woman looking at mountain view

How to Save for a Vacation: Creating a Travel Fund

Who needs a vacation? You do! The average American has almost 10 unused vacation days sitting around, according to a recent Qualtrics survey.

Why don’t we take those days off that we earned? There are a variety of reasons, such as work deadlines, childcare issues, and, of course, money…or lack thereof. Travel can get expensive, especially if you are craving a trip that involves a pricey plane ticket.

But whether your travel dreams have you strolling through Paris, eating dozens of flaky croissants, or cozied up in a cabin at a stunning state park, there’s a method to making it possible. Smart budgeting and saving tactics can help you gather the funds you need to use the PTO that’s coming to you.

Read on to learn:

•   How much to save for vacation

•   How to start a vacation fund

•   How to grow your travel fund.

The Importance of Emergency Savings

Sure, it can be tempting to pick up on a whim and travel somewhere, without even glancing at your checking account. But that can be somewhat risky business, financially speaking. And so can prioritizing a vacation fund when you don’t have much money in the bank.

Before you think about funding a vacation, you should consider saving for life’s emergencies first. And a prime way to do that is by establishing a healthy amount of money in your emergency fund.

Recommended: How Much Should I Have In an Emergency Fund?

To build an emergency fund, a general rule of thumb is to have enough money to cover at least three to six months’ worth of expenses socked away. It’s totally okay to start off with a small fund and build your way up over time. Even depositing $20 per paycheck into the fund can be a wise start. This account may be for a true emergency, such as a car breaking down, an unexpected move, paying rent after being laid off, or a visit to the emergency room. What isn’t a good use for your emergency fund? A sale on plane tickets to Hawaii doesn’t count, sorry to say.

Beyond emergency funds, it may be a good idea to ensure you’ve paid off any high-interest debt before allocating your money toward a vacation.

How Much to Save for Vacation

Once your emergency reserves are on good footing, you can take the first step in saving for a vacation by opening a separate account earmarked for travel. Keeping it in the same bank as the rest of your money could allow you to easily keep track of how much you’ve saved. It can also make it a bit simpler to transfer extra cash into your vacation account.

•   Pro tip: Many financial institutions will let you name the account, which is seriously worth doing. It might be harder to be motivated to contribute to account XXX924 than your “Valentine’s Day in Paris” Fund. Go ahead, and give it a good name so you know what you’re working towards.

•   Another smart move is to automate savings. You can set up automatic deposits into this account each week or month, depending on your pay cycle and what you’re comfortable with. You could even allocate a specific amount to be auto deposited right from your paycheck. That way, it’s like you never even hit your checking account, where it can tempt you to go shopping and have a fancy dinner. You won’t see the money until you’re ready to go on vacation.

Now, about how much to save. Here are a couple of approaches to try:

•   Some people like to establish an amount of their paycheck to siphon off into travel savings. Perhaps it’s 5% of your take-home pay, or an amount like $50. Once it hits a certain figure ($500 or $1,000), you can then dig in and start your specific planning.

•   For many, though, building a budget makes the dream real. You can scout out transportation and lodging costs, among other items by doing online research. You can add food, entertainment, excursions, and other potential expenses and come up with the figure you’ll need. Then divide that by how long you have to save, and you’ve determined your monthly savings goal.

   So if you need $2,400 for your trip and have eight months till the date you want to travel, you’ll need to set aside $300 per month.

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.

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Doing Some Research on Your Dream Vacation

As briefly mentioned, research can be the foundation of your trip planning. And it’s often a really fun enterprise, whether you are a moodboard or a Pinterest sort of person. Decide what kind of vacation you want to have — be it a surf, snow, hiking, adventure, leisure, city, or country escape — then start looking into destinations that suit your desires. Maybe a friend took a cool 30th birthday trip to Iceland that you want to emulate, or you are in search of a few budget-friendly spring break destinations. Start searching! Some guidelines:

•   Once you pick a spot, you can look at things like average hotel pricing, average food cost, transportation costs (including the flight, drive, boat, or train there as well as a car rental, taxi, or ridesharing service for when you’re there), average excursion cost, and add in a bit extra for entertainment expenses.

•   Don’t forget to budget for hidden fees, such as resort fees, rental fees, and taxes. You may want to call the hotel’s concierge to get those numbers if they aren’t displayed, as they can add up rather quickly. Also, you may want to ensure your number crunching includes an “extra” slush fund for those “just in case” moments.

•   If hotels look to be a bit too pricey in your intended destination, you could always look for cost-cutting accommodations. There are always hostels, and some are adding amenities these days that make them less barebones.

•   You might consider places that will let you stay for free in exchange for services. You could try signing up on websites like Rover to swap dog sitting services in exchange for a free place to stay. Websites like Mind My House also bring together people looking for house sitters and those looking for accommodations. Check out the listings and see if any fit your vacation needs.

Recommended: Tips for Finding Travel Deals

Saving Consistently into Your Travel Fund

If you have an estimate of how much it will cost, now you just have to figure out how to save for a vacation. Consider these ideas:

•   Dividing your projected vacation cost by the months you have to save and stashing cash away is a tried-and-true method. By doing so, you can watch your trip fund grow and get you closer to your trip.

•   Some people like to use round-up apps or the “change jar” method to also boost their savings.

How to start a vacation fund is simple: You make that first deposit, But next, learn some other ways to keep building towards your travel goal.

Using Windfalls to Your Advantage

While working toward your vacation, you could use any financial windfalls to your advantage. Consider these sources:

•   A tax refund

•   A bonus at work

•   A raise at your job

•   Proceeds from selling your stuff, like electronics, kitchenware, or clothes you no longer need or use.

Putting this money into where you keep a travel fund is a great way to boost your savings.

Adding a Side Hustle to Your Routine

You could always create a windfall for yourself by taking on a low-cost side hustle as you save for your vacation.

Working a side job or taking on freelance work you have the skillset for could help you save money faster to get the vacation show on the road. And the best part is, if you save using your side gig money, you won’t even need to touch your savings or primary paycheck.

Some pointers:

•   Think about what you’re after: Something that will help your career in the long-term, or perhaps something that will simply earn you a bit of quick cash?

•   If you’re hoping it could help your career growth, you could try tackling a side job that’s connected to your goals. For example, if you’re hoping to be a writer, scout article writing or copywriting gigs. Want to be a photographer? Build a website and offer your services.

•   If it’s just quick cash you need, think local and urgent. Could you sub in at a busy cafe on weekends or do odd-jobs through various apps like TaskRabbit or Fiverr?

•   Decide how much you’re willing to put into a side hustle. Often, side gigs require you to work before or after your regular nine-to-five, which could mean giving up your nights and weekends. But, again, all that extra work could pay off for either your career or your short-term goals.

Making a Little Extra Cash While on Vacation

You could always try putting your assets to work for you while you’re away to help pay for your vacation. If you own your home or apartment or your landlord allows it, you might rent your space on websites like Airbnb or VRBO. You may be able to earn a hefty sum.

Have a car? That can be rented out on websites like Turo, too.

The Takeaway

If you’re planning a vacation, dreaming about it and planning where you’ll go and what you’ll see can be a fun pursuit. But you’ll also need to save for it. That can be accomplished by saving from your paycheck, stashing away any windfalls, and putting energy towards earning additional money.

As you save, you need a good place to keep your cash securely and help it grow. The SoFi Checking and Savings Account can be a smart option. You’ll be able to easily keep track of progress on each of your vaults (including one that’s your vacation fund), you’ll enjoy a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), and other benefits. And when it’s time to travel, you can use ATMs within the Allpoint® Network without any fees.

SoFi Checking and Savings: The smart, simple way to save.

FAQ

How does a vacation fund work?

A travel fund is an account that helps you save the amount needed to take a trip. Typically, you add to it regularly (manually or by automatically depositing some of your paycheck) until you reach your goal amount. Having the money in an interest-bearing account can help you grow your money more quickly.

Where should I put vacation money?

If you want to grow your trip fund money, it’s wise to put it in a savings account where it’s liquid but earning interest. Look for a secure bank that offers a healthy annual percentage yield (APY). These high-interest or high-yield accounts are often found with no fees and low or no minimum balance requirements at online banks. Because these banks don’t have bricks-and-mortar locations, they can pass the savings onto customers.

What is a reasonable vacation budget?

A reasonable vacation budget will depend on your particular plans. Are you going to a lavish resort in the Mediterranean for two weeks or to a cabin at a local park for the weekend? Whatever your travel style may be, making a budget is critical. By researching transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, and excursion costs in advance, you can likely figure out your savings goal.


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

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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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.

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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Tax-Friendly States That Don't Tax Pensions or Social Security Income

Tax-Friendly States That Don’t Tax Pensions or Social Security Income

There are a grand total of seven states that don’t tax retirement income, and that’s because those states don’t tax income at all. This can be important for seniors to know, as holding onto as much retirement income as possible can be important — whether it’s coming from pensions, Social Security, a 401(k), or elsewhere.

Equally important to know: As of 2023, there are 14 states that don’t tax pensions, and 37 states that don’t tax Social Security benefits. Paying less in taxes can lower the strain on a retiree’s budget and help their money last longer. That becomes especially important when and if inflation shrinks purchasing power — as it has in recent years.

How Much Can State Taxes Take Out of Retirement Income?

Each state taxes income, including retirement income, differently. So, there are different states that don’t tax pensions, and then there are states that don’t tax Social Security, etc.

Accordingly, how much of a bite state taxes take out of retirement income can depend on several factors, including the applicable tax rate where you live, and your specific tax brackets.

Taxes can be an important consideration when choosing where to retire, and when to retire.

Understanding State Income Tax

As of 2023, 43 states tax individual income. Of those, 41 states levy taxes on wage and salary income, while seven states do not assess individual income tax. The state of New Hampshire exclusively taxes dividend and interest income, while Washington taxes capital gains for certain high-income individuals.

In some states, the same tax rate applies to all taxable income. Other states use a graduated tax system with individual tax brackets, similar to the way the federal tax system works.

California has the highest marginal tax rate, at 13.30%. Other states with double-digit tax rates include Hawaii (11%), New York (10.90%), New Jersey (10.75%), and Washington, D.C. (10.75%). Aside from the states that have no income tax, the lowest marginal tax rate belongs to North Dakota, which has an income tax rate of 2.90%.

Further, if you were to look at the average retirement savings by state, it may help provide some more insight into where many retirees live — and why.

💡 Learn more about income tax and how it works.

14 States That Don’t Tax Pensions

Altogether, there are 14 states that don’t tax federal or private pension plans. Some of these are states that have no income tax at all; others have provisions in state law that make them states with no pension tax. Here are which states don’t tax pensions:

State

Pension Tax Policy

Alabama Pension income excluded from state income tax
Alaska No state income tax
Florida No state income tax
Hawaii Pension income excluded from state tax
Illinois Pension income excluded from state tax
Mississippi Pension income excluded from state tax
Nevada No state income tax
New Hampshire Only taxes interest and dividend income
Pennsylvania Pension income excluded from state tax
South Dakota No state income tax
Tennessee No state income tax
Texas No state income tax
Washington Only taxes capital gains for high income earners
Wyoming No state income tax

Keep in mind that state or local government employee pension benefits may be treated differently. New York, for example, specifically excludes pension benefits paid by state or local government agencies from state income tax. If you move to another state, however, that state could tax your New York pension benefits.

37 States That Don’t Tax Social Security

Understandably, many people have questions about Social Security, including whether the program will remain solvent in the future. Another big one: How will taxes affect your benefit amount? That’s why it’s important to know which states don’t tax Social Security.

The good news is that 37 states and the District of Columbia do not tax Social Security benefits. So if you’ve chosen to retire, or at least are thinking about choosing a retirement date (which can affect your total Social Security payouts), you don’t need to worry about it. Similar to the states that don’t tax pensions, these states either have no income tax at all, offer exemptions, or have elected to exclude Social Security benefits from taxable income calculations.

State

Social Security Tax Policy

State

Social Security Tax Policy

Alabama Not included in income tax calculations Nevada No state income tax
Alaska No state income tax New Hampshire Only taxes interest and dividend income
Arizona Not included in income tax calculations New Jersey Not included in income tax calculations
Arkansas Not included in income tax calculations New York Not included in income tax calculations
California Not included in income tax calculations North Carolina Not included in income tax calculations
Delaware Not included in income tax calculations North Dakota Exempt from taxation
Florida No state income tax Ohio Not included in income tax calculations
Georgia Not included in income tax calculations Oklahoma Not included in income tax calculations
Hawaii Not included in income tax calculations Oregon Not included in income tax calculations
Idaho Not included in income tax calculations Pennsylvania Not included in income tax calculations
Illinois Not included in income tax calculations South Carolina Not included in income tax calculations
Indiana Not included in income tax calculations South Dakota No state income tax
Iowa Not included in income tax calculations Tennessee No state income tax
Kentucky Not included in income tax calculations Texas No state income tax
Louisiana Not included in income tax calculations Virginia Not included in income tax calculations
Maine Not included in income tax calculations Washington Only taxes capital gains for high-income earners
Maryland Not included in income tax calculations Washington, D.C. Not included in income tax calculations
Massachusetts Not included in income tax calculations Wisconsin Not included in income tax calculations
Mississippi Not included in income tax calculations Wyoming No state income tax

Montana and New Mexico do tax Social Security benefits, but with modifications and exceptions. Montana will also see a change to its tax rate structure in 2024, and Social Security benefits will be taxed the same as they are at the federal tax level.

8 States That Don’t Tax Capital Gains

Federal capital gains tax applies when an investment or asset is sold for more than its original purchase price. The short-term capital gains tax rate applies to investments held for less than one year. Investments held for longer than one year are subject to the long-term capital gains tax.

States can also tax capital gains, though not all of them do. The states that do not tax capital gains are the same states that do not have income tax or have special tax rules on which income is taxable. They include:

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Wyoming

As far as how much capital gains are taxed at the state level, the tax rate you’ll pay will depend on where you live. Some states offer more favorable tax treatment than others for capital gains.

12 States That Don’t Tax 401(k), TSP, or IRA Income

Yet another potential area where states can generate tax revenue is by taxing retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs). In all, there are 12 states that don’t levy taxes on retirement income derived from these sources:

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Illinois

•   Mississippi

•   New Hampshire

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   Pennsylvania

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Wyoming

31 States That Don’t Tax Retirement Income From the Military

There are certain states that tax military retirement income, but most do not. In all, 31 states don’t tax military retirement income, including those that don’t have income taxes, and others that have specifically carved out exceptions for military retirement income.

•   Alabama

•   Alaska

•   Arizona

•   Arkansas

•   Connecticut

•   Florida

•   Hawaii

•   Illinois

•   Iowa

•   Kansas

•   Louisiana

•   Maine

•   Massachusetts

•   Michigan

•   Minnesota

•   Mississippi

•   Missouri

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   New Jersey

•   New York

•   North Dakota

•   Ohio

•   Pennsylvania

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Washington

•   West Virginia

•   Wisconsin

•   Wyoming

7 States That Don’t Tax Retirement Income

As covered, there are a lot of different tax levels and tax types — some include different types of retirement income, some just involve plain old income tax itself. As such, it’s not really easy to determine which states don’t tax retirement income whatsoever. But if you were to boil it down to a list that accurately answers the question “which states don’t tax retirement income,” it would mirror the short list of states that don’t tax income at all.

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Nevada

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Wyoming

In addition, as mentioned above, while New Hampshire and Washington state do tax certain types of income, they don’t really tax most forms of retirement income. So if you live in these states, your Social Security benefits and pension benefits can go further when it comes to covering your retirement expenses.

8 States With Low Retirement Income Taxes

Taking everything into account — taxes on income, pensions, Social Security, military retirement income, and more — there are several states that offer retirees relatively low retirement income taxes. Aside from the seven that don’t tax income at all, these states may be a good option for seniors, as they offer low retirement income taxes in one form or another:

•   Alabama

•   Hawaii

•   Illinois

•   Iowa

•   Mississippi

•   New Hampshire

•   Pennsylvania

•   Washington

Which States Have the Lowest Overall Tax Burden on Retirees?

Again, there is a lot to consider when trying to determine an overall tax burden, especially on retirees. But if you were to whittle down a list of a handful of states in which the tax burden is the absolute least on retirees? It would come down to the states with the overall smallest income tax burden, and a few other factors.

Delaware

Delaware hasn’t been discussed much, and though it does have state income taxes, a few other factors make it particularly appealing for retirees. Specifically, its state income tax rate tends to be relatively low (2.2% – 6.6%), and it has low property taxes, no sales taxes, and no applicable estate taxes.

Nevada

Nevada is a state with no state income taxes — a big win for retirees — and that also has relatively low property taxes, and no estate taxes. It also doesn’t tax income from most retirement accounts, or military retirement income.

Wyoming

Wyoming is similar to Nevada in that it has no state income taxes, low property taxes, and no estate taxes. There are applicable sales taxes, however, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the overall tax burdens seen in other states.

Can You Have Dual State Residency?

Generally, most people are residents of just one state. It is possible, however, to have dual residency in two different states. This can happen if you live in each state for part of the year to attend school, or to work.

For example, the state of Virginia distinguishes between residents who maintain a home in the state for 183 days or more during the year and domiciliary residents who claim Virginia as their legal state of residence. Under state law, it’s possible to be a resident of Virginia and a domiciliary resident of another state.

For instance, a college student from California who lives in Virginia during the school year would be a dual resident. However, you can have only one domicile — in this example, it would be California.

If you live and earn taxable income in two different states during the year, you may have to file tax returns in both those states unless a reciprocity agreement exists. Reciprocity agreements protect taxpayers who work in states other than the one in which they’re legal residents from being hit with double taxation.

What to Consider Before Moving to a Tax-Friendly State

Moving to a state that doesn’t tax pensions and Social Security could yield income tax savings, but it’s important to consider the bigger financial picture. Paying no or fewer income taxes on retirement benefits may not be much of a bargain if you’re stuck paying higher property taxes, or your heirs are left with steep inheritance taxes, for instance.

Also, consider the overall cost of living. If everyday essentials such as housing, food, and gas are higher in a state that has no income tax, then your retirement benefits may have less purchasing power overall. If costs end up being higher than you anticipated, you might end up working after retirement to fill any retirement income shortfalls.

The Takeaway

There are a number of states that tend to be more tax-friendly for retirees, and those generally include the states that don’t levy any income taxes. That list comprises states such as Alaska, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. But there are other potential taxes to take into consideration, and states all have different tax rules in regards to pensions, retirement accounts, capital gains, and more.

As such, if you’re hoping to save on taxes during retirement, you’ll need to do a little digging into the specifics to see what might affect you, given your unique financial picture. It’s wise to take into account other tax types as well (property taxes, etc.), and overall cost of living. Doing a thorough cost-benefit analysis before making a decision to move could be beneficial.

If you’re wondering about other ways to help make your retirement savings tax efficient, SoFi can help. With SoFi Invest, you can open a traditional or Roth IRA, and you can build, or add to your investment portfolio right from your smartphone or other device. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions (you can read the full fee schedule here), and SoFi members have access to complimentary advice from professionals.

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

What is the most tax-friendly state to retire in?

The most tax-friendly states for retirees are states that don’t tax pensions and Social Security, and have a low tax-profile overall for sales and property tax. Some of the best states for retirees who want to avoid high taxes include Alabama, the District of Columbia, Nevada, and Tennessee.

Which states have no 401(k) tax?

States that do not tax 401(k) distributions are generally the same states that don’t tax income. Those states include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. New Hampshire and Washington don’t tax 401(k) distributions either.

Which states do not tax pensions?

States that do not tax pensions include the seven states that have no income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming — as well as New Hampshire and Washington. Additionally, five states — Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania — exclude pension income from state taxation.

How can I avoid paying taxes on retirement income?

The simplest way to avoid paying taxes on retirement income is to move to a state that has the smallest applicable tax burden on retirement income sources. That would include the short list of seven states that don’t have any sorts of state income tax. You can also consult a professional.

Which states are tax-free for Social Security?

There are a grand total of 37 states that don’t tax Social Security benefits, and that list includes the seven states that don’t tax income at all. Aside from those states, 29 others (and Washington, D.C.) do not, specifically, tax Social Security benefits.


Photo credit: iStock/RapidEye

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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.

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.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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What to Put for Desired Salary on a Job Application

What to Put for Desired Salary on a Job Application

Salary will always be an important factor in any career decision, whether you’re looking for a new job or choosing which offer to accept. And yet, few questions in the job application process are more uncomfortable than the basic What is your desired salary?

Not sure what to put for a desired salary on a job application? Keep reading for both helpful insights and templated responses.

Key Points

•   Determining a desired salary for a job application requires thorough research into the role, industry, and location.

•   Applicants should consider their education, experience, and special skills when setting a salary expectation.

•   It’s common to state if the salary is negotiable on online applications, often through a checkbox or in a notes section.

•   During interviews, candidates should be prepared to discuss and justify their salary expectations.

•   Email communication about salary can include stating a specific range or a minimum salary, with an openness to negotiation highlighted.

How to Answer Desired Salary on an Online Application

If you’re not sure what to put for desired salary on an application, you likely need to do some research and then think carefully about your answer. It’s true that listing too high a salary can immediately eliminate a candidate if the company can not afford to pay that much. But it’s equally true that lowballing can impact a candidate financially for years.

When deciding what to put for desired salary on a job application, it’s important that candidates don’t simply list the number they want to earn. A salary number should be based heavily on research. Spend time looking into the cost of living in the area, as well as what typical salaries look like for the role, seniority level, and industry you’re applying for. Education level, years of work experience, and special skills should also be taken into account.

When completing an online job application, it’s common to be asked if the salary listed is negotiable. This is usually done in a checkbox format, but if someone is open to negotiation and doesn’t see an option to highlight that fact, there is usually a notes section where flexibility can be mentioned.

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Recommended: What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?

How to Answer the Desired Salary Question in Interviews

Salary requirements can come up at any stage of the application process, including during the interview. To avoid feeling put on the spot, it’s smart to have an answer ready to go beforehand. As nerve-racking as interviews can be, they’re a great time to discuss salary with a potential employer to make sure both parties are on the same page.

Again, a salary number should be backed by careful consideration and research. Be ready to share an argument for why you chose that number. If the applicant is flexible on salary, that can also be expressed here. Many candidates factor benefits, title, signing bonus, growth potential, and other elements into their decision to accept a job.

If a candidate is pitching a number higher than the employer’s budget, but they’re willing to accept a lower salary if they can work from home three days a week, then they should share that during the job interview.

How to Answer the Desired Salary Question in Emails

Some employers may not ask about a candidate’s salary requirements until after an interview or two, and then do so over email. When it comes to figuring out what to put for the minimum salary desired, many candidates list their current salary or a number slightly higher than that to increase their disposable income.

Some employers may ask for a range. Here, it’s important for candidates to choose a minimum salary they feel is worthwhile enough for them to continue the application process.

Candidates may include a note in the email about salary being negotiable if that is true. But if there really is a minimum the candidate needs to see to consider the job offer, they should make that clear in writing. We all have different expenses and budgets that impact how much we need to make. A spending app can help candidates determine what salary they need to pay all their bills.

Recommended: The Most Rewarding Jobs in America

Declaring a Salary by Email: Templates

If you’re feeling uncomfortable about salary negotiations and you’re not sure what to put for the minimum salary desired, it can help to practice writing it out. You can use these email templates as a script for in-person or phone conversations, depending on how either party brings up salary.

•   Template 1: Salary Range. “Based on market research and cost of living in our area, I’m looking for a new role that will pay in the $80,000 to $90,000 range. I am flexible and am open to negotiation, but can only make a move for a salary in that range.”

•   Template 2: Minimum Salary. “The average salary for my role in the greater Los Angeles area is $65,000. I am currently looking for roles that can accommodate a salary of $65,000 or more.”

•   Template 3: Flexibility. “With ten years of industry experience and a recently earned MBA, I am looking to make a move to a more senior position. Compensation is important to me and I would like to make between $100,000 and $135,000. However, I am also looking for a role that provides schedule flexibility and would be willing to discuss a lower salary in exchange for a minimum of three remote work days a week.”

These templates give candidates an idea of how to get started. But it’s important to customize and flesh them out based on your own research.

When to Discuss Salary

Once you decide how much to quote for your minimum desired salary, you also need to be prepared to discuss it. There is really no wrong time to discuss salary during the job application process. While many candidates wait for the employer to bring it up, it is possible for the candidate to jumpstart the conversation. Some employers will wait until they make an offer to even mention salary.

While it’s generally not advisable to try to negotiate a salary before receiving a job offer, it is perfectly acceptable to ask what salary range they have in mind for the role.

If a candidate has concerns that the company’s budget is not in line with the salary the candidate is aiming for, inquiring early on about the salary range can help them avoid committing to multiple rounds of interviews for a role that isn’t the right fit.

What to Put for Desired Salary: Examples

At some point during a job search, a candidate will encounter a request to share their salary requirements. Once you feel confident you know what to put for a desired salary, you can turn to one of these examples for how to format your request.

•   I need to make a minimum of $XX in order to consider making a move from my current role/company.

•   I am looking for a new role that pays in the $XX to $XX range.

•   I am hoping to make $XX in my next role, but am open to negotiation for the right role.

It’s totally fine to keep salary requirements simple and straightforward to help eliminate any miscommunication.

The Takeaway

To recap, when you’re not sure what to put down for a desired salary, you’ll need to conduct market research into standard ranges for that role, industry, and experience level. You may also want to take local cost of living into account. Once you feel confident you know what to put for your desired salary on a job application, you simply need to communicate that amount clearly and concisely.

If you’re looking to make the most of your current or future salary, you can turn to SoFi for help. With SoFi’s money tracker app, users can monitor all of their money in one place. It’s easy to keep an eye on multiple account balances, set goals, review spending by category, and check on their credit score.

Get the information and tools you need to make the most of your money.

FAQ

What should I put for desired salary per hour?

When deciding what to put for your desired salary for an internship, part-time job, or other hourly role, you’ll need to research what the going rate is in your area. You also need to know what number works for your budget.

What to put for desired salary for part-time job?

Not sure what to put for a desired salary for a part-time job? Do some digging online to see what other roles in the same industry and local area pay to get an idea of a fair number to ask for.

Is desired salary hourly or yearly?

Whether or not someone’s desired salary is hourly or annual typically depends on the type of role they’re applying for or the company’s preference. It can be helpful to have a number in mind for both.


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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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Best Salary Negotiation Tactics and Strategies

Best Salary Negotiation Tactics and Strategies

Salary negotiation is something that everyone should learn. Increasing your income early in your professional life can help set you up for a more lucrative career, stable finances, and comfortable retirement. And every time you don’t ask for a higher salary or raise, you limit your potential earnings from that moment on.

The fact is, you have little to lose. According to LinkedIn, less than 1% of people reported that a job offer was rescinded after they tried to negotiate their salary. And 80% of those who negotiated saw some increase in their compensation package.

Read on for negotiation tactics and strategies to help you climb higher on the compensation ladder.

Best Salary Negotiation Tactics

To negotiate your salary, you need a well-prepared, data-supported argument as to why you deserve higher pay. The next task is to deliver that argument confidently and convincingly. Here’s how.

Research the National Average Salary

Before you begin the negotiation, check the national and local average salaries for jobs similar to yours. The best sources for this information are Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, Salary.com, Indeed, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Once you have the data, compare your salary to others’. You may adjust your expectations based on the demand for the type of work you do and the cost of living in your area. The latter is why salaries vary from one region to another.

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Pitch to Justify Your Desired Salary

You can use your data on local and national salaries as benchmarks in a pitch for your desired salary. Two major points to cover in your pitch are the cost of living where you work and the demand for your skills.

If you hope to buy a place near your employer, a home affordability calculator can help you assess how much salary you need to live comfortably and own a home.

In New York, for example, your cost of living will be much higher than in North Carolina. Reflecting the economics, an elementary school teacher in North Carolina earns a median annual salary of $50K. In New York, the median annual salary for an elementary school teacher is $88K.

By way of example, nurse practitioners are currently in short supply. According to the BLS, NPs are a fast-growing job, with demand expected to rise by 46% between 2021 and 2031. Compare that to the average growth rate for all occupations of 5%.

If there is high demand for your skills in your area, consider pitching your desired salary at the high end. All other things being equal, you may opt to work for the company that is prepared to pay you the most.

One argument that won’t fly? Stating the salary you need to pay your mortgage and other bills — that’s between you and your spending app.

Decide on Your Salary Range

Before negotiating your salary, decide on the minimum salary you will accept. Let’s say your research showed salaries from $75K to $100K, and you want to earn at least $85K. This advice can apply to recent grads negotiating a good entry level salary or mid-career professionals working toward a promotion.

If you provide a range to an employer or hiring manager, it’s safe to assume that they will negotiate down, so it’s better to state a single number. If your goal is $85K, try asking for $92,250. Being specific implies that you have done careful research and gives you negotiating room. Just be careful not to aim too high or you’ll price yourself out of the market. And if you lowball yourself, chances are you will be unhappy in the position.

Be willing to walk away if the employer does not meet your minimum salary. The company can always come back to you with another offer, and you can always find another employer.

Recommended: Is $40,000 a Good Salary?

Consider Other Benefits

After deciding the minimum salary you will accept, consider other incentives that make a job offer more enticing. The employer might offer perks — such as flexible work hours, generous paid leave, educational opportunities, childcare, excellent healthcare benefits, or stock options — that would make a lower base salary worth it. Thanks to stock options, some 10,000 employees who joined Microsoft in its early years were millionaires by 2005.

Understand Who You’re Negotiating With

Understanding the hiring manager’s position and negotiating style will give you the upper hand and help you choose the right strategy.

According to the Black Swan Group, there are three types of negotiators, and each requires a different approach. This is valuable insight whether you’re negotiating your salary or trying to win a real-estate bidding war.

1. The Analyst

The analyst tends to be realistic and not stirred by emotional arguments. They base their decisions on data. With this type of negotiator, have plenty of salary comparisons to back up your desired salary.

2. The Accommodator

If the person you are negotiating with is friendly and talkative, they may be an accommodator. That means a good emotional argument may sway them. Present your data and comparisons, but also emphasize that your desired salary will ensure you are happy, engaged, and better equipped to do your job.

3. The Assertive Negotiator

This type of negotiator is a no-nonsense, get-to-the-point type of person. They view negotiating as a welcome challenge, so you’ll need to be on your toes. Your data, in this case, will be less effective, so the best approach is to state your demands confidently yet politely and be prepared to walk if they aren’t met. Be willing to revisit negotiations later if you do not succeed with the assertive negotiator the first time around.

Recommended: How to Negotiate a House Price

Wait for a Job Offer to Negotiate Salary

It’s a good idea to delay salary negotiations until you have received a formal job offer. At that point, the employer has invested significant time in making sure you are the best candidate, so they are more likely to acquiesce rather than risk losing you. You can put off the conversation by remaining non-committal about salary until the time comes.

Let the Hiring Manager Make an Initial Offer

Often, a company will either tell you their budgeted salary range or ask you for your desired range. In either case, it’s customary to let the hiring manager make the initial offer before you start to negotiate. This will give you some idea of what you are working with.

Make a case for why you deserve a salary on the higher end of their range. Perhaps you have substantial experience or other skills that are unique to you, in demand, and valuable to the company.

Disclose Your Previous Job’s Salary

Some experts recommend not disclosing your previous salary because companies use it to gauge your worth. However, disclosing your salary gives the hiring manager an idea of what salary you might be expecting. When you start negotiating, you can still make a case for a higher salary based on your research into comparable jobs and your expertise.

Include any benefits you received from your past employer, such as bonuses, stock options, and other perks.

Recommended: Fulfilling Jobs That Pay Well

Discuss Current Job Offers from Other Companies

If you are lucky enough to have multiple job offers, you are in a strong negotiating position. It’s wise to tell a hiring manager you have another offer because it will encourage them to offer more sooner. The fact that you are in demand is proof of your value, and the longer they negotiate with you, the greater the chance that you could accept a competitor’s offer.

Choose an Appropriate Time

The best time to negotiate your salary is once you’ve been offered the position and before you sign a contract. If you are negotiating a pay raise with your current employer, your performance review is a good time to broach the subject.

It helps to discuss a potential pay raise months in advance. That way, you and your manager can agree on what you need to do to earn a pay raise and document it in your performance appraisal. Once you feel you have achieved those objectives, bring up the subject of a raise again and explain why you feel you deserve a raise.

Be Confident

The more confident you are when negotiating your salary or a raise, the more convincing you will be. Hold your head high and make your pitch clearly and without hesitation. Start the conversation off positively, and explain why you think you deserve more compensation. Then give the reasons why. Don’t rattle off a bunch of things, but present one or two data-backed arguments. For example:

“I’m really excited to work here, and I know I will bring value. I appreciate the offer at $63,000 but was really expecting to be in the $70,000 range based on the market and my past performance. Can we discuss a salary of $70,000?”

If all this has whetted your appetite for negotiation, don’t miss this advice on how to be a world-class haggler.

The Takeaway

Negotiating a salary does not have to be nerve-racking. If you have done your research and have identified a fair salary based on the market and your skills, be confident and do not accept anything less. The more in demand your skills are, the more you can ask for in terms of salary.

Remember to consider other perks and benefits when negotiating. Extra time off or stock options may be more valuable to you than an additional few thousand. The worst that can happen is that you decline an offer and move on to another employer who will pay you what you are worth.

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FAQ

What are the five basic negotiating strategies?

The five negotiation styles are competition, collaboration, compromise, accommodation, and avoidance. Competitive negotiation uses hardball tactics regarding the other party’s needs. A collaborative style uses a win-win approach and aims to meet the needs of both parties. Compromising is one of the more common negotiation tactics, but the result may be that neither party feels fully satisfied by the outcome. Accommodation is a style used when harm has been done to either party because it requires one party to “accommodate” or make repairs. Last, avoidance means avoiding negotiating entirely.

What are the best negotiation strategies and tactics to use when negotiating your salary?

The best negotiation tactics involve developing a convincing argument by researching the market rates for jobs similar to yours and considering the cost of living and the demand for your skills. Know the personality of the person you will negotiate with and choose a negotiation style that works for them. Next, pick the right time to negotiate and do so confident in the knowledge that you are worth the salary you are asking for.

What are the 4 C’s of negotiation?

The four C’s of negotiation are civility, competition, compromise, and compassion. When negotiating, it’s important to remain civil and avoid conflict by accepting that both sides have a legitimate point of view. It is inevitable that there will be some degree of competition during negotiation; each side wants to win. Compromise is often considered a sacrifice, but this ignores the idea that negotiation is a problem-solving strategy. Compassion contrasts with competition and calls for empathy and appreciation of the other side’s perspective. There must be a balance between competition and compassion in the negotiating process.


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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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

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.

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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Opening a Foreign Currency Bank Account Online

What You Need to Know About Foreign Currency Bank Accounts

A foreign currency bank account, also known as a multicurrency account, can facilitate transactions made in foreign currencies; that is, not in U.S. dollars. This can be a significant benefit for businesses. They may use multicurrency (or foreign currency) bank accounts for international transactions as well as to support operations overseas. This can offer a major convenience because of the flexibility with different currencies.

But these multicurrency accounts aren’t just for businesses. Some Individuals may also want to fund a bank account with foreign currency in certain situations. Read on to learn more about this topic, including:

•   What a foreign currency account is

•   How to open a multicurrency account

•   The pros and cons of a foreign currency account

•   The fees associated with this kind of bank account

🛈 Currently, SoFi does not allow bank accounts to be opened in any currency other than USD.

What Is a Multicurrency Account?

A foreign currency bank account, or multicurrency account, is an account that’s designed to hold money denominated in foreign currencies. It may also be referred to as a borderless account. It is a simpler way to deal with regular deposits of foreign currencies.

The types of currencies accepted for deposit or used for withdrawals can be determined by the bank. Some of the currencies your bank may process include:

•   Australian dollars (AUD)

•   Canadian dollars (CAD)

•   Euros (EUR)

•   Great Britain pound sterling (GBP)

•   Japanese yen (JPY).

As mentioned, foreign currency accounts can be opened for business or personal reasons. Businesses that operate globally may require these accounts in order to send payments to vendors or receive payments from international clients.

You might open a foreign currency account for yourself, as an individual, in a few different circumstances. Perhaps you live or are working abroad, Or maybe you regularly make payments overseas or need to send money to friends and family internationally.

How Does a Multicurrency Account Work?

With a multicurrency account, you are able to deposit, hold, and send money in different currencies, just as the name implies. Depending on the financial institution, you may be able to earn interest on deposits, as well.

You may be able to convert funds back and forth into foreign currencies as needed without paying the usual fees associated with these operations.

A multicurrency bank account that’s set up as a savings account might follow typical savings account rules. For example, the bank may limit you to six withdrawals from the account per month (though these regulations have been loosened since the COVID-19 pandemic; check with your financial institution). If that limit applies and you exceed it, the bank may impose an excess withdrawal fee. Keep in mind that any fees assessed for a foreign currency account may be processed in U.S. dollars.

Multicurrency accounts at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) member banks enjoy FDIC protection, up to the established limit. The FDIC insures banking customers up to $250,000 per depositor, per financial institution, per ownership category. This may well reassure you about the safety of your funds.

One thing to note is that foreign currency bank accounts aren’t used for forex trading. If you’re interested in trading foreign currency as an investment, you’d need to open a separate brokerage account for that. There are a number of online brokerages that offer the option to trade forex alongside other investments, such as stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Typical Requirements to Apply for a Foreign Currency Bank Account

If you’re interested in opening a foreign currency account, it’s important to know what documents you’ll need. That way, you can gather the necessary materials and speed through the application process. The specifics can vary from bank to bank but generally, you must:

•   Be of minimum age to open an account, typically 18 or 19

•   Have a valid, government-issued form of identification

•   Provide identifying information, including your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number

•   Meet minimum-deposit requirements

•   Provide proof of income and employment

The requirements to open a foreign currency account aren’t that different from those for a foreigner opening an account in the U.S. Whether you can apply for a foreign currency bank account online or not will depend on the bank. Some banks do allow you to start the application online, while others require you to open an account over the phone or in-person at a branch. Check with yours to learn the exact protocol.

You may also need to already have at least one other account open with the bank before you can apply for a multicurrency account. If the bank imposes this requirement, you may also need to maintain a specific minimum balance in that account to qualify.

Pros of Foreign Currency Account

If you’re curious about multicurrency accounts, it may well be because you are tangled in some red tape as you try to bank in, say, both U.S. dollars and euros. A foreign currency bank account can help meet certain money management needs, like toggling back and forth between two kinds of currency.

Here, the pros of multicurrency accounts.

•   When you deposit funds into your account, you can hold it as multiple currencies, including leftover foreign currency from travel, in one place. You don’t have to exchange foreign currency before you can use it.

•   You typically avoid foreign transaction fees you might otherwise incur.

•   Being able to switch among different currencies could allow you to leverage the most favorable exchange rates.

•   You may be able to earn interest on your balances.

•   If the institution where your account is has FDIC insurance, you are covered for $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, in the rare event of a bank failure.

•   Multicurrency bank accounts can be used for personal or business purposes.

•   Sending payments or money in foreign currencies can be more convenient.

A foreign currency account could also come in handy if you travel. You can use a linked debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash in each country you visit, without having to get traveler’s checks from your bank.

So how do traveler’s checks work? If you’ve never used them, you might not know that these are paper financial instruments that can be used the same way you would a paper check or cash. Thanks to the convenience of credit cards and debit cards, however, travelers don’t need to rely on them as much to make payments when visiting destinations outside the U.S.

Cons of Foreign Currency Account

While a multicurrency bank account might be appropriate in some situations, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Specifically:

•   Your financial institution might charge you account and minimum balance fees the same as you might pay for any other bank account.

•   Interest rates and APYs may be low.

•   Initial deposit requirements or minimum balance requirements may be on the higher end.

•   Changing currency rates can affect the value of the money in your account.

Another drawback of foreign currency accounts is that not all banks offer them. And some banks may only offer these accounts for businesses, not individuals.

Multicurrency Account Fees

Foreign currency accounts can have fees, just as any other type of bank account may. Depending on the bank, some of the fees you might pay include:

•   Monthly maintenance fees

•   Excess withdrawal fees (for savings accounts)

•   Overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees

•   Foreign transaction fees

•   Currency conversion fees

When comparing multicurrency bank accounts, take time to review the details thoroughly. It’s important to understand which currencies you can hold, which fees you might pay, and whether you’re required to maintain a minimum balance in the account.

Once you’ve scoped those details out, see if the benefits of this kind of account will outweigh the fees. It could wind up being a good way to simplify your banking life if your financial life requires frequent foreign transactions.

The Takeaway

Foreign currency accounts can simplify money management if you regularly send or receive money in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Opening one of these multicurrency bank accounts is not that different from opening any other type of account. It can be a major convenience if your daily life involves receiving and/or sending funds overseas — and a good way to take control of your international financial life.

FAQ

What is the purpose of a multicurrency account?

A multicurrency or foreign-currency bank account allows you to receive, hold, and send funds in more than one currency. This can be convenient for businesses and individuals who frequently make international transactions and would like to have an account that recognizes multiple currencies.

What types of banks offer multicurrency accounts?

Many but not all banks offer multicurrency accounts. Some of the U.S. banks that offer foreign currency accounts at press time include Citi, HSBC, and TIAA Bank. For businesses, Wells Fargo and PNC offer foreign currency accounts. You can contact your current bank to find out if multicurrency accounts are available.

How does a multicurrency account work?

A multicurrency bank account allows you to deposit, keep, and send funds in more than one currency. You can decide if you keep the funds in different currencies or convert them. This kind of account can help you conduct international transactions without necessarily paying all the usual fees involved.


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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.

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