Pros & Cons of Charge Cards

Yes, they are usually similar rectangles of plastic, but charge cards and credit cards are actually very different financial products.

Charge cards, unlike credit cards, do not charge interest. Nor do they allow you to carry a balance over from one month to the following one.

In addition, charge cards often feature uncapped spending limits and considerable reward benefits to cardholders. However, it’s not all positive: They typically come with relatively high annual fees.

There are likely pros and cons of using a charge card vs. a credit or debit card. If you learn how each of these payment systems work, it can put you in a better position to decide which card you may want to use at various times and in different situations.

Key Points

•   Charge cards differ from credit cards by requiring full payment each month and not allowing interest charges, avoiding potential debt spirals.

•   These financial products often come with no preset spending limits, allowing for larger purchases, but they usually involve high annual fees.

•   Cardholders enjoy generous rewards, like points on purchases, especially for travel and dining, making charge cards appealing for frequent travelers.

•   Late payments can severely impact credit scores, and charge cards lack the flexibility of credit cards, which allow for minimum payments to avoid late fees.

•   Alternatives to charge and credit cards include saving in advance for purchases or using high-interest savings accounts to avoid annual fees and interest altogether.

What is a Charge Card?


A charge card is a branded payment card that can be used anywhere the brand is accepted for electronic payment.

Charge cards require a credit application for approval, and typically are only approved for borrowers with good to excellent credit.

Like a credit card, charge cards allow the cardholder to make purchases that can be paid for at a later date.

However, unlike a credit card, which allows the cardholder to carry a revolving balance by making minimum payments each month, charge card balances must be paid in full at the end of each statement cycle.

If you don’t pay the balance at that time, you may not only face hefty late fees (often considerably higher than those you’d see with a credit card).

However, this strict repayment requirement does come with some benefits.

For one thing, most charge cards don’t have a preset spending limit like credit cards do.

That doesn’t mean you can spend an unlimited amount, however. It means that the max amount you can spend changes, depending on your card usage, credit history, financial resources, and other factors.

These limitations can change frequently. You can find out what your spending limit is on the spot online, with a mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card.

Charge cards are also known for their generous rewards, including purchase points and/or credits for making a purchase, and sometimes offer double or triple points on dining and travel expenses.

The benefits of a charge card aren’t free, however. Although charge cards don’t charge interest on purchases, since they’re paid off in full at the end of each billing cycle, almost all charge cards do require an annual fee. These fees can range from $95 to $5,000 for a super-premium American Express Black Card.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Charge Card vs. Credit Card

Although charge cards and credit cards are similar, the differences between them can make one payment system more appealing than another, depending on your financial situation and spending habits.

Credit cards, like charge cards, allow purchases to be made today and paid for tomorrow — but in this case, “tomorrow” doesn’t necessarily have to mean the end of the billing cycle.

Credit cardholders are able to carry a balance from month to month, sometimes called a revolving balance, which allows the flexibility to pay when you’re able.

However, it’s important to note that credit card companies charge interest on these revolving balances — and the compound nature of that interest means that interest can also be assessed on the interest itself over time.

That’s one reason it’s so easy for credit card debt to spiral–and one reason being forced to pay the bill in full each month, as charge cardholders are, can be an attractive option for those working on their financial self-discipline.

That said, those who have the discipline to pay their credit card bill in full each month can avoid paying interest entirely, since credit card companies only charge interest on revolving balances.

If your credit card doesn’t assess an annual membership or maintenance fee, that means you can use the card to your heart’s delight and never pay a dime more than you spent on your purchases, provided you’re diligent about paying the statement off in full each and every time.

Both credit cards and charge cards often offer additional bonuses and benefits, such as cash-back rewards, points you can use towards purchases, concierge services, and statement credits.

The value of these kinds of rewards often scales with the annual membership fee in both credit and charge cards, so you’ll want to always be sure to read the fine print before signing any paperwork.

Recommended: Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards

Charge Card vs. Debit Card


Since a charge card isn’t an extension of long-term credit in the same way a credit card is, it might be tempting to compare it to a debit card. But there are significant differences between these two types of electronic payment systems too.

A debit card, unlike either a charge card or a credit card, is linked to a spending account with real money in it.

Therefore, in most cases, the cardholder can’t spend more than the amount they’ve put into that account. If they do, they may face pricey overdraft fees and have the difference taken out of the next deposit they make.

Debit cards, however, generally don’t involve interest charges or annual fees. They’re simply a shortcut for taking money out of a spending account.

Debit cards are also used to withdraw money from the ATM and can be used at certain point-of-sale terminals to get cash back when the cardholder needs actual dollars in hand.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

Pros and Cons of Charge Cards


Charge cards, like any other financial product, have both benefits and drawbacks.

While some consumers may enjoy having and using a charge card, others may feel the annual fee is not worth the benefits.

Pros of Charge Cards

•   Because they have to be paid in full each month, charge cards can help avoid a credit card debt spiral.

•   Charge cards have no preset spending cap, which may allow cardholders to make large purchases without having to worry about “maxing out” the card.

•   Charge cards don’t require paying interest (though high fees can be assessed for late payments).

•   Charge cards often offer generous rewards and benefits, such as purchase points, statement credits, and sometimes double or triple points on dining and travel (which can make them a good option for business travelers).

Cons of Charge Cards

•   Many charge cards carry high annual fees, while many fee-free credit and debit cards are available.

•   Charge cards are offered by a limited number of issuers, so there are typically far fewer to choose from than credit cards.

•   As with credit cards, late payments can ding your credit history. With charge cards, however, consistently late payments can be more detrimental to your credit than late credit card payments.

•   You have to pay the whole balance to avoid a late fee (with a credit card, you can typically pay the minimum payment to avoid the late fee).

Alternatives to Using Charge or Credit Cards

The buy-now-pay-later model of purchasing has its advantages, since you can have something in hand before you actually have the funds to cover the cost.

But if you’d rather avoid hefty annual fees and/or paying interest, another way to afford a significant purchase is to start saving ahead of time. You may also want to consider setting up a separate savings account earmarked for that particular savings goal.

For something major you’d like to buy within a couple of years, consider opening an account that offers higher interest than a traditional bank account, but will allow you to access your money when you need it. Good options include a savings account from an online vs. traditional bank, money market account, or a checking and savings account.

To make sure you stay on track with your savings goal, you may also want to set up automatic payments between your spending account and your savings account. For example, you could select a dollar amount (and it’s fine to start small) to be sent each month after your paycheck gets deposited.

The Takeaway

A charge card is a financial product that, like a credit card, allows the cardholder to make purchases now that they then pay for later.

However, unlike credit cards, charge cards don’t allow cardholders to carry a revolving monthly balance — all charges must be paid in full at the end of the billing cycle.

Charge cards also don’t carry preset spending caps (though there may still be some spending limits), and typically assess annual membership fees. But if you enjoy perks, travel frequently, and make the occasional high-ticket purchase, a charge card might be a good fit for you.

If you’d rather avoid annual fees and/or paying interest, you may want to simply save up for that next big purchase.

One way to make saving for a short-term goal a little easier is to sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings Account. SoFi Checking and Savings allows you to spend and save, all in one account. And you’ll pay zero account fees to do it.

Using SoFi Checking and Savings’s Vaults feature, you can separate your spending from your savings while still earning a competitive interest rate on all your money.

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



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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What Are Premium Checking Accounts?

What Is a Premium Checking Account?

Checking accounts are one of the hubs of most people’s financial lives, and there are many options available. If you’re curious about premium checking accounts, which typically offer many extra perks, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the pros of premium checking accounts, such as higher interest rates and ATM-fee reimbursements. You’ll also find out about the potential downsides, like the need to maintain a high balance. Read on for details, so you can decide if a premium checking account is right for you.

Key Points

•   Premium checking accounts offer benefits such as higher interest rates, waived fees, and dedicated customer service, appealing to those who maintain high balances.

•   These accounts usually require account holders to meet minimum balance requirements, often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, to avoid fees or earn interest.

•   Potential downsides include lower interest rates compared to savings accounts and tiered benefits that necessitate maintaining even higher balances for maximum rewards.

•   Many financial institutions allow customers to meet balance requirements across multiple accounts, facilitating easier qualification for premium checking accounts.

•   Evaluating whether a premium checking account aligns with individual financial goals is crucial, as alternatives like high-yield savings accounts may provide similar benefits without high balance demands.

What Does Premium Checking Mean?

What is a premium checking account? It’s a type of checking account in which account holders are rewarded for meeting high balance requirements or paying higher monthly fees. These rewards may include higher interest rates, fee-free ATMs, free checks, and more.

In some cases, a bank may offer you these perks if you open multiple types of accounts at the same institution — an example would be having both premium checking and savings accounts at a bank. Another common model for premium checking accounts is that the more you keep on deposit, the more incentives you may receive.

💡 Quick Tip: Feel ‘phew’ on payday — up to two days earlier! Sign up for an online bank account and set up direct deposit to get paid faster.

What Are the Benefits of a Premium Checking Account?

Those who qualify for a premium checking account may be rewarded with the following benefits:

•   Lower fees for other financial products within the same financial institution

•   Dedicated customer service

•   Higher APYs, or annual percentage yields

•   Free or low-cost wire transfers

•   ATM fee reimbursements

•   Free checks.

These can be attractive ways to encourage customer loyalty, as many financial institutions work to find new ways to enhance their clients’ experience.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


Pros and Cons of a Premium Bank Account

Opening a premium bank account might be valuable if you can take advantage of all the benefits offered. That being said, there are some downsides, too. Meeting certain requirements can make this type of account inaccessible to some. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and the downsides.

Pros

Here are the potential upsides of premium checking accounts:

•   Higher APYs: Premium checking accounts typically come with higher APYs compared to basic checking accounts (which may not accrue any interest at all). That enhanced interest rate means your money earns more money.

•   Waived or lowered fees: In most cases, premium checking accounts will waive fees such as those for out-of-network ATMs, money orders, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers. Depending on the bank and what other accounts you have with them, you may even get lowered or waived fees on exchange rates for ATM withdrawals outside the U.S.

•   Discounted rates on other financial products: It’ll depend on your relationship with the bank (and what other accounts you have in addition to a premium checking account), you could receive lower rates for personal loans or mortgages compared to other customers.

•   Higher transaction limits: You may be able to make larger daily ATM withdrawals, transfers, or debit card purchases.

Cons

Next, consider the possible downsides of a premium checking account:

•   Rates may not be as high as you think: Although you could receive a higher interest rate compared to other types of checking accounts, it may not be as high as what you could get with savings or money market accounts.

•   More stringent requirements: You’ll typically need to maintain a higher minimum balance in your account in order to avoid monthly maintenance fees or to earn interest. For instance, many banks require anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 or more in your premium checking account. The good news is that the balance requirements may be the total across all your accounts with the same financial institution.

•   Benefits may be tiered: While it varies from bank to bank, you may have to “level up” to an even higher minimum balance to access the best interest rates and other perks.

How Can I Qualify for a Premium Checking Account?

In most cases, all you need to do is to have a minimum amount on deposit in order to open a premium checking account. Some may even require you to open other financial products or allow you to meet the minimum deposit requirements across a number of qualifying accounts.

Some major banks, like Chase and Bank of America, will allow you to meet minimum deposit requirements across different accounts as long as they’re linked.

Recommended: How to Automate Your Personal Finances

Additional Features of a Premium Checking Account

You may want to consider whether having that much money in a checking account is a worthwhile move for you. Consider the following points:

•   Is earning interest a priority for you? If you’re after a checking account that earns a higher amount in interest, a premium checking account may be for you. Keep in mind though that if you may not earn as much as you think you will. For instance, if a bank currently offers a 0.04% APY, on a $50,000 balance, you’re only earning $20 per year or so (how often interest compounds will make somewhat of a difference).

•   How often do you use ATMs? Many premium checking accounts offer more ATM transactions and even waive fees for third-party ATM fees. For those who use ATMs frequently, especially out-of-network ATMs, this perk may not be worth it.

•   Do these perks sync up with your financial goals? Premium checking can be part of a deeper relationship with your bank (often called relationship banking) that offers holistic support for your finances. This includes benefits like discounted rates on other financial products — say, a home loan. If you’re willing to keep all your finances at one bank, a premium checking account might be a good fit and open other doors for you.

Are Premium Checking Accounts Worth It?

To decide if a premium checking account is right for you, consider these points:

•   It can be a smart idea to compare premium accounts to standard checking accounts. You may be able to get many of the same benefits, such as free checks or equivalent interest rates, without stashing as much cash as premium accounts require.

•   Getting a high-yield savings account could be a good option if you want to earn a higher interest rate but can’t meet the large minimum balance criteria required of premium checking accounts.

•   If you want to keep all your banking (including investments and loans, for instance) with the same financial institution and can maintain a high balance across your qualifying accounts, premium checking could be well worth it. This is especially true if you’ll use all the perks like free checks and ATM reimbursements.

By thinking about your financial goals and how you like to bank, you may decide that premium checking is the right move for you.

The Takeaway

Premium checking accounts can be a valuable option for some bank customers. If you can maintain the high balance and can use the rewards offered, it may be a good fit.

For others, a high-yield checking without the high minimum requirements might be a better option. It’s up to you to decide what fits your financial style best.

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


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

FAQ

Is a premium checking account worth it?

A premium checking account may be worth it depending on whether you can afford to meet the higher than usual minimum balance amount and whether you’ll be able to take advantage of all the perks. If you can, it may be a good fit.

What are the benefits of a premium bank account?

Some of the key benefits of a premium bank account is a higher interest rate, waived out-of-network ATM fees, discounted rates on loan products, and overdraft protection. Some may even offer free financial and investing advice.

What does a premium bank account mean?

A premium bank account is a type of account offering extra perks once you meet a minimum balance requirement.


Photo credit: iStock/Charday Penn

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Most Affordable Renters Insurance for Apartments

Most Affordable Renters Insurance for Apartments

Renters insurance can cover your personal belongings against things like fire damage or theft when renting a home. In exchange for that protection, you pay a premium to the insurance company.

Finding affordable renters insurance might be a priority if you’re living on a tight budget. Numerous companies offer affordable renters insurance for apartments that can provide you with the coverage you need for less money.

What Is Renters Insurance and How Does It Work?

What is renters insurance? Simply put, renters insurance is a type of coverage that’s designed for people who rent, rather than own, their homes. If you live in an apartment, the rental property owner may have separate insurance for the structure itself. Renters insurance, meanwhile, offers protection to you as a tenant.

This type of insurance is also referred to as tenant insurance. You’re typically not obligated to purchase a renters policy unless your landlord requires renters insurance as part of your lease agreement. If you live with roommates, each of you can individually decide if you want to have this coverage.

Personal insurance planning is important for protecting yourself financially. Having renters insurance is a good idea if you’re concerned about your personal possessions being damaged or stolen, or about other situations that could result in financial losses.

Recommended: What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

What’s Included in Renters Insurance Coverage?

If you’re paying for renters insurance, it’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not. What renters insurance covers varies depending on the insurer and your level of coverage. Generally, renters insurance is designed to offer three layers of protection:

•   Personal property

•   Liability

•   Additional expenses

The personal property coverage in a renters insurance policy is designed to protect your belongings against certain dangers. That can include things like wind damage, smoke or fire damage, vandalism, theft, explosions, and water damage relating to septic backups. You may need to purchase separate coverage for flood and earthquake damage.

Personal liability coverage protects you against lawsuits related to any injuries sustained on your property. So if you host a party at your apartment, for example, and someone trips and injures their ankle, your liability protection could pay for their medical bills.

Additional living expenses coverage can pay your costs if your apartment is damaged and becomes unlivable. Your policy can reimburse you for hotel expenses, meals, or temporary rentals until you can move back in.

Renters insurance can cover you at home and away. If you take personal belongings on a trip, for example, and they’re damaged by a covered danger, you can get reimbursed for them through your policy.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?

If you’re searching for affordable renters insurance for apartments, it’s important to understand the costs involved. But just how much is renters insurance?

There are two costs to consider: premiums and deductibles. Your renters insurance premium is the amount you pay to the insurance company, typically monthly, just for having coverage. Your premiums are based on the amount of coverage you have.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average renter pays $174 per year for renters insurance premiums. That works out to $14.50 per month. Costs can vary widely by state, with renters paying the most for coverage in Louisiana, averaging $409 per year, and the least in New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Maine, where premiums average $144 annually.

If you need to file a claim for damages, you’ll also pay a renters insurance deductible. That’s the amount you pay before the insurance company will pay anything toward your covered damages. In that sense, renters insurance is no different from auto insurance, health insurance, or homeowners insurance.

There are different types of deductibles, in terms of how much they cost. Opting for a higher deductible typically results in a lower monthly premium.

For example, you might find a renters insurance policy that charges a $500 deductible while another has a $1,000 deductible. The deductible you choose should be easily affordable on your budget if you need to file a claim.

Most Affordable Renters Insurance Policies

Some renters insurance policies are more budget-friendly than others. When evaluating affordability, it’s important to consider the premiums and deductibles, as well as the coverage you’re getting in return.

To help you in your search, we requested quotes from eight major insurers to find the most affordable renters policy. Companies were selected based on brand reputation, policy options, and ease of application.

Quotes are based on a townhome located in central Virginia with fire alarms, no pets or children, and no bicycles or valuable jewelry. All quotes assume a $500 deductible and the minimum coverage amounts recommended by the insurer. Quotes are accurate as of August 6, 2024.

Monthly Premium

Coverage Details

Allstate $18 $30,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$1,000 in medical payments coverage
Assurant $20.67 $30,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$1,000 in medical payments coverage
Geico $14.42 $30,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$3,000 for loss of use and medical payments to others
Lemonade $12.08 $30,0000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$19,000 for loss of use and medical payments to others
Liberty Mutual $13.75 $25,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$1,000 in medical payments coverage
Progressive $18.34 upfront,
then 10 payments
of $11.17
$30,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$1,000 in medical payments coverage
State Farm $12.58 $30,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$1,000 in medical payments coverage
Travelers $16.58 $30,000 in personal property coverage;
$100,000 in personal liability coverage;
$10,000 in loss of use and medical payments coverage

As you can see, none of these policies cost more than $30 per month. There is some variation in the coverage amounts for personal property, medical payments, and loss of use, but $100,000 is usually the baseline for personal liability coverage.

Remember that these are baseline quotes generated using a hypothetical scenario. Your actual quotes will depend on where you live, who lives with you, if you have pets, the type of home you live in, and the individual coverage amounts you choose. Your insurance company may also consider your credit score when calculating your premiums. Adding optional coverage can raise your premium costs.

How Do You Find Affordable Renters Insurance?

Finding affordable renters insurance for apartments means doing some comparison shopping. You generally have two options for purchasing renters insurance: traditional insurers and online insurance companies.

Purchasing renters insurance through a traditional insurance company can work in your favor if you’re able to bundle it with other insurance. For example, you might be able to bundle it with your auto insurance policy in order to get a discount. If you’re insured through a company locally, you might appreciate being able to stop by their office with questions or to make a policy change.

Getting renters insurance coverage through an online insurance company can also yield some benefits. It may be easier to apply for renters insurance and purchase a policy online. And the amount you pay for coverage might be less than with a traditional insurer.

When comparing your options for affordable renters insurance, ask yourself these questions:

•   How much coverage do I need?

•   What kind of premiums and deductibles will fit my budget?

•   How easy would it be to file a claim if necessary?

•   What kind of customer support is available?

•   Are there any discounts or other incentives that could save me money?

•   What is the insurer’s overall reputation?

Reading online reviews of renters insurance companies can give you a better idea of what people do and don’t like about them. You can also get free quotes online to estimate your total costs before purchasing a policy.

The Takeaway

If you’re renting an apartment and something unexpected happens, having the right renters insurance coverage in place can give you peace of mind. Policies typically have three parts: property coverage in case of damage or theft, liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property, and loss of use in case you need to find housing elsewhere while repairs are made to your rental. The national average premium for renters insurance is $174 annually.

Looking to protect your belongings? SoFi has partnered with Lemonade to offer renters insurance. Policies are easy to understand and apply for, with instant quotes available. Prices start at just $5 per month.

Explore renters insurance options offered through SoFi via Experian.


Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered trademark of Experian.
SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC. (“”SoFi””) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through the SoFi-Experian partnership.

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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How to Calculate Stock Profit

To calculate stock profit, it’s a relatively simple calculation that involves taking the original price you paid for the stock and subtracting it from the price at which you sold it. So, if you paid $50 per share and the stock is now worth $55, your profit would be $5 per share, minus applicable fees or commissions. If the stock price has dropped since you bought it, you would subtract the current price from the original price, to arrive at the amount of your loss.

Understanding the implications of those gains (or losses) in terms of dollar amounts as well as percentages — and what to do next — is another matter. In most cases you’ll owe taxes on your gains, and/or you can use losses to offset gains. But when and how is where investors need to pay attention.

Key Points

•   Calculating stock profit involves subtracting the purchase price from the selling price, resulting in either a gain or a loss based on market fluctuations.

•   Differentiating between realized and unrealized gains is crucial; only gains from sold stocks are considered realized and subject to taxes.

•   Investors can calculate percentage changes in stock value to compare performance, using the formula: ((Selling Price – Purchase Price) / Purchase Price) x 100.

•   Capital gains tax may apply to profits from sold stocks, with differing rates for short-term and long-term holdings based on the holding period.

•   Tax-loss harvesting allows investors to offset capital gains with losses, potentially reducing overall tax liability while adhering to specific rules like the wash-sale rule.

How Do You Calculate Stock Profit?

As noted, calculating stock profit involves a simple calculation to find the difference between the current share price and the price you initially purchased it – often called the “cost basis.”

Given the history of the stock market, and the constant price fluctuations of almost every stock, most investors should expect the price of the shares they buy to change over time. The question for investors, however, is whether the change is positive (a profit) or negative (a loss).

Realized Gains vs Unrealized Gains

Another question that’s critical for investors: Are those gains or losses realized or unrealized?

When a stock in your portfolio gains or loses value, but you hold onto it, that is considered an unrealized gain or loss. Your asset has appreciated in value, but you haven’t sold it to reap the benefits, or “realized” the gain. As such, you wouldn’t pay additional trading fees and you wouldn’t (yet) face any tax implications because you haven’t actually sold the shares.

If you sell the shares through an online brokerage account or other means, that’s when you realize (or take) the actual cash profit or loss in your account. At that point, trading fees and taxes would likely come into play.

Formula to Calculate Percentage Gain or Loss of Stocks

Calculating stock profit can be done as a dollar amount or as a percentage change. The same is true of losses. While knowing the dollar amount that you’ve gained or lost is relevant for long-term planning and tax purposes, calculating the percentage change will help investors gauge whether one stock had good return when compared with another.

Percentage change = (Price sold – Purchase price) / (Purchase price) x 100

The important thing to remember about this formula is to always keep the purchase price (cost basis) in the denominator. That way the percentage change in the shares is always divided by what an investor paid for them.

Calculating Stock Profit Example

Here’s a hypothetical example using the formula above, but incorporating the number of shares an investor may hold. This will give the total dollar profit as well as the percentage move.

1.    Let’s say an investor owns 100 shares of Stock A, which they bought at $20 a share for a total of $2,000.

2.    The investor sells all of their shares when the stock is trading at $23, for $2,300.

3.    Ignoring any potential investment fees, commissions, or taxes in this hypothetical example, the investor would see a gain of $3 per share or $300 in profit.

4.    What’s the percentage gain? ($23 – $20) / $20 = 0.15 x 100 = 15 or a 15% gain.

Calculating Stock Loss Example

Now let’s look at an example where Stock A declines.

1.    Here, an investor owns 100 shares of Stock B, which they bought at $20.

2.    This time, the investor sells all 100 shares at $18.

3.    This means, the investor has to subtract $18 from $20 to get a $2 loss per share.

4.    What’s the percentage loss? ($20 – $18) / $20 = 0.10 x 100 = 10, or a 10% loss.

As an investor, you can also compare your stock profit with the average historical stock return, that number has historically hovered around 9%.

And if you’re wondering about how to calculate stock profit when shorting stocks, note that that is a more complex investing strategy that requires a more careful and detailed understanding and calculation.

Calculating Percentage Change in Index Funds and Indices

Index funds are mutual funds that track a specific market index, which means they include the companies or securities in that index. An S&P 500 index fund mirrors the performance of the companies in the S&P 500 Index.

To calculate the percentage change of your shares in an index fund, you can approach it the same way you would when you calculate profit or loss from a stock.

You can also calculate the difference between the percentage change of the index itself, between the date you purchased shares of the related index fund and sold them. Here’s an example, using the S&P 500 Index.

Let’s say the index was at 4,500 when you bought shares of a related index fund, and at 4,650 when you sold your shares. The same formula applies:

4,650 – 4,500 / 4,650 = 0.032 x 100 equals a 3.2% gain in the index, and therefore the gain in your share price would be similar. But because you cannot invest in an index, only in funds that track the index, it’s important to calculate index fund returns separately.

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Importance of Calculating Stock Profit

Calculating stock profits (and losses) is important because it can help inform you of how successful your overall strategy has been. That can have a downstream effect in numerous areas:

•   Taxes owed

•   Your overall tax strategy (more on that below)

•   Your asset allocation

•   Your long-term financial picture

How Are You Taxed on Profit From a Stock?

To determine any tax liability resulting from a stock-trade profit, you would start by subtracting the cost basis from the total proceeds to calculate what you’ve earned from a sale. If the proceeds are greater than the cost basis, you’ve made a profit, also known as a capital gain. At this point, the government will take a slice of the pie — you’ll owe taxes on any capital gains you make.

Capital gains tax rates are the rates at which you’re taxed on the profit from selling your stock (in addition to other investments you may hold such as bonds and real estate). You are only taxed on a stock when you sell and realize a gain, and then you are taxed on net gain, which is the difference between your gains and losses.

You can deduct capital losses from your gains every year. So if some stocks sell for a profit, while others sell for an equal loss, your net gain could be zero, and you’ll owe no taxes on these stocks.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Capital Gains Tax

There are two types of capital gains tax that might apply to you: short-term and long-term investment capital gains tax. If you sell a stock you’ve held for less than a year for a profit, you realize a short-term capital gain.

If you sell a stock you’ve held for more than a year and profit on the sale, you realize a long-term capital gain. Short-term capital gain tax rates can be significantly higher than long-term rates. These rates are pegged to your tax bracket, and they are taxed as regular income.

So, if your income lands you in the highest tax bracket, you will likely pay a short-term capital gains rate equal to the highest income tax rate — which is higher than the highest long-term capital gains rate.

Long-term capital gains, on the other hand, are given preferential tax treatment. Depending on your income and your filing status, you could pay 0%, 15%, or a maximum of 20% on gains from investments you’ve held for more than a year.

Investors may choose to hold onto stocks for a year or more to take advantage of these preferential rates and avoid the higher taxes that may result from the buying and selling of stocks inside a year.

When Capital Gains Tax Doesn’t Apply

There are a few instances when you don’t have to pay capital gains tax on the profits you make from selling stock, namely inside of retirement accounts.

The government wants to incentivize people to save for retirement, so it encourages people to set up tax-advantaged retirement accounts, including 401(k)s and/or an individual retirement account, or IRA.

You fund tax-deferred accounts such as 401(k)s and traditional IRAs with pre-tax dollars, which may help lower your taxable income in the year you make a contribution. You can then buy and sell stocks inside the accounts without incurring any capital gains tax.

Tax-deferred accounts don’t allow you to avoid taxes entirely, however, when you make qualified withdrawals after age 59 ½, you are taxed at your regular income tax rate. Roth accounts, such as Roth IRAs function slightly differently. You don’t avoid taxes with these types of accounts, either, since you fund these accounts with after-tax dollars.

Then you can also buy and sell stocks inside a Roth account where any gains grow tax free. Once again, you won’t owe capital gains on profit you make inside the account. And in the case of a Roth, when you make withdrawals at age 59 ½ you won’t owe any income tax either.

Recommended: How to Open an IRA: A 5-Step Guide

Understanding Capital Losses

Though it seems counterintuitive, capital losses may help investors manage their tax liabilities, thanks to a strategy called tax-loss harvesting.

Capital losses can be used to offset gains from the sale of other stocks. Say you sold Stock A for a profit of $15 and Stock C from another company for a loss of $10. The resulting taxable amount is now $5, or $15 minus $10.

In some cases, total losses will be greater than total gains (i.e. a net capital loss). When this happens, you may be able to deduct excess capital losses against other income. If an investor has an overall net capital loss for the year, they can deduct up to $3,000 against other kinds of income — including ordinary and interest income.

The amount of losses you can deduct in a given year is limited to $3,000. However, additional losses can be rolled over and deducted on the following year’s taxes.

There are other limitations with claiming capital losses. The wash-sale rule, for example, prohibits claiming a full capital loss after selling securities at a loss and then buying “substantially identical” stocks within a 30-day period.

The rule essentially closes a loophole, preventing investors from selling a stock at a loss only to immediately buy the same security again, leaving their portfolio essentially unchanged while claiming a tax benefit.

Another way investors try to defer taxes is through automated tax-loss harvesting, or strategically taking some losses in order to offset taxable profits from another investment.

Other Income From Stocks

You may receive income from some stock holdings in the form of dividends, which are unrelated to the sale of the stock. A dividend is a distribution of a portion of a company’s profits to a certain class of its shareholders. Dividends may be issued in the form of cash or additional shares of stock.

While dividends represent profit from a stock, they are not capital gains and therefore fall into a different tax category. (Different types of investment income are taxed in different ways.) Dividends can be classified as either qualified or ordinary dividends, which are taxed at different rates. Ordinary dividends are taxed at regular income tax rates.

Qualified dividends that meet certain requirements are subject to the preferential capital gains tax rates. Taxpayers are responsible for identifying the type of dividends they receive and reporting that income on Form 1099-DIV.

Brokerage Fees or Commissions

Investors need to remember that there are brokerage account fees or commissions that you might have paid when you bought the stock. You may have overlooked these costs, but they do have an effect on your investment’s profitability and, depending on the amounts involved, these fees could make a profitable trade unprofitable.

Tally all the fees you paid and subtract that sum from your profit to find out what your net gain was. Note that your brokerage account may do these calculations for you, but you might want to know how to do them yourself to have a better understanding of how the process works.

Some brokerage firms offer zero commission trading, but they may be engaging in a practice called payment for order flow, where your orders are sent to third parties in order to be executed.

When to Consider Selling a Stock

There are a number of reasons investors may choose to sell their stocks, especially when they may generate a positive return. First, they may need the money to meet a personal goal, like making a down payment on a home or buying a new car. Investors with retirement accounts may start to liquidate assets in their accounts once they retire and need to make withdrawals.

Investors may also choose to sell stocks that have appreciated considerably. Stocks that have made significant gains can shift the asset allocation inside an investor’s portfolio. The investor may want to sell stocks and buy other investments to rebalance the portfolio, bringing it back in line with their goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

This strategy may give investors the opportunity to sell high and buy low, using appreciated stock to buy new, potentially cheaper, investments. That said, investors might want to avoid trying to time the market, buying and selling based on an attempt to predict future price movements. It’s hard to know what the market or any given stock will do in the future.

Sometimes investors may decide that buying a certain stock was a mistake. It may not be the right match for their goals or risk tolerance, for example. In this case, they may decide to sell it, even if it means incurring a loss.

The Takeaway

Assuming a stock’s price is higher when you sell it versus when you bought it, learning how to calculate stock profit is pretty easy. You simply subtract the original purchase price from the price at which you sold it. (If the selling price is lower than the purchase price, of course, you’d see a loss.)

It’s important to calculate stock profits and losses because it can impact your taxes. If you realize a gain, you may owe capital gains tax; if you realize a loss, you may be able to use the loss to offset your gains. Of course, if you’re trading stocks within an IRA, Roth IRA, or 401(k), you avoid any tax consequences.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

Why is it important to calculate stock profit?

Investing in stocks comes with a certain amount of risk. It may help you to know what your gains and losses are so that you can gauge the winners and losers in your portfolio. Calculating stock profit also helps with tax planning and portfolio rebalancing.

How can you calculate stock profit?

Calculating the dollar amount is relatively simple (you subtract the final selling price from the original purchase price, or vice versa). The formula for determining the percentage change is also straightforward:

(Price sold – Purchase price) / (Purchase price) x 100 = Percentage change

What is an example of calculating stock profit?

An investor owns 100 shares of Stock X, which they bought at $50 a share for a total of $5,000. The price rises to $55, a gain of $5, and the investor sells all their shares for a $500 profit ($5,500 total), excluding commissions, taxes, fees.

What’s the percentage gain? ($55 – $50) / $50 = 0.10 x 100 = 10 or a 10% gain.


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.

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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scale

Overweight Stock, Explained

When a financial analyst rates a stock as overweight, it means that the analyst believes an overweight stock will likely outperform other stocks in its industry over the next six to 12 months. Conversely, if they describe a stock as underweight, they believe that it will perform poorly in the future.

It may be helpful to think of these terms as pointers: as if an industry specialist were saying, “You might want to overweight Stock X in your portfolio” or “maybe you should under-weight Stock Y.” These ratings are typically the result of factors in the news or pertaining to a specific company’s prospects. But the terms “overweight” and “underweight” also refer to a stock’s weighting in a relevant index or benchmark.

Key Points

•   An overweight stock rating indicates that analysts expect the stock to outperform its industry peers within the next six to twelve months.

•   The terms overweight and underweight also refer to a stock’s proportion in an investment portfolio, guiding investors on how much to hold.

•   Different market indexes apply unique weighting systems, influencing how stocks are rated as overweight or underweight based on market capitalization or stock price.

•   Investors should be cautious, as an overweight stock may not always lead to significant gains and could lead to portfolio imbalance if not managed properly.

•   The context of both the market and individual portfolios is crucial when interpreting overweight ratings, emphasizing the need for careful investment decisions.

What Is an Overweight Stock?

As noted, an overweight stock is one that analysts believe will outperform others in its sector or market segment in the near future. Similarly, overweight stock is a moniker that may also describe a specific security’s weighting in a portfolio, and one that analysts think investors should buy more of – so, its meaning can be contextual in certain situations.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

Types of Ratings and Where They Came From

To understand stock ratings related to weight, it’s important to know that market indexes assign a weight to the investments they track to be sure that the index accurately reflects the performance of that market sector.

For example, the S&P 500® tracks 500 large-cap U.S. companies. The companies in the index — called the constituents — are weighted by market capitalization. A company’s market cap is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares.

Companies in that index are weighted based on the proportion of the overall index their market cap represents. Other indexes may use a different weighting system. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for example, tracks 30 blue chip companies and weights them based on stock price. Companies with a higher share price are given more weight than those with lower prices.

Because of these different weighting systems, it’s important to understand that an overweight to a particular stock with regards to one index may not be the same when it comes to another.

Overweight Stocks

When an analyst rates Stock X as overweight, it’s generally a positive sign. First, they believe Stock X is likely to outperform its benchmark index, or even the market as a whole, depending on market conditions, so investors should consider holding more of the stock.

Bear in mind that an “overweight stock” rating doesn’t necessarily mean that stock is a juggernaut. In a down market, being overweight could simply mean the company might not lose as much ground as its peers, or it might grow less slowly than its peers.

Underweight Stocks

When an analyst rates Stock Y as underweight, the analyst believes that Stock Y is likely to underperform its benchmark, and investors should consider holding less of this stock.

Equal Weight Stocks

When an analyst gives an equal weight rating to a stock, that simply means it’s in line with the overall benchmark. Again, when considering these ratings it’s important to keep in mind the overall context of the market, and what these ratings mean to analysts.

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Example of an Overweight Stock

A very simple example of an overweight stock could be when a stock, Stock X, is selling for $50, but experts and analysts think it’s undervalued and should trade for $75, it could be overweight.

Further, an overweight stock rating can be taken in two ways: First, that the stock will outperform its benchmark index and second that investors may want to take advantage of the increase in price.

When an analyst indicates their belief that a stock will appreciate, they may also state a potential time frame and price target for the stock. So, if Stock X is trading at $75 per share, and the company releases new earnings data that’s positive, an analyst might rate the stock as overweight, with a price target of $100 per share in the coming year.

💡 Quick Tip: Investment fees are assessed in different ways, including trading costs, account management fees, and possibly broker commissions. When you set up an investment account, be sure to get the exact breakdown of your “all-in costs” so you know what you’re paying.

The Downside of Weighting Stocks

One critique of this rating system is that no analyst, of course, can recommend how many shares investors should buy. It’s simply not possible for analysts to know whether Investor A’s portfolio might benefit from an additional 100 shares of Stock X, while Investor B might want to buy 1,000 shares of Stock X.

As a result, it’s incumbent on individual investor’s themselves to keep an eye on how relevant an overweight stock rating might be for their specific allocation. Buying more of Stock X could, in theory, create an imbalance and reduce a portfolio’s overall diversification. So while an overweight stock might be a good thing, an overweight portfolio usually is not.

How Can Investors Interpret Overweight Stocks?

At first glance, the terms overweight and underweight may seem more or less synonymous with “buy” and “sell” — in that case, why don’t analysts use these more straightforward terms?

In fact, the terms overweight and underweight do have a slightly different connotation than simply to buy or sell a security. Rather, the terms suggest a recommendation that a portfolio hold more or less of a particular position than an index or other benchmarks would suggest.

It may mean acquiring more, or selling some, of a particular investment. But it wouldn’t necessarily mean buying something new or selling all of a position. For example, if your portfolio has an allocation to tech stocks, and an analyst recommends overweighting one of those stocks, you may want to buy more of that company. Or you may not need more growth in your tech holdings, so you might look for an overweight stock.

Also, analysts aren’t always comfortable giving specific directions to buy or sell certain securities. The terms overweight and underweight are more like offering guidance: “Here’s what I think of Stock X or Stock Y. I’ll let the investor take it from here.”

In many cases an overweight or underweight recommendation might not be very useful for investors. For example, if an analyst recommends an overweight to a certain commodity but an investor’s portfolio doesn’t hold any commodities, this information may not have much bearing on their situation.

Can a Portfolio Be Considered Overweight?

Overweight can refer to a portfolio that holds more of a stock or other investments than it theoretically should. For individual investors, this might mean that more of a portfolio is allocated to stock than the investor intended.

For example, say an investor has a portfolio allocation in which 70% of its allocation is held in stock and 30% is held in bonds. If the stock market goes up, the proportion of the portfolio held in stock may grow beyond the 70% mark. At that point, the portfolio may be described as overweight in stocks, and an investor may want to rebalance to bring it in line with their initial allocation plan.

It may come as no surprise that the opposite of an overweight allocation is an underweight allocation. For example, if the stock allocation in the portfolio above fell below 70%, that allocation could be described as underweight in stocks.

The term can also apply in a narrower sense. For example, a stock portfolio could hold too much stock in one company, sector, or geographical region. In each case the holding could be described as overweight.

Professional fund managers may also use overweight to describe portfolios they work with that are off track with their index, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and index funds. From time to time, a fund may get out of line with its benchmark index by holding more or less of an investment that index tracks.

For example, say an index fund is built to track the S&P 500. To track the index, fund managers will usually attempt to hold every stock in the index. Additionally, they will try to match the proportion of each individual company their fund holds to the index as well. So if stock A represents 5% of the original index, the fund will also hold 5% of stock A.

Some funds have a little bit of wiggle room in terms of how far they can stray from the index. Some might be allowed to hold more or less stocks if they think the stocks will outperform or underperform. When they hold more than the index, the managers are taking an overweight position. And when they hold less than the index, the managers are taking an underweight position.

The Takeaway

Overweight stocks are those that may be undervalued by the market. When an analyst gives a stock an overweight rating, broadly speaking it could be a good thing. If the analyst is correct, and the stock is indeed poised to perform better than its benchmark — maybe even better than the market as a whole — investors may want to buy that stock.

But the necessary caveat is that it all depends on context — the context of the market, and the context of an investor’s portfolio overall. You don’t want to buy a stock that could throw your allocation off, and make your portfolio overweight in a way that’s not ideal.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

Is overweight stock good?

An overweight stock can be good for investors looking for a relative deal, but it may not be a good thing if the investor already owns shares of the stock.

What is the difference between overweight and outperform stocks?

Outperform stocks and overweight stocks are similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably. But generally, “outperform” may describe a stock that’s undervalued or expected to offer solid returns in the future, but perhaps perform not quite as well as an “overweight” stock.

What is the difference between buy and overweight?

On an analysts’ rating system, “buy” and “overweight” stocks are rated differently, with “buy” being a higher rating – though both ratings are positive.


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.

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.

SOIN0124033

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