Financial Topics Archives | Page 566 of 822

Oct

2023

How Do Collection Agencies Work?

By Janet Schaaf | Debt Payoff, Financial Independence, personal_loan | No Comments

It could come as a dreaded envelope in your mailbox, or as a call from an unknown number you’re afraid to take. Whether you’re receiving calls or mail from a debt collector or are going out of your way to avoid either (or both!), you’ll probably want to know: What is a debt collection agency, and how does it work?

How Do Collection Agencies Work?

At their most basic, debt collection agencies exist in order to try to get borrowers to pay their overdue debts. Debt collection companies make money by buying debt from lenders, often for pennies on the dollar, and then attempting to get the original amount owed from the borrower.

A bill that’s 30 days past due is otherwise known as a delinquent account. Lenders and creditors have some leeway when they report overdue debts to credit bureaus. For borrowers who continually miss payments, a lender may report a missed payment right at the 30-day mark. But for a borrower who has a positive repayment record, a lender might allow a few missed payments before reporting it to the credit bureaus.

A debt is typically not sent to a collection agency until several months have gone by and your lender no longer wants to put effort into collecting the debt from you. Instead, the lender might either enlist an agency that is hired to collect third-party debts or sell the debt to a collection agency. Once the debt has been sold to a debt collection agency, you may start to get calls and/or letters from that agency.

You may be wondering what a collection agency can do to you. The debt collection industry is heavily regulated, and borrowers have many rights when it comes to dealing with bill collectors. Debt collectors are allowed to try to get you to pay, but they are restricted by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits them from harassing you or lying to you in order to collect your debt. Despite this, debt collectors will try everything in their power to get you to pay your old debt.

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What Is a Debt Collector?

A debt collector can be either an individual person or an agency. In either case, their task is to collect overdue debts from those who owe them. Sometimes referred to as collection specialists, an individual debt collector may be responsible for many accounts. They may be paid a base salary plus commission, so they have a high incentive to convince the debtor to pay.

What Do Collection Agencies Do?

Debt collection agencies are hired by creditors and are generally paid a percentage of the amount of the debt they recover for the creditor. The percentage a collection agency charges is typically based on the age of the debt and the amount of the debt. Older debts or higher debts may take more time to collect, so a collection agency might charge a higher percentage for collecting those.

Some agencies may also charge a flat fee for collecting a debt. Others work on a contingency basis and only charge the creditor if they are successful in collecting on the debt.

The debt collection agency enters into an agreement with the creditor to collect a percentage of the debt — the percentage is stipulated by the creditor. One creditor might not be willing to settle for less than the full amount owed, while another might accept a settlement for 50% of the debt.

When the debt is collected, the agency takes its payment from the amount paid and sends the remainder to the creditor.

How is this different from a debt buyer?

The main difference between a debt collector and a debt buyer is the stage the debt is with the creditor. If a creditor is still trying to collect a debt, either on its own or through a debt collection agency, the debt is considered to be a current debt. But if a creditor has given up trying to collect a debt, they may write off — or charge off — the debt, no longer expecting it to be paid.

A debt collector is hired by the creditor to attempt to collect what is owed on the current debt by the debtor.

A debt buyer, in comparison, doesn’t work for the creditor like a debt collector does. They buy debts that have been charged off by creditors, sometimes buying a collection of old debts from a single creditor. They may pay very little for the debt, sometimes just a few cents of what was originally owed. Debt buyers then attempt to collect the debt, sometimes using aggressive tactics.

The debt buyer buys only an electronic file of information, often without supporting evidence of the debt. The debt is also generally very old debt, sometimes referred to as “zombie debt” because the debt buyer tries to revive a debt that was beyond the statute of limitations for collections.

How to Deal With a Debt in Collections

Debt collection agencies may contact you either in writing or by phone.

If your first instinct is to hang up when you get a phone call from a debt collector, you’re not alone. But not talking to them won’t make the debt go away, and they may just try alternative methods to contact you, including suing you. When a debt collector calls you, it’s important to get some initial information from them, such as:

• The debt collector’s name, address, and phone number.

• The total amount of the debt they claim you owe, including any fees and interest charges that may have accrued.

• The date the debt was incurred and who it was originally owed to.

• Proof they have that the debt is actually yours.

The debt collector must let you know that you have the right to dispute the debt and how to do so. If they don’t say this in their first contact with you, they must notify you of your right to dispute within five days of their initial contact with you. Under the FDCPA, a debt collector must send a debt validation notice, which must include certain information.

• The letter must state that it’s from a debt collector.

• Name and address of both the debt collector and the debtor.

• The creditor or creditors to whom the debt is owed.

• An itemization of the debt, including fees and interest.

They must also inform you of your rights in the debt collection process, and how you can dispute the debt.

• If you don’t dispute the debt within 30 days of their first contact with you, they’ll assume the debt is valid.

• If you do dispute the debt within 30 days, they must cease collection efforts until they provide you with proof that the debt is yours.

• They must provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if you request that information within 30 days.

The debt validation notice must include a form that can be used to contact them if you wish to dispute the debt.

The FDCPA ensures that consumers aren’t harassed during the collections process. Some things debt collectors cannot do are:

• Make repeated calls to a debtor, intending to annoy the debtor.

• Threaten physical violence.

• Use obscenity.

• Lie about how much you owe or pretend to call from an official government office.

How Does a Debt in Collections Affect Your Credit?

Generally, unpaid debt is reported to the credit bureaus when it’s 30 days past due. If payments continue to be missed, additional late payments will be reported, and with each missed payment, your credit is likely to be negatively affected.

If your debt is transferred to a debt collector or sold to a debt buyer, an entry will be made on your credit report. Each time your debt is sold, if it continues to go unpaid, another entry will be added to your credit report.

Each negative entry on your credit report can remain there for up to seven years, even after the debt has been paid. This, of course, will likely affect your credit score. Higher credit scores may take a greater hit than lower credit scores.

A late payment or collections entry on your credit report could lower your credit score by as much as 110 points, a debt settlement entry could lower it by as much as 125 points, and a bankruptcy could lower it up to 240 points.

Recommended: How to Check Your Credit Score for Free

Alternatives to Debt Collection Agencies

You have options when it comes to dealing with your debt. Here are a few you may want to consider.

Credit Consumer Counseling Services

With credit consumer counseling services, you may be paired with a trained credit counselor who works with you to develop a debt management plan. Generally, counselors don’t negotiate a reduction in debts owed, but they could help lower monthly payments by working to increase the loan terms or lower interest rates. A plan may require you to make a single monthly payment to the agency, which then makes monthly payments to all of your creditors.

The credit counselor can also provide guidance on your money and debts, work with you to create a budget, and even offer free workshops or financial literacy materials.

Many agencies are nonprofit and offer counseling services for free or at a low cost. To find a nonprofit agency that’s certified by the Justice Department, you may want to start with this list.

Debt Settlement

Debt settlement is where a third-party company negotiates with your creditors or debt collectors on your behalf to try to reduce your debt.

Paying off less debt might sound like an easy win, but debt settlement can come with some big financial risks, possibly affecting the debtor’s credit score and ability to access credit in the future, and costing more along the way. Plus, creditors are under no obligation to accept a settlement proposal, and not all creditors will negotiate with a debt relief company.

Instead of paying a company to negotiate on your behalf, you can try talking directly to your creditors for free. While creditors may not reduce your debt, they may be open to negotiating for a lower rate or offering a modified payment plan so your payments are more manageable.

Debt Consolidation

If you have multiple, high-interest debts, you may choose to consolidate them into a new, single personal loan. Ideally, this new loan has a lower interest rate or more favorable terms to help streamline the repayment process.
Personal loans are often unsecured, which means no collateral is required to secure the loan. They can have fixed or variable interest rates, but it’s usually easy to find a lender that offers fixed-rate personal loans.

Note that some loans come with origination fees, which can add to the total balance you’ll have to repay. You may also be charged with late fees, prepayment penalties, or other fees. Make sure you understand any fees or penalties before you sign the loan agreement.

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The Takeaway

If you’ve received a phone call or letter from a debt collector, it helps to understand how debt collection agencies work and how to deal with a debt in collections. Avoiding a collector won’t make your debt disappear — it’s better to get all the information you can from the debt collector to help you make informed choices as you go through the collections process or dispute the debt. And if you’re having trouble managing multiple high-interest debts, remember there are options available to help get control of your finances.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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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.

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

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.

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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Oct

2023

What’s Next After My Student Loan Was Sold to Another Company?

By Jennifer Calonia | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

If your student loan was sold to another company, you will be notified of your new servicer and make your same monthly payment to them. Your old lender will send the monthly payments to your new lender while this transition occurs, but it’s still ultimately up to you to make sure it’s getting to the new lender by the payment due date.

Selling student loans between companies is a common practice, but learning that your loan was sold to another company might feel jarring if you aren’t prepared for what this entails. If a student loan transfer occurs while you’re paying back your loan, here’s what you should know.

Student Loans Explained

Student loans are an installment-based financing option for students who don’t have cash on-hand to pay for their education. Federal loan funds are offered by the Department of Education, such as Direct Loans. You can also borrow private student loans from non-government sources, such as banking institutions, credit unions, and online lenders.

When you borrow a student loan, the lending company provides you with a lump-sum loan disbursement to pay for school. In exchange, you agree to make incremental monthly payments to the lender for the principal loan balance, plus accrued interest. Your repayment period is predetermined and is on your loan agreement. Typically, you’ll have multiple years to repay your student loan in full.

Most federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, are not due until you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment. You will also have a six-month grace period on these loans. Private student loans typically are not due while in school, either, and may come with their own grace period. This will vary by lender, so make sure to look at all the details of the loan before signing.

How Selling Student Loans Works

While you’re engaging with your lender or servicer during the repayment period, a separate process can take place behind the scenes among lenders.

Whether you have federal or private student loans, the existing company that owns your loan might sell or transfer your student loans to another lender or servicer. How selling student loans works is essentially how it sounds. The current owner of your loan sells the loan account for the cost of the loan balance, plus an additional fee based on the loan terms.

Lenders sell the student loans they create to get the account off of its balance sheet and to increase their liquidity. Since the loan is sold at a premium, the original lender uses that money to create more loans for new borrowers.

Your Loan Servicer After a Student Loan Transfer

The new company that purchased your loan might technically be your lender and loan servicer; in this case, you’d make payments directly to your new lender.

Conversely, your new lender might have purchased your loan, but hired a third-party company to service the loan. In this scenario, you’d send your monthly payments to the third-party servicer that’s partnering with the loan company.

What to Do If Your Student Loan Is Transferred to Another Company

Transferring lenders shouldn’t greatly impact you or the terms of your loan. During the time leading up to the official transfer date and shortly afterward, however, you can protect yourself with a few simple steps.

Expect an Alert From the Company

Your current loan company should communicate the student loan transfer in advance. Typically, you’ll receive an email or mailed letter which details the new company’s name and contact information, transfer date, and possibly payment instructions for your repayment plan.

During this preliminary period, continue making payments based on your usual due date. If you just stop paying your student loan, you risk incurring late payments or delinquency.

Make Sure It Is Not a Scam

When public announcements about student loan transfers are released, scammers might take advantage of unsuspecting borrowers by posing as their new lender or servicer.

For example, you might receive an unsolicited phone call from a scammer alleging that they need your credit card number to set up your student loan account for auto-pay.

The best way to avoid scams for student loans during a transfer is by confirming the new company’s name and contact information directly with your original lender.

Contact New Company

Once you’ve confirmed who’s taking over your student loans, reach out to the new company to ask how you should make payments once your loan is transferred to its system.

After the transfer takes place, create an online account through the company’s website to access your student loan details. From there, make sure your payment information is correct and that you’ve enrolled in automatic payments, if desired. Upon creating your account, double-check that the loan data the company received matches your records.

This includes your remaining loan amount balance, interest rate, term, and repayment plan. If anything is incorrect, contact your servicer immediately to correct the issue.

Can I Refinance My Student Loans If They Are Transferred?

If your student loan was sold and you are dissatisfied with your experience with the new company, refinancing can be an option.

Refinancing student loans lets you transfer your student loan to another lender. The difference with this type of transfer is that it creates an entirely new loan in place of your old one. With a new refinance lender, your loan details, such as interest rate and terms, will change.

No two lenders have the exact same refinance student loan offer. Borrowers with a strong credit profile and low debt-to-income ratio, however, can qualify for the most competitive interest rates.

If you choose to refinance your federal student loans with a private lender, you will lose access to certain federal benefits, such as student loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans. If you are currently using these benefits or plan to in the future, it is not recommended to refinance your student loans.

Refinancing Your Student Loans With SoFi

Selling student loans is ultimately one way in which financial institutions can secure enough liquidity to create new loans for students. Although you don’t have control over whether your loan is sold or not, it doesn’t affect the fine details of your student loan debt. You’ll still owe the amount that’s unpaid for the duration of your term and be charged the same rate.

You do, however, have the option to refinance your student loans with a new loan and new lender. If you do choose to refinance, consider SoFi. Refinancing with SoFi lets you access low rates and it only takes two minutes to see if you prequalify.

FAQ

What happens when your student loan gets sold?

If your loan was sold to another company, your original loan’s unpaid balance, interest rate, and repayment terms remain the same. You’ll need to direct your payments to the new company if it’s also servicing your loan. If the new company purchased your loan, but is not servicing it, reach out to them to confirm where your payments should be sent.

What happens when student loans are transferred?

Your student loan details, including your outstanding balance, interest rate, and repayment period, won’t change during a student loan transfer. Before the transfer takes place, you’ll receive a notice from your lender or servicer. Once the transfer is complete, check your loan details to ensure it’s accurate, and confirm where to send future payments so they arrive on time.

Can a student loan be sold to a collections agency?

Yes. Student loans that are in default — meaning the borrower has stopped making payments for an extended period — can be sold to a collections agency. The collection agency will take every legal measure to collect the unpaid debt, including suing you in court.

Photo credit: iStock/LumiNola
SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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

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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Oct

2023

Cost of Christmas Lights on Utility Bills

How Much Christmas Lights Cost to Run for a Month

By Rebecca Lake | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money | Comments Off

Many people love showing their holiday spirit with Christmas lights, whether just a strand of twinkle lights around a window or going all-out like the Griswolds.

While these lights are festive, it’s worth noting that they aren’t free. In fact, the cost of running holiday lights rose 13% last year, costing the average household $15.48 vs. $13.41 the prior year.

In this economy, every dollar can count, so if you want to learn how much it costs to run Christmas lights for a month and how to reduce that expense, read on.

Here, you’ll learn more about:

• How much do Christmas lights cost to run?

• How much does it cost to run Christmas lights for a month?

• How can you save money on your holiday light electric bill?

Factors Affecting the Cost of Running Christmas Lights

Running Christmas lights uses energy, which can translate to higher utility bills. How much of an increase you see in your electric bill can depend on a number of factors, including:

• How many strands of lights you use

• The type of bulbs used in each strand

• The number of hours you run your lights each day

• How many days you run Christmas lights for

• Where you live and what you pay per kilowatt hour for electricity.

All of these things can influence how large your Christmas lights electric bill turns out be once January rolls around. Understanding what you could wind up paying can help if affordably celebrating the holidays is your goal.

Keep in mind that other costs can drive up electric bills during the holidays, apart from Christmas lights. If you’re using the oven more often to prepare holiday meals, for example, that can result in a higher electric bill. You may also see a bigger bill if colder weather means the heat is kicking on more often or your kids are home all day using electronics more while school is out. Lowering your energy bill may require a multifaceted approach.

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How Much Electricity Do Christmas Lights Use?

The amount of energy used by Christmas lights can depend on the type of bulb and the number of bulbs per strand. The most popular options for Christmas lights include incandescent mini lights, mini LED lights, and ceramic C7 lights.

So which type of bulb uses the most energy?

The simplest answer is to look at the wattage of Christmas lights, based on bulb size and number of bulbs per strand. For example:

• With C7 lights, for instance, you’re typically getting 25 lights per strand.

• With mini LED lights, you’ll normally have 50 bulbs for a 14-foot strand and 100 bulbs per 32-foot strand.

• With mini icicle lights, you often have 300 bulbs for a 26-foot strand.

Here’s how the average wattage for each one compares, though note that incandescent bulbs stopped being manufactured and sold in August 2023 (some people may still own and use strands of these, however):

• C7 lights: 5 watts

• C9 incandescent lights (2-¼” long): 7 watts

• Mini incandescent lights: 0.4 watts

• Mini LED lights: 0.07 watts

Between those three options, mini LED lights draw the least amount of energy per strand while C7 lights draw the most.

LEDs possibly lowering energy costs by up to 90% vs. the other options. Switching to LEDs could be a way to save money daily during the holidays.

Also note that you’d need four strands of C7 lights to equal the same number of bulbs in just one strand of incandescent or LED mini lights. This is important to understand because it can affect the number of kilowatt hours used and your overall energy costs.

Recommended: 23 Tips on Saving Money Daily

Cost of Running Christmas Lights

So how much do Christmas lights cost to run for a month? Or longer? Calculating your estimated cost of running Christmas lights matters when trying to lower your electric bill during the winter months. Again, what you’ll pay can depend on a variety of factors, including where you live and how much electricity costs.

The average household pays $0.17 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, but prices may be significantly higher or lower in different parts of the country due to cost of living differences.

If you live in Connecticut, for example, you might pay an average of $0.21 cents per kilowatt hour. People living in Florida, however, might pay an average of $0.11 cents per kilowatt hour. Residents of Hawaii typically pay the most, currently spending $0.32 cents per kilowatt hour.

Here’s how to figure out how much you’ll pay for Christmas lighting:

• Multiply the wattage of the lights by the hours per day the lights will be on, then divide by 1,000 to find kilowatt hours per day

• Multiply kilowatt hours per day by your cost of electric usage to get the cost per day

• Multiply the cost per day by the number of days your lights will be on

Calculating the Cost of Christmas Lights

Now, for how much does it cost to run Christmas lights? Here’s a look at what it would cost to run C7 lights, C9, and mini incandescent lights, and mini LED lights for six hours a day for 30 days, using a price of $0.14 cents per kilowatt hour. Here’s what you’d pay for each one:

Bulb Type	Hourly Cost	Daily Cost	Monthly Cost
C7 (25 bulbs, 5 watts per bulb)	$0.0175	$0.105	$3.15
C9 (25 bulbs, 7 watts per bulb)	$0.025	$0.15	$4.50
Incandescent Mini Lights (100 bulbs, 0.45 watts per bulb)	$0.0063	$0.0378	$1.13
Mini LED Lights (100 bulbs, 0.07 watts per bulb)	$0.0042	$0.0252	$0.76

Keep in mind that these costs are for just one strand of lights, as noted. If you string together several strands on your tree, frame your windows with lights, and then drape your shrubs or street-facing windows outdoors with more, your costs will of course go up.

Also, in terms of what the average person spends on Christmas lights, it can vary by a state’s cost of living, as well as by what kind of bulbs are used. Louisiana residents who run LED lights, for example, would likely spend the least, since they are paying just over nine cents per kilowatt hour (currently the lowest rate in the US) and they would be using energy-saving bulbs. Meanwhile, Hawaiians who opt for incandescent bulbs would probably spend the most, since their bulbs use a considerable amount of power and they currently pay the highest national rate for energy of almost 33 cents per kilowatt hour.

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Tips to Save on Your Christmas Lighting Bill

If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bill when you start plugging in your holiday lights, follow this advice.

Embracing Energy-Efficient LEDs

As mentioned, the wattage of Christmas lights plays an important part in determining how much you pay for electric bills over the holidays. Between C7 lights, incandescent lights and LED lights, LED lights are highly energy-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, residential LEDs that are ENERGY STAR rated use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

People who use LED Christmas lights tend to pay far less than those using incandescent bulbs or C7 lights. So it follows that an easy way to save money on your electric bill and reduce energy usage would be to use mini LED lights as often as possible. Aside from that, LED bulbs emit less light and are less likely to overload sockets, making them a potentially safer option for Christmas lighting compared to other types of bulbs.

So if you still have some incandescent bulbs in your box of Christmas decorations, you may want to think about swapping them out for LEDs. (You won’t find incandescents made or sold in the US anymore either.)

Benefits of Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights

You might consider using solar-powered outdoor lights on your house over the holidays. These strands depend upon energy collected by small panels that gather and hold energy from the sun during the day.

These strands don’t plug in and draw no electrical power. So they can be especially easy and economical to use over the holidays.

Battery-Operated Lights for Smaller Displays

If you like to create smaller displays, you might consider battery-powered strands of lights. There is a wide range of how long these lights will stay illuminated, but this can be a good unplugged option to try for small-scale displays. While you do have to pay for the batteries, it can be cheaper than plugging in lights for weeks on end.

Recommended: 18 Common Misconceptions About Money

The Takeaway

A higher-than-usual electric bill can put a damper on your holiday celebrations. Estimating your potential costs beforehand can help you manage utility expenses. And you can decide whether it’s worth it to invest a little money in upgrading your current Christmas lights to energy-efficient options.

Having the right banking partner, such as one with budgeting tools, can also help make tackling high utility bills after the holidays easier.

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FAQ

Do LED Christmas lights use a lot of electricity?

Compared to C7 lights or incandescent mini lights, LED Christmas lights use the least amount of energy. Specifically, they can use up to 90% less energy while lasting longer. LED Christmas lights also emit less heat and can be easier to install than other types of holiday lighting.

Do Christmas lights raise your light bill?

Holiday lights can raise your electric bill during the winter months. How much it costs to run Christmas lights can depend on several things, including the type of bulbs used, how many light strands you’re running, how long you turn the lights on for, and the average cost of energy per kilowatt hour in your area. Using timers and switching to energy-efficient bulbs can be helpful for reducing your Christmas lights electric bill.

Do Christmas trees use a lot of electricity?

Christmas trees can use a lot of electricity, depending on the type of lights you use, the number of strands on the tree, and how long you leave your tree plugged in each day. Using mini LED lights can reduce electric costs for Christmas tree lighting, while using C7 bulbs to light your tree could result in a higher energy bill.

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Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider 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 Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% 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 Eligible 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 an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% 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 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://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.

SOBK1023001

Oct

2023

What Is a Personal Loan? How Do Personal Loans Work?

By Janet Schaaf | personal_loan, Terminology | No Comments

A personal loan is a flexible type of loan issued by a bank, credit union, or online lender that you pay back in regular, fixed payments over a set term.

Personal loans work a little differently than other types of loans. Consumer loans typically specify what the money should be spent on: Mortgages are used to purchase or refinance homes, and student loans are used to pay for an education. But there aren’t as many restrictions on how you can or can’t spend personal loan funds, which allows for more flexibility than other types of loans.

Read on to learn more about how personal loans work, including how much you can borrow, how to apply, and the different types of personal loans.

Table of Contents

What Is a Personal Loan?
How Do Personal Loans Work?
Personal Loan Uses
The Personal Loan Application Process
Types of Personal Loans
What Personal Loan Lenders Look at in Your Application
Deciding If a Personal Loan Is Right for You
Alternatives to Personal Loans

What Is a Personal Loan?

As mentioned before, a personal loan is a one-time lump sum you borrow from a bank or other financial institution and repay over time, usually with interest. The funds can be used for almost anything.

Loan amounts generally range from $1,000 to $50,000, though some lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000. Repayment terms are usually anywhere from two to seven years.

💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

Key Points

• A personal loan is a flexible type of loan issued by a bank, credit union, or online lender that you pay back in regular, fixed payments over a set term.

• Personal loans can be used for almost anything. Loan amounts generally range from $1,000 to $50,000, though some lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000. Repayment terms are usually anywhere from two to seven years.

• The interest rate on a personal loan is determined by the lender and is based on a number of factors, including the applicant’s financial history, income, debt, and credit score.

• Personal loans can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvement expenses, <loans for wedding costs, unexpected medical expenses, moving expenses, funeral expenses, family planning, car repairs, and vacation

• Before you apply for a personal loan, you’ll want to consider how much money you want to borrow, how much you can afford to pay each month, how long you want to make payments, and whether or not you want to put up collateral.

How Do Personal Loans Work?

Personal loans are typically unsecured loans (meaning you don’t have to pledge an asset to secure the loan) that provide you with money you then pay back in regular installments over the term of the loan.

How Do You Get the Money?

The first step is applying for a personal loan (more on that below). After loan approval, the lender typically deposits the loan proceeds directly into the borrower’s bank account.

Repaying a Personal Loan

You repay a personal loan in monthly installments that go toward both principal and interest.

Typically, personal loans are amortized. This means the total amount you owe is divided into equal monthly payments over the term of the loan. Even though the total monthly payment remains the same, the amounts being directed to principal and interest will change each month. An amortization schedule can show you exactly how much of your payment is going towards paying down the principal and how much is being paid in interest.

Personal loans with longer terms may offer lower monthly payments, but cost more in interest over the life of the loan. A shorter-term personal loan can have higher monthly payments, but cost less overall in interest.

How Personal Loan Interest Rates Work

The interest rate on a personal loan is determined by the lender and is based on a number of factors, including the applicant’s financial history, income, debt, and credit score. Generally speaking, the better an applicant’s credit score, the better the chance they have to receive a lower interest rate on the loan. The higher the interest rate, the more money the loan will cost over its term.

Reasons To Take Out Personal Loans

Personal Loan Uses

Personal loans can be used for just about anything. That said, there are some common reasons people take out different types of personal loans, including:

• Debt management and consolidation

• Home improvement expenses

• Wedding costs

• Unexpected medical expenses

• Moving expenses

• Funeral expenses

• Family planning

• Car repairs

• Vacation

What not to use personal loans for

The Personal Loan Application Process

While it’s not as simple as walking into a bank, asking for a loan, and walking out with a check, the application process for personal loans is relatively easy.

Before you apply for a personal loan, you’ll want to consider how much money you want to borrow, how much you can afford to pay each month, how long you want to make payments, and whether or not you want to put up collateral (though less common, some lenders offer secured personal loans). There may be other considerations for specific financial circumstances, which can vary from person to person.

Checking Your Own Credit

Because lenders will be looking closely at your creditworthiness, it’s a good idea to give your financial health a check-up before you begin the application process. You can get a free copy of your credit reports from the three main consumer credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Once you get your reports, it’s a good idea to review them carefully and report for any errors. Correcting anything that isn’t accurate means your credit report will look as good as possible to lenders.

Comparing Loans

Just like shopping around for the best prices before making a large purchase, comparing lenders’ rates and terms is a smart move before the application process actually begins.

Here are some things to look for when researching lenders:

• How much do they lend on personal loans? If the amount you need to borrow doesn’t fall within the range offered by the lender, you may need to look elsewhere.

• Do they charge any fees or penalties? Some lenders charge an origination fee equal to a percentage of the loan amount to process your application. Some personal loans also have a prepayment penalty if you pay off your loan ahead of schedule.

• How are fees and penalties charged? Some lenders may roll any fees into the loan amount, which increases the total amount you’ll owe. Other lenders may deduct the fee amounts from the loan proceeds, so the amount you receive will be lower than the actual amount of the loan.

• Can I get prequalified so I’ll know what interest rate they might offer me? Prequalification involves the lender doing a soft pull on your credit report, which will not affect your credit score. This step will give the lender a sneak peek at your financial history so they can give you an estimated interest rate. Going through this process with multiple lenders is one way to compare rates and terms you may qualify for.

• What if I can’t make my loan payments due to financial hardship? Missed or late payments could result in late fees, affect your credit score, or lead to your account being sent to collections. Some lenders may offer protections for borrowers who have lost their job or are having difficulty making their payments for other reasons.

Applying for a Loan

When you’ve selected a lender, it’s time to submit the actual application. For an unsecured personal loan, lenders typically require:

• A photo ID

• Proof of address

• Proof of income or employment

Each lender has different requirements, though, so it’s important to carefully read and follow the lender’s application instructions. At this stage, the lender will usually do a hard credit check, which can have a small and temporary negative affect on your credit score.

Waiting for Approval

Once you’ve submitted the application and all required documents, it’s time to play the waiting game. Rest easy, though, because some personal loan approvals happen quickly — sometimes in just a day. More complicated applications could take a week or more.

Personal loans can range anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the lender. Once you apply and are approved for the loan, you’ll receive the amount of money you were approved for in a lump sum, minus any origination fees that some lenders may charge. You then start paying back that money in installments which are set by the specific terms of your loan.

Types of Personal Loans

There are a variety of different types of personal loans. Factors like how much money you plan to borrow, your credit and financial history, and how much debt you already have will influence which type of personal loan is right for you. Here’s a look at some common personal loan options.

Unsecured vs Secured Personal Loans

An unsecured personal loan is the most common type of personal loan. Unsecured means the loan is not backed by collateral, like a house or car. The approval and interest rate you receive on an unsecured personal loan is mostly based on your creditworthiness.

Secured personal loans require an asset to be pledged to “secure” the loan. Think of a house when it comes to a mortgage loan, or a car when it comes to a car loan. If you fail to repay your loan, the lender can then seize the collateral.

Some banks offer secured personal loans that allow you to borrow against the equity of your car, personal savings, or other assets. Since secured loans are backed by an asset that the lender can seize if you default on the loan, they generally have a lower interest rate than an unsecured personal loan.

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of unsecured and secured personal loans:

	Unsecured Personal Loans	Secured Personal Loans
Advantages	Funds may be disbursed the same day or within a week Interest rates are typically lower compared to credit cards No collateral required	Interest rates are typically lower compared to unsecured personal loans Can be a good way to improve credit if payments are regular and on time Tend to have a longer repayment period
Disadvantages	May need to meet minimum credit score requirements for approval Interest rates may be higher compared to secured personal loans Credit score may be negatively affected if borrower defaults	Collateral is required Lender can seize the collateral if borrower defaults Application and approval process may involves more steps

Unsecured Personal Loans

Secured Personal Loans

Advantages

Funds may be disbursed the same day or within a week

Interest rates are typically lower compared to credit cards

No collateral required

Interest rates are typically lower compared to unsecured personal loans

Can be a good way to improve credit if payments are regular and on time

Tend to have a longer repayment period

Disadvantages

May need to meet minimum credit score requirements for approval

Interest rates may be higher compared to secured personal loans

Credit score may be negatively affected if borrower defaults

Collateral is required

Lender can seize the collateral if borrower defaults

Application and approval process may involves more steps

Fixed-Rate vs Variable-Rate Personal Loans

Most personal loans are typically fixed-rate loans, meaning your rate and monthly payment stay the same (or are fixed) for the life of the loan. Fixed-rate loans can make sense if you’re looking for something with consistent payments each month. A fixed-rate loan is also worth considering if you are concerned about rising interest rates on longer-term personal loans.

As the name suggests, the interest rate on a variable-rate loan can fluctuate over the life of the loan. Interest rates on this type of loan are tied to benchmark rates or indexes. Based on how the benchmark rate or index changes, the interest rate on a variable-rate loan will also change, directly affecting your monthly payment.

Generally, variable-rate loans carry lower annual percentage rates (APRs) and some have limits on how much the interest rate can rise or lower over a specific period, or even over the life of the loan. A variable-rate loan could be a good choice if you are taking out a small amount of money with a short repayment term.

Here are some pros and cons of variable-rate personal loans and fixed-rate personal loans. Choosing between variable vs. fixed rates will come down to personal preference and what you are approved for.

	Variable-Rate Personal Loans	Fixed-Rate Personal Loans
Advantages	Loans often start out with a lower interest rate compared to fixed-rate loans If benchmark rate goes down, interest rate on the loan also goes down Flexible	Monthly payments are consistent Can avoid rising interest rates Easy to understand
Disadvantages	If benchmark rises, the cost of the loan also rises Borrowers have a greater risk of defaulting on loan if the interest rate increases significantly As interest rates change, so will the monthly payment	Won’t be able to take advantage of changes in interest rates Interest rates tend to be higher compared to variable-rate loans May pay more over time if you took out your loan when interest rates were high

Variable-Rate Personal Loans

Fixed-Rate Personal Loans

Advantages

Loans often start out with a lower interest rate compared to fixed-rate loans

If benchmark rate goes down, interest rate on the loan also goes down

Flexible

Monthly payments are consistent

Can avoid rising interest rates

Easy to understand

Disadvantages

If benchmark rises, the cost of the loan also rises

Borrowers have a greater risk of defaulting on loan if the interest rate increases significantly

As interest rates change, so will the monthly payment

Won’t be able to take advantage of changes in interest rates

Interest rates tend to be higher compared to variable-rate loans

May pay more over time if you took out your loan when interest rates were high

Small vs Large Personal Loans

Just as personal loans are taken out for a variety of reasons, the dollar amount borrowed can vary, too.

A small personal loan, which is generally for $3,000 or less, typically has a lower APR than other types of short-term debt, such as payday loans. Many banks and other financial institutions have limits on the minimum amount they’ll lend. Some credit unions may offer alternatives to payday loans in an effort to help their members save money and avoid being stuck in a cycle of debt.

A large personal loan might be used to pay for major expenses such as home repair or remodeling, medical expenses, or an expensive life event, such as a wedding. Some lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000.

It’s important to keep in mind your ability to repay the loan when deciding how much to borrow. Here’s how small and large loans compare:

	Small Personal Loan	Large Personal Loans
Advantages	Can use the money for a wide variety of purposes Interest rates are typically lower compared to credit cards Usually has better terms than payday loans	Can use the money for a wide variety of purposes Greater ability to combine multiple credit card balances into one balance Can be a good way to improve credit if payments are regular and on time
Disadvantages	Can often get a better interest rate with a larger loan No grace period Lenders may limit how much you can borrow	The larger the loan, the more debt you’re taking on Increases your debt-to-income ratio Lenders may limit how much you can borrow

Small Personal Loan

Large Personal Loans

Advantages

Can use the money for a wide variety of purposes

Interest rates are typically lower compared to credit cards

Usually has better terms than payday loans

Can use the money for a wide variety of purposes

Greater ability to combine multiple credit card balances into one balance

Can be a good way to improve credit if payments are regular and on time

Disadvantages

Can often get a better interest rate with a larger loan

No grace period

Lenders may limit how much you can borrow

The larger the loan, the more debt you’re taking on

Increases your debt-to-income ratio

Lenders may limit how much you can borrow

What Personal Loan Lenders Look at in Your Application

When you apply for a loan, the lender typically considers your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and other factors.

Credit Score

A person’s credit score shows lenders what the theoretical likelihood of that person paying back a loan would be. Generally, the lower a person’s credit score, the more of a risk they are assumed to be. Conversely, the higher a person’s credit score, the lower a risk they are assumed to be — and the more likely they are to be approved for lower interest rates and higher loan amounts.

If your credit score isn’t ideal, you might still qualify for a personal loans for bad credit, though you may face higher interest rates and stricter repayment terms. Some lenders specialize in offering options for borrowers with lower credit scores, providing a pathway to access the funds you need.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your DTI is a percentage that tells lenders how much money you spend on monthly debt payments versus how much money you have coming into your household. You can calculate your DTI by adding up your monthly minimum debt payments and dividing it by your monthly pretax income.

Lenders generally want to see a DTI of 35% to 40% or less but may make exceptions if you have good credit.

Credit History

Lenders will review your credit report for anything that might stand out as a risk for them. If there are a high number of inquiries on your credit report or if there were multiple debt accounts opened in a short time period, that might indicate high risk to a lender. Borrowers who are considered high risk may find it more difficult to get a loan and could pay higher interest rates.

Deciding If a Personal Loan Is Right for You

Not sure whether a personal loan makes sense for your situation? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do I need the money quickly? If you do, then a personal loan might be a smart move.

• Can I afford the monthly payments? Before you take on any debt, it’s important to set a realistic plan on how you’ll repay what you owe.

• Do I already have a high amount of debt? Taking out a personal loan when you have significant debt can put a serious dent in your budget and savings goals. It can also increase your DTI, which lenders look at when reviewing your loan application.

• Do I have a “bad” credit score? If your credit score isn’t so great — FICO defines “bad” as 579 or below — then you may want to wait on taking out a loan and instead work on your credit.

• Does a personal loan offer the lowest interest rate of all the options available? It’s a good idea to shop around for the rate and terms that best fit your needs before you apply with a lender.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

Alternatives to Personal Loans

There may be times when you need help covering a big expense, but taking out a personal loan isn’t the best choice. Fortunately, there are alternative funding options. Here are a few you may want to explore:

Credit Cards

Like personal loans, credit cards offer a line of credit that can be used for a wide range of purposes. You may want to consider using a credit card if you have a smaller expense that you can pay off quickly.

Home Equity Line of Credit

If you own your home and have at least 20% equity, you may be able to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This option could be a smart move if you need to borrow a large amount of money or plan on having ongoing expenses, like those with a remodeling project.

401(k) Loan

If you have a financial emergency or want to pay off high-interest debt — and no other option is available — then you may want to consider borrowing from your 401(k). Keep in mind that you may face taxes and penalties when you withdraw the money, so be sure you understand how your plan works and what it allows.

💡 Quick Tip: While HELOCs may require an appraisal before you get approved, a SoFi home improvement loan does not. That means you can get approved and funded the same day.^*

The Takeaway

Personal loans can offer flexibility when you’re looking for funds for a variety of uses, and typically have lower interest rates than credit cards. Depending on your financial needs and financial circumstances, there may be a personal loan that fits. Comparing multiple lenders is a good way to make sure you’re getting a personal loan that works for you.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

How do personal loan payments work?

Personal loans are typically repaid in monthly installments. When you take out a personal loan, you agree to repay the borrowed amount plus interest over a set period, usually through equal monthly payments. Each payment consists of a portion that goes towards reducing the principal balance and another portion that covers the interest charges. The loan agreement will specify the amount of each payment, the duration of the loan, and the interest rate.

What are the risks of a personal loan?

Personal loans come with certain risks that borrowers should be aware of. One risk is defaulting on the loan, which can lead to late fees, damage to your credit score, and even legal action from the lender. Another risk is needing to take on additional debt if you borrow more than you can afford to repay. In addition, personal loans may have higher interest rates compared to secured loans like mortgages or auto loans. It’s important to carefully consider your financial situation and ability to repay before taking on a personal loan.

What are the disadvantages of a personal loan?

Personal loans have a few potential disadvantages to consider. One is that they tend to have higher interest rates compared to loans secured by collateral. Personal loans may also have origination fees or other associated costs. Another potential disadvantage is that, should you miss payments or default on the loan, it could have a negative impact on your credit score.

Is a personal loan bad for your credit score?

A personal loan itself is not inherently bad for your credit score. In fact, when managed responsibly, a personal loan can have a positive impact on your credit. Making timely payments and paying off the loan as agreed can demonstrate your ability to handle debt responsibly, which can improve your credit profile. However, if you miss payments or default on the loan, it can have a negative affect on your credit. It’s important to borrow within your means, make payments on time, and consider the impact on your credit score before taking on a personal loan.

Does personal loan money go to your bank account?

Yes, when you are approved for a personal loan, the funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account. This allows you to have immediate access to the loan amount. The specific timeline for receiving the money may vary depending on the lender and the loan application process.

Do you get money right away from a personal loan?

The timing of receiving money from a personal loan can vary depending on the lender and their processes. Typically, you receive the money within five to seven business days of approval, and some lenders even offer same-day funding.

^* Same-Day Personal Loan Funding: 82% of typical SoFi Personal Loan applications, excluding Direct Pay Personal Loans and Personal Loan refinance, from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023 that were signed before 7pm ET on a business day were funded the same day.

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.

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.

SOPL0723026

Oct

2023

A Guide to Corporate Bonds and How They Work

What Are Corporate Bonds?

By Austin Kilham | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Bonds can make up an important part of a diversified portfolio, but there can be diversity within bonds as well. For instance, corporate bonds are one type of debt security that may offer higher returns than government bonds, but they might also come with higher.

What Is a Corporate Bond?

A bond is a debt security that functions much like an IOU. Governments and companies issue bonds as a way to raise capital. For example, a state might issue bonds to build a new bridge, and the U.S. Treasury issues Treasury Bills (T-Bills) to cover its expenses.

Corporations also sell bonds to raise capital. They might use the money raised through these financial securities to reinvest in their business, pay down debts, or even buy other companies.

When investors buy corporate bonds, they are loaning a company money for a set period of time. In exchange, the company agrees to pay interest throughout the agreed upon period. When this time is up and the bond reaches “maturity,” the issuer will return the principal. If a company can’t make interest payments or return the principal at the end of the period, they default on the bond.

How Do Corporate Bonds Work?

Bonds are a huge part of the broader securities markets. U.S. fixed income markets comprise 41.3% of global securities. To understand the bond market and how bonds work, you need to know a few important terms:

• Issuer: The entity using bonds to raise money.

• Par Value: Also known as the nominal or face value of the bond, or the principal, the par value is the amount the bond issuers promise to repay when the bond reaches maturity. This amount does not fluctuate over the life of the bond.

• Price: A bond’s price is the amount an investor pays for a bond in the market. This amount can change based on market factors.

• Coupon rate: Also known as coupon yield, the coupon rate is the annual interest rate paid by the bond issuers based on the bond’s par value.

• Maturity: The date at which a bond’s issuer must repay the original bond value to the bondholder.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Corporate Bonds

While corporate bonds can add a lot of benefits to a portfolio, before investing, it’s important to consider the drawbacks, as well.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Bonds, including corporate bonds, can be an important part of a diversified portfolio.	Bonds may offer lower returns than other securities, such as stocks.
MMany investors consider corporate bonds to be a riskier investment than government bonds, such as U.S. Treasuries. As a result, they tend to offer higher interest rates.	If the issuer cannot make interest payments or repay the par value when the bond reaches maturity, the bond will go into default. If an issuer goes bankrupt, bondholders may have some claim on the company’s assets and possibly be able to recoup some of their losses.
Bonds are relatively liquid, meaning it is easy to buy and sell them on the market.	Some bonds are “callable”, which means issuers can choose to pay them back early. When that happens, bond holders won’t earn as much interest and will have to find a new place to reinvest.

💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.

Types of Corporate Bonds

There are three main ways to categorize corporate bonds:

Duration

This category reflects the bond’s maturity, which may range from one to 30 years. There are three maturity lengths:

• Short-term: Maturity of within three years.

• Medium-term: Maturity of four to 10 years.

• Long-term: Maturity of more than 10 years. Longer-term bonds typically offer the highest interest rates.

Risk

Every once in a while, a corporation defaults its bonds. The likeliness of default impacts a company’s creditworthiness and investors should consider it before purchasing a bond. Bond ratings, assigned by credit rating agencies, can help investors understand this risk.

Bonds can be rated as:

• Investment grade: Companies and bonds rated investment grade are unlikely to default. High-rated corporate bonds typically pay a slightly higher rate than government securities.

• Non-investment grade: Non-investment grade bonds are more likely to default. Because they are riskier, non-investment grade bonds tend to offer a higher interest rate and are often known as high-yield bonds.

Interest Payment

Investors may also categorize bonds based on the type of interest rate they offer.

• Fixed rate: With a fixed rate bond, the coupon rate stays the same over the life of the bond.

• Floating rate: Bonds that offer floating rates readjust interest rates periodically, such as every six months. The floating rate depends on market interest rates.

• Zero-coupon bonds: These bonds have no interest rate. Instead, when a bond reaches maturity, the issuer makes a single payment that’s higher than purchase price.

• Convertible bonds: Convertible bonds act like regular bonds with a coupon payment and a promise to repay the principal. However, they also give bondholders the option to convert their bonds into company stock according to a given ratio.

Difference Between Corporate Bonds and Stocks

Bonds differ from other types of investments in a number of important ways. When investors buy stocks, they are buying ownership shares in the company. Share prices may fluctuate depending on the markets and the health of the company. If the company does well, the stock price may rise, and the investor can sell their shares at a profit. Additionally, some companies share profits with their shareholders in the form of dividends.

When an investor purchases a corporate bond, on the other hand, they do not own a piece of the company. The bondholder is only entitled to interest and the principal. Those amounts don’t change based on company profits or the stock price. When a company goes bankrupt, bondholders have priority over stockholders when it comes to claims on the issuer’s assets.

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening an investment account, know your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. These fundamentals will help keep your strategy on track and with the aim of meeting your goals.

How to Buy Corporate Bonds

Investors can buy individual bonds through brokerage firms or banks. Corporations typically issue them in increments of $1,000. Much like investing in an initial public offering, it can be tricky for retail investors to get in on newly issued bonds. Investors may need a relationship with the organization that’s managing the offering. However, investors can also purchase individual bonds on the secondary market.

Another way to gain access to the bond market is by purchasing bond funds, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest in bonds. These funds can be a good way to diversify a bond portfolio as they typically hold a diverse basket of bonds that tracks a bond index or a certain sector.

Investors can purchase bonds through a traditional brokerage account or an Individual Retirement Account. They may be able to purchase bond funds through their 401(k), and possibly individual bonds through a brokerage window within the 401(k).

The Takeaway

Before buying bonds, it’s important that individuals consider how they’ll fit in with their financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. For example, if you’re working toward retirement and have decades to save, you may want a portfolio that’s mostly stocks since stocks generally tend to outperform bonds in the long run. If you’re close to your goal — or have a low appetite for risk — you may want to stick with bonds.

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

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