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The tax benefits of marriage may not be a top consideration when someone is deciding whether to get hitched or stay single. Still, married couples can sometimes qualify for extra savings when it comes to their income tax rate and certain credits, exemptions, exclusions, and deductions.

It isn’t all roses and rainbows, however. Couples may also lose some tax breaks when they change their filing status. But with careful planning, spouses may find there are tax benefits to being married vs. staying single.

Here’s a look at some of the tax bonuses (and penalties) couples can expect when they wed.

Tax Benefits of Marriage, Explained

Spouses have two basic options when filing their income tax returns: They can combine all their information on one return with the status of “married filing jointly,” or they can file two returns as “married filing separately.” (Even couples who were married at the very end of the tax year can no longer file as single.)

The decision to file separately can make more sense sometimes, depending on each spouse’s income and other factors. But the IRS says that when it comes to money and marriage, the joint filing status usually has more benefits for couples.

Advantages of filing jointly can include:

Your Tax Bracket as a Couple Could Be Lower

In the past, combining incomes on a joint tax return often bumped one or both spouses into a higher tax bracket with a higher tax rate than when they were single.

Changes to the tax code, however, have lessened the impact of this so-called “marriage penalty” on some couples. When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) took effect in 2018, the income levels for joint filers in all but the highest tax brackets were doubled, reducing the chances that married couples would be penalized.

Some high-income couples still may land in a higher bracket after marriage. But with the TCJA’s equalized brackets, more spouses can expect to find themselves in the same or even a lower tax bracket than they had when they were single.

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car?

Federal Estate and Gift Tax Limits Are Higher

Although people generally are referring to higher or lower tax brackets when discussing the pros and cons of filing jointly, marriage also can affect couples who plan to gift assets to their heirs.

Couples who wish to transfer wealth to loved ones during their lifetime or upon their death may be able to give twice as much as single filers without being taxed. Here’s what that looks like for 2024:

•   The IRS set the annual gift tax exclusion for individuals at $18,000 per recipient (children, grandchildren, etc.) for 2024. That means this year, married couples can give $36,000 per recipient tax-free without using a portion of their lifetime gift tax exemption.

•   The lifetime estate and gift tax exemption for individuals was set at $13.61 million for 2024. So while a single person can protect $13.61 million for 2024 without having to pay federal estate or gift tax, a married couple can shield a total of $27.22 million.

Other Gift and Estate Tax Advantages

Besides the tax advantages mentioned above, marriage also can allow spouses who are both U.S. citizens to transfer or leave unlimited amounts of money to each other without paying taxes. Any assets exceeding the couple’s estate tax exemption won’t be taxed until the surviving spouse dies.

Taxes on Social Security Benefits

Many people aren’t aware that a portion of their Social Security benefits can be taxed if their income is above a certain threshold. This is true whether you’re single or married, but the IRS thresholds are a bit higher (although not doubled) for married couples.

Here’s how it breaks down based on what the IRS refers to as “combined income.” (Your adjustable gross income + nontaxable interest + ½ of your Social Security benefits = your combined income.):

•   If you file as single and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your Social Security benefits.

•   If you’re married filing jointly and your combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.

•   If you file as single and your combined income is more than $34,000, up to 85% percent of your benefits may be taxable.

•   If you’re married filing jointly and your combined income is more than $44,000, you may have to pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits.

•   You don’t have to pay any taxes on your benefits if you fall below these thresholds.

If you’re married or expect to marry someday, you may want to keep taxes on Social Security in mind as you and your spouse plan your retirement together.

Earned Income Credit and Other Credits

When you’re married, you must file jointly to qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC). You generally can’t file separately and claim the credit. And that can be good news and bad news for couples.

The EIC is meant to help low- to moderate-income workers and families save on their income taxes. To be eligible for the credit, you must have earned income. But there are limits on how much you can earn and still qualify based on family size.

Here are a couple of examples of how marriage can result in a penalty or bonus when it comes to the EIC.

•   Penalty: The income thresholds are higher for joint filers than they are for single filers, but they aren’t doubled. If both spouses are working and both earn a moderate income, together they might exceed the limit for their family size before a single filer earning a moderate income would.

•   Bonus: On the other hand, if one spouse works and the other doesn’t, as a couple they might qualify for the EIC based on the working spouse’s earned income. A single person who doesn’t have any income can’t take the credit.

Other credits and deductions that can be affected by a change in your filing status include the child and dependent care credit, the student loan payment interest deduction, the Saver’s Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Generally, married couples who file separately can’t claim these on a return.

Personal Residence Exclusion

The principal residence exclusion allows homeowners who meet certain criteria to shield all or a portion of the profit they make on the sale of their home from capital gains tax. Single filers can exclude up to $250,000, but couples who are married filing jointly can exclude twice that — up to $500,000.

While those numbers may have seemed generous just a few years ago, with the recent rapid rise in what homes are worth, tax consequences from a home sale may be more likely these days. The $500,000 exclusion married homeowners are allowed still may not be enough to protect their entire profit when they sell a home, but it can give them a little more breathing room than singles can count on.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

IRA for Jobless Spouse

Usually, under IRS rules, you can’t contribute to an individual retirement account (IRA) unless you earn an income in that year. But there’s a work-around that can benefit some married couples who file jointly.

If one spouse earns income and the other does not, and the couple files jointly on their taxes, the spouse who works can contribute to a “spousal IRA” that’s in the name of the spouse who isn’t working.

This allows couples to maximize their retirement savings — even if one spouse takes some time away from work, perhaps to care for their small children or elderly parents. And depending on what works better for your circumstances, you can use a Roth or traditional IRA as a spousal IRA.

The rules regarding annual contributions and tax deductions are the same for spousal IRAs as they are for traditional IRAs. If you have questions, you can ask your financial advisor or tax preparer, or go to the IRS website for information.

You Can Use Your Spouse as a Tax Shelter

If you or your spouse owns a business, you’re both probably hoping it’s a success. But if it isn’t, it could end up being a tax benefit — if you can claim those losses as a write-off on your joint return.

If it looks as though this strategy might be useful — especially in the first year or so of the business — you may want to ensure personal and business transactions stay separate by opening a business bank account. Or you can just keep better track of your income and spending with a free budget app.

Higher Deduction for Charitable Contributions

These days, nearly 9 out of 10 taxpayers take the higher standard deduction put in place by the TCJA — and that means they can’t claim a tax break for charitable contributions on their federal return.

But if you do end up itemizing on your return, being married could help you maximize the tax deduction you get for charitable giving. Although your maximum deduction is limited to a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (usually no more than 60%), if you file jointly, the deduction is based on your combined AGI. That means you may be able to donate more in a particular year than a single filer.

Couples Can “Shop” for Tax-Friendly Benefits

Unless they’re both with the same company, a working couple may be able to pick and choose from their employers’ different benefits packages to take advantage of certain tax breaks. A couple of those benefit options might include:

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

If one spouse’s employer offers an FSA, you may be able to use it to pay for qualifying medical, vision, and dental costs for your family, or for qualifying dependent-care programs. The amount you contribute to the account will be deducted from your salary pre-tax, which can help cut your income tax bill.

Health Spending Account (HSA)

If one employer offers a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and you choose that health insurance option, your family can benefit from opening an HSA to save for future medical expenses.

Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and distributions are tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses. Unlike the use-it-or-lose-it funds in an FSA, you can keep the money in the account as long as you like. And any growth in your HSA from interest and/or investment returns is also tax-free.

Filing One Return Instead of Two

Spouses who file jointly have to worry about completing only one income tax return. And if your financial lives already are intertwined (you do your budgeting as a couple and have a joint a bank account vs. separate accounts), it may be easier to file jointly than to separate everything for two returns.

It also could make it easier to get your return done by the tax deadline — or maybe even early, so you can get your tax refund faster. And if you hire a professional to prepare one return instead of two, it could save you some money.

How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Could Affect Future Taxes

The clock may be ticking on several of the tax benefits and penalties married couples can experience under the TCJA (some of which are listed above). Many of its provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025, including changes to:

•   Income tax brackets and rates

•   Standard deduction

•   Personal exemptions

•   Limits on deductions for mortgage and home equity loan interest

•   Limits on charitable contributions

•   Estate and gift tax exemption

If Congress doesn’t act to keep them, these provisions may lapse on Dec. 31, 2025, which could affect married couples’ taxes going forward. Keep this in mind as you do any tax planning for the future.

Recommended:Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

Tax Downsides to Marriage to Consider

Besides the potential penalties already mentioned throughout this post, there can be other downsides to marriage when it comes to taxes, including:

•   When you sign a joint return, the IRS holds both spouses responsible for the validity of everything that’s on it. Even if one spouse manages the money in your marriage (paying the bills, investing, and doing the taxes), it’s a good idea to go over the return carefully together before you both sign.

•   If one spouse defaults on a federal student loan after you marry or owes back child support, your joint refund could be delayed or garnished to pay the debt.

•   If you’re a high-earning couple, you might have to pay the net investment income tax and/or the Medicare surtax. The threshold on these taxes is $200,000 for single filers, and only goes up to $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between Transunion and Equifax?

The Takeaway

Marriage can impact just about every aspect of your life — including the taxes you pay. There are tax benefits and penalties to consider as you plan your future and your finances together. Some potential benefits include a lower tax bracket, estate tax advantages, the Earned Income Credit, and the Personal Residence Exemption, among others. But watch out for the net investment income tax and the Medicare surtax. According to the IRS, overall most couples benefit from filing jointly.

Keeping track of your combined spending, saving, and investing can make it easier to manage your money throughout the year, and to work on your taxes when it’s time. And a money tracker app can help you do it all in one place — with credit score monitoring, spending breakdowns, financial insights, and more.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Is there a tax advantage to marriage?

While every couple’s situation is different, spouses who file jointly may enjoy some advantages when it comes to certain tax exclusions, exemptions, deductions, and credits.

Do you get a bigger refund if you’re married?

If your filing status is married filing jointly and you make the most of the many credits and deductions available to you as a couple, you may see a bigger refund.

Do you pay less taxes if you are married?

You won’t automatically pay less taxes because you’re married. But with careful planning, you may be able to take advantage of your marital status to save money on your income taxes.

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Photo credit: iStock/simpson33

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

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.

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

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

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

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Cars and trucks tend to lose value as they age and experience wear and tear through everyday use. This loss of value is known as depreciation. How much these vehicles tend to depreciate will vary. For example, trucks tend to hold their value better than cars.

That said, depreciation depends on a number of factors, such as make and model, age, mileage, and accident history. Here’s a closer look at what impacts car and truck value, and how depreciation can differ between the types.

What Is Vehicle Depreciation?

Cars and trucks lose value each year due to normal wear and tear. The rate of depreciation will vary depending on the make and model of a car. However, the first year tends to see the greatest depreciation, when cars lose as much as 20% of their starting value. For that reason, some consumers believe it’s wiser to buy a used car than a new car. Within the first five years of ownership, a vehicle can depreciate by as much as 60%.

Depreciation is not necessarily an accurate representation of wear and tear on a vehicle. You may find that after a number of years, your car has lost significant value even if it’s in pristine, like-new condition. Deprecation will continue to affect the value of your car until it reaches $0 on paper. At that point, your car no longer has any equity, and is not considered a financial asset. The only value left is the value of the metal for scrap.

Depreciation is an important factor to understand whether you are buying a used car, a new car, or if you plan to lease a vehicle. When leasing a car, your monthly payment will cover the cost of depreciation.

How Is My Car Value and Truck Value Depreciation Calculated?

There are various sources that supply car depreciation figures, including Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. Each company has its own algorithm that accounts for the factors that affect depreciation, such as:

Mileage

How much a car or truck has been driven is often seen as a proxy for wear and tear. The more something is used, the more likely it is to wear out. As a result, vehicles that have been driven less tend to fetch higher values.

Make and Model

You can think of the make and model of a vehicle as the brand and specific product on offer. For example, Toyota is the make, while Tacoma is a specific type of truck the company builds. There may be a series of letters and numbers after the model name that further delineates the trim level of the vehicle. Trim level can refer to different features, engine size, or materials used in the making of the car or truck.

Some makes and models are more popular than others, and some models have higher trim levels. Both can help a vehicle hold its value longer.

Reputation

A vehicle’s reputation for safety and reliability can play a big role in its popularity. The higher the demand for a particular make and model, the more slowly it may depreciate.

Larger vehicles are typically safer than smaller cars, which helps explain why trucks tend to hold their value longer.

Fuel Economy

More fuel-efficient vehicles may also hold their value better than gas-guzzling counterparts, especially when fuel prices are high. Diesel trucks may depreciate more slowly than gasoline-powered cars and trucks because they tend to have more powerful engines, better fuel economy, and emit less carbon dioxide. A gallon of diesel contains roughly 10% to 15% more energy than a gallon of gasoline, and as a result, a diesel engine can go 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel.

Local Market

Your local automobile market can also have a big impact on how much your car depreciates. For example, trucks may be in higher demand in rural areas, while cars may be more popular in urban settings. Vehicles with four-wheel drive may be more sought after in places with snow, while convertibles may be in higher demand in warm, sunny climates.

You may be asked for your zip code when you look up the value of your car. This can help valuation companies zero in on how much your car is worth in your locale. You can also use a money tracker app, like SoFi’s, to discover real-time vehicle values in just a few clicks.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car?

Average Truck Value vs Car Value Depreciation Comparison

Cars and trucks begin to depreciate as soon as they leave the lot. As mentioned above, they can lose as much as 20% in the first year alone, and up to 10% each year after that. By year five, a vehicle may have depreciated by as much as 60%.

That said, various types of cars and trucks tend to depreciate at different rates. And depreciation can vary a lot depending on current market conditions. For instance, iSeeCars research found that all types of vehicles held their value better in 2023 than they did in 2019, thanks in part to fewer new cars being produced and fewer used cars for sale.

In 2023, the average five-year-old vehicle depreciated by 38.8%, compared to 49.6% in 2019. And trucks held their value best of all vehicles, depreciating just 34.8% over five years in 2023, compared to ​​42.7% in 2019.
Here’s a look at of how different types of vehicles have depreciated over a five-year span:

Type of Vehicle	5-year Depreciation
Overall	38.8%
Trucks	34.8%
Hybrids	37.4%
SUVs	41.2%
Electric Vehicles	49.1%

Source:iSeeCars

Recommended: What Should Your Average Car Payment Be?

The Takeaway

While all cars are holding their value better than they did in 2019, recent research confirms that trucks hold their value the best of all vehicles. If you plan to trade in your car or truck after a few years, consider buying a vehicle that is likely to hold its value longer to get a better trade-in value.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

At what mileage do cars lose value?

Cars and trucks unfortunately start to lose value as soon as you drive them off the lot. After that, depreciation is calculated each year.

Does mileage affect car value?

Mileage is one of the most important factors that go into car valuation. The higher the mileage, the more wear and tear the vehicle is presumed to have, and the less the vehicle will be worth.

At what age does a vehicle depreciate most?

Cars and trucks depreciate most in their first year, when they can lose 20% or more of their value.

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Photo credit: iStock/timnewman

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

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.

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

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There’s no one answer that fits all situations. The average American has 3.9 credit cards. But how many lines of credit you should have depends upon your needs, your skill at managing your finances, and your ability to make payments on time.

We’ll explore two types of credit lines, provide definitions of basic credit terms, and offer some broader context so that you can make the choice that’s best for you.

Line of Credit Definition

First, what is a line of credit? A personal line of credit (sometimes called a PLOC) allows consumers to borrow money as they need it, up to a set limit, and pay it off over time. A line of credit can be used to pay bills or make purchases directly or to withdraw cash with no cash-advance fee. As long as borrowers keep paying down the balance, they can keep borrowing. In other words, this is a type of revolving credit.

Lines of credit are usually granted only to people with good credit. Because they’re less risky for the lender, the interest rate can be lower than for credit cards.

How Does a Line of Credit Work?

Many banks, credit unions, and online financial institutions offer lines of credit. A distinguishing feature is the “draw period.” During that time — typically seven to 15 years — funds can be borrowed and repaid in a revolving way. When the draw period ends, users can no longer make purchases or withdrawals, though they can reapply to keep the line open. The repayment period can continue for additional five to 13 years.

To utilize a line of credit, consumers may receive checks, a card, or a direct deposit into their bank account. Funds can be used however they like, but generally go toward large purchases. Personal lines of credit often have a variable interest rate, with interest-only payments during the draw period.

Is It Possible To Have Too Many Lines of Credit?

In this case, a “line of credit” refers to both PLOCs and credit cards. All credit cards are a form of credit line, but not all lines of credit are associated with a credit card.

If a consumer has many credit lines, lenders may see them as high-risk — even if their balances are all zero. As noted above, the average American has four credit cards. New Jersey residents have the most credit cards in the country, with 4.5 on average. Older generations tend to carry more cards than Millennials and Gen Z. So while four lines of credit may be considered normal, it can be “too many” if a consumer has trouble juggling their bills and making payments on time.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

Is It Possible to Have Too Few Lines of Credit?

To build a strong credit score, it helps to have a variety of credit types. Credit mix accounts for 10% of a FICO® Score, and the ideal mix includes both revolving credit and installment loans like personal loans, car loans, and so forth. Although each person’s situation is unique, just having credit accounts and managing them well is what builds a good credit score. Having one or two cards can be enough.

Credit Card Definition

You may be wondering, if a line of credit can come with a card, then what is a credit card? Both credit cards and lines of credit are forms of revolving credit offered by many financial institutions. A credit card holder can also make purchases up to the credit card spending limit. However, credit card users can avoid interest charges by paying off the balance in full each month. Essentially, credit cards provide consumers with unlimited short-term loans for free (assuming there’s no annual fee).

Credit cards don’t have a draw period — they remain open as long as the account is in good standing. The average credit card limit, according to the latest report from credit bureau Experian, is $29,855.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between Transunion and Equifax

Line of Credit vs Credit Card

A credit card — as the name implies — has a card connected to it, which allows the borrower to access funds. A line of credit doesn’t necessarily have a card connected to the account. Lines of credit tend to have lower interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) than credit cards and may have higher limits. So they may be better suited to large purchases, as noted above, that can be paid for over time.

Credit cards are easy to use for everyday purchases and often come with an interest-free grace period (from the purchase date until the payment date). Credit cards may provide rewards and perks that personal lines of credit do not. And applying for a credit card is usually a simpler process than the line of credit process.

Credit Score Risk Factors to Consider

How someone manages personal lines of credit and credit cards will have an affect on their credit score and, therefore, their ability to borrow at advantageous rates. Here are some ways your line of credit may negatively influence your credit score:

•   Credit utilization. After a large purchase, your credit utilization percentage will rise. Credit utilization accounts for 30% of your credit score.

•   Payment history. Late or missed payments can negatively impact your history. Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score.

•   Credit history length. A new line of credit will lower the average age of your credit history. Length of credit history accounts for 15% of your score.

Consumers who are concerned about their credit score may want to take advantage of a free credit monitoring service to see how their day to day actions impact their score.

Using Multiple Credit Cards

How many credit cards should you have? As long as you can responsibly manage your credit cards and haven’t applied for too many new ones in a short timeframe, then the number isn’t likely to have a negative impact on your credit.

However, the more cards you have, the more payments and due dates you’ll have to juggle. If you’re considering ways to use a credit card wisely, Ask yourself whether any of these issues apply to you:

•   Multiple annual fees are taking a bite out of your budget.

•   Monitoring your cards for fraudulent activity has become challenging.

•   Knowing you have cards with low or no balances makes it easier to overspend.

The Takeaway

The right number of credit lines varies by personal need and financial circumstances. Lines of credit include but aren’t limited to credit cards. What’s most important is to use them wisely to protect your credit score, avoid unnecessary debt, and manage your finances responsibly. It may help to know that the average American has about 4 lines of credit.

For a more holistic view of your finances — including your credit cards — consider enlisting the help of money tracker app. It can help you seamlessly manage your money by connecting all of your accounts on one convenient mobile dashboard.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How many lines of credit is good for your credit rating?

Specifics will depend upon your financial situation. Elements that go into credit score calculations typically include the borrower’s payment history (making payments on time is the biggest factor), outstanding balance amounts in comparison to limits, credit history length, having a good credit mix, and strategically applying (or not applying) for new credit accounts.

How many lines of credit is too much?

What’s most important is to have the right number for your financial needs and overall situation. Being able to responsibly manage the number of accounts you have is important since making payments on time is the biggest factor in your credit scores. While most Americans have about four lines of credit, that may be “too much” for some consumers.

What are some consequences of having multiple lines of credit?

It can be more challenging to keep track of payment dates and amounts, which may make it easier to make a payment late or miss it entirely. This can have a negative impact on your credit score. Plus, if accounts have annual fees, then having several of them can add up. Multiple lines of credit may also make it more difficult to spot fraud. That said, if someone can responsibly manage multiple lines of credit, then that may be the right number of accounts for them.

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Photo credit: iStock/demaerre

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

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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Direct deposit can be a convenient way to receive funds and can take from mere moments to a few days to go through.

Direct deposit can be a convenient way to get paid or otherwise receive funds without the hassle of checks or setting up payment apps and then transferring funds to your bank.

How Does Direct Deposit Work?

Direct deposit allows someone to electronically send money from their bank or financial institution directly into someone else’s bank account.

The money is sent via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, which transfers money between banks and financial institutions.

ACH transfers eliminate the need to send physical checks or cash. These transfers can also happen almost instantaneously because they’re digital and you don’t need to worry about things like proving that a check is legitimate. That means direct deposit can be faster and more convenient. In some cases (as with payroll), your financial institution may even offer early access to the funds, up to two days before the scheduled date.

Most employers now offer direct deposit as an option, and, in some states, even require it. Employers typically find direct deposit convenient because they can process payroll much faster without having to deal with issuing, signing, and mailing checks.

Direct deposit is a popular way to get your paycheck, but that isn’t the only use. It may also be the way you get a tax refund, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, investment-related dividends, as well as other payments.

Recommended: How Long Does It Take a Mobile Deposit to Clear?

How Do You Set Up Direct Deposit?

Setting up direct deposit is likely to be very simple — and fast. If you’re wondering how long it takes to set up direct deposit, all you have to do is fill out a direct deposit authorization form. Typically, this just takes a few minutes, provided you have the right information on hand (such as bank account and routing numbers; more on that below).

This usually happens on your first day of work, but you can often choose direct deposit or change your information later on. Some companies handle this process entirely online and some use a third party to sign you up.

When setting up a direct deposit, especially at a new job, you’ll want to remember to have the following information available to make it as simple as possible:

•   Your bank account number(s) and type of account

•   Bank routing number

•   Bank name and address

•   Whether you’re putting money in a checking or savings account

•   How much of your paycheck you want to deposit in the account (you may want to split the deposit; read on for details)

•   A blank, voided personal check

Much of this information can all be found on a personal check, by checking your banking website or app, or by contacting your financial institution directly.

Splitting Your Direct Deposit

If you want to split your paycheck between multiple accounts, you can typically add each account to the direct deposit form and specify how much of your pay should go into each. Most forms ask what percentage of your pay goes into each, instead of just a dollar value. You may need to fill out a new form for each account.

For example, you might designate a set amount of money to move automatically into whatever kind of savings account you have, while leaving what you know you’ll need in checking for bills and smaller payments.

It’s up to you, of course, to determine how much of your paycheck to save; many financial experts recommend 10%.

How Long Does It Take to Get Direct Deposit?

Signing up for direct deposit can be done in minutes. However, it may not take effect for a few weeks or even more because the payor has to confirm your bank account information.

With your employer, direct deposit may take one or two pay cycles to become active. During that time, you may receive a paper check as payment instead.

In some cases, an employer may hire an employee at the start of the pay cycle so that the direct deposit authorization process is done just in time for the new employee to receive their first payment via direct deposit.

Recommended: What to Do If Your Check Is Lost or Stolen?

Is Direct Deposit Instantaneous?

Exactly when you will have access to your direct deposit income will depend on the entity issuing the funds and perhaps your financial institution that receives the funds.

For example, if your employer uses payroll software to process your paycheck and send the transfer, they’ll set a pay date, which might be a day or two before your regular payday.

That’s the date the funds will be transferred into your bank account, and you can typically access the funds by the end of that day.

That said, other direct deposits may process on a different timeline. The funds could take one to three days to become available. To learn how long direct deposits take to post to your account, you can contact your bank directly, or watch to see what time of day the first few direct deposits come into your account.

Advantages of Direct Deposit

Receiving your paycheck or other income via direct deposit can simplify your life.

You won’t have to worry about waiting for a check or making time to take the check to the bank for deposit. And, you typically have access to your money sooner, since you don’t have to wait for a check to clear.

Direct deposit also makes it easier to stay on top of your personal finances because you know exactly when money is coming into your account.

This accuracy can help you manage your money and work towards short-term financial goals, such as paying all your bills on time or saving for an upcoming expense.

If you know when you have access to your paycheck, for example, it’s possible to schedule your other bills or an automatic transfer to your savings account soon after the direct deposit is scheduled.

Other advantages of direct deposit include:

•   Your bank might waive your account maintenance fee if you receive regular direct deposits.

•   It reduces the risk of check fraud or identity theft from a lost or stolen check.

•   You can’t lose or misplace the funds.

•   Electronic records don’t clutter drawers or fill file cabinets.

•   You can easily track your paychecks and make sure none have been missed, since there is an electronic record of each payment in one place.

The Takeaway

Direct deposits are a convenient, electronic way to receive funds, and this can be instantaneous or take a few days. This process is typically used when an employer, government agency, or other third party instructs its financial institution to digitally deposit funds into your spending or savings account on a specific date.

Direct deposit can make it easier to keep track of your finances, pay bills on time, and avoid negative balances and overdraft fees.

Looking for more ways to simplify your financial life?

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 4.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How long does direct deposit take to hit a bank account?

Direct deposit can happen almost instantaneously, but it can also take one to three days to hit your bank account, depending on factors such as bank holidays and weekends.

Why has my direct deposit not hit yet?

If your direct deposit hasn’t hit in one to three days, check with your bank. It could be that there is a hold on your account or your account is new or overdrawn, or that the sum is large enough to warrant additional review.

Is direct deposit available immediately?

A direct deposit should be available within one business day if it’s made via an electronic transfer. In some cases, direct deposits can be available almost immediately; in others, it can take up to three days.

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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 4.30% 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 4.30% 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 4.30% 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 10/8/2024. 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.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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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