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If you’re wondering, “Can I open a bank account in another country?” the answer is typically yes. Whether you are pursuing life as a digital nomad, studying abroad for a semester or two, or traveling with friends or your significant other for a few months, you’re going to need access to funds.

If you keep your American bank account, you’re likely to face a slew of foreign transaction fees, which can really take their toll on your finances.

Fortunately, opening a bank account in a foreign country is totally possible — and totally legal, as long as you’re not doing so for tax evasion purposes. However, it may take a few more steps than opening a domestic account would. Read on to learn the details.

What is Banking Abroad?

Banking abroad is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: It involves opening a bank account in a country that is not your primary or official country of residence or citizenship.

If you’re an American, this means opening a bank account in any other country, whether it’s Canada or Cambodia. Of course, some countries — such as, famously, Switzerland or the Cayman Islands — are specifically known for what are called offshore bank accounts, thanks to incentives such as high levels of financial privacy and serious deposit protections. These features can and have attracted the attention of high-net-worth individuals over the years.

But opening a foreign bank account isn’t reserved only for the ultra-rich. Regular, everyday individuals may benefit from banking abroad in certain circumstances. If you are wondering if you can open a bank account overseas because you’ll be spending the bulk of your time there, you probably can.

Is Banking Abroad Legal?

Banking abroad is legal if you’re doing so for the right reasons.

Most of us associate banking abroad with nefarious activities like money laundering or tax evasion, which are, of course, illegal — and could result in large fines or even imprisonment.

But if you’re living in or earning legitimate wages in a foreign country, opening an account there is totally legitimate. It’s also likely your best bet for avoiding excessive foreign transaction fees. It will also reduce or eliminate the hassle of having to deal with a customer service team based in a very different time zone.

Some people also open offshore bank accounts for investment purposes. If this interests you, it’s worth enlisting the help of a financial professional to ensure you’re staying above-board. Foreign investments or offshore banking for tax purposes can be quite complex.

How to Legally Bank Abroad

In order to legally open a checking account in a foreign country, you’ll usually need to verify quite a lot of personal information for the bank. This is so all the parties involved can confirm you’re banking in a foreign country for legal reasons and not engaging in illicit activities, such as tax evasion or money laundering. You will probably have to share some details with US officials, too.

So what does all that mean for you as someone interested in opening a foreign bank account?

Paperwork — potentially lots of paperwork, though it may not be that complex.

Recommended: Can You Have Multiple Checking Accounts with One Bank?

Requirements to Open a Bank Account Abroad

The specific documentation you’ll need to provide to open a foreign bank account will depend on a lot of factors. Among the variables that may impact exactly what you’ll need to provide: The specific bank you choose, the regulations of the target country, how much money you’re planning to deposit or hold in the account, and more.

Generally speaking, though, you can plan to provide the following:

•   Proof of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license

•   Proof of residence, such as a utility bill

•   Up to a year of bank statements from your current bank account in the US

•   Paystubs or a statement from your employer

•   Documentation relevant to investments or business transactions, such as sales contracts

Keep in mind that these documents may need to be notarized by a third party or sent through the local consulate for the target country in order to be deemed official. The bank will give you explicit instructions on all required documentation and may also ask for a written statement of purpose for opening the account.

Don’t overlook the home team either. The US government is likely to have its own questions about your activities. If the value of your account abroad will be more than $10,000, you’ll need to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).

Note: Interest earned on monies held in foreign savings accounts are usually still taxable here at home. Always consult with a professional if you have questions about your tax liability.

Pros and Cons of Offshore Banking

So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of offshore banking? When does opening a foreign bank account make sense? Take a closer look.

Pros

First, the upsides of opening a bank account in another country.

•   An offshore bank account can help you avoid foreign transaction fees if you’re living or doing business in a foreign country.

•   Having a bank account in a foreign country you’re living in can also make it easier to perform basic daily banking tasks without having to navigate overseas phone calls.

•   Offshore banking can have some legitimate tax incentives — though in order to take advantage of these legally, you’ll probably need to consult a tax professional.

Cons

Now, the disadvantages:

•   Opening a foreign bank account can be a relatively arduous process, with a lot of paperwork and verification involved.

•   Foreign banking can have unforeseen taxation consequences — for example, interest earned overseas may still be taxable at home.

•   You may need to file additional paperwork with the IRS if your foreign account will be valued at over $10,000.

Here’s how these pros and cons stack up side by side.

The Takeaway

The answer to the question, “Can I open a bank account in a foreign country?” is likely to be a big yes. Gathering and submitting the right documentation may take a while, but it can ease your time abroad tremendously. It can help you spend more time reveling in the local culture than wrangling your personal finances.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use banking alternative here in the US, consider your options to find the right fit.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible 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.

FAQ

What countries allow foreigners to open bank accounts?

Most countries will allow foreign nationals to open a bank account on their shores as long as they can provide proof of legal residence in that country (and other necessary documentation). Some countries make it easier than others to open a foreign bank account, however.

Can I open a bank account in another country without being a citizen?

Yes, but you will likely need to provide extra documentation to verify your identity, place of residence, and the legal purpose of the account.

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible 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 (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

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 the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, 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 the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit 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, Wise, 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 Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details 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.

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

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.

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If you’re a salaried employee, the amount of money that you bring home with each paycheck plays an important role in your overall financial picture. While there are several dollar amounts that likely appear on your paycheck, two of the most important are your gross income and your net income.

Your gross income represents the total amount of money that your employer has paid you. If you are an hourly employee, it will be your hourly wages multiplied by the number of hours that you worked. If you are salaried, then it is a proportional amount of your total annual salary.

But in terms of net income vs. gross income, the net amount is the sum that is on your paycheck or directly deposited to your bank account. This is the figure that results when you subtract withholding taxes, benefits, and other deductions from your gross salary.

What Is Gross Income?

Your gross income is your total salary or wages that you earn before any deductions or taxes are taken out of your paycheck. If you are a salaried employee, your gross income will be the portion of your salary that corresponds to the time period represented on your paycheck. For example, if you have a salary of $52,000 and are paid every two weeks, you will earn a gross income of $2,000 with each bi-weekly paycheck. If you were paid only once a month, however, your gross monthly income would be $4,333.33.

In some cases, an employee might be eligible for overtime pay, which could be reflected in their paycheck as well.

If you are an hourly employee, then your gross income will depend on the total number of hours you work and your hourly wage. If you work 80 hours during a pay period and have an hourly wage of $15/hour, your gross income will be $1,200 (80 times 15). In either case, any tips, bonuses, or one-time additions may also be added to your total gross income.

Recommended: How Long Does a Direct Deposit Take to Go Through?

What Is Net Income?

Here’s the difference between gross income vs. net income: While your gross income represents the total amount of money that you earn in a given pay period, your net income is the amount of money that you’ll actually receive. From your gross income, taxes and common payroll deductions like health insurance and any 401(k) contributions will be subtracted. Other deductions could include wage garnishments or charitable giving via your workplace.

The result is your net income, which may then be sent to your bank account via direct deposit or given to you as a paper check.

Gross vs Net Income: What’s the Difference?

When comparing net and gross income, know this: Your gross income should always be equal to or more than your net income. If you don’t have any of what are known as withholding taxes or other deductions, it is possible that your gross income and net income will be the same. But if you do have any money withheld for taxes, insurance, retirement savings, or other common deductions, they will be subtracted from your gross income. The result is your net income and is also often referred to as “take-home pay.”

Why Do We Go by Gross Income?

When people compare earnings and salary, they often do so by comparing the gross income, and net income isn’t considered. One reason for this is that your gross income is the best indicator to compare the amount of money paid for a particular job or position. The amount of deductions or taxes withheld can vary greatly depending on a person’s situation.

Consider two people that make the same salary — one who is married with children will usually have less taxes withheld than a single person. Also, one person might contribute, say, 10% of their salary to a company-sponsored retirement plan while another chooses not to. Another example could be one person who has deductions that reflect their carrying their family’s health insurance costs while another individual could be married and on their spouse’s plan and therefore have no such deduction.

Another reason that gross income is often a better comparison than net income is because the money that is withheld from your paycheck usually represents actual value that you receive. Money deducted for retirement savings is transferred to your 401(k) account; insurance premiums are used to pay for medical or dental insurance and taxes are paid to the government. Those deductions are serving an important and valuable purpose.

How Do Gross and Net Income Relate to Taxes?

It’s important to understand your taxes and how they relate to your gross and net income. Taxes (along with deductions) are one of the things that is subtracted from your gross income to make up your net income. The more money that you have withheld for taxes from your paycheck, the lower your net income will be. However, this may help minimize the possibility of your owing additional money to the federal or local government come tax season.

How Gross and Net Income Affect Your Finances

While your gross income can be a useful point of comparison in terms of how much you make, it’s your net income that most impacts your budget and finances. When managing your money and wondering whether to focus on your gross or net income, it’s likely that the latter is where you may want to focus.

After all, it’s your net income that represents the money that you actually receive each pay period. This money that you receive each month can be a good starting point as you learn to spend wisely by budgeting.

You can work to best allocate funds to pay your living expenses, make discretionary purchases, pay off debt, and save towards future goals. A line item budget can help you balance your finances and meet your near-term and longer-term goals.

The Takeaway

Gross income and net income are two different points of reference for how much money that you make. Your gross income represents the total wage or salary that you earned during a particular pay period. After any taxes or deductions are taken out, the result is your net income. Your net income is how much money that you actually take home and can be a starting point as you set up your budget.

Understanding how your gross income and net income affect your overall finances is a good first step on the path to a solid financial future. SoFi Checking and Savings can also help you manage your finances. It’s a single, convenient place to spend and save, pays a competitive Annual Percentage Yield (APY), and charges you zero account fees. What’s more, our tools like Vaults and Roundups can help you enhance your savings, and if you open a qualifying account with direct deposit, you can access your paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

How can I increase my net income?

Because net income and gross income are correlated, one way to increase your net income is to increase your gross income. You might do this by finding a new, higher-paying job or by starting a side hustle. The other option to raise your net income would be to lower the amount of taxes and deductions that are taken out each pay period. This could involve, say, increasing your tax allowances to lower the amount that is withheld for taxes or decreasing your other deductions, such as how much you contribute to retirement savings.

What are some budgeting tips to help you with your income?

One budgeting tip is to make sure you start with your net income and list out all of your expenses. Make sure that your total expenses are less than your total income (this may involve making some cuts) and create a plan to save at least some of the difference. You might want to research such budget guidelines at the 50/30/20 rule for inspiration.

Is gross income more important than net income?

Gross income and net income are both important and useful in different circumstances. For example, if you are wondering whether 40K a year is a good salary, it will depend on your situation. If you are single and/or live in an area with a low cost of living, it might be. But if you are the sole source of income for a family of four, live in a location with a high cost of living, and/or have considerable debt, that same gross income could be a challenge in terms of making ends meet.

Photo credit: iStock/Vasyl Faievych

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.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible 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 (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

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 the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, 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 the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit 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, Wise, 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 Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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If your paycheck or another check is burning a hole in your wallet, you might be able to cash it at an ATM. Depositing a check into an ATM can be a convenient, painless way to get your cash fast.

If you don’t have access to remote banking or just can’t make it to a bank during business hours, cashing a check at an ATM can be an excellent alternative.

Steps to Cash a Check at an ATM

If you do use a bank that offers ATM check cashing, the first thing you’ll need in order to cash a check at an ATM is a checking account. A checking account traditionally comes with an account number and a debit card. You will need both of these.

Make sure you’ve activated your debit card, selected and memorized a PIN number, and know your account number. The debit card and PIN number are essential for performing the most basic of transactions, including making ATM deposits and withdrawals.

Once you have your account details, card, and PIN number, cashing your check at an ATM is pretty much the same as making a cash deposit at an ATM. Most banks will require you to have a minimum amount in your checking account in order to cash your check.

Here are the steps to cashing a check at an ATM:

•   Endorse the back of your check. With a pen (not pencil), sign your name on the back of your check and write your account number. Security tip: Wait until you get to the ATM location to sign the back of your check, even if you have to bring a pen with you. If an endorsed check gets lost or stolen, someone else could cash it.

However, do add your signature before your turn at the ATM itself to save time and as a courtesy to those waiting behind you.

•   Fill out a deposit slip. Some banks may still require you to fill out a deposit slip to insert into the ATM along with your check. The deposit slips are typically available in the bank branch or the ATM area. Some banks may require you to put a check and the slip into a deposit envelope.

•   Insert a compatible card. To begin the transaction, you’ll need a valid ATM card, debit card, or prepaid debit card issued from a bank or credit union.

•   Enter your PIN. After inserting your card, the ATM will prompt you to enter your personal PIN number. Do not share your PIN number with anyone.

•   Follow the prompts. Follow the ATM’s instructions that appear on the screen. This can involve selecting “Make a deposit” and “Get cash back” and entering a dollar amount.

•   Insert the check into the machine. The ATM will invite you to make your deposit. If no check envelope is used, it will scan your check and ask you to confirm the amount.

If you are a customer who qualifies for same-day deposits, you may be able to withdraw funds right away, essentially “cashing your check” while avoiding additional transaction fees. In other situations, you may only have, say, $225 available to withdraw.

One thing to keep in mind: Even an in-network machine may have ATM withdrawal limits — typically between $500 and $1000 per day.

With some bank’s ATMs and account types, the funds may not be available until the second business day after the deposit. And if you are using an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged additional ATM transaction fees, and it can take up to 5 business days before you see the money in your account.

Types of Checks That May Be Cashed at an ATM

There is more than one kind of check. Personal, cashier’s, and certified checks are all ways to distribute sums of money without the risk of handling cash. But what kind of checks will an ATM accept?

Here are some check types you can feed an ATM that won’t get spit back out:

•   Personal checks. If you find yourself wondering, “Can I cash a personal check at an ATM?”, the answer is “yes!” So, go on — deposit that birthday check from Aunt Trudy. You can even write a check to yourself from another account and deposit it.

•   Cashier’s check. A cashier’s check draws on a bank’s funds and is signed by a cashier to guarantee the money. To cash this kind of check, it is beneficial to use an ATM connected to the bank that issued the check. You can also deposit it in your own bank’s ATM if you want the money to go into your account.

•   Certified checks. Like cashier’s checks, certified checks are issued by the bank but signed by you vs. a cashier. As long as you have your debit card, you can go ahead and deposit it in the ATM.

•   Any pre-printed check. Basically, any pre-printed can be deposited and withdrawn against at an ATM if your bank allows it. Government checks (such as a tax refund check) are the easiest for a bank to verify, and you might get your money right away. Foreign-issued checks may take longer to process.

Do All ATMs Support Check Deposits?

Not all ATMs support check deposits. Some ATMs located in grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, and other businesses may only have the ability to dispense cash and check your bank balance.

If you’re looking to cash a check at an ATM, your best bet is to use the machine at your bank. Most major banks and credit unions support check cashing at their ATMs. Plus you’re likely to avoid ATM fees.

Alternative Ways to Cash a Check

You don’t have to use an ATM to turn your paycheck into paper money. There are other ways to cash a check for free because who wants to pay more in bank fees? These techniques include:

•   Go to a bank teller. If you have time during business hours, you can cash your check the old-fashioned way. Your bank branch or credit union will likely perform the service, as long as you have a deposit slip, debit card, a valid ID, and meet your account’s requirements.

•   Go to the check distributor’s bank. You may be able to cash the check by paying a visit to the bank where the check writer holds the account. This could be a valid option if you are unbanked (don’t have any bank accounts). The check writer’s bank will probably be able to verify that the issuing account is in good standing and extract the funds for you.

•   Mobile apps. Who uses cash anyway these days? If your bank offers a mobile banking feature, also called mobile deposit, and you have a smartphone, you can use their app to snap a photo of your check and deposit it from the comfort of your living room sofa. You can gain access to your money quickly (instantly with some accounts), and pay back your bestie through Venmo.

•   Visit a retail store. Some retail shops, such as Walmart, grocery stores, and even gas stations may cash your check. However, they could charge you a small fee.

•   Check-cashing stores. The name says it all. Check-cashing businesses will give you cash for your check, but typically charge a stiff transaction fee. You may want to pursue other options and save this as a last resort due to the steep charges.

The Takeaway

Using an ATM to cash a check can be a quick and secure way to get your money. As long as you have a bank that supports check cashing, have the minimal required funds in your account, and have your debit card and PIN number ready, you’ll likely be on your way with some green in your hand.

FAQ

Can you deposit a check at an ATM?

It depends on your bank or credit union, but most banking institutions allow you to deposit checks at an ATM.

How long does it take to cash a check at an ATM?

As long as you’ve endorsed your check, written the account number on the back, and have your debit card and PIN number ready, cashing a check at an ATM shouldn’t take more than a few minutes if the financial institution makes the funds available. Not all ATMs will be this fast; in some cases, it will take at least two days for the funds to clear.

Can any type of check be cashed at an ATM?

As long as the routing and account number are legible, you can insert most traditional check types into an ATM. Personal and government-issued checks will probably be validated and credited to your account faster.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible 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 (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

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 the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, 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 the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit 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, Wise, 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 Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance criteria that investors can use to evaluate whether companies are making positive changes in these areas — as well as addressing specific ESG risks that can impact company performance.

Environmental factors refer to the ways a company is protecting the physical environment. Social criteria govern the treatment of workers, communities, customers, suppliers, and vendors. Governance factors track issues of leadership, fraud prevention, transparency, and more.

What Is ESG?

Environmental, social, and governance factors generally fall under the umbrella of socially responsible investing (SRI) or impact investing. Investors can use the ESG pillars to assess a company’s performance, beyond standard financial metrics.

•   Environmental factors may include: fossil fuel vs. renewable energy use; air, water, and ground pollution mitigation; carbon management; compliance with regulations.

•   Social factors may include: Fair labor policies; support for worker safety and diversity; community relationships; customer satisfaction.

•   Governance factors may include: Composition of executive and board leadership; ethics and transparency in management and accounting; fraud prevention, and more.

Lack of ESG Standards

While there is general agreement about the importance of sustainability across industries, there still isn’t a universally accepted set of ESG standards used by all companies, or the regulatory bodies that oversee them.
Rather, many companies rely on a mix of voluntary and/or proprietary standards that different organizations adopt according to their needs.

That said, in recent years there has been a concerted effort on the part of policymakers and regulatory agencies to establish ESG frameworks and disclosure rules, both to insure that companies are held accountable for managing certain risk factors, and that investors are afforded some reliability in terms of their investment choices.

Currently though, the lack of consistent, transparent ESG metrics makes it difficult for investors to evaluate companies’ progress toward ESG targets.

ESG Concerns

As interest in ESG and green investing strategies in general has risen, as reflected by fund inflows, a growing number of investors (and consumers) are concerned about ESG-related risk factors. Increasingly, investors want to know how a given company or organization is materially addressing these factors, in order to better assess its long-term prospects.

As recent events have shown, environmental, social, and governance issues present different risk factors to different organizations, and can impact performance in the short and long term. While an agricultural business may have issues with chemical groundwater pollution, a financial firm may need to address transparency and ethics, and another may contend with plastic waste.

Despite the inconsistencies in how ESG criteria are applied, however, industry research suggests that funds that use ESG strategies are competitive with funds that adhere to more conventional strategies.

Recommended: Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Investing

How Does ESG Work?

There are a few ways investors can use ESG criteria to evaluate potential investments via an online investing platform or other means. As noted, there isn’t a unified ESG playbook with a set of rules that apply across the board, yet many companies strive to incorporate certain standards into their processes and products.

Using ESG Criteria

In the last 25 years or so, many organizations have developed voluntary ESG frameworks that some companies embrace, while others may adhere to their own proprietary standards and metrics. Thus, it remains difficult to measure accurately whether an organization has met specific ESG targets owing to a lack of consistency in standards.

Nonetheless, there are numerous non-binding (i.e., voluntary) frameworks available that can provide investors with a basic grounding in ESG standards. A few are more prominent than others, owing to their wide adoption, including:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Established in 1999, the GRI is an independent organization that helps companies and governments evaluate and disclose their efforts in light of climate change, human rights, and corruption, using their voluntary methodology. Some 78% of the world’s biggest companies have adopted the GRI reporting standards, making it the most widely adopted framework.

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards

In response to the number of companies seeking ways to incorporate sustainability into their accounting and reporting practices, the IFRS Foundation set up the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in 2021. The ISSB subsequently developed its Disclosure Standards, which build on a number of pre-existing frameworks.

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards

In 2018 SASB Standards were established to support accurate disclosure of sustainability-related information across 77 different industries. These standards were folded into the IFRS Foundation in 2022, and are now maintained by the ISSB for companies that use this method.

CDP

The CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is an international non-profit that helps not only companies, but state and local governments to evaluate and disclose key environmental impacts such as carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, water quality protection, and deforestation on a voluntary basis. According to CDP, over 23,000 companies around the world rely on the CDP disclosure framework.

United Nations Global Compact

Though non-binding, the U.N. Global Compact is one of the world’s most prominent corporate sustainability initiatives. It offers 10 voluntary principles to help organizations adhere to policies that support human rights, fair labor practices, the environment, and more; in general the 10 principles align with the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, investors can do their own research by looking at data on a company’s website, shareholder reports, and other industry studies.

Large financial institutions, such as public pension funds, have started incorporating ESG criteria into their investment selections. In addition, there are now ESG-focused ETFs and mutual funds being offered by mutual fund companies, online investing platforms, and brokerage firms.

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The Three Pillars of ESG

Each of the three pillars of ESG include a range of areas that investors can evaluate in two ways: in terms of whether a company is making positive changes in a given area material to its performance, and whether they are addressing potential ESG risks.

Environmental

Environmental criteria for green investments typically set standards for energy use, pollution and waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, chemical use, and other factors that can negatively impact the planet and consume non-renewable resources.

Companies may set policies and goals, such as reducing or eliminating carbon emissions by a certain date, shifting to renewable energy, and limiting pollutants in the air and water.

Risks a company should disclose include reliance on certain types of energy that could compromise production, oil spills or pollution that may occur, or other potential health and environmental hazards.

There are also existing environmental regulations that companies must adhere to, and optional steps they can take such as product and supply chain certifications.

Social

Social criteria involve the ways a company relates to both internal and external individuals and groups. This includes fair labor practices, safe work environments, diversity, support for the community and other stakeholders.

Investors can look at the types of factories and suppliers a company works with, labor standard and the workplace conditions of factory workers and employees. Companies may also have programs in place to give back to local communities, or for employees to volunteer in those communities.

Risks include lack of worker safety, flouting local laws and regulations, and actions that could result in reputational harm.

Governance

The third pillar of ESG is governance. Governance criteria includes internal accounting and auditing standards, leadership performance, shareholder rights, fraud prevention, and general issues relating to transparent and ethical decision making in the organization.

Risks may include lack of consumer data protection, poor capital allocation, inefficient management strategies

Benefits of ESG

ESG strategies may offer investors a few advantages.

•   The most obvious benefit of ESG is that investors can put their money toward goals that they value. The more transparent companies are about their actual progress in specific areas, and how they measure those outcomes, the more this can be tracked and improved upon.

•   While it has been a common assumption that ESG strategies don’t provide competitive returns, there is a body of research that suggests ESG strategies can be competitive with conventional ones in some cases.

•   Although industries such as oil and gas have historically had high returns, they also come with risks such as negative publicity, lawsuits, and environmental hazards. When these types of events occur, stocks can go down. Companies with an ESG focus may face fewer risks that can impact performance.

•   Also, if a company takes action to better manage its waste, energy, or water use, these efforts potentially help save money and thereby increase profits.

Drawbacks of ESG

There are a few downsides to ESG investing.

One is that some companies engage in greenwashing, the act of making themselves and their products appear to have a more positive environmental impact than they really do. Investors can watch out for this by making sure the companies they invest in publish actual data and reports, rather than just putting out vague marketing materials.

The lack of consistent ESG standards unfortunately can contribute to greenwashing, especially because companies are not required to disclose data about their ESG policies, although many disclose some data voluntarily.

Also, certain activities may appear positive but can have negative side effects. For instance, there have been cases of renewable energy installations displacing communities or creating pollution, as well as irresponsible reforestation practices.

Why ESG May Be Growing in Popularity

Investors today are more aware of where products come from, who makes them, and the impact they have on the world. With this increased awareness, there is a commensurate interest in the value of investing in more responsible companies and sustainable business practices.

Investors have learned that using ESG criteria to evaluate companies can help with identifying potential risks and opportunities as well. Financial criteria are not the only thing one should take into consideration when selecting companies to invest in.

These days, a company’s long-term performance also depends on the organization’s ability to address environmental, social, and governance risk factors proactively.

What Investors Should Know About ESG

If an investor is looking into ESG-related funds or ETFs, they should investigate the specific criteria that particular asset takes into account to see if it fits with their own personal impact goals.

When doing their own research, investors should make sure that company claims are backed up by facts and transparency, wherever possible.

The Takeaway

ESG criteria are becoming a popular way to evaluate companies in addition to traditional financial metrics. Some investors seek to put their money into sustainable businesses, some are concerned about environmental, social, and governance risk factors that can impact performance.

Although there is a push to create clearcut standards for measuring a company’s progress on specific ESG targets, these have yet to be established. Nonetheless, investors continue to find ESG funds of interest.

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