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In most cases, people make one credit card payment per month, often on the day it is due, but with the 15/3 credit card payment method, you make two payments each statement period. This is a strategy to help lower your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total available credit that you’re using at any one time and a big factor in determining your credit score.

Typically, with the 15/3 credit card method, you pay half of your credit card statement balance 15 days before the due date, and then make another payment three days before the due date on your statement. Learn more about this technique here.

What Is the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Method?

With the 15/3 rule for credit cards, instead of making one payment each month on or near the credit card payment due date, you make two payments every month. You make the first payment about 15 days before your statement date (about halfway through the statement cycle), and the second payment three days before your credit card statement is actually due.

How Does the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Work?

The way credit cards work in most cases is that you make purchases throughout the month. At the end of your statement period (usually about a month), the credit card company sends you a statement with all of your charges and your total statement balance. In an ideal situation, you’d then send a check or electronic payment to your credit card company, paying off the total amount due.

As an example, say you have a credit card with a $5,000 credit limit, and you regularly make about $3,000 in purchases each month. In a typical situation, you might make an electronic payment for $3,000 to the credit card company at the end of the statement period. But just before your payment clears, you’d have a 60% utilization ratio ($3,000 divided by $5,000), which is quite high.

If you use the 15 and 3 credit card payment method, you would make one payment (for around $1,500) 15 days before your statement is due. Then, three days before your due date, you would make an additional payment to pay off the remaining $1,500 in purchases. Making credit card payments bimonthly means that your credit utilization ratio never goes over 30%, which is the percentage generally recommended.

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Why the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Method Works

When you’re using a credit card, your credit utilization ratio is constantly fluctuating as you make additional charges and/or payments to your account. The way that the 15/3 credit card payment trick works is by making one additional payment each month. That additional payment can help lower your credit utilization ratio throughout the month, which can be beneficial to your credit score.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card?

Reduced Credit Card Utilization Through the 15/3 Method

Even if you regularly pay your credit card balance in full each and every month, you may still be carrying a balance throughout the month as you make charges. Because your credit utilization is calculated throughout the month, if you rack up a large balance from purchases you make, your credit score may be affected — even if you pay off your credit card bill in full at the end of the month.

When Does the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Method Work?

While there’s no harm in making two payments each month, most people who are already paying their credit card balances in full each month aren’t unlikely to see a significant benefit. One scenario where the 15/3 credit card method might make sense, however, is if you have a relatively low credit limit relative to your overall monthly spending. If you regularly approach or hit your credit limit in the middle of the month, making a payment in the middle of the month can have a relatively big impact on your credit utilization ratio and thus your credit score.

Another possible reason to pay on a bimonthly basis instead of only once a month is if you have outstanding credit card debt that you’re working to pay down. If you make only the credit card minimum payment, you’ll end up paying a large amount of interest before you pay off your balance. By paying every two weeks instead, you end up making additional payments, which can help lower the total amount of interest that you have to pay before your balance is completely paid off.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Pros and Cons of Using the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Method

While there are certainly upsides to taking advantage of the 15/3 credit card payment method, there are possible downsides to consider as well:

Pros	Cons
Can help reduce your overall credit utilization	Paying bimonthly may be harder to keep track of
Useful if need to build your credit score to be as high as possible because you’re applying for a mortgage or other loan	May not provide much benefit in most scenarios
Can help you to pay down debt faster	Can stretch finances if your income is irregular

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest on a Credit Card

Using the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Method: What to Know

Should you use the 15/3 credit card payment method? Like most financial advice, it depends on your specific financial situation.

In most cases, the 15/3 rule for credit cards won’t provide a ton of benefit and may not be worth the extra organizational and logistical headache. However, it may make sense if you’re paying off existing debt, have a low overall credit limit, or need to build or maintain your credit score up for a specific period of time (like when you’re applying for a mortgage).

The Takeaway

The 15/3 credit card payment rule is a strategy that involves making two payments each month to your credit card company. You make one payment 15 days before your statement is due and another payment three days before the due date. By doing this, you can lower your overall credit utilization ratio, which can raise your credit score.

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

What is the 15/3 rule in credit?

Most people usually make one payment each month, when their statement is due. With the 15/3 credit card rule, you instead make two payments. The first payment comes 15 days before the statement’s due date, and you make the second payment three days before your credit card due date.

How do you do the 15/3 payment?

When you do the 15/3 credit card payment hack, you simply make an additional payment to your credit card issuer each month. Instead of only paying at the end of the statement, you make one payment about halfway through your statement (15 days before it’s due) and a second payment right before the due date (three days before it’s due).

Does the 15/3 payment method work?

The 15/3 method may be used to help build a credit score. In most cases, you won’t see a ton of impact from using it. Your credit utilization ratio is only one factor that makes up your credit score, and making multiple payments each month is unlikely to make a big difference. One scenario where it might have an impact is if you have a relatively low overall credit limit compared to the amount of purchases you make each month.

Does it hurt credit to make multiple payments a month?

While most people won’t see a major benefit from using the 15/3 payment method to make multiple payments a month, it won’t hurt either. There isn’t a downside to making multiple payments other than making sure you have the money in your bank account for the payment and can handle the logistics of organizing multiple payments.

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Photo credit: iStock/Vladimir Sukhachev

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

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

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You’ve found it: your dream home. And it’s dreamy enough that you’ve put in an offer. But then the appraiser comes back with its report — and the figure is substantially lower than the agreed-upon sales price. This difference is what’s known as an appraisal gap.

An appraisal gap can certainly be a major inconvenience in the homebuying process — but fortunately, there are options, including renegotiating with the seller or walking away from the sale entirely. Below, we’ll outline everything you need to know about appraisal gaps, including ways to deal with them.

Why Would an Appraisal Gap Occur?

An appraisal gap happens when the appraised value of the home you intend to buy is lower than the agreed-upon purchase price.

It’s possible that you’re in a hot real estate market, and buyers competing for homes are engaging in bidding wars that push up home prices beyond their material value. Even if you weren’t engaged in a bidding war yourself, the seller’s price might reflect a rapid rise in local market prices.

Or maybe the seller simply overestimated when setting their asking price. While a seller’s market increases the chances of an appraisal gap, sometimes they just happen — no matter what’s going on in the real estate market in your area. The property valuation the seller used to price the house may simply be different from the appraiser’s estimate.

Impact of Appraisal Gaps

Obviously, spending more on a home than it’s worth has a variety of consequences, both on the buyer’s finances and on the home purchase process itself. Here’s a closer look.

Effects on Home Purchase

If you’re like most Americans — and especially first-time homebuyers — chances are you’re planning to use a mortgage loan to purchase your home. But lenders don’t typically approve mortgages for more than the home’s fair market value. (In fact, it was probably your lender that required the home appraisal that showed the appraisal gap in the first place, for precisely this reason.)

Obviously, this means an appraisal gap could cause trouble for those trying to qualify for a mortgage by lowering the amount the bank is willing to lend and increasing the amount of cash the buyer needs on hand to successfully make the purchase.

Even if you could successfully take out a loan for more than the home’s appraised value, you’d be starting your purchase with negative equity, which would substantially lengthen the time frame it would take to start building wealth in your home.

Financial Implications

Along with hitches in the homebuying process, an appraisal gap could have substantial financial implications, too. For example, you may need to dig up additional cash in order to cover the gap — or crack your knuckles and head back to the table to renegotiate with the seller.

In some circumstances, an appraisal gap might even cause you to walk away from the deal entirely — potentially leaving your earnest money (typically 1% to 2% of the purchase price) on the table. The specifics depend on the wording in your purchase contract, which we’ll come back to in just a minute.

What to Do if an Appraisal Gap Occurs

If you’re facing an appraisal gap, there are a few different ways to resolve it.

Renegotiate with the Seller

So long as you’re not contractually bound to cover an appraisal gap by an appraisal gap coverage clause in your contract, you may be able to renegotiate a new purchase price with the seller — one that lines up better with the home’s appraised value.

Cover the Gap Yourself

Perhaps the most straightforward way to resolve an appraisal gap is to simply pony up. Of course, this “simple” fix isn’t necessarily easy for every buyer, given that appraisal gaps can be on the order of tens of thousands of dollars — on top of all the other expenses that come up at the closing table. If you take this route, you might start by asking the seller to meet you in the middle, with each of you covering half the amount.

Dispute the Appraisal

It may be a hassle — and it may not result in any changes — but you could also ask your lender for a review of the appraisal to ensure the value was correctly calculated. You can make a reconsideration of value (ROV) request with your lender. An ROV lets you explain more about why you think the home is worth more than the original appraisal states, including any additional or updated information. You might even get a new appraisal done if your lender will allow it, but it would likely be an additional expense out of your pocket. If you had an appraisal waiver the first time (in which an automated tool is used to estimate the home’s value) you might request an in-person appraisal. But be warned that a second appraisal could return a home value that is higher or lower than your first appraisal.

Cancel the Contract

Finally, of course, if the appraisal gap is simply too much to bear, you can always walk away. Be forewarned, however: If you cancel without an appraisal gap contingency in your contract, you may lose the earnest money you’ve put on the table.

Preventing Appraisal Gaps

Which of the above options are available to you will depend, again, on your purchase contract, which may have an appraisal gap contingency or appraisal gap coverage clause written into it.

•   An appraisal gap contingency is a section of the purchase agreement that gives the buyer the right to walk away from the deal if an appraisal gap occurs, without losing the earnest money.

•   An appraisal gap coverage clause, on the other hand, states that the buyer is responsible for covering an appraisal gap. But it can also be used to cap how much of an appraisal gap you’re willing to cover as the buyer. For instance, it may say that you agree to cover an appraisal gap of up to $20,000 — but if the difference climbs beyond that, you have the right to walk away without financial penalty.

Writing in an appraisal gap coverage clause can be a useful tool in a seller’s market, when you’re bidding against other would-be purchasers. It can help ensure you don’t spend more than you can afford. On the other hand, if you’re unwilling to foot the bill of any appraisal gap whatsoever — even if it makes you a slightly less competitive buyer — consider adding an appraisal gap contingency to your contract.

The Takeaway

An appraisal gap — the difference between the appraised value of the home you’d like to buy and the agreed-upon purchase price — can be a fly in the home-purchase ointment. But not everything is lost, particularly if you have your purchase contract written in a way that circumvents the problem in the first place. If necessary, prepare to negotiate and possibly spend more out of pocket to complete your home purchase.

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

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

Who is responsible for covering an appraisal gap?

It depends. If there’s an appraisal gap coverage clause in the purchase contract, the buyer is likely responsible for covering an appraisal gap — though only up to specified limits. (Appraisal gap coverage clauses are common in competitive markets, where sellers have more leverage.) However, if your contract includes an appraisal gap contingency, you may be able to take the seller back to the table and renegotiate a lower purchase price — or walk away from the sale entirely.

Can a low appraisal be challenged or appealed?

Yes. If you think the home has been valued at a lower price than is accurate, you can put in what’s called a reconsideration of value (ROV) request with your lender. An ROV gives you the opportunity to explain more about why you think the home is worth more than the original appraisal states, including any additional or updated information. However, it’s no guarantee that the appraisal gap will close 100% — or at all.

How common are appraisal gaps in the home-buying process?

Appraisal gaps don’t happen in the majority of sales — but they’re not uncommon, either. It’s somewhat more likely that an appraisal gap will happen in a hot real estate market, when multiple bids from prospective buyers could push the purchase price up beyond the home’s fair market value.

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Photo credit: iStock/andresr

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

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

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

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 article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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If you’re planning to sell an investment property or your own home this year, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact capital gains tax could have on your bottom line. Otherwise, you could end up with less money than you thought to put toward your next real estate purchase or another financial goal.

Fortunately, there are strategies that can enable sellers to avoid capital gains tax on real estate, either by legally deferring or avoiding paying taxes altogether on their real estate gains. Read on for some basic info on how the capital gains tax works and how you might be able to minimize the tax burden after a successful sale.

Understanding Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate

Selling a piece of real estate for more than you paid is usually something to celebrate — but don’t party too hard just yet. If the value of the property has increased substantially, you may have to make a hefty payment to the IRS to cover the capital gains tax on your profit.

The amount you might be taxed on your sale can depend on a few different details, including how long you owned the property, if it was your primary residence when you sold it, how much you made on the sale, and your household income that year. Here are some factors to consider:

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

The length of time you owned the property before selling it will determine whether your profit is a short-term or long-term capital gain. That could make a significant difference in how, and how much, it’s taxed — as well as in how to avoid capital gains tax on real estate sales.

•   If you sell the property after owning it for only a year or less, for example, the profit is considered a short-term capital gain, and you’ll be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate for the year you made the sale.

•   If you sell after holding the property for more than a year, on the other hand, the profit is considered a long-term capital gain, which makes it subject to preferential capital gains tax rates.

Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates

Whether you’re selling your primary residence or an appreciated investment property, the tax rate (0%, 15%, or 20%) that applies to your long-term capital gain will be based on your taxable income and filing status that year. Here’s what the rates look like for 2024:

Filing Status	0%	15%	20%
Single	Taxable income up to $47,025	$47,026 to $518,000	Over $518,000
Head of Household	Taxable income up to $63,000	$63,001 to $551,350	Over $551,350
Married Filing Jointly/ Surviving Spouse	Taxable income up to $94,050	$94,051 to $583,750	Over $583,750
Married Filing Separately	Taxable income up to $47,025	$47,026 to $291,850	Over $291,850

Potential Exemptions

Before you start calculating (and stressing out about) what you might owe, however, it’s important to note there are exemptions that might help you reduce or even avoid paying taxes on your capital gains. These include the “home sale exclusion,” which can be used by homeowners who are selling their primary residence, and the “1031 exchange,” which allows investors to defer the taxes on a real estate sale by reinvesting their profit into a similar property. Here’s a look at how each strategy might benefit you, depending on your specific circumstances.

Deferring Capital Gains Tax with a 1031 Exchange

A 1031 exchange (named for Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code) allows those who invest in real estate to defer the tax obligation on a property they’ve sold by using the proceeds to replace it with a similar, or “like-kind,” property. This is how it works:

Qualifying for a 1031 Exchange

The property used as a replacement in a 1031 exchange must meet three basic requirements:

•   It must be a long-term investment. The property can’t be a quick “flip.” And it can’t be your personal home.

•   It must generate income while you own it through rental or some other use. You can’t buy the property and just hold onto it with a plan to sell it later.

•   It must be of the same “character and class” as the property it’s replacing. The replacement property doesn’t necessarily have to be used for the same purpose as the one that’s been sold, though. As long as both properties are used as investment properties that earn income, they generally can qualify as a like-kind exchange.

Deadlines and Rules

You can make a direct swap with another property owner to complete a like-kind exchange — if you can find the right property for your purposes. More often, though, sellers use a qualified intermediary (QI) to facilitate a “delayed” exchange. With this type of transaction, proceeds from the sale of your original property go directly to the QI to hold in escrow, and you must find and purchase a replacement property within a preset timeline following two main deadlines:

•   The 45-Day Rule: Within 45 days of closing on the original property, you must designate a replacement property — or properties — in writing to the QI; and

•   The 180-Day Rule: You must close on the new property within 180 days of selling the original property.

These two periods run concurrently, so you may want to find a real estate agent who can help you locate a new property before you complete the sale of the old one. Make sure you’re familiar with how to get a mortgage loan and the different types of mortgage loans before you begin the process of closing on the original property, and line up a home mortgage loan for the new property, should you need one.

Reverse Exchanges

You also may choose to do a reverse exchange, using those same 45- and 180-day deadlines, and still qualify for the 1031 tax deferral. In this case, you would transfer a qualifying replacement property to an intermediary, identify a property you already own that you want to sell, and complete the sale within 180 days of closing on the new property.

Reporting a 1031 Exchange to the IRS

You must notify the IRS of the 1031 exchange by submitting Form 8824 with your tax return for the year the exchange took place. It’s important to hold on to financial documents and keep good records, including descriptions of the properties involved, closing dates, and other details of the transaction. (Because this can be a complicated process to complete and report, you may want to consult with a tax professional before proceeding.)

Recommended: Investment Property Mortgage Rates

Saving on Taxes with the Home Sale Exclusion

Investors aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a tax break when selling a property for a profit. A tax provision known as the Section 121 Exclusion, or “home sale exclusion” allows homeowners who meet specific requirements to exclude up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) of capital gains from the sale of their primary residence. Here are some basics that can help you determine if you qualify.

Ownership and Use Tests

To use the home sale exclusion, you typically must meet these requirements:

•   You must have owned and used the home as your primary residence for at least two of the five years leading up to the date of the sale. The two years don’t have to be consecutive.

•   The home must qualify as your primary residence. For example, it should be the address used on state and federal IDs, voter registration, filing taxes, and utility bills. And you can only claim this exclusion once every two years.

Calculating the Taxable Gain

Here’s an example of how the home sale exclusion might work. Let’s say, Joe, who is single, buys a house for $200,000 and sells it three years later for $500,000. His profit is $300,000; but after applying his $250,000 exclusion, Joe would pay capital gains tax on only $50,000 of the profit.

Depending on what Joe’s taxable income is in the year he makes the sale, he could pay a capital gains tax rate of 0%, 15%, or 20% on this reduced amount.

Other Strategies to Minimize Capital Gains Tax

The 1031 exchange and home sale exclusion are two popular methods for minimizing the tax on real estate capital gains. But there are other strategies you may also want to consider to reduce the tax blow to your bottom line.

Installment Sales

If you make a large profit on your property sale and want to spread out your capital gains tax liability over a period of several years, you may want to look at the benefits of receiving installment payments from the buyer instead of a lump sum. With this method, you would pay capital gains tax only on the portion of the gain you receive each year until the property is paid off.

Let’s say you’re an older couple hoping to sell your home and downsize to a less expensive home purchase or a rental in retirement. Or maybe you’re a young couple planning to sell your home in a high-priced city in order to move to a less expensive location so one of you can stop working and stay home with the kids. An installment sale would allow you to reduce your upfront tax burden and could provide a reliable income stream when you make this big life change.

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax-loss harvesting is another popular option for reducing long-term capital gains. Here’s an example of how it might work:

Let’s say you made a big profit on a real estate deal, but you also suffered a large loss on a long-term investment held in a taxable investment account. You may be able to use (or “harvest”) that loss to offset some of the gains from your successful property sale. Or, if you have long-term investments that aren’t doing as well as you’d like, you might choose to sell them for less than you paid and use the loss to help offset your taxable gain.

If it turns out your loss is more than your gains, you also may be able to reduce your ordinary income by up to $3,000 in that tax year. And you can carry forward any remaining loss — up to $3,000 per year — to future tax years.)

Charitable Donations of Real Estate

If your list of financial goals includes charitable giving, donating real estate directly to a qualifying charitable organization — instead of selling it, paying capital gains tax, and then donating the profits — could help you maximize the amount of your gift. You also may be able to claim a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property during the tax year when the gift was made, which could significantly reduce your tax burden. With this strategy, both you and your favorite charity could benefit.

Recommended: Real Estate Listing Terms Decoded

Planning for Capital Gains Tax in Real Estate Investing

Navigating capital gains tax in real estate can be complex, which means planning is a must. Here are a few things to keep in mind whether you’re hoping to sell a property (or properties) this year or in the future.

Record-Keeping and Cost Basis

One of the best ways to reduce your capital gains tax is to make the most of all the reductions the IRS allows. But you’ll have to back up any costs you claim. So holding on to financial documents you receive while you own the property is imperative — including the original closing documents from your purchase, receipts from any major improvements you made, the real estate purchase contract and the closing documents from the sale. As a general rule, it’s smart to track home-improvement costs for any materials and labor that increase the value of the property (in other words, not general upkeep expenses).

This information will help you determine your property’s cost basis (or adjusted cost basis if you made major improvements), which is the value that will be assigned to your home or real estate investment for tax purposes.

Seeking Professional Advice

Another way to make sure you’re getting every tax break you can when you sell your property is to work with a financial professional who’s experienced in real estate taxation. This could help you keep more of your money after the sale and avoid making a misstep that could lead to an expensive IRS penalty.

The Takeaway

Understanding how to avoid capital gains on real estate, and doing some proactive planning, could make a big difference to the bottom line of a successful property sale. And the more money you can keep in your own pocket, the more you’ll have to put toward your other financial goals — including buying your next home or investment property.

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

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ>

What qualifies as a like-kind property for a 1031 exchange?

A “like-kind” exchange doesn’t mean the old and new properties have to be exactly the same size or in the same neighborhood. But the net market value and equity of the replacement property must be the same as, or greater than, the property that’s been sold — and it must be in the U.S. The properties also should have a similar purpose (selling one rental property and acquiring another, for example).

Are there any time limits for 1031 exchanges?

Yes, there are two main deadlines you’re required to meet to successfully complete a 1031 exchange. First, within 45 days of closing on the original property, you must designate at least one replacement property in writing to a qualified intermediary. Next, you must close on the replacement property within 180 days of selling on the original property. These two time periods run concurrently.

Can you use a 1031 exchange for a primary residence?

A primary residence typically doesn’t qualify for a 1031 exchange. The properties involved must be used as an investment or for business.

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Photo credit: iStock/gorodenkoff

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

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

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

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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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

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Every college major requires work, but some fields of study are more rigorous than others. For instance, you won’t find too many people who think that pre-med is a snap. While earning your undergrad degree isn’t going to be effortless, there are definitely some easier college majors out there that won’t be as taxing.

Choosing a less complex major doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a low-paying job for life. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. Read on to learn about 12 relatively easy college majors that can lead to jobs that pay well.

What Makes a Major “Easy”?

The workload for an easier major, like creative writing, probably won’t be as intensive as that of, say, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or applied mathematics. You likely won’t have long lab sessions, tons of problem sets, and other arduous assignments.

This could make achieving higher grades a simpler proposition. Your noteworthy grades could, in turn, help you get a leg up after graduation. You might be able to step into a higher-paying job more easily, which could help you pay off any private school loans for college you might have.

A college major can also feel easier if it’s a field you’re interested in and passionate about. Your excitement about a major will likely make going to class something you’ll look forward to and the work required seem like less of a drag.

Recommended: A Guide to Choosing the Right College Major

12 Easy College Majors That Ultimately Pay Well

While getting an entry-level job paying a six-figure salary isn’t the norm for these easy college majors, you could still earn big bucks down the road.

Here, you’ll learn about 12 easy majors along with some average entry-level salaries and mid-career pay for positions within each field, according to Salary.com.

1. Marketing

A marketing degree opens up many career possibilities. People who major in marketing can find positions in all types of companies, industries, institutions, and nonprofits. Jobs in marketing include positions focusing on a business’s or brand’s strategy, sales techniques, advertising and communications, or public relations.

Marketing careers can pay off over time.

•   Average entry-level salary: $35,516 for a marketing assistant.

•   Average mid-career salary: $91,870 for a marketing manager.

As you see from that mid-career pay grade, a six-figure salary could be just around the corner.

2. Human Resources

With a college degree in human resources (HR), you can work in many different roles, including talent recruitment, benefits administration, DEI initiatives, or workplace development training.

In terms of landing a well-paying job, here are some salaries to note:

•   Average starting salary: $43,386 for an HR assistant.

•   Average mid-career salary: $94,576 for an HR manager.

3. Hospitality

Do you love looking at fab resorts and restaurants in your social media feeds? This major might be a perfect fit for you. With a degree in this field (which likely doesn’t involve any science labs), you might work in an array of positions. Some examples: hotel, resort, or restaurant management; event planning; or travel booking and tourism, among others.

Some salaries to note for this college major:

•   Average starting salary: $50,949 for an event planner.

•   Average mid-career salary: $76,898 for a hotel manager.

These figures are notably higher than $43,262, which Indeed cites as the current average starting salary in the U.S.

Recommended: Is $50K a Good Salary for a Single Person in 2024?

4. Communications

As one of the most popular college majors, a communications degree can prepare you for many different career paths. Marketing (mentioned previously) can fall under the umbrella of communications. Other areas for employment with this degree include public relations, advertising, journalism, writing, broadcasting, publishing, and social and digital media development.

A sample of the salaries you might expect at different points in your career:

•   Average starting salary: $51,928 for a corporate communications assistant or $45,955 for a social media assistant.

•   Average mid-career salary: $125,700 for a corporate communications manager and $116,090 for a social media manager.

5. Public Relations

Public relations (PR) has a broad reach. If you’re looking to capitalize on a degree in public relations, you might find a job in a small or large PR agency, a corporate PR department, or as an independent consultant to various clients. Since working in PR often involves frequent communication with clients and the public, this field can offer some of the better jobs for extroverts.

•   Average starting salary: $49,383 for a public relations specialist.

•   Average mid-career salary: $93,556 for a public relations manager.

6. Liberal Studies

A liberal arts or liberal studies major allows for a lot of flexibility and variety when it comes to job prospects. Students majoring in liberal arts or studies participate in a multi-disciplinary program, often including courses in humanities, history, art, literature, science, and philosophy. Earning a liberal studies degree can offer students a chance to develop many important “soft skills,” including problem solving, communication, and analytical and critical thinking.

Someone with a liberal arts degree may be drawn toward work in libraries, arts administration, government, or education and academia.

•   Average starting salary: $66,575 for a public policy analyst.

•   Average mid-career salary: $147,140 for a public policy manager.

7. Anthropology

Anthropology focuses on the study of humans in different cultures and societies, spanning various time periods and locations. It may not involve the kind of coursework that, say, studying law does, but it can be a fascinating field.

An anthropologist can work for ethnic or cultural organizations, museums, historical sites, research firms, or as a social or community services manager.

•   Average starting salary: $47,660 for a museum collectors curator.

•   Average mid-career salary: $64,962 for a museum director.

8. History

Knowledge of the past can be a powerful career springboard. Besides becoming a historian, history majors may find work in journalism, teaching, and politics. People with history degrees can also possibly find work at historical societies, museums, and libraries.

•   Average entry-level salary: $57,015 for a library archivist.

•   Average mid-career salary: $85,724 for a senior librarian.

9. Advertising

Advertising often taps a student’s interest in sales and contemporary consumer culture. Careers for advertising majors range from creative pursuits (copywriting or art direction, for instance) to more business-driven ones, such as being an account coordinator or a sales rep.

•   Average starting salary: $47,346 for junior copywriter, $45,686 for a junior graphic designer, or $43,300 for a junior sales rep.

•   Average mid-career salary: $122,524 for a copywriting manager, $122,236 for a graphic design director, or $107,183 for a senior advertising account manager, all of which can be a good salary for a single person.

10. English/Creative Writing

An English or creative writing major may be what many people consider easy. Depending on the path you take, it could lead to a high-paying job. People who choose this field may pursue a job as a proofreader, copy editor, technical writer, book editor, author, or an editor at a publishing company or magazine. These may all be lower stress jobs that are good for introverts.

•   Average starting salary: $44,750 for an entry-level proofreader.

•   Average mid-career salary: $98,101 for a senior editor.

11. Sports Management

Anyone who loves sports (whether participating, watching, or both) may be attracted to a major in sports management. Sports management encompasses a wide array of jobs, including becoming a sports agent, an athletic director, or a sports facility manager.

•   Average starting salary: $51,539 for a sports coordinator position.

•   Average mid-career salary: $69,061 for a sports manager job.

12. Criminal Justice

If you’re always watching procedural dramas on TV, you might be interested in majoring in criminal justice. While this field of study may be considered easy as compared with, say, a mathematics major, that doesn’t mean a career in criminal justice isn’t going to be challenging and rewarding.

Jobs for criminal justice majors can include working in the areas of law enforcement, forensics, investigations, and crime prevention.

•   Average starting salary: $50,733 for a fraud investigation officer or $56,376 for a police officer (plus, you might eventually qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs) .

•   Average mid-career salary: $123,694 for a fraud manager or $90,671 for a chief detective position at a business.

Factors Besides Difficulty

Now you know 12 relatively easy majors that can lead to a job with high pay. But it’s worthwhile to consider some other factors that should be considered when choosing a college major.

Job Outlook

Some fields are growing faster than others. As you think about your major, it can be a good idea to make sure the one you choose will lead to a field that is growing and will have plentiful job opportunities after college. For instance, if you have a criminal justice degree and want to work in fraud investigations, you might find that there’s considerable growth in digital fraud and focus your education to prepare you for that kind of work.

Passion/Interest

Sometimes what makes coursework in college seem easy is that you love it. Ask any astrophysics major. They may think what they are studying is hard, but because they love it, the pursuit feels engaging and worthwhile.

In other words, if you are passionate about a subject, that can be a good reason to major in it, even if it has a reputation for being hard.

School Prestige

When it comes to getting a high-paying job after graduation, it can help if you pursue a program that your school is known for. For instance, some universities are renowned for having great journalism programs, and that reputation could give graduates an advantage in the job market.

The Takeaway

Getting an undergraduate degree, no matter what the major, requires hard work and dedication. However, there are some majors that fall into the “easier” category such as communications, anthropology, and history. These majors may not require as intensive a curriculum as others (say, chemical engineering), but grads can still go on to earn high salaries.

Regardless of whether your major is considered hard or easy, you may need some help paying for your education.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Is an “easy” major looked down on?

There may be some people who think certain majors are easy, but virtually all college majors require hard work. After graduation, hiring managers are likely looking for someone who performed well in school, is enthusiastic about their studies, and wants to apply their skills to their chosen career.

Do easy majors require less study time?

How much time and effort a college major requires can depend on the school, the curriculum, and a student’s approach to their studies and their aptitude. It’s not possible to say that all easy majors require less study time.

What are the highest paying majors overall?

According to a 2024 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the highest paying majors are those in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) category. The three highest paying majors are engineering, computer sciences, and math and sciences.

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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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When something goes wrong with your car out on the road, most people have two options: Call an emergency towing service, or contact your roadside assistance program. Those two choices may sound like the same thing, but there are important differences.

Read on for a breakdown of what you can expect from each of these services, including pros and cons, and average costs.

Recommended: Does Auto Insurance Roadside Assistance Cover Keys Locked in a Car

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance comes to your aid when your car breaks down or some other mishap keeps you from using your car. If you find yourself stranded, roadside assistance will send help (think a mechanic, locksmith, tow truck) to get your car back on the road, to a repair shop, or back home.

Roadside assistance packages vary from one provider to the next, but most include the following:

•   Flat tire change

•   Battery jump-starts

•   Fuel delivery

•   Lockout assistance

•   Winching/extrication

•   Quick-fix services

Any benefits you receive on top of these basics are determined by the roadside assistance plan you have. For example, some plans include trip interruption coverage or a guaranteed arrest bond if you’re charged with a traffic violation. Plans may also offer savings on car maintenance costs, car rentals, hotels, and other perks. Extra benefits may come at an extra cost, however, so it’s important to compare plans carefully.

There are a few different ways you can get a roadside assistance plan:

•   Many insurance companies offer some type of roadside assistance coverage, usually as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. If you’re concerned about cost, there are other ways to lower car insurance premiums.

•   Another option is to pay for an auto club membership that’s separate from your auto insurance.

•   Your car manufacturer may include a roadside assistance package as part of your warranty or as a limited free trial for a service you can later purchase.

•   Some credit card companies offer access to roadside assistance as a perk to cardholders.

Recommended: Why Personal Insurance Planning Is Important

What Can You Expect When Calling Roadside Assistance?

One of the benefits of participating in a roadside assistance program is that you’ll know exactly who to contact if you need help with your car. You can program the customer assistance number into your phone or download the program’s app, or you can tuck your membership card into your wallet or glove compartment.

Here’s what to expect when you call roadside assistance:

Calling for Help

First things first: If your child is locked in the car or you’re in a situation where you feel unsafe, you may want to make your first call to 911. The 911 dispatcher will determine whether to send an officer to help.

If you feel safe, you can go straight to calling roadside assistance. You may be asked to verify that you have an account or that the car is yours. It can help to be ready with your license and registration, proof of insurance, and your roadside assistance plan’s membership card.

Your roadside assistance dispatcher will send the appropriate help from a network of service providers to your location. A technician may try to fix your car on site. But if that isn’t possible, you can have your vehicle towed to a repair shop or your home, if that’s your choice and it’s within your plan’s mileage limit.

Getting Home

If your car needs to be towed to a repair shop, you probably will be able to ride with the tow truck driver. Once you’re finished there, it’s up to the tow truck driver (or company policy) if you can get a ride home. During busy times, you may be responsible for getting home on your own.

If you’re out of town when your car breaks down, roadside assistance coverage will sometimes pay for an overnight stay in a hotel. (If you travel a lot, you may want to see if this benefit is available when you’re comparing plans.)

Wait Times

Many roadside assistance programs work with a network of providers, so when you call, there may be someone nearby who can get to you quickly and offer the services you need. Generally, you can expect help to arrive in less than an hour.

Several factors can impact your wait time, however. If there’s heavy rain, wind, or a snowstorm, for example, you may have a longer wait. It can also take a while to get help if you’re in a rural location that’s far from a locksmith, mechanic, or towing service — or if you’re in a busy city at rush hour.

Some plans provide updates through texts or an app so callers can track their current wait time.

Payment

How the service provider who comes to your aid is paid depends on the plan you’re enrolled in. With some programs, if you use the toll-free number or an app, and the dispatcher sends a technician to help, you may not have to pay anything upfront for covered services. But if you contact a tow service, mechanic, or locksmith directly, you will likely pay out of pocket, then submit receipts to your plan for reimbursement.

Some plans don’t have a central dispatcher. In that case, you’d call a provider directly, pay for the services, and then file a reimbursement claim. No matter how your plan handles payments, it’s a good idea to keep a credit card on you when driving.

There is no deductible for roadside assistance. Most programs have very specific limits on what they will cover. For example, if a service technician delivers fuel to your car because you’ve run out of gas, the delivery may be free, but you may have to pay for the gas.

Recommended: How to Get Car Insurance

What Is the Average Cost of Roadside Assistance?

The price of a roadside assistance plan varies based on several factors, including:

•   how many vehicles or drivers you want to cover

•   where you live

•   whether coverage is through your auto insurance or another source

•   the level of coverage you choose

Some plans charge less for annual coverage and more for services received or vice-versa. It can be useful to compare online insurance benefits and quotes to get a sense of what’s available and at what cost.

Generally, you’ll pay less for a plan that’s an add-on to your auto policy versus a stand-alone membership. Allstate, for example, offers a roadside assistance insurance add-on for as little as $25 per year for one vehicle. Without an Allstate policy, the cost of a roadside assistance membership starts at $73 for the first year.

If your insurer doesn’t offer 24-hour roadside assistance, or you don’t like your insurer’s plan, you may want to check out what other insurance companies are offering.

Recommended: How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

Pros and Cons of Roadside Assistance

One of the biggest pros of roadside assistance coverage is that you know you’ll have someone to contact any time you’re in need. You can call for advice or hands-on assistance, and someone will be there to help.

As noted above, some plans will post a bond if you’re charged with a traffic violation or reimburse you (within limits) if you need to stay in a hotel overnight. Plans may also include benefits that go beyond roadside breakdowns, such as discounts on travel and entertainment.

If you have to call roadside assistance even once, you may save enough on the services rendered to cover your cost for the year.

Still, no one likes the idea of paying for something they may never use. If you have a newish car that’s well-maintained or you seldom drive far from home, you may decide roadside assistance isn’t for you.

Coverage limits can also be disappointing. Enrolling in a roadside assistance plan doesn’t mean you’ve got a blank check that will cover any cost you incur. You may have to pay something for a tow if you go beyond the mileage limit, for example, or you may have to pay for a new battery or tire if yours needs replacing. There also may be an annual limit on the number of calls for service you can make.

Also, not all costs are covered upfront. Your plan may require you to submit receipts for reimbursement in some or all instances. If you’re averse to paperwork, that may be something to consider.

What Is an Emergency Towing Service?

The main purpose of emergency towing services is to move a vehicle when the driver can’t get back on the road without help. There are several circumstances that might require calling for an emergency tow, including:

•   When you’re in an accident, and either your car can’t be driven or you’re in no shape to drive

•   If your car isn’t running, and it’s blocking traffic or putting you and other drivers in danger

•   If you’re pulled over by law enforcement, and the officer determines you can’t drive

There are a couple of circumstances in which your car insurance may pay for a tow, even if you don’t have roadside assistance coverage:

•   After an accident and you have collision coverage

•   If your car is damaged in a flood, fire, etc. and you have comprehensive coverage

But in most cases, if you don’t have roadside assistance or “towing and labor” coverage through your auto insurance policy, an auto club membership, or a car warranty, you may be on your own when it comes to paying for your vehicle to be towed away.

What Can You Expect When Calling an Emergency Towing Service?

If your car breaks down close to home, you may be able to directly call a reliable repair shop or towing service you’ve worked with in the past. Having that connection can be a benefit if you want to choose the company that will come to your aid quickly.

But if you’re far from home and unfamiliar with the service providers available, you may have to cross your fingers and hope for the best when you call for a tow.

Here’s what you can expect when you call for emergency towing without a roadside assistance plan:

Calling for Help

If your regular mechanic or garage has the right equipment for your needs (a tow truck, a flatbed truck, a winch, etc.), you may be good to go. They can come pick up your car and get you the help you need.

But if you can’t call your favorite repair shop — because you’re out of town or it’s after hours — you may have to make a few calls before you find the appropriate help.

Some companies don’t require a subscription to use their towing and roadside assistance network, so you can try contacting them for help. But if their network doesn’t include services where you are, you may have to try your luck dialing local tow truck companies.

When a tow truck comes to your location, the driver may be able to offer on-site assistance with a flat tire, dead battery, or other problem. But you can’t necessarily count on getting the same help you’d get with a roadside assistance plan. The driver may be equipped only to tow your car back to your house or to a repair shop. And you can expect to pay in full for every service you receive if you don’t have roadside assistance coverage.

No matter who you call, it’s important to be clear about what you need. And of course, if you’re in an accident or feel as though you’re in danger, you should call 911 first.

Getting Home

You may be able to get a ride home from the tow truck driver after they take your car to the garage. But just as with a roadside assistance plan, it will likely be up to the individual driver’s discretion or company rules. If you aren’t sure if there will be a cost for the ride, you may want to ask before you get in the truck. And if you’re far from home, you also may want to ask for hotel recommendations.

Wait Times

Response times for tow trucks generally are determined by availability. If you call a tow company directly and there’s a truck close to your location, you may be able to get faster service than you would calling a roadside assistance plan because you’re eliminating the middleman.

But the same things that can hold up a truck coming through a roadside assistance dispatcher can slow down a company you call directly, including inclement weather, rush hour traffic, and distance.

Payment

If you call a tow truck directly, you can expect to pay the bill out of pocket. Depending on why you’re calling and the type of insurance coverage you have, you might be reimbursed for some costs. But if you’re calling about an overheated engine, dead battery, or flat tire, and you don’t have roadside assistance coverage, your insurance company typically won’t reimburse you for your costs.

What Is the Average Cost of Emergency Towing Services?

According to J.D. Power, towing rates in the U.S. can range between $2.50 and $7 per mile, and the average cost of a tow is about $109. But besides distance, several factors can affect the overall cost of a tow.

It may cost less to have your car towed after a breakdown than if you’ve been in an accident. And if the tow company needs to use special equipment — because your car is stuck in mud, snow, or a deep ditch, for example — that can also increase the price.

Many tow companies also include a base charge or “hook-up” fee that can range from $35 to $100. Some tow companies have a list of basic charges on their website, but if you can’t find pricing, you may want to ask so there aren’t any surprises.

Pros and Cons of Emergency Towing Services

One of the biggest upsides to using emergency towing service may be that you’re eliminating the middleman. You don’t have to wait for the dispatcher to find a network-approved provider to come and get you; you can call any company you like.

Of course, this can also be a drawback if you’re far from your favorite mechanic or repair shop. You may have to make multiple calls to find a tow truck that can come to your rescue.

Another plus to consider is that you won’t have to worry about paying for roadside assistance coverage every year whether you use it or not. You’ll only pay for services you actually use.

But if you do end up calling a tow truck even once and you don’t have coverage, it can mean a whack to the wallet. You can end up paying more for that one tow than you would for a year of roadside assistance coverage — and you won’t be getting the perks.

How To Decide Between Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing Services

Because there are pros and cons to both roadside assistance coverage and emergency towing services, here are some things you may want to look at when you’re trying to decide between the two:

Your Comfort Level

Are you someone who likes having a plan when things go wrong, or are you OK with winging it? If you like the security of knowing you’ll have just one call to make if you need help on the road, you may prefer roadside assistance coverage.

Your Car

If your car is new or it’s well-maintained and the chances of a breakdown are slim, you may decide you don’t need to pay for roadside assistance coverage.

The cost of some roadside fixes may be covered if your car is still under warranty. And if you have collision or comprehensive coverage through your auto insurance policy, towing costs may be paid in some circumstances.

Your Family’s Needs

Maybe your car is an older model that isn’t exactly reliable. Or maybe you have some first-time drivers in the family, and you want to feel confident they’ll know who to call (besides you) if they run into trouble on the road. You might want to look into what it would take to get new drivers roadside assistance coverage for the whole family.

Value

You may want to list side-by-side the costs of having a roadside assistance plan versus what you might end up paying for a tow or other services out of pocket. Can you afford a plan that fits your needs and budget? Can you afford to not have coverage? (Keep in mind that if you use your plan just once, it may pay for itself for the year.)

Recommended: Auto Insurance Terms, Explained

The Takeaway

When the unexpected happens on the road, you can wing it and call for a tow truck. Or you can contact roadside assistance and feel confident that someone will come help you out ASAP. What’s more, some or all of the cost of getting your car back on the road could be covered under your plan.

Many drivers consider roadside assistance a good deal for the money: The cost of just one tow is often more than the annual cost of roadside assistance. If you travel a lot, or have young children or new drivers in the family, roadside assistance may be what you need.

When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.

SoFi brings you real rates, with no bait and switch.

FAQ

What is emergency roadside assistance good for?

Roadside assistance coverage can help you deal with and pay for a range of unexpected costs you might run into while on the road — from fixing a flat tire on site to towing you to a repair shop for major repairs.

Is emergency roadside assistance worth it?

No one likes paying for something they may never use. But if your car breaks down just once, the convenience and savings you get through your roadside assistance plan may make it worth paying the annual cost.

What is the difference between emergency towing and roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance coverage is meant to help you get the service you need when you have car trouble — on the road or at a repair shop. Depending on the problem, roadside assistance may cover all or a portion of the costs. On the other hand, emergency towing is meant to get your car off the road and to a repair shop where it can be fixed. Generally, you can expect to pay for all the costs related to this service.

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Photo credit: iStock/sefa ozel

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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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