Jan
23
2024

Do You Still Need to Put a 20% Down Payment On a House?

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on Do You Still Need to Put a 20% Down Payment On a House?

Saving up enough money for a down payment on your first home is a major life goal. But sometimes it feels like the goalpost is always moving. How much do you need to save for a down payment, exactly? Friends say they put down 10%. Your parents talk about a 20% benchmark. And some programs allow borrowers to put down just 3%.

Bottom line: There are traditional numbers that many people stand by, but these days, the old guidelines don’t always apply. And that’s a good thing, given that at the end of 2023, the median home listing price in the U.S. was $384,683, according to Zillow. Twenty percent of that —almost $70,000 — is a substantial chunk of change for most people.

This article will demystify how different down payment amounts can impact your mortgage choices and help you better identify the home mortgage loan that bests fit your financial scenario to put you on the road to owning your own home.

Why Does a 20% Down Payment Seem like the Magic Number?

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, you’ve likely heard that a 20% down payment has traditionally been the standard. Generally speaking, putting down this much on your new home helps lenders view you as a less risky borrower, which may ultimately help you get a better deal on your loan terms.

In addition, having this significant chunk of equity in the home allows for value fluctuations and the borrower is less likely to find themselves underwater or upside down on their mortgage in a declining market.

Plus, with a 20% down payment, you won’t have to buy private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI protects the lender in case of loan default but it can cost anywhere from 0.140% to 2.33% of your total loan amount annually depending upon many factors. (Don’t confuse PMI with MIP, which is the Mortgage Insurance Premium required by the Federal Housing Administration on its FHA loans.)

And then there’s the most obvious perk of a 20% down payment: Putting more money down up front means that you’ll owe less, which normally equates to lower monthly mortgage payments and less interest charged over the life of the loan.

But let’s face it: Even if you’re making a decent — heck, a pretty awesome — salary, saving up 20% of the total cost of a home can be difficult, especially if you’re paying rent, juggling student loans, and trying to reach other long-term goals, including saving for retirement. That’s likely why many buyers put down less than 20%. In the 2023 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report, first-time homebuyers financed an average of 92% of their home’s cost and repeat buyers financed 81% of the purchase price.

There may be some very valid reasons why it would be beneficial for you to put down less than 20% on your dream house. Again, it will depend on your exact financial circumstances and long term goals, but it could be worth considering the following:


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look + feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Preserving Your Nest Egg

Putting 20% down on a home might force you to rely heavily on funds you’ve worked hard to save, and liquidating these funds, even for an investment like a home, may not always be in your best interest.

Allocating a big chunk of change to a house before you’ve covered your other important life expenses — such as an emergency fund equal to at least three months of expenses — may not be the most prudent option for you in the long run. (You’ll also want to make sure you keep in reserve funds for closing costs and any moving expenses and furnishing expenses associated with purchasing a home.)

And then there’s retirement savings: You may be able to borrow money to pay for school, to buy a new car, and to buy a home, but you definitely can’t borrow money to pay for your retirement. So you may want to consider alternatives before you dip too deeply into your retirement savings.

While you can withdraw qualified funds up to $10,000 from a traditional or Roth IRA without penalty to buy your first home, there are still taxes to consider. With a traditional IRA, you have to pay taxes on the amount you withdraw, but with a Roth IRA, no taxes will be due if you’ve had the account for at least five years. Taking the $10,000 could help you in the long run, especially if you expect income boosts as you make strides in your career.

If you are considering putting other financial goals on hold in order to buy your home, it might make sense to take a step back and look at your overall financial profile. This could help you see what makes the most sense for your circumstances. Our in-depth first-time homebuyer guide extensively covers such topics.

Protecting Your Other Big Financial Goals

By putting less money down on your home, you’ll likely be able to make more headway on other short-term financial goals, such as paying off student loans and credit cards, as well as your long-term goals, such as saving up for retirement.

You may also be able to invest more, which could help you grow your hard-earned cash. If you have other important financial goals that need achieving, you may want to consider waiting until you’ve reached them before buying a home, or you could choose to put less money down so that you don’t have to abandon your other financial objectives.

Exploring Your Down Payment Options

If you’re considering putting down less than 20%, it is a good idea to try plugging different down payment amounts into a home affordability calculator to see how they affect your monthly payments. Also take a look at your monthly income vs. your ongoing monthly expenses — which could include car payments, insurance premiums, credit card bills, and any other debts.

Mortgage lenders, whether banks or mortgage brokers, are required to figure out a borrower’s ability to repay the loan before making it. So you can also get prequalified for a home loan in order to see what type of interest rate and borrowing power a lender might feel you qualify for based on your income, expenses, and estimated down payment.


💡 Quick Tip: Don’t have a lot of cash on hand for a down payment? The minimum down payment for an FHA mortgage loan is as low as 3.5%.1

The Right Down Payment Percentage is Personal

Everyone’s financial picture looks different, so if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t afford to put down a full 20% but still want to purchase a home, there are numerous options. If you’ve done your homework and gotten prequalified, you know how your down payment might affect your loan terms. You can also look into whether or not you are eligible for a VA loan, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which allows for 100% financing? Or perhaps you qualify as a first-time homebuyer, which may allow for as little as 3% down? (You might be surprised to learn that if you haven’t owned a primary residence in the last three years, you are considered a first-time homebuyer.)

An FHA loan could also be an option. Borrowers with FICO® credit scores of 580 or more may qualify for a down payment of 3.5%. You will have to pay the FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP), mentioned above, but it could be worth it, especially if putting down a smaller down payment allows you to get in the housing market instead of paying high rent, or own in a place where home prices seem to be on an upward trajectory.

The Takeaway

When searching for the perfect home, you’ll want to shop around in order to find your best fit — there’s no one size fits all. The same is true of your down payment percentage. But rest assured, although a 20% down payment might be tradition, it’s hardly a loan requirement, and there are many home loans that will allow you to put down less than 20% — and many financial circumstances in which a lower down payment amount is the right choice.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

+Lock and Look program: Terms and conditions apply. Applies to conventional purchase loans only. Rate will lock for 91 calendar days at the time of preapproval. An executed purchase contract is required within 60 days of your initial rate lock. If current market pricing improves by 0.25 percentage points or more from the original locked rate, you may request your loan officer to review your loan application to determine if you qualify for a one-time float down. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer at any time with or without notice to you.

¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
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.

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.

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Jan
23
2024
How to Set Up a Fundraising Bank Account

How to Set Up a Fundraising Bank Account

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on How to Set Up a Fundraising Bank Account

Fundraiser bank accounts offer a way to help take care of those in need, and they are typically easy to establish. You may have heard about these accounts on your local news. They are used in such situations as people donating to help a neighbor rebuild a flooded house or pay medical bills when facing a tough diagnosis.

If you are planning to raise money on someone else’s (or a cause’s) behalf, opening a fundraising bank account could be a good option. But how you do so will depend on what the account is for. Here’s a closer look at what a fundraising bank account is and how it operates.

What Is a Fundraising Bank Account?

A fundraiser bank account is one set up specifically to hold donations. For most of us, that means donations to a small cause, be it ourselves, another individual, or a small group of people. A fundraising bank account sets aside the money specifically for the beneficiary (or beneficiaries), though it may not be opened by the individual who will benefit. Some points to consider:

•   Keep in mind that opening a bank account for fundraising is different from donating to a charity. These are bank accounts people set up to hold donations to an individual or family as opposed to starting a full-on charity of their own.

•   A fundraising bank account is not the only way to capture donations. Most major crowdfunding platforms make it easy to accept donations through the platform itself, or you may also be able to take donations via peer-to-peer transfer services. The money could then be transferred directly to an individual’s personal checking or savings account.

•   Unless you’re offering something in return for the money or the total donations, it’s not considered taxable income, though the crowdfunding platform may report the transactions to the IRS.

That said, opening a fundraising bank account can still be the best option for some situations. It can provide more formal protections for beneficiaries and assure the donated monies are separate from other funds.


💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Open a bank account online so you can manage bills, deposits, transfers — all from one convenient app.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


What Is Needed to Set Up a Fundraising Account?

What you need to set up a fundraising bank account will vary depending on the bank you choose and even the local laws in your area. A good first step: Explain the purpose of your account to the bank when you open it. This way, they will have a full picture of what your goal is and be able to guide you.

Your Identification Information

Just like when you open a new bank account, you’ll need identifying information such as a Social Security number, name, and address — but whose identifying information you need will vary. If the fundraising account is for donations to you as an individual, your own information will be needed.

The Beneficiaries’ Identification Information

But if you’re opening an account for a someone else to benefit from, it may make more sense to open the account with their credentials. In fact, if you can, bring them to the bank with you and have them open the account in their own name. A bank may or may not allow you to open an account for another person if they’re not present or haven’t provided signed and notarized forms.

If the beneficiary doesn’t have a Social Security number or you’re opening the account for multiple beneficiaries, you may need to obtain an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, from the IRS for the account. (This is simply a way for the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, to keep tabs on the money for tax-reporting purposes — it doesn’t, in this case, have anything to do with being someone’s employer.)

What to Do With the Money While It Is Being Raised

When you are gathering funds to support a charity or help a person in need, it’s vital to keep it safe. A smart way to do that: Make sure that money gets into the bank account ASAP. Depositing it directly will protect it from possible loss. As other deposits come in, the balance will grow until the happy day you are able to distribute it to the individual or charity that will benefit from your kindness.

Things to Consider With a Fundraising Bank Account

There are some complications that can arise when opening a bank account for fundraising. Some examples:

Fundraising Accounts for Deceased Beneficiaries

In some cases, you may be raising money to pay for a deceased person’s funeral costs or to provide living expenses for loved ones left behind. Of course, if someone has passed away, you can’t use their Social Security number to open an account — so you’ll need to obtain an EIN, as mentioned above, and again, let the bank know explicitly the purpose of the account.

Fundraising Accounts for Minor Beneficiaries

Perhaps you want to help collect money for a child who needs cash for medical or educational expenses. Be forewarned that raising money for minors can come with a variety of complications — including the problem of ensuring the minor uses the money for what it’s being set aside for.

•   Establishing the account by or for the child’s legal guardian is a good way of safeguarding the funds and making sure they’re being used for the intended purpose.

•   If that option is unavailable, you might consider setting up a trust fund — which involves putting the legal responsibility for the money into a third party’s hands, with the added option of specifying certain ways the money can be used. An attorney can guide you through the process of setting up a trust.

Tax Consequences

As mentioned above, gift funds received in a fundraising bank account may not be taxable as income — although there are exceptions, and you should always consult a tax professional to be sure you understand the tax liabilities of your planned actions. For example, if the account the donations are being held in earns interest, taxes may be assessed on those earnings.

In addition, keep in mind that these kinds of donations are not considered charitable donations, and so will not be tax deductible for the donor.

Can the Bank Be Held Liable if Funds Are Misused?

Unfortunately, scammers do exist — and it’s possible that some people who set up fundraising bank accounts may end up using the monies for a purpose other than what was promised to the donors. If you’re setting up an account in good faith for someone else’s use, it’s worth checking with the bank about who’d be liable if the beneficiary misused the funds.

It’s not unheard of for banks to request that they be indemnified if this should happen and the money isn’t used according to the fund’s original intention.

Are There Safeguards in Case of Fraud?

It’s upsetting to think about, but yes, fraud does happen. People have been known to take advantage of the compassion of do-gooders and use the money raised to pay for things other than to fund’s intention.

•   Setting up a formal trust is one way to ensure the funds can only be used within the proper parameters.

•   You can also check with the bank to learn if there are any other safeguards in place in case of bank fraud.

The Takeaway

Opening a fundraising bank account is one way to set aside money being gathered for an individual or small group. The funds will be protected and can accumulate to help the beneficiary. When acting on good intentions, though, it’s important for the account’s creator to understand how these accounts function, what’s required to open one, and that they don’t afford any tax deductions for donors. With these steps taken, you can be well on your way to helping those in need or a cause that moves you.

On the topic of bank accounts, how are your own accounts doing?

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


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

FAQ

How do I set up a charity account?

To set up a fundraising bank account, you’ll need to explain to the bank the purpose of your account and ensure you have all the information they need, likely including the beneficiary’s Social Security number.

Do I need a tax ID for a fundraiser?

Depending on the type of account you set up and whether or not the beneficiary’s Social Security number can be used, you may need to get a tax ID number (such as an Employer Identification Number, or EIN) in order to open the account.

How do you account for donations?

All donations should be tracked for tax reporting purposes — and keeping them in a separate account makes it easy to see which funds are personal and which are gifts.

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.

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.

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Jan
23
2024
A Guide to Large Personal Loans

A Guide to Large Personal Loans

By | Budgeting & Goals, Debt Payoff, personal_loan | Comments Off on A Guide to Large Personal Loans

Personal loans can be an important financial tool. They typically allow borrowers to access funds to spend as they see fit, with few exceptions, and do so at a lower interest rate than would be charged if they used a credit card.

To be more specific, with money from a large personal loan, you could cover higher-cost expenses like a single, substantial expense or several smaller debts consolidated into one large one. For example, If you plan to purchase a used car or some land to build on in the future, you might choose to finance it with a personal loan. Or perhaps you want to eliminate your credit card debt, buy a new laptop, and pay off the bill for some dental work. Those could also be paid off with a single, more substantial personal loan.

To help you understand whether a large personal loan could be the right next step to suit your needs, read on.

What Is a Large Personal Loan?

A large personal loan is exactly what it sounds like — a loan for a lot of money. There is no specific figure that makes a personal loan cross over into that “large” territory. To one person, $50,000 might be a large personal loan. To another, it might be $100,000. But typically, it’s a number that’s well into the five-figures realm.

A large personal loan is a form of credit that can be used to make large purchases or consolidate other high-interest debts. Personal loans generally have lower interest rates than credit cards and are sometimes used to consolidate high-interest debt.

To start with the basics, a personal loan is defined as a set amount of money borrowed from a lending institution. Unlike a mortgage loan or auto loan, which is used for a specific purpose, funds from a personal loan can be used to pay for a variety of expenses such as medical bills, K-12 private education costs, or to consolidate multiple debts. Typically, however, you can’t use a personal loan for business expenses or higher education tuition.


💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders can release funds as quickly as the same day your loan is approved. SoFi personal loans offer same-day funding for qualified borrowers.

How Do Large Personal Loans Differ From Other Personal Loans?

Personal loans function in the same way, no matter their size because they are borrowed sums of money that are paid back with interest. This is true regardless of the amount of money borrowed.

However, there are some differences between larger personal loans and their smaller counterparts depending on the lender you choose.

Small Personal Loans

Large Personal Loans
Loan amounts approximately $1,000 to $5,000 Loan amounts approximately $50,000 to $100,000
Including fees, may not be cost effective compared to larger loans With good to excellent credit scores, applicants may qualify for low interest rates
Typically have shorter repayment terms Repayment terms are typically longer

Average personal loan interest rates may change depending on the size of the loan.

When Is a Large Personal Loan a Bad Idea?

A large personal loan may be a bad idea if you already struggle with your current debts or monthly expenses.

When considering financing, it’s important to know both the pros and cons of a personal loan. Whether a loan is a right choice for you depends on your unique financial situation. Here are some of the risks to consider:

•   If you fall behind on payments, your credit score could be negatively affected.

•   If you miss enough loan payments, your large personal loan may go to a collections agency. Some lenders will charge off a debt, meaning they gave up on being repaid, but you’re still legally responsible for the debt.

In the right situation, however, a large personal loan can be helpful. If you’re approved for the loan, you’ll have the funds to make a big purchase and can repay it over time. Those smaller, monthly installments mean that the burden is more manageable.

What Are Common $100,000 Loan Qualification Requirements?

Typically, lenders have stricter requirements to qualify for a large loan than one with a smaller limit.

Credit Score

Generally, you need a minimum credit score of 720 to qualify for a $100,000 loan. However, it’s ideal to have a score of 750 or above. Depending on your score, your lender may offer you varying loan terms.

Checking your credit report before applying for any loan is a good idea. You will be able to find any errors or discrepancies and have an opportunity to correct them before you begin applying for a loan.

Checking your credit score counts as a soft inquiry and doesn’t negatively impact your credit score. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus annually. You can find yours at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Recommended: Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower Your Rating?

Employment Status

One of the factors your lender will consider is your employment status. They want to see how much income you earn and if you have the resources to repay the loan. In addition, the lender wants to be assured of your job stability. It may be a good idea to avoid making any sudden career changes while you’re applying for a loan.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a number that compares the total amount of debt you owe per month to your monthly earnings. You can find yours by taking your total recurring monthly debt and dividing it by your gross monthly income. Your recurring debt includes your mortgage, student loans, and other loans, and your gross income is everything you earn before taxes or other withholding.

Lenders use this number to help them predict a borrower’s ability to repay current and future debt. In general, lenders look for a DTI under 36%, but borrowers with a higher DTI may be approved if they are well qualified in other areas.

What Is the Application Process for a Large Personal Loan?

Getting approved for a personal loan is a multi-step process. Different lenders may have different processes, but typical steps are as follows.

Compare Rates

Some lenders may offer loan prequalification. This allows you to see, based on a soft credit check, potential interest rates for your personal loan and terms you might qualify for. It can be a good way to compare your lending options and find the best offer.

Gather Documents

Applying for a loan requires several documents. Before completing your personal loan application, collect all the paperwork you need.

Approaching this step proactively will help you streamline your application process, saving you time. It will also make it easier for your lender to review your eligibility and creditworthiness.

Personal loans usually require similar documents, no matter the lender, though. A few you should include are:

•   Proof of identity such as a driver’s license or passport.

•   Proof of current address such as a current lease agreement, utility bill, or proof of insurance.

•   Verification of stable income and employment such as W-2s, bank statements, paystubs, or tax returns.

Waiting for Approval

Once you submit all the necessary paperwork, the last thing to do is wait. Approval times vary between lenders and may be quick or lengthy depending on how complicated the application is. Some approvals happen within a day, while others may take up to 10 days.

After your lender approves your large personal loan, you’ll receive it in the form of a lump sum. Lenders may deduct any fees, such as origination fees, before disbursing the loan proceeds. A personal loan calculator can help you estimate your loan payments.


💡 Quick Tip: Just as there are no free lunches, there are no guaranteed loans. So beware lenders who advertise them. If they are legitimate, they need to know your creditworthiness before offering you a loan.

What Can You Expect When Repaying Your Loan?

Regular installment payments begin once your large personal loan is approved and you receive the funds. The loan agreement will state the loan terms, interest rate, and what each payment will be, in addition to other details about the loan.

Can You Borrow $100,000 if You Have Bad Credit?

While it might not be impossible, borrowing a large loan with bad credit won’t be easy. Lenders tend to favor low-risk borrowers who are more likely to repay their loans on time and in full. A strong credit history provides some assurance that a borrower will do that. But poor credit or no credit at all may look to lenders like a likelihood to default.

Lenders willing to loan to borrowers with bad credit typically require different data to evaluate their application, however. For example, they might ask the borrower to show a history of utility payments or information from their bank account. Lenders may also limit borrowing amounts and charge higher interest rates to applicants with bad credit.

Additionally, borrowers with poor credit can improve their chances by opting for a secured personal loan, one for which they pledge collateral to guarantee the loan. This may work well for someone who struggles with credit but has assets and sufficient income to make loan payments. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to seize the asset pledged as collateral.

Are There Alternatives to Large Personal Loans?

After some research, you might decide a personal loan isn’t right for you. Or, you may struggle to get the level of financing you want. In that case, there are alternatives to a personal loan. For example, you could consider these choices if you have equity in your home or other real estate:

•   Cash-out refinancing: A cash-out refinance allows you to replace your existing mortgage with a new, larger loan. After the original mortgage is paid off, you can use the difference as you like. This option works best if you have a significant amount of equity built up in your home and have a high credit score.

•   Home equity loan: Like a cash-out refinance, a home equity loan depends on your built-up home equity. However, it is a second, additional, mortgage, rather than one new mortgage. By borrowing against your equity, the loan has collateral behind it, making it a secured loan.

•   Home equity line of credit (HELOC): Like a home equity loan, you use your home equity to access a HELOC. It acts as a line of credit you can tap into when you need it, and you only pay interest when you borrow. This works best for a homeowner who needs smaller amounts of money over a longer-term, rather than just one lump sum.

The Takeaway

A large personal loan is one that is typically in the range of more than $50,000. It can allow you to pay off debts or make significant purchases. However, it may require a high credit score, a solid employment history, and other factors to qualify, and it can bring its own set of pros and cons as well.

Finding the right large personal loan for your financial needs and situation may take some time, but comparing lenders is a good way to get started. Not every lender offers large personal loans. If you are looking for a sizable loan, consider SoFi Personal Loans, which range from $5,000 to $100,000 for eligible applicants.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.


SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

Photo credit: iStock/vladans

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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 .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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

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

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Jan
23
2024
Personal Loans, Mortgages, and How They Can Interact

Personal Loans, Mortgages, and How They Can Interact

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, Home Ownership, personal_loan | Comments Off on Personal Loans, Mortgages, and How They Can Interact

When you apply for a mortgage, any outstanding debts you have — including personal loans, credit cards, and auto loans — can impact how much of a mortgage you can get, and whether you even qualify in the first place.

If you’re planning to buy a home in the next couple of years, applying for a personal loan could potentially reduce how much you can borrow. A personal loan can also affect your credit — this impact could be positive or negative depending on how you manage the loan.

Whether you’re thinking about getting a personal loan or currently paying one off, here’s what you need to know about how personal loans interact with mortgages.

How Do Personal Loans Work?

A personal loan is a lump sum of money borrowed from a bank, credit union, or online lender that you pay back in fixed monthly payments, or installments. Unlike mortgages and auto loans, personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning there’s no collateral (an asset that a borrower pledges as security for a loan) required.

Lenders typically offer loans from $1,000 to $50,000, and this money can be used for virtually any purpose. Common uses for personal loans include:

•   Debt consolidation

•   Home improvement projects

•   Emergencies

•   Medical bills

•   Refinancing an existing loan

•   Weddings

•   Vacations

Personal loans usually have fixed interest rates, so the monthly payment is the same for the term of the loan, which can range from two to seven years. On-time loan payments can help build your credit score, but missed payments can hurt it.


💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders can release funds as quickly as the same day your loan is approved. SoFi personal loans offer same-day funding for qualified borrowers.

Can Personal Loans Affect Mortgage Applications?

Yes, getting a personal loan could impact a future mortgage application. When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will look at your full financial picture. That picture includes your credit history (how well you’ve managed debt in the past), how much debt you currently have (including personal loans, credit cards, and other debt), your income, and credit score.

Depending on your financial situation, getting a personal before you buy a house could have a positive or negative impact on a mortgage application. Here’s a closer look.

Negative Effects

A personal loan could have a negative impact on your mortgage application if the loan payments are high in relation to your income. A lender may worry that you don’t have enough wiggle room to cover your current expenses and debts, plus a mortgage payment.

A personal loan also impacts your credit score. If you’ve missed payments or paid late, this impact could be negative. A lower credit score can make it more difficult to get a mortgage, especially one with a competitive interest rate.

Positive Effects

If you have a personal loan that is a reasonable size (relative to your income), your personal loan payment history shows that you regularly pay on time, and you’re consistently paying down any other debts, a mortgage lender could see that as a positive indicator that you’d likely be a low-risk investment.

How Personal Loans Can Affect Getting a Mortgage

Here’s a closer look at the ways in which getting a personal loan can affect your ability to get a home mortgage.

Credit Score

Your credit score is one indication to a lender of how likely you are to be to repay a loan — or, in other words, how much risk your represent to the lender. A personal loan can affect your credit score in several different ways. These include:

Payment History

Your bill-paying track record has the most weight when it comes to your credit score. That means if you make regular, on-time payments on a personal loan, it could have a positive impact on your credit. That, in turn, could have a positive impact when applying for a mortgage.

Not making regular, on-time payments on your personal loan, on the other hand, can negatively impact your credit, leaving you with higher-rate interest rate options on a mortgage.

New Credit

When you apply for a personal loan, the lender will run a hard credit inquiry. This type of credit check can have a small negative impact on your credit for 12 to 24 months. As a result, applying for a personal loan (or any type of new credit) can negatively impact your credit score in the short term.

Credit Mix

Having a variety of different account types can be good for your credit. If your credit report only has revolving accounts, like credit cards, getting a personal loan (which is a type of installment credit) could diversify your credit mix and have a positive influence on your credit score.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio refers to the total amount of debt you carry each month compared to your total monthly income. Your DTI ratio doesn’t directly impact your credit score, but it’s an additional factor lenders may consider when deciding whether to approve you for a new credit account, such as a mortgage. Having a personal loan will increase your debt load and, in turn, your DTI ratio.

To calculate your DTI ratio, you add up all your monthly debt payments and divide them by your gross monthly income (that’s your income before taxes and other deductions are taken out). Next, convert your DTI ratio from a decimal to a percentage by multiplying it by 100.

In general, the highest DTI ratio you can have and still get qualified for a mortgage is 43% (including the mortgage payment). However, lenders prefer a DTI ratio lower than 36%, with no more than 28% of that debt going towards mortgage payments.

Recommended: First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Should You Pay Off Your Personal Loan Before Applying for a Mortgage?

If you already have a personal loan, are close to the end of your repayment term, and can afford to pay off the remainder before applying, eliminating the debt could improve your chances of getting the mortgage amount you’re looking for.

Another reason why you may want to pay off your personal loan before buying a home is that home ownership generally comes with a lot of additional expenses. Not having a personal loan payment to make each month can free up cash you may need for other things, like mortgage payments, homeowners insurance, and more.

That said, if paying off a personal loan will use up money you had earmarked for a downpayment on a home or leave you cash poor (with no emergency fund), it might be better to keep making your monthly payments, rather than pay off your personal loan early.


💡 Quick Tip: If you’ve got high-interest credit card debt, a personal loan is one way to get control of it. But you’ll want to make sure the loan’s interest rate is much lower than the credit cards’ rates — and that you can make the monthly payments.

Tips To Help Your Mortgage Application

Generally speaking, having a personal loan won’t make or break your odds of getting a mortgage. If you’re concerned about being approved, however, here are some steps that can help.

•   Review your credit report and correcting any errors or any discrepancies.

•   Consider paying down debt to lower your DTI ratio.

•   Avoid applying for new credit leading up to your mortgage application.

•   Consider taking some time to increase your down payment amount (the more you can put down, the less risk you pose to a lender).

•   Research and compare lenders and their products, rates, and terms before deciding who you’ll work with.

•   Lock in your interest rate when you get an offer that works for your financial situation.

Recommended: 5 Tips for Finding a Mortgage Lender

The Takeaway

A personal loan can have a negative or positive impact on your mortgage application. If you’re not planning to apply for a mortgage right away, and can comfortably manage the personal loan payments (and possibly even pay off the loan early), getting a personal could have a positive effect on your credit and make it easier to get a mortgage.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

Photo credit: iStock/kate_sept2004

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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 .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Checking Your Rates: 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.

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.

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Jan
21
2024
What Is a CD Ladder? CD Ladder Strategy

CD Ladder: What It Is, Examples, and How to Build One

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on CD Ladder: What It Is, Examples, and How to Build One

When it comes to saving for your best financial future, you’ve got lots of options — including CD ladders.

A CD ladder, or certificate of deposit ladder, is a financial strategy that involves purchasing certificates of deposit with staggered maturity dates. It allows you to access the best aspects of CDs (namely, a relatively high yield at a relatively low risk rate) while avoiding the main downside of CDs (having your money locked away for a long period of time). It can help you access cash when and if needed without paying early withdrawal penalties.

Setting up a CD ladder up can require a bit of strategizing and shopping around to get the right arrangement for needs. Here, you’ll take a closer look at:

•   What is a CD ladder?

•   How does a CD ladder work?

•   How do you create a CD ladder?

•   What are alternatives to a CD ladder?

What Is a CD Ladder?

In order to fully understand CD ladders, first know that a certificate of deposit, or CD, is a kind of savings vehicle. You put down a lump sum — such as $500 or $5,000 — for a set amount of time (typically between six months and a few years) in exchange for a guaranteed growth rate (i.e., interest).

Generally speaking, the highest interest rates require large deposits put down for a long period of time. Your money gets locked up, and you’ll usually pay a penalty for early withdrawal.

That’s where a CD ladder comes in. It can help you feel secure that you can access your money when needed, without having to pay a penalty. You invest your money in a variety of CDs with different maturity dates. Generally, each rung, or individual CD, will mature one year later than the previous one.

Then, as each CD matures and you’re able to access your money (plus the interest you’ve earned), you can reinvest it in another CD with the longest of the terms you’ve chosen. This means you’ll continue to earn money on your investment for double the term of the longest-term CD you took out initially.

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

Example of a CD Ladder

Let’s say you have $15,000 to invest. You decide to set up a CD ladder with five rungs.

Here’s what that might look like:

•   $3,000 to a one-year CD

•   $3,000 to a two-year CD

•   $3,000 to a three-year CD

•   $3,000 to a four-year CD

•   $3,000 to a five-year CD

Once the one-year CD comes to fruition, you’d reinvest that $3,000, plus whatever interest it earned, into a new five-year CD — and follow the pattern for each CD as it comes due. In this way, you can continue the ladder for a grand total of 10 years, reaping and reinvesting once annually.

Of course, if rates shift or your financial situation changes and you need cash, you have a built-in backup plan. By creating a ladder, you know at least once a year, you will have the opportunity to invest your money in a different vehicle or use it for, say, an emergency or a goal you’ve been saving towards.

Keep in mind, too, that you don’t have to equally distribute your full investment among the rungs. You could invest different amounts at each level if that better suited your needs.

And you don’t need to open all of your CDs at the same bank, either. You can shop around among banks and credit unions to find the best interest rates at different levels and thereby maximize your yield.

All in all, CD ladders offer investors additional flexibility in their approach while still creating a low-risk earning strategy. Win-win!

How to Build a CD Ladder

Building a CD ladder is pretty easy. Here are the key steps:

Gather Your Funds

Save up a chunk of money that you can afford to have locked up for at least a few months or a year. If you already have the money set aside, you’re ready to move onto the next step.

Choose the Length of Time That Will Suit You

As noted above, you might decide to buy CDs with different maturity terms, or you might prefer to buy a number of ones with the same term over time, as you accrue more savings.

Research Your Options

Shop around for the best rates and terms at financial institutions you feel comfortable with. Remember, you don’t have to stick with one bank. You could buy a six-month CD from one bank offering a great rate, and a one-year one from a different bank that has a terrific APY.

Buy Your CDs

You’re now ready to distribute your savings among a series of CD ladder “rungs,” starting with a short-term maturity date and ending with a long-term maturity rate. (Many investors use five rungs, but you could use more or less if you wanted to.)

Manage Your CD Ladder

As the CDs mature, you can determine whether to withdraw the funds or invest again.

Here’s an example of what a CD ladder might look like:

Amount

 Term

 Interest Rate

 Bank
$500 6 months 5.50% BMO Alto
$1,500 12 months 5.51% CIBC Bank USA
$2,000 18 months 5.65% Hyperion Bank
$3,000 24 months 5.39% Digital Federal Union

Recommended: Guide to Catching up on Late Payments

Benefits of CD Laddering

There are several benefits of CD ladders, including:

•   They allow you to make the most of your CD investment without locking away all the money for a long term.

•   They increase investor flexibility since you get to decide what amount you put in each CD and how long each term along the ladder is.

•   You may be able to take advantage of better interest rates since you’ll be reinvesting on a yearly basis, as opposed to having your money locked away at a certain rate for the long term.

•   Overall, CDs are a safe, FDIC-insured investment strategy, though their earning potential is also relatively low.

Recommended: Different Ways to Earn Extra Money with Interest

Drawbacks of CD Laddering

On the other hand, there are some downsides to CD laddering that are worth mentioning:

•   Even the best CDs have relatively low interest rates — so low that they may not even keep up with inflation.

•   You may be missing out on an opportunity to invest your money into the stock market, where it could stand to earn exponentially more than it would in a CD — though, of course, the stock market is a much riskier investment strategy.

•   If rates fall during the course of your CD ladder, you might wind up reinvesting your money into a CD with an even lower rate.

Alternatives to CD Ladders

Is CD laddering not sounding quite right for your needs? Here are some alternatives that might better suit your needs.

•   Putting your money into a high-yield savings account, which may offer a similar (though potentially slightly less lucrative) low-risk growth potential. The upside here: It doesn’t keep your money locked up for a long period of time.

•   Investing your money in the stock market, which is considerably riskier but may offer higher returns than CDs over the long run.


💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more each month? Grow your personal savings by opening an online savings account. SoFi offers high-interest savings accounts with no account fees. Open your savings account today!

The Takeaway

CD laddering is one useful strategy for investing your money over time, allowing you to take advantage of the best parts of CDs while avoiding some of their biggest downsides (like locking away your money for years). The laddering effect, which involves staggering the CDs’ maturity dates, can give you access to some of your money every year and allow you to possibly reap a higher interest rate if the market is rising.

That said, CD ladders aren’t for everyone. High-yield bank accounts are another option to consider.

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 laddering CDs worth it?

As with any financial decision, only you can decide if laddering CDs is the right approach for your needs. If you have a lower risk tolerance and a decent amount of money to invest, it may be a strategy worth considering to earn steady interest and have regularly scheduled access to your funds.

Can you lose money in a CD?

CDs are a very low-risk investment vehicle. The funds in them are FDIC-insured up to the standard $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, per insured institution, which means the FDIC will refund your money up to that amount should the bank you opened the CD with fail. That said, there are some kinds of CDs which are not FDIC-insured, so you’ll want to make sure to double-check before you sign any paperwork.

When would you use a CD ladder?

A CD ladder can be a good investment strategy when you have a nice sum of money available (say, $500 to a few thousand or more), have a low risk tolerance, and can afford to lock up your money for a period of time, from six months to several years. It is best used when rates are relatively high, especially since you can shop around for the best rate at each “rung” on your ladder.

Photo credit: iStock/Antonbr Anton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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✝ 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.

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