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Lenders who provide VA home loans often offer better terms than a borrower might get with a conventional mortgage. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) isn’t required, interest rates may be lower than with other types of mortgages, and most VA-backed loans (90%) are made with no down payment.

Still, when you’re shopping for any type of mortgage, it can be helpful to have a good idea of where you stand and what your monthly payments might be. And that’s why a VA loan calculator table can be instrumental. By plugging in a few key numbers, you can feel better informed, whether you’re planning to buy a home or considering refinancing your current mortgage.

Why Use a VA Home Loan Mortgage Calculator Table?

If you’re a veteran, service member, or eligible survivor interested in learning about a VA loan — which is one of the different types of mortgage loans available — a VA home loan calculator can help you estimate what your monthly payments might be based on data you provide.

You can see how a 15-year mortgage might differ from a 30-year mortgage, for example, or what different interest rates might mean for your monthly payments. You also can get an idea of how much you might pay in interest over the life of your VA home loan.


💡 Quick Tip: Buying a home shouldn’t be aggravating. SoFi’s online mortgage application is quick and simple, with dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers to guide you throughout the process.

How to Calculate Your VA Home Mortgage Loan Payment

To calculate your monthly VA mortgage payment with a VA loan calculator table, you’ll need to gather up a few key pieces of information, including:

Home Purchase Price

This can be the actual cost of a home you hope to buy, or what you’ve budgeted for your home purchase.

Down Payment Amount

For most eligible veterans and service members, this amount will be $0.

Loan Term

This is the expected length of your loan, usually 15 or 30 years.

Interest Rate

You won’t know your exact interest rate until you lock it in with your lender, so this will be an estimate. Lenders base their rates on current market rates, a borrower’s credit profile, and other factors.)

Property Tax Rate

If you have a particular home in mind to purchase, the tax rate may appear on the listing. You also can look for property tax rates on county websites.

The formula used to calculate a mortgage payment can be complicated, so it may be easier to use a VA home loan calculator to check how changing various numbers might affect your loan. Our VA Loan Mortgage Calculator Table, with averages used below in various fields, also can help you see what your payments might look like.

2024 VA Home Loan Mortgage Calculator Table
Purchase Price	$210,000	$375,000	$675,000
Down Payment	$0	$0	$0
Avg. Property Tax Rate*	1.45% (St. Louis)	1.15% (Tampa)	.82% (Los Angeles)
PMI:	$0	$0	$0
Interest Rate	9%	7%	5%
Loan Term	15-year/30-year	15-year/30-year	15-year/30-year
Estimated Payment	$2,384/$1,943	$3,730/$2,854	$5,799/$4,085
Principal & Interest Monthly	$2,130/$1,690	$3,370/$2,495	$5,338/$3,624
Taxes Monthly	$254	$359	$461
Total Interest Paid	$173,393/$398,290	$231,709/$523,162	$285,814/$629,475

*Property tax exemptions and special tax districts may apply

Examples from the VA Home Mortgage Calculator Table

Because VA-backed loans don’t require mortgage insurance, and most don’t require a down payment, the main factors that will influence your monthly mortgage payment are the amount of the loan, the interest rate you pay, and the length of the loan.

As you can see from the VA loan affordability calculator table above, borrowers can get a smaller, more manageable monthly payment if they opt for a longer loan term. But they’ll pay more in interest than they would if they had a shorter term. Using the Tampa home as an example, the estimated monthly payment would be $2,854 with a 30-year term, vs. $3,730 with a 15-year loan. But the total amount of interest paid for the 30-year loan could end up being more than twice as much: $523,162 vs. $231,709.

And, of course, the cost of the home you choose to buy can also be an important factor. As shown in the table, even with a much higher interest rate, both the monthly payment and total interest paid for the home in St. Louis would be lower than for the home in Los Angeles — simply because the cost of living in California is high and the St. Louis home is less expensive.

It can be helpful to check the cost of living by state if you’re deliberating between two different locations for your next home.


💡 Quick Tip: Active duty service members who have served for at least 90 consecutive days are eligible for a VA loan. But so are many veterans, surviving spouses, and National Guard and Reserves members. It’s worth exploring with an online VA loan application because the low interest rates and other advantages of this loan can’t be beat.†

Other Costs to Consider

Most VA loan mortgage calculators stick to the basics, but there are other costs you may want to consider when you’re trying to determine the monthly loan payment you can afford, including:

VA Funding Fee

Though borrowers don’t pay mortgage insurance on a VA loan, most will pay a one-time funding fee. (Some borrowers are exempt.) The fee, which can be paid upfront or rolled into the loan, is a percentage of the loan, and is based on the type of loan and other factors.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance can help protect your home and property in case of expensive damage and other potential costs. Your lender will likely require that you buy homeowners insurance before you close on your home purchase.

HOA Fees

If the home you purchase is part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), you may have to pay a monthly or annual fee. The HOA may use this money to cover maintenance costs and amenities.

VA Home Loan Limits

Typically, the VA guarantees that it will repay the lender up to 25% of your loan amount if you should fail to make your payments. But if you’re still paying off another VA loan, your VA guarantee may be limited, and the lender may ask you for a down payment to make up the difference. Your lender can help you determine how VA home loan limits might affect your new loan.

Recommended: 2024 Home Loan Help Center

Reasons to Calculate Your VA Home Mortgage Loan First

You may want to calculate the monthly payment and interest costs for your VA loan first, then compare those numbers to other types of loans – especially if you’re a first-time buyer who’s struggling to come up with a down payment. Your VA loan may come with a lower interest rate, and you won’t have to pay private mortgage insurance, which can keep your payments lower. Your lender also may accept a lower credit score if you’re applying for a VA loan vs. a conventional loan.

Still, it can be a good idea to compare all the different types of mortgage loans for which you might be eligible. If you can afford to make a 20% down payment on a conventional loan, for example, you can avoid the VA funding fee, and you’ll have some equity in your home right away. It doesn’t hurt to keep your options open, whether you’re buying a home or refinancing your mortgage.

Tips on How to Save on Your VA Home Mortgage Loan

To get the best VA loan payment, these are a few strategies that could help you save money.

Work on Your Credit

There isn’t a required minimum credit score for VA loans. Instead, the VA asks approved lenders to review the borrower’s “entire loan profile,” which could include your credit history, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, employment history, and assets.

Individual lenders also may have their own approval criteria you should be aware of when you’re ready to apply for a loan. The more you can do to improve your financial health, the better the chances that you’ll get the loan terms you want.

Consider Making a Down Payment

Most borrowers don’t have to make a down payment on their VA home loan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Putting a down payment on your loan could show the lender that you’re a serious buyer, which may help you get a lower interest rate or reduce the VA funding fee on your loan.

Roll Your VA Funding Fee into Your Loan

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or low on cash for closing, the VA’s one-time funding fee may seem like a daunting amount. But you don’t have to pay the entire fee upfront. You can ask your lender to include that amount in your loan, and it will be added to your monthly payments. Your payments will be a bit more, but it may make the difference in being able to buy a home of your own.

Recommended: Tips to Qualify for a Mortgage

The Takeaway

Because VA home loans have some different requirements and benefits than other mortgages, it can be helpful to get an idea of what those differences might mean for your monthly payment and overall loan by using a VA loan calculator table.

If you’re preparing to buy or refinance a home, a VA mortgage loan calculator table can give you a useful estimate of what your new loan might look like, depending on your loan amount, length, interest rate and other factors.

SoFi offers VA loans with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 0%. Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors may use the benefit multiple times.

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the process step by step.

FAQ

Will VA home loan limits increase in 2023?

Yes, VA home loan limits increased significantly in 2023. The baseline limit for VA loans in 2023 is $726,200, compared to $647,200 in 2022.

How much do I need to make to buy a $300,000 house with a VA loan?

Your income is only one factor that goes into deciding how much you can afford to borrow. Lenders also will look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is the amount of your monthly debt payments compared to your monthly gross income. The VA doesn’t have a required DTI ratio for borrowers, but a maximum DTI of 41% is preferred.

What is the VA benefit increase for 2023?

Military retirees and disabled veterans got an 8.7% increase in their monthly checks in 2023, thanks to the annual adjustment to the federal cost of living allowance.

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Photo credit: iStock/joel-t

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 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.

^†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
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.

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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It’s not news that FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans can be a great way for first-time homebuyers to break into the market. They’re government-backed and tend to come with lower costs and less-stringent eligibility requirements.

But like any mortgage, FHA loans do still come with closing costs — expenses due at the time the mortgage is signed — which can add up to a pretty penny. It’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into ahead of time with closing costs to avoid sticker shock, which is exactly why you’re here.

Keep reading to learn such intel as:

•   How to figure out your FHA loan closing costs

•   What is an FHA loan closing cost calculator

•   How to use a calculator table to determine your FHA loan closing costs

•   How to lower your FHA loan closing costs.

Why Use an FHA Loan Closing Costs Calculator Table?

Closing costs for FHA loans (a kind of government loan) are made up of several different expenses, including lender fees, third-party fees, and prepaid items. Each of these categories of expenses is composed of smaller costs.

For example:

•   Lender fees might include an origination fee, underwriting fee, document preparation fee, and other charges.
Third-party fees might include an appraisal fee and real estate attorney fees, just to name a couple.

•   That is a lot of instances of the word “fee.” And that’s before you factor in the mandatory FHA mortgage insurance premium, or MIP — which is basically the FHA version of private mortgage insurance (PMI).

That’s why using an FHA loan closing costs calculator table can be an efficient way to see, at a glance, a ballpark range of what you might expect to plunk down on the closing table. Of course, the best way to know exactly what to expect is to calculate all of your FHA loan closing costs by hand. Or to ask your lender to share the expected or actual fees involved.


💡 Quick Tip: Buying a home shouldn’t be aggravating. SoFi’s online mortgage application is quick and simple, with dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers to guide you throughout the process.

How to Calculate Your FHA Loan Closing Costs

To calculate your specific FHA loan closing costs, you’ll need to add up all the smaller costs — which means ascertaining exactly what they are. Asking your lender is a great way to do this for these government-backed mortgages, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or beyond. Your lender should even be able to tell you the overall cost without your needing to calculate it yourself.

As a general rule of thumb, closing costs tend to amount to about 3% to 6% of the amount you borrow. In other words, if you were buying a million dollar home and putting down $700,000, your mortgage would be $300,000, and your closing costs would be between $9,000 and $18,000.

If you were buying a home that costs $330,000 and putting down $30,000, your home loan would again be $300,000, and your closing costs would be similar to the range above.

Calculating MIP

Now, here are more details about the MIP portion:

•   With an FHA loan, you can expect to pay 1.75% of the loan amount in MIP upfront.

•   It may be possible to finance your upfront MIP by adding it to your overall loan, but doing so will likely increase the amount you pay in interest over time.

•   In addition, you will pay an ongoing premium as part of your monthly payment that ranges from 0.15% to 0.75% of your home’s outstanding loan balance annually.

Below, you’ll find a chart that shows a range of possible down payments and closing costs on FHA loans.

Recommended: Cost of Living by State

2024 FHA Loan Closing Costs Calculator Table

Here’s a basic guide to approximately how much you can expect to pay in closing costs if you take out an FHA loan in 2024, depending on the cost of your home. (Actual figures may vary, but this serves as an overall FHA loan closing cost calculator.)

Home Price	3.5% Down payment	10% Down payment	MIP due at closing (1.75%) with 3.5% down	MIP due at closing (1.75%) with 10% down	Overall Closing Costs (3% to 6%, including MIP) with 3.5% down	Overall closing costs (3% to 6%, including MIP) with 10% down
$200,000	$7,000	$20,000	$3,377.50	$3,150	$5,790 – $11,580	$5,400 – $10,800
$350,000	$12,250	$35,000	$5,910.63	$5,512.50	$10,125 – $20,250	$9,450 – $18,900
$500,000	$17,500	$50,000	$8,443.75	$7,875	$14,475 – $28,950	$13,500 – $27,000

As you see, when you put more money down, your home loan is smaller, and closing costs can be reduced somewhat.

Recommended: Guide to FHA 203(k) Home Loans

Examples of FHA Loan Closing Cost Calculations

So, how do such seemingly small percentages add up so quickly?

Here are some examples of the types of fees that add up to that 3% to 6% in closing costs. This percentage tends to apply to different kinds of home loans, including FHA ones:

•   Lender fees. Your lender is in business to make money, and may charge various fees associated with the service of originating, writing, and maintaining the loan, such as:

◦   Loan origination fee: 0.5% to 1% of your home loan total

◦   Underwriting fee: $300 to $900+

◦   Document preparation fee: Up to $100

•   Third-party fees. From getting your property appraised to finding and insuring your title, there are plenty of third-party fees that crank up your closing cost total.

◦   Appraisal fee: $600 to $2,000

◦   Survey fee: $500

◦   Real estate attorney fee: $500 to $1,500

◦   Title search fee: $75 to $200

◦   Title insurance: 0.5% to 1% of your home purchase price

◦   Recording fees: $125

•   Prepaid items. As part of signing, you’ll also need to pay a certain number of items upfront, such as your first year’s worth of homeowners insurance to be held in escrow. These costs vary depending on your home’s location and overall value, but they can be substantial. They can include:

◦   Real estate taxes

◦   Tax and insurance escrow deposits

◦   Flood, earthquake, or hazard insurance premiums

•   MIP: As mentioned above, this will be 1.75% of the loan amount, though some borrowers may roll it into the loan amount).

As you can see, FHA loan closing costs can really add up — but it can be worth it to have a home to call you very own.


💡 Quick Tip: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), FHA loans provide those with a fair credit score the opportunity to buy a home. They’re a great option for first-time homebuyers.

Reasons to Calculate Your FHA Loan Closing Costs First

If you’re searching for your dream house and accessing a home loan help center, that’s terrific. Be sure to also focus on understanding how much you may pay in closing costs. This can help you know how much house you can really afford to buy.

Often, buyers get so caught up in trying to save up for their down payment that they forget about closing costs entirely. This lump sum, which is often five figures, could be a pretty upsetting thing to be surprised by as you move towards signing.

Calculating your closing costs ahead of time will help ensure you’ve actually saved up enough to comfortably make your home purchase. Your lender is required to offer you a closing statement before it’s time to sign the deal.

That said, the more preplanning you can achieve when it comes to these amounts of money, the better. You may want to use a closing cost FHA loan calculator (look online for tools that can help) so you can get a feel for these numbers.

Tips on How to Save on Your FHA Loan Closing Costs

If you are planning on buying a home, you are probably researching tips to qualify for a mortgage. In addition, you may want to consider ways to lower the overall expense of closing costs.

Yes, closing costs can be a hefty chunk of change. Fortunately, there are a few ways to help lower your closing costs and usher you over the threshold into homeownership.

•   Negotiate with the seller. If the person you’re buying the house from is eager to let it go, they may be willing to pay some — or even all — of your closing costs on their end.

•   Ask for a gift. Not all mortgages allow gift funds to be used for closing costs, but FHA loans do. If you have a friend or family member who is willing to offer a sum of money, you could consider using gift funds to lower your costs.

•   Roll them into the mortgage. As with MIP, it can be possible to roll some of the remainder of your closing costs into your mortgage. Keep in mind that doing so can raise your monthly payment and mean you pay more in interest overall.

The Takeaway

FHA loans do come with closing costs, and most buyers can expect to pay about 3% to 6% of the loan amount at signing. This type of mortgage in particular requires a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75% of the loan amount closing, which can drive up the overall price of FHA loans upfront.
Despite these charges, FHA loans can be an important option for many borrowers as they move along the path to homeownership.

SoFi offers a wide range of FHA loan options that are easier to qualify for and may have a lower interest rate than a conventional mortgage. You can down as little as 3.5%. Plus, the Biden-Harris Administration has reduced monthly mortgage insurance premiums for new homebuyers to help offset higher interest rates.

Another perk: FHA loans are assumable mortgages!

FAQ

Who pays the closing costs on an FHA loan?

Traditionally, closing costs are the responsibility of the buyer. However, it is possible to ask the seller to pay closing costs as part of your negotiation. (Keep in mind that this probably won’t work in a highly competitive seller’s market, though.)

How much FHA loan can I qualify for?

The amount you qualify for will depend on personal financial data like your income and credit score. That said, it’s also important to understand that the FHA does impose loan limits that cap the maximum amount borrowers can take out. In 2023, the FHA loan limits for a single-family housing unit are $472,030 in most areas of the country, and up to $1,089,300 in specific, high-cost counties.

Can closing costs be included in an FHA loan?

Some of your FHA loan closing costs, including the upfront MIP, can be rolled into your mortgage, but keep in mind doing so will increase your monthly payment and also mean spending more in interest over time. And note that you can’t include your down payment in the loan. The minimum FHA loan down payment is 3.5%. Using a closing cost FHA loan calculator can help you estimate your expenses.

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Photo credit: iStock/ridvan_celik

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
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 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.

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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Using a wishlist app can be an excellent way to stay organized when planning holiday shopping. Wishlist apps allow you to create shopping lists and check off purchases as you make them. Some of the best wishlist apps can also make it easier to track price changes for items on your list from different stores.

If you’re gearing up for the holidays (or planning to shop for any other special occasion), there are several wishlist apps you might consider using to make the task easier.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the benefits of wishlist apps and smart picks if you decide to use them.

Why Use a Wishlist App?

Wishlist apps can help to simplify holiday shopping in a number of ways. While the features of individual apps may vary, the benefits are largely the same.

For instance, a wishlist app can help you to:

•   Organize shopping lists for the holidays or any other special occasion.

•   Plan, set, and hopefully stick to a budget for shopping so that you’re not draining your checking account.

•   Track pricing changes for the various items on your list so you can find the best deals.

Wishlist apps can also keep you from wasting money on the wrong gifts (a sweater that’s too big or not quite the right Lego set) or on impulse buys.

If friends and family use wishlist apps to set up a preferred gift list for themselves, they can share it with you. You can then choose which gifts to buy from their list. This can help ensure that you’re giving them something they truly want or need; say, not just any boots but exactly the pair they’re hoping for. And you can set up a shareable wishlist for yourself so that friends and family also know what to buy for you.

💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.00% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Best Wishlist Apps for Shopping in 2023

There are lots of wishlist apps available for download, but some may prove more valuable to you than others. When comparing wishlist apps, it’s helpful to consider such factors as:

•   The range of features offered

•   Shareability

•   Whether fees are involved in their use (all of the ones on the list below are free).

With those things in mind, here are some of the best wishlist app options to consider when trying to shop affordably for the holidays.

1. Giftful

•   Website: https://giftful.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Giftful can make it easy to set up wishlists and share them with friends and family. To create a wishlist for yourself, you can simply add links to items from around the web. People who view your wishlist can browse items and if they decide to make a purchase, click “Claim” in the app to let others know they plan to buy it.

You can do the same for friends and family who have created their own Giftful wishlist. Giftful believes in the value of surprises, so you won’t be able to see who’s claimed items on your list and friends and family won’t be able to see what you’ve claimed from their lists.

2. Wishupon

•   Website: https://wishupon.company

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Wishupon is a universal shopping wishlist app that can be used for the holidays or any other time when you need to track gifts (such as birthdays or wedding season).

Users can create wishlists when they browse any online store through the Wishupon mobile app. You can also add items to your wishlist with just a click if you’re window shopping online using the Wishupon browser extension for Google Chrome. Wishlists are shareable on Snapchat, Messenger, and social media.

There are two other features you may also enjoy. Wishupon sends you notifications when the price of an item on a saved or shared wishlist drops (this can help you save money daily during the holiday season). You can also organize your wishlist into different collections, which can make it easier to separate holiday shopping from other occasions.

3. Giftbuster

•   Website: https://giftbuster.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Giftbuster allows users to set up one wishlist or multiple lists for different people in your household. For example, if you’re married, you might have one wishlist for yourself, one for your spouse, and one for each of your kids if you have children.

You can instantly save links to any product from any store with just one click and share wishlists with everyone in your friends or family circle. Giftbuster sends notifications for price drops as well as deal alerts to help you avoid paying retail. You can also get access to special promo codes which can deliver added savings on the things you plan to buy.

4. Giftwhale

•   Website: https://giftful.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Giftwhale is a fun way to create wishlists for the holidays, including Secret Santa lists. You can set up a wishlist for yourself and add links to items from any store. You can then share your list with friends and family so they know exactly what to buy. They can share their own lists with you as well.

There’s a chat feature that allows you to exchange gift-giving ideas with friends and family, which is hidden from the wishlist’s creators. That can be a plus if you want to avoid confusion about who will buy which gifts from their list. It also makes holiday shopping more social, which can add to the fun.

Here’s another cool feature: Giftwhale makes it easy for wishlist creators to send a thoughtful thank you note to each person who purchases an item from their list.

5. Things to Get Me

•   Website: https://thingstogetme.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Things to Get Me is a universal wishlist app that includes some helpful features shoppers might appreciate. For example, you can:

•   Create curated lists for each special occasion you plan to shop for

•   Personalize your lists with different themes

•   Share your lists with individual people or groups that you create

•   Collect cash with a money fund if you’d prefer that to a tangible gift (available in the U.S., U.K., and Europe only)

•   Receive gifts from people without having to share your mailing address publicly.

You can use Things to Get Me to shop through the mobile app or online using the free browser plugin.

💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more each month? Grow your personal savings by opening an online savings account. SoFi offers high-interest savings accounts with no account fees. Open your savings account today!

6. Giftster

•   Website: https://giftster.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Giftster is a free private gift registry that’s designed for families. You can create a registry and invite family members to join. Everyone who receives an invite can view the registry at any time to make gift giving for the holidays or any other reason easier.

Members can add links to items to the registry from any store. Any purchases that are made from the list are hidden from the listmaker. If your family follows an annual tradition of doing a Secret Santa gift exchange, you can set that up in the app, and Giftster will automatically draw names for each member.

7. Listery

•   Website: https://listery.app

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Listery is a free mobile app that allows users to create gift wishlists and share them with people in their contacts circle. There’s no limit to the number of lists you can create. You can also set up hidden lists of items that you’d like to buy for yourself that no one else on the app would be able to view.

When you set up group lists, you can designate those as public or private view. When an occasion is drawing closer, Listery will send you a reminder to let you know it’s approaching. That can help you avoid waiting until the last minute (or even hitting the stores on Christmas Eve) to purchase a gift from someone’s list.

Recommended: When Is the Best Time to Book Holiday Travel?

8. WishList

•   Website: https://wishlist.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

WishList is a wishlist app and gift registry that allows users to set up lists for any occasion. When you create a list, you can add items to it from any store using the WishList mobile app or online with the Chrome browser extension. Wishlists can be shared among friends and family. Bonus: The app has a search feature that lets you find users using their name or email.

Lists can be curated by theme or collection, so you might have one list for holiday shopping, another for birthdays, and a third for the bedroom makeover you’re planning. Users can set up lists for specific gifts they’d like to receive or general lists of things they’re into to offer some gift-giving inspiration for friends and family.

Recommended: How Much Holiday Lights Cost to Run

9. Elfster

•   Website: https://elfster.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Elfster is a wishlist app that’s designed especially for Christmas and holiday shopping. Users can create personalized wishlists, review lists from friends and family, and browse the latest gift trends online.

The app also has a Secret Santa generator feature that makes it easier to plan a holiday gift exchange. You can invite friends, family members, or coworkers to Elfster via text or email. Elfster draws names for you and assigns everyone on the list a Secret Santa gift to buy.

10. Wish Explorer

•   Website: https://wishexplorer.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Wish Explorer allows users to create and share wishlists for holiday shopping, weddings, birthdays, and other events. One of the best features of the app is the option to organize lists and make notes so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything when it’s time to shop.

It’s easy to add items to lists while shopping online, or you can also import items manually. When you’re browsing the lists of friends or family members, you can tag items as “reserved” or “bought” to let other shoppers know you’re already purchasing that item. That means no duplicate presents, which can help save money on the holidays and minimize frustration.

11. DreamList

•   Website: https://dreamlist.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

DreamList is a wishlist app and gift registry with a twist. While the app allows you to set up gift lists for holiday shopping and other occasions, users can also create lists for other purposes.

For example, you can set up wishlists for meaningful experiences you’d like to share with friends, family members, or significant others. You could also ask for cash donations to help fund a specific goal or dream, like planning for a vacation. It’s free to set up wishlists or gift registries, and you can create a group list for the entire family.

12. Moonsift

•   Website: https://moonsift.com

•   Available on: Android, iOS

•   Cost: Free

•   Age rating: Everyone

Moonsift makes it easy to browse and create curated collections of items you’d like to buy. You can set up a universal wishlist and add items through the Moonsift app or online with the free browser extension. It’s designed to let you simply add products from any store and share collections with friends and family.

You can view items from lists that have been shared with you. Another cool feature: Moonsift sends price drop alerts to let you know when there are deals to be had. You can also track what’s already been purchased from a listmaker’s list to avoid buying duplicate items.

The Takeaway

The holidays can be one of the busiest times of year, and having to keep up with a lengthy shopping list might only add to the strain. Wishlist apps can take the guesswork out of deciding what to buy for the people you plan to shop for (and ensure that you’re getting gifts you actually want). More importantly, using a wishlist app can help you stay on budget so that you’re not putting unnecessary stress on your checking or savings account.

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

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

FAQ

What are wishlist apps?

Wishlist apps are applications that allow users to create lists of gifts they’d like to receive. They can then share those lists with friends, family members, or coworkers, as well as view lists that have been shared with them.

Can you create gift wishlists without an app?

In addition to wishlist apps, you might also be able to create gift wishlists with your favorite retailers, such as an Amazon wishlist. You could also use Pinterest to curate items you’d like to buy for yourself or gift ideas for others. And there’s always pencil and paper or email as options to share this info.

What’s the difference between a wishlist and a gift registry?

Wishlists, including the kind created using a wishlist app, allow viewers to see which items the listmaker would most like to have. Viewers can then decide which items to purchase, if any. Gift registries work the same way, but are typically store-specific.

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Photo credit: iStock/Anchiy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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