Jan
28
2025
Can You Live Off Investment Interest?
With enough money in savings, investors could live off of interest. How big of a nest egg is needed, and is it a good idea?
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Jan
28
2025
Guide to Speculative Investments
A speculative investment is when an investor hopes to profit from a rapid change in the value of an asset, often one that’s considered non-productive. Many speculative investments are short-term, and they can be made in markets such as foreign currencies, collectives, fine art, and margin trading of stocks.
Typically, speculative investments are high-risk positions in assets with frequent price fluctuations, providing both the opportunity to profit and the risk of loss.
Key Points
• Speculative investments aim for rapid value growth, often short-term, with high risk.
• Examples include penny stocks or cryptocurrencies, which are popular among active traders.
• Speculation differs from gambling by involving analysis and taking an asset’s potential value into account.
• Margin trading, which involves borrowed funds and interest payments, amplifies investors’ potential returns.
• Options trading provides the right to trade assets, useful for hedging or speculating, with careful risk assessment.
What Are Speculative Investments?
In general, if an investor is investing in an asset with the belief that its value will increase within a short amount of time, and they will be able to sell it for more than they bought it for, it likely qualifies as a speculative investment.
The types of investments that fall into the speculative investing category are often referred to as non-productive assets, because they don’t produce any income while they are held by an investor, such as dividends or rental income.
The way investors make money on them is by speculating that someone else will buy the asset for more than they did at some point in the future. There is some underlying agreement in the markets that an asset has value despite its lack of production. For instance, gold and precious metals are considered valuable, and investors buy them predicting that their value will increase.
Conversely, non-speculative investments tend to be part of long-term investment strategies. These are assets that may increase in value over a longer period of time, and may also provide income while the investor owns them.
Examples of non-speculative investments may include real estate and owning part of a business, but even real estate and stock investments can be considered speculative in certain cases.
How Does Speculation Work?
As noted above, speculation is when investors anticipate that their purchase will go up in value and they will be able to sell it for a profit. Investors would be unlikely to take part in speculative investments unless there was a significant chance that they might see a significant gain, despite the risk exposure.
Investors typically consider many factors, such as a news event, election cycle, interest rate changes, or a new regulation. Any of these could spark a price change in a speculative asset.
If an investor has several speculative assets in a portfolio, they might hope that just one or two of them earn a huge profit, making up for any losses in other areas. Speculative investing poses a high risk for novice investors.
Speculation looks different depending on the market. For instance, speculation in the real estate market might look like an investor buying multiple properties with small down payments with a plan to quickly resell them for a profit.
Speculation can also look like betting against the market trend through short selling, a strategy where investors bet that a particular stock’s future price will be lower than its current price. It’s the opposite of going long a stock, where an investor buys shares with the expectation that the stock price will increase.
4 Examples of Speculative Investments
Below are four examples of common speculative investments.
1. Foreign Currencies
One type of speculative investment is foreign currencies (forex). The forex market is the largest in the world. Trillions of dollars are transacted each day in the global foreign currency markets.
Forex trading involves buying and selling currency pairs such as EUR/USD. As the value of one currency goes down, the other goes up. Traders speculate on which way the relationship will go and hope to profit off the change in value.
Forex markets are open 24 hours a day, and investors can execute trades as quickly as seconds or minutes, making it a popular forum for speculation.
2. Precious Metals
Precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, and others are traded as hard commodities (versus soft commodities, like agricultural products). These are speculative investments that fluctuate in price constantly based on a variety of factors, including inflation, supply and demand for products that require these metals, and other trends.
Thus, investing in precious metals can be risky because they’re susceptible to volatility based on factors that can be hard to anticipate. Even a relatively stable commodity such as gold can be affected by rising or falling interest rates, or changes in the value of the U.S. dollar.
In the case of any commodity, it’s important to remember that you’re often dealing with tangible, raw materials that typically don’t behave the way other investments or markets tend to.
3. Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are considered speculative since they fluctuate widely in price and come with high risk and potential high returns. Because the crypto markets are relatively young, there isn’t a lot of history to the market to use for predictions, and no way of knowing whether a crypto like Bitcoin (or Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin).
4. Bond Market
Asset prices in the bond market fluctuate widely depending on interest rate changes and political and economic conditions. The prices in the U.S. Treasuries market are often strongly influenced by speculation.
Bonds are rated by agencies such as Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s. Highly rated bonds are not considered speculative and are referred to as “investment grade,” while lower-rated bonds are considered speculative and referred to as “junk bonds.” Since junk bonds are riskier, they pay out higher interest rates to investors.
Pros and Cons of Speculative Investment
Speculative investments come with both upsides and downsides. The choice of whether to make speculative investments depends on an investor’s risk tolerance, knowledge about markets, and short- and long-term investment goals.
Pros
Some of the pros of speculative investments include:
• Potential for high returns
Cons
Downsides of speculative investments include:
• Don’t provide income while they are held. (With some exceptions, such as cryptocurrencies that earn interest through staking)
• Risk of losing one’s entire investment
• Requires active trading and time commitment
Speculative Investments vs Traditional Investments
Below are some of the key differences between speculative investing and traditional investing:
| Speculative Investments | Traditional Investments |
|---|---|
| Usually short-term | Long-term |
| High risk and active | Low- to medium-risk and generally more passive |
| Includes alternative and niche assets such as art, forex, and crypto | Generally includes traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and index funds |
Recommended: What Are Alternative Investments?
Speculative Investments vs Gambling
The difference between speculation and gambling is that speculation involves taking a calculated risk on investing in an asset with an uncertain outcome but an expected return from the asset increasing in value. Gambling involves betting money with an uncertain outcome and the hope of winning more money.
Gamblers could be said to possess a more risk neutral outlook, in that they might disregard even high levels of risk for a potential reward. Speculative investors calculate the risk vs. the reward.
Other Higher-Risk Investments
In addition to the speculative investments highlighted above, the following are higher-risk types of investments that can be considered speculative.
Margin Trading
Margin trading involves an investor borrowing money from a broker in order to make a trade rather than using a cash account to buy securities. Usually investors can only borrow up to 50% of the purchase amount of securities they want to buy. For example, if an investor with $3,000 in their account, can borrow $3,000, allowing them to purchase $6,000 worth of securities.
Typically, less experienced, risk-averse investors choose cash accounts vs. margin accounts because of the risks involved with leveraged positions. By using margin, the investor can place bigger bets. But if the trade doesn’t go in their favor they could lose both their own capital and the money they borrowed.
Margin accounts also charge interest, so any securities purchased need to increase above the interest amount for the investor to see a profit. Different brokers charge different interest rates, so it’s a good idea for investors to compare before choosing an account.
Options Trading
With options trading, investors purchase an option that gives them the ability to buy a stock in the future at a particular price if they choose to. In other words, options give holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset like shares of a company stock.
Options holders can buy or sell by a certain date at a set price, while sellers have to deliver the underlying asset. Investors can use options if they think an asset’s price will go up or down, or to offset risk elsewhere in their portfolio.
Options are considered financial derivatives because they’re tied to an underlying asset.
Penny Stocks
Penny stocks are higher-risk stocks that have a low dollar value. Investors can buy several shares of them since they are so inexpensive, with the hope that they increase a lot in value over a short period of time. However, an event such as a big news story could trigger a change in stock value and provide the chance for a trader to cash out.
The Takeaway
Speculative investments are risky, but can provide significant returns and can be a good way to diversify one’s portfolio. They are generally best for active traders looking for short-term investment opportunities, who can tolerate higher levels of volatility and risk.
Speculative investments are often considered non-productive assets, such as foreign and cryptocurrencies or commodities like gold or silver. But some stocks and bonds can be speculative too. Speculation is mainly the opportunity to profit from short-term price movements.
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FAQ
What are some examples of some speculative investments?
Examples of speculative investments include penny stocks, crypto, precious metals, and forex. Many speculative investments fall into the category of non-productive assets, and they’re usually susceptible to volatility, giving investors the opportunity to profit from short-term price movements.
Is speculative investing the same as gambling?
No, gambling involves betting money with the hope that you will win more money, while speculative investing involves buying an asset with the expectation that you will be able to sell it for a profit.
Is Bitcoin considered a speculative investment?
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are considered speculative investments because their prices fluctuate widely and are difficult to predict. They are risky and come with the potential for significant gains or losses.
Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson
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SOIN-Q125-005
Read moreJan
28
2025
Guide to Biotech Investing: All About Biotech Stocks
Biotech investing can be an exciting world or established players and many startups. Here’s a look at what you need to know before investing.
Read moreJan
28
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Average US Salary by State
The average salary in the U.S. is $66,622, according to the latest data from the Social Security Administration. How your salary compares will depend on your industry and skilI set, as you’d expect. What you might not realize is that your salary is also greatly influenced by where you live, since salaries go hand in hand with the cost of living.
Here’s a closer look at the average salary in the U.S. and how income varies from state to state.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• The average salary in the US varies depending on factors like occupation, location, and experience.
• Recent data indicate an average household income of $66,622 in the U.S.
• The cost of living and regional differences can impact salary levels across the country.
• High-paying states are typically on the East and West coasts, while pay tends to be lower in the South.
• It’s important to research salary ranges for specific occupations and locations when considering job opportunities.
What Is the Average US Salary (2025)
The national average salary is $63,795. That is the sum of all incomes divided by the number of workers. Where someone lives, their industry, education level, and current demand for that job all contribute to how much a worker earns per year.
💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.
Average Salary vs Median Salary: What’s the Difference?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides data on median pay. As of Q4 2024, the median weekly earnings of full-time workers was $1,192, or $61,984 per year. The median is the midpoint in the data set, with 50% of incomes falling above that figure, and 50% below.
Why are the average and median income figures different? With averages, unusually high or low numbers can skew the results. For instance, multi-millionaires or billionaires might drive the average higher than what the typical worker actually makes. The median is less affected by outliers.
US Average and Median Salary by State in 2025
The following chart shows both the average and median income (in single income households) in each state, according to data from Forbes and the U.S. Census Bureau.
| State | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $53,394 | $59,605 |
| Alaska | $66,130 | $82,512 |
| Arizona | $63,045 | $66,340 |
| Arkansas | $51,251 | $54,658 |
| California | $76,960 | $74,819 |
| Colorado | $71,968 | $77,331 |
| Connecticut | $73,736 | $81,285 |
| Delaware | $65,998 | $75,674 |
| Florida | $60,216 | $62,973 |
| Georgia | $61,256 | $62,468 |
| Hawaii | $65,042 | $78,745 |
| Idaho | $55,640 | $68,781 |
| Illinois | $67,122 | $66,950 |
| Indiana | $56,410 | $60,351 |
| Iowa | $56,410 | $61,283 |
| Kansas | $56,264 | $64,518 |
| Kentucky | $54,018 | $57,509 |
| Louisiana | $53,435 | $53,821 |
| Maine | $60,008 | $66,369 |
| Maryland | $73,632 | $81,293 |
| Massachusetts | $80,330 | $81,170 |
| Michigan | $60,590 | $64,579 |
| Minnesota | $66,706 | $72,319 |
| Mississippi | $47,569 | $51,554 |
| Missouri | $57,574 | $59,605 |
| Montana | $55,910 | $65,242 |
| Nebraska | $58,074 | $63,813 |
| Nevada | $58,906 | $64,412 |
| New Hampshire | $66,102 | $84,017 |
| New Jersey | $73,986 | $83,102 |
| New Mexico | $57,512 | $56,766 |
| New York | $78,624 | $69,135 |
| North Carolina | $59,717 | $61,811 |
| North Dakota | $59,051 | $66,813 |
| Ohio | $59,883 | $61,617 |
| Oklahoma | $53,456 | $55,362 |
| Oregon | $66,706 | $70,266 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,922 | $66,923 |
| Rhode Island | $66,602 | $72,515 |
| South Carolina | $54,246 | $59,661 |
| South Dakota | $53,227 | $63,862 |
| Tennessee | $56,035 | $59,052 |
| Texas | $61,235 | $61,460 |
| Utah | $61,069 | $78,917 |
| Vermont | $62,774 | $65,712 |
| Virginia | $70,054 | $75,756 |
| Washington | $78,125 | $86,558 |
| West Virginia | $52,208 | $57,979 |
| Wisconsin | $59,509 | $66,106 |
| Wyoming | $57,928 | $61,866 |
Recommended: Salary to Hourly Calculator
Why Do States Have Different Average Salaries?
The chart shows that the average salary in some states is quite different from the average salary nationwide. That’s partly because the cost of living, which affects how much a company pays its employees, varies significantly by state.
Also, inflation impacts states to varying degrees.
In addition, industries with a concentrated presence in certain states — such as banking or automobile manufacturing — can affect the overall quality of job opportunities in that area.
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Which Regions Pay the Most?
Salaries tend to be higher in some areas of the country. Cities on the West Coast and in the Northeast have some of the highest average salaries:
• Massachusetts
• New York
• Washington
• California
• New Jersey
• Connecticut
• Maryland
Remember, while these states have higher incomes, they may also have a much higher cost of living and higher housing prices.
Recommended: 25 Highest-Paying Jobs in the US
Which Regions Pay the Least?
The South is home to states that tend to pay the least:
• South Carolina
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• West Virginia
• Mississippi
To determine what your personal cost of living is, try tracking your expenses with a free budget app for a few months.
Recommended: Biweekly Money-Saving Challenge
Should You Move to Make More Money?
It’s important to remember that just because a state has a higher average salary, that doesn’t mean it’s more profitable for workers to live there. Higher salaries tend to correlate with a higher cost of living.
Before making a major move, first try living below your means. One reason that people who make more money still have trouble paying their bills is the phenomenon of lifestyle creep. This is when your so-called needs expand to consume your current salary.
One of the most effective ways to counteract lifestyle creep is to downsize your home. Reducing your housing expenses to less than 30% of your gross income can help you pay down debt, increase savings, and become more conscious of how lifestyle choices affect spending.
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
The average annual average salary in the U.S. is $66,622. The median annual salary, which is often less skewed by outlying numbers, is $61,984. It’s worth noting that average and median salaries vary quite a bit by state. States in the Northeast and on the West Coast tend to pay higher salaries, while those in the South often pay less. What’s stopping people from moving to a higher paying state? Often, it’s housing prices, which rise along with the cost of living in “richer” states.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
FAQ
How much do the top 10% of Americans make per year?
The top 10% of Americans earn $167,639 per year. Some top earners live in higher cost of living areas, so it can be more revealing to see how much the top 10% earn in your state.
What percentage of Americans make over $75K?
Only 12.1% of Americans make in the $75,000 to $99,999 range. An additional 17% make between $100,000 and $149,000, and 15.7% earn in the $50,000 to $74,999 range.
Which U.S. state has the highest salary?
Massachusetts is the state with the highest annual income of $76,600. This salary is significantly more than the national average salary of $63,795.
Photo credit: iStock/artpipi
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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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SORL-Q125-011
Read moreJan
28
2025
To Tip or Not to Tip — And How Much?
If you travel, you may wonder in which circumstances tips are customary and when they aren’t needed. As you plan a trip, you are likely sticking to a budget and don’t want to overlook this area. But money isn’t the only consideration. You also likely want to do the right thing: In some countries, tipping is a must. In others, it’s optional, and in a few, it’s considered downright rude. Learn the ropes here.
Key Points
• When you travel, tipping may or may not be customary, depending on the country and the situation.
• When tipping is customary, it’s wise to have a bit of cash on hand for this purpose.
• In some countries, restaurant tipping is expected; in others, it’s already included in the bill. In Scandinavia, you might just round up the amount owed.
• In parts of Asia, tipping can be considered rude, so proceed with caution.
• It’s wise to research the country you are traveling to in advance, both to understand local customs and budget appropriately.
Who Should You Tip While on Vacation?
As you travel, there are many people you could tip: the ones who help you into the airport, out of the airport, into your hotel, out again, into a taxi…the list goes on and on. Most people want to be polite and tip appropriately but don’t want to burn through more money than they have to.
To help you manage this aspect of travel, here are some of the people you probably do want to tip, plus some insight into how much to tip.
Luggage attendants can help get your luggage from the curb at the airport to the check-in counter. You can definitely manage the process on your own, but if you’re wrangling young kids, traveling with pets, or simply packed extra-jumbo bags so you’d have loads of outfits to choose among, it’s nice to get help.
Traditionally, it’s polite to tip $2 for your first bag and $1 for any additional luggage. If your bags are legitimately humongous, consider tipping the full $2 for each one. This expense can’t go on your airline credit card or any other kind of plastic, so be sure to keep cash on you.
Note: Airline employees stationed outside the airport may not be able to accept tips, so be prepared for your bills to be rebuffed if one of these workers assists you.
Car valets park and return your car directly from the curb of hotels and restaurants. It’s a major convenience and generally deserves a monetary thank-you. How much to tip? In the $2 to $5 range when your car is returned to you. Tipping when your wheels are first whisked away is generous, though not necessary.
Housekeepers should be tipped each day during your stay, whether you splurged on luxe accommodations or figured out how to save on hotels and booked a rock-bottom rate. Housekeepers freshen your room, replace those damp towels, and otherwise make it a pleasure to return after a long day of visiting museums, lolling on the beach, or whatever else you’ve been up to.
The best method is to leave the cash in a marked envelope (some hotels provide them for just this purpose) or folded in some hotel stationery that is clearly marked “For Housekeeping.” Best practice suggests $1 to $5 each day of your stay.
Room service is a luxurious treat during vacation. Some hotels automatically include a gratuity on your bill. If you don’t see it on your receipt, however, the answer to the “to tip or not to tip” quandary is that it’s likely a good idea to add 15% to 20%, just as you would in a restaurant.
Drivers help in a few different travel scenarios. If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare, consider tipping either a few dollars for short rides and 10% to 20% for long rides. Add an extra tip if the driver helps with your luggage. It’s also customary to tip shuttle drivers, typically from $1 to $2 per person in your party.
Tour guides share their expertise and passion with you, as they lead you around the best snorkeling spots in Tulum or show you the hidden treasures of Paris. Their services can be a memorable highlight of your summer travel plans, so it’s nice to tip them, especially when you have a great experience. An easy rule of thumb is to tip 10% to 20% of the tour’s cost for your group or $5 to $10 per person.
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Why Tipping Is Important
Tipping is by no means a requirement, but in many economies throughout the world (including the U.S.), it’s a way to help workers make ends meet. Many service industry employees are not guaranteed minimum wage.
In fact, in most states in America, there is a much lower minimum wage for tipped employees; hourly rates can dip below $3. While economic policies are a larger discussion, the fact of low wages can help put things in perspective and show the very real value of rewarding workers for a job done well.
For this reason, when budgeting for an upcoming trip, it’s wise to think about your plans, estimate a tip budget, and include that as part of where you keep your travel fund. It’s one of those incidentals that can add up and throw your financial planning out of whack if not accounted for.
Also, since tips are often given in cash rather than plastic (sorry, you can’t reap those credit card rewards this way), you may want to plan ahead to get some foreign currency for this purpose.
Recommended: How Families Can Afford to Travel
Tipping Guidelines by Destination
You likely do a good amount of research before traveling, scoping out cool hotels, amazing restaurants, and an affordable car rental. So why not, before your next trip, familiarize yourself with tipping customs in different parts of the world? It’ll help you prepare for the costs coming your way and make you feel more comfortable and in control while traveling. Here’s some useful intel:
US
Across the U.S., it’s customary to tip up to 20% for restaurant servers, bartenders, and drivers. In some cities, like New York, the answer to “How much to tip?” is nudging up to 22% or even 25%.
Europe
If you’re planning an epic family reunion trip to France, Spain, Italy, or other European countries, service tips may already be included in your restaurant bill in Europe. Look on the menu; it will probably say so. If it’s not, a maximum 10% tip is recommended. When it comes to your hotel stay, you might tip one euro per bag if a staffer helps you, and leave one euro per day for housekeeping.
Mexico and the Caribbean
Whether you’re heading to Cancun, Mexico City, or the Bahamas, be prepared to tip. Restaurant gratuities usually average between 10% and 20% in Mexico and the Caribbean.
If you’re staying at a resort, remember to keep cash on hand for bellhops, housekeeping, and other employees. Typically, a dollar or two per day/interaction is appropriate.
Central and South America
Heading to Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, or beyond? Here’s the scoop: The standard tip rate for Latin America is 10% to 15% in restaurants. Some countries (like Brazil) may include the gratuity in your bill, so look carefully at the check before paying for your feijoada. Not sure? There’s no harm asking your server; you’re likely not the first person to do so.
When it comes to hotel staff and drivers, you’ll need a dollar or two (or the equivalent), so it’s wise to have some cash stashed in advance. Also know that tour guides depend on tips, so $10 to $20 of the price is appreciated.
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Places You Probably Don’t Have to Tip
Here’s a travel budget bonus: There are a number of countries you might visit that do not have a tipping custom. In fact, it may even be considered rude or insulting to leave a tip. So before you add a tip when paying with your travel credit card or plunking down cash, double-check local etiquette. Here, some pointers:
Australia
Tipping is not vital when Down Under. Compared to the U.S. and many other countries, Australia has a high minimum wage. That’s one of the reasons why tipping in the service industry is seen as optional.
China
If you are going to be exploring China, know that tipping is actually taboo there. And in some places like airports, it’s illegal because it can be seen as a bribe. Stay polite and safe by skipping the tip.
Japan
Heading to Tokyo, Kyoto, or other locations in Japan? Heads up: Tipping is not customary in Japan and is actually considered rude. Although it may feel odd, when wondering whether to tip or not to tip, just don’t do it. Save your money for more shopping or sushi. The one exception may be if you’ve hired a private guide or translator. In that situation, a small amount of cash, presented discretely, can be appropriate.
Scandinavia
Iceland and Scandinavia typically don’t expect you to tip. You might round up a restaurant tab if there isn’t already a service charge added, but these aren’t countries where a 20% gratuity is routine. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips either.
The Takeaway
Preparing for a trip often involves budgeting, and a key way to wind up on or under your budget is to anticipate what costs are coming your way. Tips are one of those incidentals it’s easy to forget about and can throw your financial planning for a loop. By understanding local tipping customs, you can have a smooth, on-budget trip wherever you may go. What’s more, you’ll know exactly what to expect so you can travel with confidence. You can know how much cash to have on hand or when to add a tip to a restaurant credit card bill
Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
Are tourists always expected to leave a tip?
It depends on where you’re staying. Countries in North and South America, Europe, and Africa typically have tipping customs, particularly at restaurants and resorts. But Asian and Pacific countries like Australia, Japan, and China often do not incorporate tipping into their cultures — and it can even seem impolite.
Who are you supposed to tip at the airport?
In many countries (with China being an exception), it’s polite to tip a baggage handler who carries your luggage to the check-in counter. Some, however, may be unable to accept tips, depending on their employer’s policies.
How much do you tip internationally?
How much to tip internationally varies tremendously. Research each country individually to understand tipping customs. While it’s traditional in many foreign countries, it’s also rude (and sometimes illegal) to tip in others.
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**Terms, and conditions apply: This SoFi member benefit is provided by Expedia, not by SoFi or its affiliates. SoFi may be compensated by the benefit provider. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions, please review the benefit provider's terms: Travel Services Terms & Conditions.
The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.
When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.
Eligibility: You must be a SoFi registered user.
You must agree to SoFi’s privacy consent agreement.
You must book the travel on SoFi’s Travel Portal reached directly through a link on the SoFi website or mobile application. Travel booked directly on Expedia's website or app, or any other site operated or powered by Expedia is not eligible.
You must pay using your SoFi Credit Card.
SoFi Member Rewards: All terms applicable to the use of SoFi Member Rewards apply. To learn more please see: https://www.sofi.com/rewards/ and Terms applicable to Member Rewards.
Additional Terms:
Changes to your bookings will affect the Rewards balance for the purchase.
Any canceled bookings or fraud will cause Rewards to be rescinded.
Rewards can be delayed by up to 7 business days after a transaction posts on Members’ SoFi Credit Card ledger.
SoFi reserves the right to withhold Rewards points for suspected fraud, misuse, or suspicious activities.
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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.
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
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