimes, a voided check is requested.

•  This information would then be entered into the company’s payroll system and, whenever payroll rolls around, the company would send an electronic file to this employee’s financial institute. This file would share how much money should be transferred from the company’s (the “originator’s”) bank account to accounts for each of the employees whose direct deposit accounts are located at that particular financial institution.

•  If, for example, three employees of a company all share Bank A, then let’s say this bank receives an electronic transfer of $4,345. Bank A would then distribute the money appropriately into the proper bank accounts, perhaps:

◦  $2,000 in Person A’s checking account and $500 into their savings account

◦  $1,350 in Person B’s account

◦  $445 in Person C’s checking account and $50 into their savings account.

•  Then, if the employees (known as “receivers”) check their bank balances, they’ll see the deposits made through this direct deposit process. As noted in this example, money may be directly deposited to a checking account or into a savings account. Or some money can be put into a savings account with the rest in a checking account.

•  How long does direct deposit take? Typically, the funds go through like clockwork and are there waiting on payday. Some banks may offer the ability to access your direct deposit up to two days sooner.

What Are the Uses of Direct Deposit?

There are several uses for direct deposit:

•  Payroll. As noted, the vast majority of Americans get paid this way.

•  Tax refund. This can be among the quickest ways to get your tax refund. The IRS can process a direct deposit refund for an electronically filed return in as little as seven to 10 days of receipt.

•  Government benefits. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits, VA, unemployment, and other benefits can be paid via direct deposit.

•  Commissions, rental income, vendor payments and other earnings can be automated with direct deposit.

•  Dividends. Shareholders may receive dividends by direct deposit.

•  Child support. This may also be automated.

Benefits of Payroll Direct Deposits

Direct deposit has many benefits. Here’s a closer look:

•  Convenience: With a direct deposit of their paycheck, employees can skip the step of physically depositing a paycheck into their accounts, which can be a timesaver.

This can be especially true if the employee telecommutes from home, is on vacation, or is otherwise out of the office when payday comes, because that employee doesn’t have to go into the office to retrieve the paper check.

•  Speed: With direct deposit, the money is typically in an employee’s bank account at the start of the designated payment date, which gives them access to the funds that day. No waiting for checks to clear.

•  Security: With paper checks, there’s always the possibility that they will get lost or stolen. So, payroll direct deposit can add a layer of security to the process.

Many times banks will waive fees for customers who have direct deposits set up.

•  Savings: Many times banks will waive fees for customers who have direct deposits set up, although there may be a minimum deposit amount required for this to happen.

•  Better money management: If an employee puts a percentage of each paycheck automatically into a savings account, this can get them into a regular savings habit.

Downsides of Payroll Direct Deposit

Now, for the other side of the coin, the cons of direct deposit:

•  Inconvenience: When people receiving direct deposits decide to change banks, it may be a hassle. It may take workplaces a period of time to change where paychecks are sent, which means that the old account might need to be kept open longer to make sure all paychecks are received.

How long that period of time may be can vary. But, before you close your old account, ensure that all direct deposits are being put into the new account. Also make sure that all withdrawals and checks have cleared at your old bank and that any automated payments are coming out of the new bank.

•  Scheduling: With direct deposit, it’s important to make sure the correct deposit dates and amounts are recorded. Otherwise, account holders could write checks beyond what’s available, which could trigger overdraft or non-sufficient fund (NSF) fees — which can be costly, especially when they add up.

•  Lack of access: Not everybody in the United States has a bank account. If someone doesn’t but their employer requires direct deposit (more about that next), then employees without a bank account would likely receive their paychecks through a prepaid debit card. These can come with fees and, like paper checks, can be lost or stolen.

Here are the pros and cons in chart form:

Pros of Direct Deposit

Cons of Direct Deposit

Convenience receiving fundsInconvenience if you change banks
Speed (no waiting for checks to clear)Scheduling; must be sure funds arrive
Security (no carrying around cash or checks getting lost in the mail)Lack of access for those who are unbanked
Savings; banks may offer discounts or bonuses if you receive qualifying direct deposits
Better money management

Employers Requiring Direct Deposit

Just as there are benefits to payroll direct deposit for employees, there are also benefits for employers. For instance, it’s cheaper to manage payroll payments this way, versus physical checks.

Plus, they have a record of accounts, which makes it easier for companies when they’re reviewing expenses — and they don’t have to reissue a check if an employee loses one.

And, after a person’s payroll information has been entered into the system, paying employees can be faster and easier with direct deposit.

Laws governing payroll direct deposit vary by state and, if a state has no specific laws on this subject, it defaults to federal regulations. Federal law states that employers must give each employee using direct deposit a summary of rights and liabilities and must get their signature on an authorization form along with relevant banking information.

Some states allow employers to actually require direct deposit for payroll, as long as the program is administered in a way that’s consistent with federal regulations. (In some cases, the rule only applies to public sector workers.) Most states, however, still give employees the choice between direct deposit and receiving a physical check.

A handful of states have laws that are unique to them, ones that don’t fit into any of the broad categories already described.

Automating Your Finances

The concept of electronic funds transfers is at the heart of payroll direct deposits, but goes beyond that. Here are additional ways to benefit from automating your finances.

•  Automation is a tool that can also help people to build an emergency savings account. In general, traditional wisdom says this account should contain three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

That way, if an emergency arises (whether that’s a job loss, an unanticipated repair, or unexpected medical expenses), a financial cushion exists. By setting up a regular funds transfer to a savings account, this can make it easier to build up that emergency fund.

•  Another way to streamline your financial life: paying bills through autopay. In some instances, lenders may offer a discounted interest rate for borrowers who use automated payments to pay their bills. Autopay can help borrowers make their payments on time, rather than forgetting them when life gets hectic. This can mean fewer or no late fees.

Autopay can help borrowers to make their payments on time, rather than forgetting them when life gets hectic.

•  Because payment history plays a key role (35%) in a person’s FICO® Score, autopay can help you establish and maintain your credit score. By automating payments (as long as enough money is in their checking or savings account when the payment is due) you can optimize this aspect of your cash management.

•  Autopay helps to reduce the number of paper bills that need to be sent out and the number of paper checks that may be written to pay those bills. This means that automated funds transfers can therefore be an eco-friendly choice to make.

•  Whenever funds are electronically transferred, either in or out of a bank account, a digital record is automatically created. This can be helpful when balancing accounts, creating a budget, looking for tax deductible items, searching for ways to trim discretionary spending, and more.

•  Autopay might also be a good strategy to use to contribute to a retirement account. Employers may automatically deduct an amount from employee paychecks to transfer it into a retirement account that’s set up by the company. That can make saving super easy.

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.


Types of Accounts for Direct Deposits

For people who decide to use forms of automated funds transfers, here are some options to consider for receiving direct deposit:

•  Checking accounts

•  Savings accounts

•  Money market account

•  Investment accounts

•  Some prepaid debit cards

•  Some payment apps, such as PayPal or Cash App.

Getting Direct Deposit With SoFi

If you’re interested in opening a bank account to receive direct deposits, take a look at what SoFI offers and see if SoFi direct deposit is a good fit for you.

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 the meaning of direct deposit?

Direct deposit refers to the automated transfer of funds from one bank account to another. This means cash doesn’t need to change hands, nor does a check need to be written and then deposited.

How do you get direct deposit?

Typically, signing up for direct deposit involves sharing your bank account and routing number with, say, your employer or the government so they can direct deposit funds in your account. In some cases, you may be asked to share a voided check.

Is direct deposit only for paychecks?

Direct deposit is not only for paychecks. It can also be used for government benefits (such as Social Security), commissions, tax refunds, investment dividends, and other forms of payment.


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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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.

SOBK0423032

Read more
May
20
2024

15 Things to Stop Buying When Trying to Save Money

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money, Money & Life | Comments Off on 15 Things to Stop Buying When Trying to Save Money

Short of getting a raise, the only way to save more money is to spend less. While that may sound like a bitter pill to swallow, tightening your budget could be a lot easier than you think.

Thanks to the constant allure of consumerism, many of us mindlessly overspend on small recurring expenses that can seriously add up over time. We often don’t realize how much we waste on things we don’t need or, in truth, really care all that much about.

By becoming more intentional in your spending, and cutting out unnecessary costs, you could potentially save hundreds per month with much sacrifice. That’s money you can then put towards things that are important to you, like going on a great vacation, buying a car, or putting a downpayment on a home.

While everyone’s spending habits are different, we’ve got 15 ideas for how to spend less and save more starting today.

Key Points

•   Cutting out unnecessary purchases can significantly boost savings, such as opting for fewer streaming services.

•   Unused gym memberships are a common area where money can be saved by switching to free workout alternatives.

•   Premium cable packages often include unwatched channels; consider cheaper alternatives or cutting the cord.

•   Daily coffee purchases add up; brewing at home can reduce monthly expenses significantly.

•   Opting for generic brands over name brands can offer similar quality for a fraction of the cost.

Tips For Saving Money

One of the best ways to save money is to take a close look at where your money is currently going each month. You can track your spending by scanning your credit card statements and receipts over the last few months. But a simpler way is to use a budgeting app that syncs with your accounts and keeps track of what you spend in different categories in real time.

Once you have a bird’s eye view of your cash flow, you may realize that you’re spending more than you thought (or want to) in certain categories. You may also find some easy places to cut back — such as getting rid of a monthly subscription you rarely use or switching to a cheaper cell phone plan.

If you want to get started saving right away, we’ve got some simple suggestions for things you can stop buying right now. Eliminating even small recurring expenses can add up dramatically by the end of a year.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

15 Things to Stop Buying If You Are Trying to Save Money

To start saving money right away, stop buying these 15 things.

1. Multiple Streaming Services

With the proliferation of streaming services now available, it can be easy to sign up for more platforms than you can possibly watch. Consider picking one or two services that you actually watch consistently and getting rid of the rest. Or, stagger your streaming services so that you have each one for a few months out of the year. That can give you access to all the shows you want but keeps the price down.

2. Unused Gym Membership

A gym membership can be worth the cost if you’re actively using it. But if you rarely see the inside of your gym these days, it might make sense to cancel your membership and find lower-cost fitness alternatives, such as running/walking outside, lifting weights at home, or following free workout videos on YouTube.

Recommended: 27 Fun Things to Do for Free

3. Premium Cable

Premium cable subscriptions come with a high monthly price tag and often include tons of channels you never watch. To save money fast, think about cutting back to basic cable or negotiating for a cheaper rate with your provider. Or, cut the cord entirely and just use a few streaming services. If you still want live TV channels, consider options like Sling TV or YouTube TV.

4. The Daily Coffee

You may really enjoy your morning (or afternoon) takeaway coffee, but if you add up how much you’re actually shelling out on coffee drinks each month — and year — you might decide that there are better uses for this money. Consider buying a quality coffee maker or French press and (if you don’t have one) a portable coffee mug, so you can make your delicious brew to go at home.

5. Name Brand Items

Generic brands typically have the same ingredients and offer comparable quality to name brands but for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re shopping in the supermarket or a drug store, opt for the generic option whenever it’s offered. This small change can lead to significant savings without compromising your needs or lifestyle.

Recommended: How Much Should I Spend on Groceries a Month?

6. Extended Warranties

These days, you can get extended warranties on practically everything — appliances, cars, electronics, and even homes. While having that extra protection may sound like a good idea, it typically comes at a hefty cost. And, the odds of you using an extended warranty is low. Companies have done the math and generally offer warranties that end before the usual problems crop up — otherwise they would lose money. A better bet: Skip the extended warranty and put that money into your emergency fund.

7. Greeting Cards

Surprising but true: A greeting card can set you back as much as $10. Rather than a canned card from a greeting company, most people would likely rather you share your own words and thoughts. Consider stocking up on a box of pretty cards that are blank inside. You can then personalize and customize each one for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or wedding.

8. Bottled Water

While keeping bottled water on hand is convenient, the cost can add up, especially if you have a family. A simple way to spend less at the grocery store each week is to give each person in your household their own reusable water bottle to fill with tap or filtered water. You can then take bottled water (and if you really want to save, all store-bought drinks) off your shopping list. This will not only save money but also reduce plastic waste.

9. Impulse Purchases

Those little purchases you make here and there without thinking can add up. Consider setting a 24 hour (or longer) waiting period for any item you have a sudden urge to buy but really don’t need. You may find that the urge passes. Or, try a “no-spend” week or month where you pause all unnecessary spending for a set time period. This can not only save cash but shed light on things you’re buying but can easily do without.

10. Pre-Cut Fruits And Vegetables

Pre-washed and cut produce (and bagged salads) are certainly convenient, but generally cost a lot more than whole fruits and veggies. This is an easy thing to stop buying — prepping produce at home doesn’t take that much time and you may find that your fruits and veggies actually taste fresher.

11. Books

Instead of paying for books, consider getting a (free) library card. This will give you access to countless print, digital, and audiobooks, both at your local library and through partnerships they might have with other libraries and streaming services. This is one of the easiest ways to cut back on spending.

12. Disposable Products

Buying disposable items — like paper plates, plastic cups, napkins, and paper towels — adds up and all of it an unnecessary expense. Consider using real dishware, cloth napkins, and washable cleaning cloths. Your weekly grocery bill (and bags) will get instantly lighter. Avoiding disposable items is also kinder to the environment.

13. Takeout/Delivery

It’s fine to get takeout every once in a while, but if you’re looking to save cash quickly, consider writing off all takeout/delivery for a month (or maybe two). Instead, plan and shop for your meals and do some meal-prepping on the weekend. That way, cooking won’t feel like a chore at the end of a long work day. You’ll end up saving money on food while still eating well.

14. Bank Fees

If your bank charges you monthly maintenance or minimum balance fees, consider switching to a bank that offers free checking and savings accounts. To avoid getting hit with hefty overdraft fees, keep tabs on your balance to ensure you can cover your checks and debits. To avoid ATM fees, plan ahead and stop at an in-network machine before you go out.

💡 Quick Tip: Bank fees eat away at your hard-earned money. To protect your cash, open a checking account with no account fees online — and earn up to 0.50% APY, too.

15. Fancy Cleaning Supplies

Nowadays stores carry a different cleaning product for every spot in your home. There’s tile cleaner, sink cleaner, floor cleaner, window cleaner, you name it. Rather than purchase a dozen different specialized cleaning products, you can simply make your own all-purpose cleaner: Mix one cup of distilled water, one cup of white vinegar, the juice of half a lemon and about 15 drops of essential oil and put it in a spray bottle.

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.


The Takeaway

Everyday items that drain your budget include expensive daily coffee, unnecessary subscription services, takeout/delivery, brand name products, and daily impulse shopping. Once you stop spending money on these things, you should start to see extra money in your checking account that you can now transfer to your savings account — cha-ching!

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.

Photo credit: iStock/pixdeluxe

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.

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.

SOBK0124050

Read more
May
20
2024
Getting a Bank Account After Being Blacklisted

Bank Account Application Denied? What It Means to Be ‘Blacklisted’ and What to Do

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on Bank Account Application Denied? What It Means to Be ‘Blacklisted’ and What to Do

It may seem as if having a bank account is a given in life, but actually, it’s not: Some people get rejected and have to work hard (really hard) to attain that privilege. There’s a situation called being blacklisted by banks, and it’s a tough one to overcome.

Granted, for many, having enough money for a deposit and valid ID gives you all you need to open a bank account.

But if you’ve had problems with a bank account before and your screening report reveals those issues, you could be denied. But all is not lost: Take a deep breath and read on.

Key Points

•   Being blacklisted by banks often results from negative banking histories reported by ChexSystems, affecting account opening.

•   ChexSystems operates like credit bureaus but focuses on banking behaviors, not credit management.

•   A low ChexSystems score can lead to account application rejections, but the score threshold varies by bank.

•   Disputing inaccuracies in a ChexSystems report or settling outstanding debts can help restore banking privileges.

•   Alternative banking options include “second chance” accounts and banks that do not use ChexSystems, offering paths to reestablish banking services.

What Does It Mean to Be on the ChexSystems Blacklist?

Unless you’ve had trouble opening a bank account, it’s possible you’ve never even heard of ChexSystems. Think of ChexSystems as being akin to the credit reporting agencies that determine your all-important FICO credit score. Except instead of keeping track of how well you manage debt the way Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion do, ChexSystems records how well you manage your banking life.

Do you have a history of bouncing checks, overdrawing your account, failing to pay bank fees, suspicious activity, or have had your account closed by a financial institution? If so, it’s likely ChexSystems knows about and is keeping track of those negative activities. Approximately 80% of banks use these agencies’ screening reports when deciding whether to approve a consumer’s application to open a checking or savings account.

Along with your report, banks also may use your ChexSystems Consumer Score to assess your potential risk as a new or returning customer. A score can range from 100 to 899 — and a higher score signifies lower risk.

There’s no official point or score at which consumers are automatically “blacklisted” by ChexSystems or the banks that use its services. Each financial institution determines independently how much risk is acceptable when deciding to open a new account for a client. But if your score is in the lower range, you should be aware that your application could be refused. The reason why: You don’t appear to be someone who will use your bank accounts responsibly.

If you’re planning to open an account and you’re wondering what your current ChexSystems Consumer Score is, you can request it at the ChexSystems website. You’re able to get one free report per year.

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 to Do If You Are Blacklisted

So let’s say you’ve applied for a bank account and got rejected. That can be an upsetting feeling. After all, bank accounts — especially checking accounts — are the hub of most people’s financial lives. Paychecks are deposited there, and bills and other debts are paid out of that same account. You may wonder how you will ever get a bank account after being blacklisted.

We have good news: If a financial institution denies your request to open an account, there are a few things you may be able to do to improve your standing. Here are four steps to take.

1. Request a Consumer Disclosure Report

The bank or credit union that declined to open an account for you should inform you which reporting agency (ChexSystems or another) generated the report it used when considering your application. You can then contact that agency by phone, mail, or online to request a free copy of the report. You’ll then take a look at exactly what’s on your record.

2. Report Any Discrepancies

Once you receive a copy of your file, you should be able to see which banks or credit unions provided negative information about you to the reporting agency. If the report doesn’t match up to your experiences, there may have been an error, or the problem could be connected to identity theft. Either way, it’s a good idea to check your own records for any discrepancies and prepare to address what you may uncover.

3. Dispute Any Errors Found

Consumer reporting agencies must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. That means they are required to ensure the information they provide is as accurate as possible. What’s more, by law, they can’t include certain types of negative information that’s more than seven years old. (ChexSystems typically keeps negative information on a report for five years.)

If you feel your banking report has errors, is incomplete, or that some negative information is out of date, your next move may be to file a dispute. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides sample letters for contacting both the financial institution that supplied the incorrect data and the agency that included it in its report. Or, you can file your dispute on the ChexSystems website.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, ChexSystems must verify the negative information within 30 days or delete it from your ChexSystems report.

You also may want to get an updated credit report from one or all three of the major credit bureaus to see if there are similar problems there. You can request those reports for free at annualcreditreport.com. If you find anything amiss, you can dispute those credit report errors.

To be clear, your ChexSystems score is not the same as the FICO credit score lenders look at when you apply for a credit card or loan. And the banking reports ChexSystems provide do not include the same information as credit reports. But if there’s inaccurate information in a report about your checking account activity, there may be similar issues with your credit reports — especially if you’ve been the victim of identity theft. If you can catch discrepancies early, you may be able to head off future questions about your creditworthiness.

4. Pay Off Outstanding Debts and Fees

Of course, there is the possibility that the black marks on your report are valid. Maybe you bailed on an account that was overdrawn or had another negative situation. If information on your report was accurate, you still may be able to improve your chances of opening an account. You will probably want to show that you are trying to rectify past problems.

Check with the bank that declined your recent application for an account. A banker there may have some suggestions. It could help, for example, if you can pay off any old fees you still owe to ChexSystems’ member institutions. Once those past bad debts are taken care of, you can ask the bank or credit union that provided the negative information to update that item on your ChexSystems report.

You still may have to wait five years for the negative information to be completely removed from your report. But ultimately, it’s up to each individual bank — not ChexSystems — to decide if a customer’s application will be approved or denied. If the bank sees you’re making an effort to right old wrongs, it may reconsider your application. That’s why connecting with a banker to explain what steps you’re taking can be a move in the right direction.

How to Avoid Being Blacklisted by ChexSystems

Obviously, the best way to avoid getting a low ChexSystems Consumer Score or a negative report is to avoid the activities that could make you a riskier bank customer. If you want to be a good checking and savings account customer, avoid such things as:

•   Bouncing checks or running up too many overdraft fees

•   Having an account closed involuntarily

•   Committing ATM or debit card abuse

•   Being suspected of fraud or illegal activity

•   Opening and closing multiple accounts in a short period of time

But there are other steps you can take to further secure your finances and your financial reputation. Consider these options as well to boost your standing as a banking customer. They can help you avoid being blacklisted.

Monitor Your Financial Health

If there’s information on a ChexSystems report that you weren’t aware of, you may have been the victim of identity theft. Reviewing your accounts regularly could help you clear up problems faster. Even if you don’t have this kind of fraudulent activity on your record, it’s still a good idea to stay on top of your financial profile. Here are some key steps.

•   It’s a good idea to periodically request and scrutinize your free ChexSystems report.

•   You’ll also want to get free copies of your three major credit reports from annualcreditreport.com at least annually. Again, your goal is to make sure that everything is up-to-date and accurate and that there isn’t any fraud or identity theft occurring.

•   It’s also a good idea to regularly check your bank account and credit card statements to make sure there aren’t any transactions you aren’t aware of. Many financial institutions offer online tools and mobile apps that can make tracking your accounts easy and convenient.

•   You may want to set up a low balance alert for your checking account. That way, you’ll get a text or email when your balance reaches a certain threshold, and you’ll know to stop using the account until you make a deposit. That can help avoid overdrawing your account and bouncing checks and/or triggering fees. You also might consider setting up bank alerts for unusual activity, overdrafts, and new log-ins.

Find an Alternative to a Traditional Banking Account

If you’ve been rejected and are worried that you might be unable to open a bank account, don’t give up hope. If your ChexSystems report seems to be blocking you from getting an account, you may have other options.

•   Some banks and credit unions offer what are called “second chance” checking accounts. These typically offer fewer features and higher fees than regular bank accounts to customers who have been blocked by a ChexSystems report or score.

•   There are also some banks and credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems when making decisions on account applications. You might be able to enjoy the same benefits as other account holders, with low or no fees, if you choose to do business with one of those financial institutions. A little online research should show you which banks don’t depend upon ChexSystems.

By investing a bit of time and energy, you should be able to find an account that suits your needs even if you have been blacklisted.

The Takeaway

If a bank denied your application for a new checking or savings account, it could be that you were blacklisted due to negative information on your ChexSystems report.

You still have options, though. If the information on your report is wrong or more than seven years old, you can dispute the negative information and have your report corrected. And if it turns out the negative information is true, you can take steps to remedy the situation and possibly open an account elsewhere. The convenience of a bank account may well be within reach.

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

Can I open a bank account if I’m blacklisted?

You may have a few options if you’ve been blocked from opening an account. You could try to fix your old problems, and ask the bank to reconsider. You could sign up for a “second chance” account that’s geared to people with a negative banking history. Or, you could look for a bank that doesn’t base its decisions about customer accounts on ChexSystems reports.

How long are you blacklisted from banks?

Every bank has its own policies when it comes to deciding a customer’s account eligibility. But if you have negative items on a ChexSystems report that could cause a bank to decline your account application, you can expect that information to stay on your report for up to five years.

What does it mean when your bank account is blacklisted?

If someone tells you that you have a blacklisted bank account, it generally means you have enough negative information on your ChexSystems report — or a low enough ChexSystems score — that the bank sees you as a risk. They therefore decline to offer you an account.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

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.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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.

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.

SOBK0124036

Read more

CATEGORIES

  • All
  • No categories
Close modal

See what SoFi can do for you and your finances.

Select a product below and get your rate in just minutes.

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments

Other

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2023 was around $33K. Information current as of 2/26/24. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.

✝ To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

©2025 Social Finance, LLC All rights reserved.
TLS 1.2 Encrypted
Equal Housing Lender