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Editor's Note: For the latest developments regarding federal student loan debt repayment, check out our student debt guide.

President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive up to $10K or $20K of a borrower’s federal student loan debt may have tax implications at the state level. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, virtually all student loans forgiven in the years 2021 through 2025 are excluded from federal income taxation.

State tax forgiveness is another matter, however. States are not prohibited from imposing and collecting taxes on federally forgiven loans. Read on to learn the tax implications that residents of Arkansas, California, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin may face.

Tax Implications by State

Most states have no plans to tax Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit policy group. But at least eight states may consider federal student loan forgiveness to be taxable: Arkansas, California, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Taxpayers in these states may have to pay hundreds of dollars more in state income tax if they receive thousands of dollars in federal student debt relief.

The Biden administration’s forgiveness plan would provide up to $10K in debt relief to federal student loan borrowers with annual incomes below $125,000 ($250,000 for married couples). Some borrowers may qualify for $20K in debt forgiveness if they’re Pell Grant recipients who fall below the income cap.

Here’s more information about the states that may tax debt forgiveness:

Arkansas

Arkansas does not automatically follow federal tax code changes. This means Arkansas may collect taxes on federally forgiven student loans.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration in a local news report suggested the state is reviewing whether Biden’s debt relief plan carries statewide income tax implications.

California

California does not conform to the student loan forgiveness provisions under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, according to the Tax Foundation. That means Californians who receive $10K or $20K of debt relief from the Biden plan may have to pay state taxes on the amount forgiven.

Indiana

The Indiana Department of Revenue plans to tax federal student loan forgiveness, according to the Associated Press. Unless state lawmakers change the law, Pell Grant recipients in Indiana could owe about $646, the AP reported.

Minnesota

After President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris championed their broad student loan forgiveness plan, the state of Minnesota acknowledged state tax implications.

In a note posted on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website as of early September 2022, the state said student loan forgiveness under the Biden-Harris Administration “is included as taxable income on a Minnesota individual income tax return and does not qualify for a subtraction under current Minnesota law.”

Minnesota lawmakers in local news reports have suggested they may change the law to remove the state’s income tax implications.

Mississippi

Mississippi plans to tax the $10K or $20K of federal student loan forgiveness that qualified borrowers may receive in the near future, according to published news reports.

State lawmakers could amend Mississippi’s law to eliminate the income tax liability, but at the moment, Mississippi’s elected leaders have not indicated whether they would do that.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Revenue said federal student loan forgiveness is considered taxable income under state law until further notice. “The Department of Revenue is monitoring any further enactments by the General Assembly that could change the taxability of student loan forgiveness in North Carolina,” the state’s Department of Revenue said in an online post dated Aug. 31, 2022.

West Virginia

West Virginia may tax Biden’s debt forgiveness, according to the Washington Post. West Virginia is reportedly seeking guidance from the IRS on whether it should treat federal student debt relief as income. It’s not clear where West Virginia might end up on the issue.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin may tax federal student loan forgiveness, according to the Tax Foundation’s independent analysis. Local news reports suggest Wisconsin’s Democratic governor supports a legislative change to remove the tax liability issue, but at least one Republican state legislator went on record to oppose such a change.

Other Biden Administration Plans

The federal government offers income-based repayment plans that may lead to loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years. The Biden administration, however, is proposing a rule that may allow some borrowers on a federal income-driven repayment plan to have their loans forgiven after 10 years.

The Income-Contingent Repayment or ICR plan may cap a borrower’s monthly payment at 20% of their discretionary income in many cases. The Biden administration’s proposed rule would allow some federal student loan borrowers to have monthly payments as low as 5% of their discretionary income.

Impact of Student Loan Refinancing

For those wondering how refinancing affects forgiveness, you won’t be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness if you refinance your student loans with a private lender. What you can do, however, is consider student loan refinancing after taking advantage of your federal options.

Biden’s loan forgiveness plan stops far short of the $50,000 student loan cancellation that some progressive Democrats advocated. This means borrowers with $50,000 of federal student loan debt could refinance their remaining balance after receiving partial forgiveness from the Biden plan.

Refinancing federal student loans may provide borrowers with a lower interest rate, but these borrowers would also be forfeiting other federal benefits they might be eligible for. Public employees with federal student loans, for example, may benefit from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program is not available to borrowers who refinance student loans.

Recommended: Will Refinanced Student Loans Be Forgiven?

Federal Tax Break For Paying Student Loans

Eligible taxpayers who have paid interest on a qualified education loan may claim a deduction on federal income taxes, including a tax deduction on refinanced student loans. The student loan interest deduction can reduce your taxable income by up to $2,500 during an annual tax period.

Recommended: Are student loans tax deductible?

Is Private Student Loan Forgiveness Possible?

The difference between private student loans vs. federal student loans is that federal student loans come from the U.S. Department of Education, whereas private student loans come from banks, credit unions, and other private lenders not affiliated with the federal government.

Lenders of private student loans generally have no obligation to offer private student loan forgiveness. Private lenders, however, may reach debt settlement agreements with delinquent borrowers.

Private student loan debt settlement may include partial debt forgiveness, which may qualify as taxable income at the state level. Forgiveness of private education loans are temporarily excluded from federal income tax for the years 2021 through 2025.

The Takeaway

Student loans forgiven before January 2026 are excluded from federal income taxation, but they may be taxable at the state level for some borrowers. At least eight states may consider taxing federal student loan forgiveness. Be sure to check out the requirements of your state.

If you’re carrying more than $20,000 of student loan debt or earn too much money to qualify for Biden’s loan forgiveness plan, student loan refinancing may be right for you. Refinancing what’s left after receiving $10K of forgiveness may allow you to save money before rates rise even higher. You can check if you prequalify and view your rate without impacting your credit score.

Explore student loan refinancing with SoFi.

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SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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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.

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.

In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more. Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn’t be construed as an endorsement.

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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Parents pay an average of $177 more monthly when they put a teen driver on their auto insurance policy, according to data from Quadrant Information Services. Insurance companies bump up teen driver rates because they represent significantly more risk for claims compared to older drivers. However, parents can help defray insurance costs by practicing safe driving with their teen and looking into the many available discounts.

We’ll do a deep dive into how much car insurance is a month once your teen starts driving. Keep reading to find a breakdown of costs by state and the factors that affect insurance pricing.

Why Auto Insurance Rates Are So High for Young Drivers

Many teens are highly responsible and conscientious behind the wheel. Unfortunately, statistics support the stereotype of young drivers being less safe: Beginner drivers ages 16 to 19 are almost three times more likely to get into a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older. Whether it’s due to recklessness or just lack of confidence and comfort on the road, youth often leads to more insurance claims.

As a result, auto insurance companies charge higher rates for inexperienced drivers. Parents who are doing some personal insurance planning should expect much higher premiums for several years.

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

Age at Which Car Insurance Rates Drop Significantly

As teens mature and gain experience on the road, rates drop. So, how much is monthly car insurance for a 16-year-old versus a 20-year-old? That depends on many factors, including their city, state, gender, and vehicle type.

On average, monthly coverage for a 16-year-old costs $534 for female drivers and $599 for male drivers on their own policy. When a driver reaches 20 years old, the rate drops to $258 for female drivers and $295 for male drivers. Once a driver turns 25, their rate will continue to decrease as long as they have few to no claims.

The cost will go on dropping until age 60, at which point prices may start increasing again. Just as younger drivers generate more insurance claims, the oldest drivers do as well.

Recommended: How to Get Car Insurance

Factors Besides Age That Impact Car Insurance Costs

Insurance companies use age as a primary factor in determining risk, but there are additional considerations. Keep these in mind if you’re wondering how to lower car insurance costs for your family:

•   Insurance types and limits. How much coverage you want or need will affect the cost. For example, collision, medical expenses, and gap coverages cost more than the barebones liability coverage required in many states. (If you’re unfamiliar with insurance terminology, this list of car insurance terms can help.)

•   Deductible amount. All types of deductibles in insurance have an inverse relationship with premiums. In other words, if you want a lower rate, you can opt for a higher deductible.

•   Past issues with insurers. For example, if you missed payments with other insurance companies or have gone without car insurance for months at a time, your current auto insurer will assess you as a higher-risk customer.

•   Insured vehicle. The costs to fix luxury and economy cars vary widely. In addition, some cars suffer theft more often. Your insurer will take your vehicle type into account when assigning an insurance rate.

•   Location. Your zip code affects factors such as weather, crime, and repair costs.

•   Personal characteristics. If you’re married and own a home, your insurer will likely charge you a lower rate. In addition, your education level, career, and gender can impact insurance rates.

Recommended: How to Lower Car Insurance

Is Age the Biggest Factor for Car Insurance Rates?

Typically, age will be the most significant factor for car insurance rates, regardless of driving record. Still, age is only one part of the calculation: A driver with a history of accidents and traffic violations will see their rates skyrocket, no matter their age.

Age influences rates more than other considerations partly because of teenage driving habits: Driving at night and on weekends, forgoing seatbelts, texting while driving, and drunk driving all correlate with younger drivers.

Another factor affecting car insurance rates is gender. Although several states have outlawed using gender to set auto insurance rates, insurers in the remaining states base rates on how often men and women get into accidents. For example, recent statistics show women are half as likely as men to die in auto accidents, so they often receive lower rates.

State Insurance Coverage Requirements

Each state has its own laws setting minimum insurance coverage for drivers. That’s one reason why car insurance rates vary significantly from state to state. Idaho, Maine, and Ohio lead the country in least expensive car insurance. At the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive states for car insurance are Delaware, Florida, and Louisiana.

One of the key insurance tips for first time drivers is to only pay for what you need.

Non-Owner State Minimum Liability Only

Not owning a car usually means you don’t need car insurance. But if you regularly rent or borrow vehicles, non-owner liability insurance can cover you in case you inflict property damage or bodily injury through an accident. Average non-owner premiums range from $14 per month in South Dakota to $83 in New Jersey.

State Minimum Liability Only

Every state varies in its stipulations, but usually, you will have to purchase an auto policy covering bodily harm and property damage. The level of coverage is indicated by three numbers.

California’s minimum required coverage, for example, is 15/30/5. That represents $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, with a maximum of $30,000 per accident, and another $5,000 for property damage per accident. That’s on the low side. Maine and Alaska have the highest minimum requirements, with 50/100/25.

Drivers in California will pay an average of $49 a month for minimum liability, while in Maine they’ll pay just $35 — despite the better coverage.

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

50/100/50 Liability Only

This form of liability insurance covers up to $50,000 of bodily injury for others, with a maximum payout of $100,000 per accident. An additional $50,000 of coverage goes toward property damage for others involved in the accident.

100/300/100 Liability with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible

Also known as full coverage, this policy grants $100,000 for bodily injury with a maximum of $300,000 per accident. Plus, the policy will pay up to $100,000 for damage to other people’s property. Lastly, you’ll receive comprehensive and collision coverage with a $500 deductible.

How Much Is Car Insurance by the Month?

On average, car insurance costs $144 per month for full coverage and $53 per month for minimum liability coverage across the country. However, as noted above, your monthly car insurance premium will depend on a host of factors, including age, driving record, and state.

Average Car Insurance Rates for Young Drivers

When adding a young driver to a family policy, parents should brace themselves for a substantial increase. To give you an idea of what to expect, the table below shows the monthly insurance premiums for a 16-year-old girl in every state (boys pay a bit more). The first figure shows how much she’d pay on her own policy, and the second is the upcharge to add her to the family policy.

State	Teen Policy	Add-on to Parents’ Policy
Alaska	$428	$135
Alabama	$527	$134
Arkansas	$597	$164
Arizona	$618	$190
California	$521	$240
Colorado	$624	$167
Connecticut	$806	$129
Washington, D.C.	$576	$139
Delaware	$873	$128
Florida	$906	$264
Georgia	$554	$147
Hawaii	$126	$5
Iowa	$380	$93
Idaho	$443	$104
Illinois	$635	$162
Indiana	$440	$128
Kansas	$464	$124
Kentucky	$715	$206
Louisiana	$1,086	$343
Massachusetts	$589	$164
Maryland	$478	$181
Maine	$363	$125
Michigan	$683	$320
Minnesota	$408	$139
Missouri	$700	$235
Mississippi	$523	$153
Montana	$577	$147
North Carolina	$325	$166
North Dakota	$551	$100
Nebraska	$577	$135
New Hampshire	$452	$107
New Jersey	$750	$200
New Mexico	$499	$143
Nevada	$767	$202
New York	$512	$168
Ohio	$395	$107
Oklahoma	$597	$165
Oregon	$465	$139
Pennsylvania	$657	$164
Rhode Island	$843	$210
South Carolina	$544	$184
South Dakota	$479	$93
Tennessee	$533	$142
Texas	$670	$204
Utah	$622	$202
Virginia	$450	$160
Vermont	$331	$113
Washington	$476	$165
Wisconsin	$543	$209
West Virginia	$547	$166
Wyoming	$475	$135

Data courtesy of Quadrant Information Services.

Recommended: The Cheapest Way to Rent A Car

Is it Possible to Lower Car Insurance Rates for Young Drivers?

While putting your teen on your auto policy will inevitably raise your premiums, you can mitigate the rate hike in a few ways:

•   Maintain one family policy. Although adding a young driver to your policy is costly, opening up a separate policy for your teenager costs even more. Generally, having multiple drivers on one policy is cheaper than multiple policies. Ask your insurer for quotes for both scenarios to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

•   Rack up the discounts. Many insurers provide discounts to students who maintain at least a B average. College students can qualify for an additional discount, especially if they don’t have a car and their school is at least 100 miles away from home.

•   Compare policies. Shopping around for a better deal can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Are There Discount Insurance Providers?

While there is no dollar store version of an auto insurance company (no, not even online insurance companies) most companies offer discounts to teen drivers:

•   Incident-free driving. Incident-free means no accidents or tickets.

•   Driver tracking. Many insurers have implemented programs that track driving habits through a device installed in your car. Teens who avoid speeding or braking hard can receive a discount.

•   Driver education. Teens who take courses in safe driving can earn money off their parents’ policy.

•   Student discounts. High school and college students can earn discounts for receiving good grades, or for going to school 100 miles away with no car.

The Takeaway

Younger drivers pay considerably more for car insurance than older drivers. For example, the nationwide average cost of insurance for a 16-year-old girl, when added to her parents’ policy, is $345 per month. That isn’t bad compared to what the same girl would pay for her own policy: $565 per month. Car insurance premiums tend to drop at ages 20 and 25, assuming drivers have a clean record. By the way, men generally pay more than women until age 35.

SoFi’s online tool makes looking for the best deal on auto insurance easy. Compare rates among the top insurers in your area, and see quotes in a matter of minutes.

See real rates, with no bait and switch.

FAQ

Does car insurance vary by age?

Yes. Car insurance costs vary by age because younger drivers present more risk for insurance companies. Statistics show that the older the driver, the less chance they have of getting into an accident or filing a claim.

At what age is car insurance cheapest?

Car insurance is cheapest for drivers in their 50s. Insurance costs typically decrease with age. However, upon turning 60, insurance costs start to creep up again.

Is male or female car insurance higher?

Typically, men are charged higher car insurance prices than women. Statistics show that younger men get into more accidents, speed more often, and drive under the influence of alcohol more frequently than women. However, starting at age 35, men and women receive almost identical rates.

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Photo credit: iStock/RyanJLane

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SoFi is compensated by Gabi for each customer who completes an application through the SoFi-Gabi partnership.

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

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

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There are several reasons why your credit card might get declined when trying to make a purchase. For instance, it could happen due to insufficient funds or because you’ve maxed out your card. Ultimately, the reason why your card is being declined depends on the particulars of your situation.

Awkward? Frustrating? Embarrassing? You bet. And in some instances, having your card get declined — especially when you have money — can be worrisome and costly. Let’s take a look at seven common reasons why your credit card may get declined and what you can do if it happens to you.

What Does It Mean for Your Credit Card to Be Declined?

When a credit card is declined, something went awry, and your transaction wasn’t processed. In turn, you won’t be able to make a purchase with that card. That’s because the credit card issuer did not provide authorization on your account — an essential component to what a credit card is and how credit card transactions function.

Sometimes, your credit card is declined due to what turns out to be an easy fix — for instance, a simple blunder like punching in the wrong ZIP code or a chip malfunction. In other cases, the reason might be something more complex and require steps to resolve before you can resume using a credit card.

7 Reasons Why Your Credit Card May Have Been Declined

Standing at the register wondering, ‘Why is my card being declined?’ Knowing the reason can help prevent the situation from happening again and ensure that future transactions go through smoothly.

1. You’ve Met Your Credit Limit

If you’ve maxed out your card — meaning you reached your credit limit — the issuer might block further purchases from going through.

Your credit limit is how much credit a card issuer extends you on a particular card. This amount varies from cardholder to cardholder, and it hinges on a handful of financial factors. You can find your credit limit on your credit card statement as well as in your cardholder agreement.

You’re more likely to reach your upper credit limit if you’re carrying an existing credit card balance. Beyond causing your credit card to get declined maxing out on your card — or getting close to it — can ding your credit. That’s because it increases your credit utilization rate, which is a factor in determining your credit score. It’s generally recommended to keep your credit usage below 30%.

What to do: Pay down your balance. You can also request a higher credit limit, but this could open the door to racking up more debt.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

2. Your Transaction Was Flagged as Suspicious

Wondering ‘why is my card getting declined when I have money?’ In this scenario, it could be due to something entirely out of your control. For instance, the card issuer might block a transaction from going through to protect you from fraudulent activity.

Fishy purchases might include a transaction for a big-ticket item or a first-time purchase from a website or app. Or, it may raise a red flag to the card issuer if you use a card after a long dormant, or if there’s a cascade of purchases made in different locations within a short period of time.

What to do: Often, the card issuer will contact you to let you know that there’s been suspicious activity on your card and that your card has been temporarily blocked. You’ll be asked to review the last few transactions to make sure they’re indeed legitimate and that they were made by you. You can also reach out to the credit card company to see why your card has been blocked.

3. There’s a Large Transaction Pending

A merchant might request a credit card hold on your account if you make a large-ticket purchase. That’s because the merchant wants to ensure it will get paid what it’s owed. If there’s a hold on your card, that means that a portion of your credit limit is set aside, which could prevent further transactions from being authorized.

Holds are also common for transactions where the grand total might not be determined when you make an initial payment — think hotels, resort fees, purchases on cruise ships, and car rentals. The hold is usually lifted a few days after a transaction is cleared, if not sooner.

What to do: You can clear a hold by either reaching out to your credit card issuer or the merchant and requesting that it’s lifted. While there are no guarantees, it’s worth asking.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit

4. You Provided Incorrect Payment Details

Punching in incorrect payment details — think your billing address, card number, credit card expiration date, or security code — can result in your card not going through. And when you’re trying to use your card at the gas pump or at a brick-and-mortar store, entering the wrong ZIP code on the keypad can also trigger a “card declined” message.

What to do: Double-check all information before attempting to resubmit payment. Or, if you’re making an in-store purchase, consider using a mobile payment platform.

5. You’ve Defaulted on Payment

One of the significant consequences of a credit card late payment is that your card issuer might block you from making further purchases. A single late payment usually won’t trigger this result, but if you’re late for several months in a row, you might default on your card. In turn, your transactions might not go through.

Not only does falling behind on your payments impact your ability to tap into your card to pay for things, but it also dings your credit. Plus, it can trigger late fees.

What to do: Make a credit card payment as soon as you can. Once your payment is posted, your card should be unblocked and you can start using it again.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

6. Your Credit Card Is Deactivated or Expired

Cards usually expire three to five years from its issue date, after which point you can no longer use the card. Because the period until expiration varies, don’t forget to glance at the expiration date on a credit card if it’s been some time since it’s gotten some use.

You also won’t be able to use a credit card that’s been idle for a long stint or deactivated entirely. How long it takes for your card to be deactivated due to a lack of use will vary.

What to do: If you’re juggling multiple credit cards, remember to routinely check the expiration dates. You might also consider keeping a log of when each card expires, or when you last used it.

7. Your Purchase Was Attempted While Traveling

If a purchase was made in Prague and you live in Pittsburgh, this could alert the card issuer of potentially suspicious activity. In turn, a temporary freeze might be placed on your account.

What to do: Set a travel notification before you depart. Some card companies make it easy for you to set a notification on its mobile app. Otherwise, give the issuer a call to give them a heads-up of your travel dates and planned destinations.

What to Do if Your Credit Card Is Declined

The steps you’ll need to take to get to the bottom of a credit card getting declined largely depends on why it happened. In general, however, here are some moves you should make if your card was declined.

Contact the Credit Card Company

Reaching out to the credit card company can help you figure out exactly why your card was declined. If it was due to reasons such as suspicious activity or because you were traveling, you can verify the transactions. In turn, your hold can get lifted.

Verify Account Details

Incorrect information stored on retailer accounts, payment platforms, and your digital wallet could result in a failed transaction. Check to make sure the details on the cards on file are accurate.

Make a Card Payment

If you’re behind on your payments, make a credit card minimum payment as soon as possible. Once the payment goes through, the card issuer will likely unblock your card.

Preventing Your Credit Card From Being Declined

To avoid a declined credit card in the first place, mind these steps:

•   Set card alerts. Signing up for email or text alerts for your credit card transactions will help you stay on the lookout for suspicious activity. You can get notifications when purchases are made over a certain threshold or for any in-store, online, or over-the-phone purchases.

•   Keep tabs on your card balances. Monitor your spending and check how much of a balance you have on your cards. Stay below your credit limit to remain in the clear. As discussed previously, maxing out your cards — or nearing the threshold — will put you in danger of a declined credit card.

•   Stay on top of your payments. Make it a priority to stay on top of paying off your cards. Pay at least the minimum amount required by the credit card payment due date. Consider putting your card payments on autopay, which will help you ensure you make your payments on time. On-time payments will also help boost your credit score and avoid late or returned payment fees.

•   Set travel notifications. Some credit cards have a travel notification feature on their app. Before you depart, reach out to your card issuer to let them know when and where you’ll be traveling.

The Takeaway

Having your credit card declined while trying to pay for something can feel frustrating. It’s important to figure out why your card is being declined, whether it’s due to late payment or an expired card. From there, you’ll know what steps to take to prevent it from happening again and ensure that you can use your card when you need it.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Can a credit card be unblocked?

Yes, you can unblock a credit card. How you’ll do so depends on the reason it was blocked in the first place. As such, you’ll first want to get to the bottom of why your credit card was blocked. Then, you’ll need to take the necessary steps to release the block. For example, if your card was blocked due to suspicious activity, you’ll need to call the card issuer and confirm you made the last few purchases.

How long does it take to unblock a credit card?

It depends. If it’s a temporary block, your card can get unblocked immediately. But in other instances, it can take a couple days or even a couple weeks to unblock a credit card.

How can I check the status of my card?

You can check the status of your card by logging onto your account via a computer or mobile app. You can also check its status by calling the customer service number listed on the back of the credit card and inquiring.

How long does it take for a declined transaction to come back?

It depends on the card issuer and the reason why the transaction was declined. In some cases, it can take a few days. And in other cases, it can take longer.

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Photo credit: iStock/bernardbodo

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

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

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Many investors seek out dividend-paying stocks as a way to build wealth. Rather than rely on just share price appreciation as a way to make money in the stock market, these investors seek regular dividend payments to grow their portfolios.

While most companies that pay dividends do so every quarter, many companies make monthly dividend payments. Getting these payments on a faster recurring schedule can appeal to many investors, especially those relying on dividends for a steady income stream. But before you jump up to buy popular monthly dividend stocks, you should know more about monthly dividends and the companies that pay them.

How Does Dividend Investing Work?

A dividend is a portion of a company’s earnings that is paid to its shareholders, as approved by the board of directors. Companies usually pay dividends quarterly, but they may also be distributed annually or monthly.

Most dividends are cash payments made on a per-share basis. For example, if the company pays a dividend of 30 cents per share, an investor with 100 shares of stock would receive $30.

Some investors may utilize dividend-paying stocks as part of an income investing strategy. These investors, many of whom are older and retired, rely on the regular payment of dividends to make up for the loss of regular labor income.

Younger investors may also use a dividend investing strategy to generate income, perhaps to help pay the bills or to save for a big vacation. But those who don’t need the income may choose to reinvest the money with the idea of boosting portfolio growth. Through dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs), investors can reinvest the dividend payouts to buy more shares. And the more shares they own, the larger their future dividends could be.

Regardless of the purpose behind dividend investing, it’s usually a slow and steady process where investors benefit from regular income or compounding returns rather than expecting a stock’s price to skyrocket.

How to Invest in Monthly Dividend Stocks

As mentioned above, companies usually pay dividends quarterly. However, several companies pay dividends monthly.

Stocks that pay dividends monthly may appeal to investors who want reliable monthly income, which may help with paying bills like mortgage and utility payments. Additionally, monthly dividend stocks may help investors who reinvest the payments realize faster compounding benefits.

To invest in monthly dividend stocks, investors may look at companies in specific industries that tend to offer regular dividend payouts, including monthly payments. These companies usually have regular cash flow to sustain consistent dividend payments.

For example, real estate investment trusts (REITs) pay out regular dividends because they receive steady cash flow through rent payments. These companies are legally required to pay at least 90% of their income to shareholders through dividends. And some REITs will pay dividends monthly.

Energy and utility companies are other industries that pay regular and relatively high dividends, including some monthly dividends.

Additionally, investors may look to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that offer monthly dividend payouts. These funds will invest in various dividend-paying stocks – not just companies that pay monthly dividends – and distribute dividends every month.

Examples of Monthly Dividend Stocks

Popular Monthly Dividend Stocks (Based on Market Capitalization)
Company	Ticker	Industry	Market Cap (in billions)*	Dividend Yield*
Realty Income Corp	O	REIT	$41.5	4.21%
Pembina Pipeline Corporation	PBA	Energy	$26.1	5.49%
Shaw Communications	SJR	Telecommunications	$17.0	3.58%
AGNC Investment Corp	AGNC	REIT	$6.2	13.07%
Agree Realty Corp	ADC	REIT	$6.1	3.90%
*as of Aug. 31, 2022

Determining the Highest Dividend Stocks

Not all stocks that pay monthly dividends are created equal. Investors may seek stocks that pay out the highest dividends, but high dividends alone don’t mean that the stocks are wise investments.

Investors should also remember that dividends aren’t guaranteed; a company can skip or stop making payments at any time. This adds to the risk of investing in dividend stocks.

Investors may want to analyze several criteria to determine the dividend stocks ideal for a wealth-building strategy. Here are a few things investors can consider when looking for the highest dividend stocks:

Dividend Yield

Investors often analyze a stock’s dividend yield to determine if it’s a suitable investment. This metric shows how much an investor would earn from an investment based solely on dividend payouts.

Dividend yield is expressed as a percentage, representing a stock’s annual dividend payments per share divided by the stock’s current price.

Dividend yield (%) = annual dividend payout per share / stock price

Stocks that offer the highest dividend yields may appear to be the most promising; after all, it seems that a high dividend yield will result in the most generous dividend payouts. But companies with high dividend yields may be risky, especially for investors interested in the stability of dividend investing.

A stock’s dividend yield could be high because the share price is falling, which can be a sign that a company is struggling. Or, a high dividend yield may indicate that a company is paying out an unsustainably high dividend.

Investors will often compare a stock’s dividend yield to comparable companies in the same industry to determine whether a yield is attractive.

Dividend Payout Ratio

Investors will also factor in a stock’s dividend payout ratio when making investment decisions. This ratio expresses the percentage of income that a company pays to shareholders.

The dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing a company’s total dividends paid by its net income.

Dividend payout ratio (%) = dividends paid / net income

Investors can also calculate the dividend payout ratio on a per share basis, dividing dividends per share by earnings per share.

Dividend payout ratio (%) = dividends per share / earnings per share

The dividend payout ratio can help determine if the dividend payments a company distributes make sense in the context of its earnings. Like dividend yield, a high dividend payout ratio may be good, especially if investors want a company to pay more of its profits to investors. However, an extremely high ratio can be difficult to sustain.

If a stock is of interest, it may help to check out the company’s dividend payout ratios over an extended period and compare it to comparable companies in the same industry.

Company Stability

Investors may also wish to focus on stable, well-run companies with a reputation for paying consistent or rising dividends for years. Dividend aristocrats – companies that have paid and increased their dividends for at least 25 years – and blue chip stocks are examples of relatively stable companies that are attractive to dividend-focused investors.

These companies, however, do not always have the highest dividend yields. Nor do these companies pay monthly dividends; most companies will pay dividends quarterly.

Furthermore, keep in mind a company’s future prospects, not just its past success, when shopping for high-dividend stocks.

Tax Implications

Dividends also have specific tax implications that investors should know. A “qualified dividend” is a type of dividend that qualifies for the capital gains tax rate, which is usually a more favorable tax treatment. An “ordinary dividend” doesn’t get that lower tax preference and is taxed at an individual’s income tax rate.

Investors will receive a Form DIV-1099 when $10 or more in dividend income is paid out during the year. (If the dividends are in a tax-advantaged account (an IRA, 401(k), etc.), the money will grow tax-free until it’s withdrawn.)

💡 Recommended: Ordinary vs Qualified Dividends

Pros and Cons of Investing in Monthly Dividend Stocks

As noted above, two of the most significant advantages to investing in dividend stocks are passive income (income that requires little to no effort to earn and maintain) and reinvestment (using dividend payments to buy more stocks, thus compounding returns).

Another plus for those who choose solid dividend stocks is that they may receive payments from those investments even if the market falls. That can help insulate investors during tough economic times. It might prevent investors who make regular or occasional withdrawals from their stock portfolio from selling at a low to get the money they need.

Regular dividends may also allow investors who reinvest the gains to buy stocks at a lower price while the market is down. Additionally, the stocks of mature, healthy companies that pay dividends also may be less vulnerable to market fluctuations than a start-up or growth stock.

But no investment strategy is perfect, and dividend stocks have some disadvantages.

💡 Recommended: Pros & Cons of Quarterly vs. Monthly Dividends

Dividends are not obligations; a company can decide to suspend or cut its dividends at any time. It could be that the company is truly in trouble or that it simply needs the money for a new project or acquisition. This is especially true for monthly dividend stocks; many REITs that pay monthly dividends suspended or cut dividends during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Either way, if the public sees the cut as a negative sign, the share price could fall significantly. And if that happens, an investor could suffer a double loss.

Then there’s the matter of double taxation. First, the company must pay taxes on its earnings. Then the shareholder must pay taxes again as an individual.

Finally, choosing the right dividend stock can be tricky. As noted above, the metrics for analyzing the most attractive dividend stocks are quite different from those for selecting growth stocks.

Pros and Cons of Monthly Dividend Stocks
Pros	Cons
Passive income	Monthly dividend stocks are not common
Dividend reinvestment leads to compounding returns	Share price appreciation may be limited compared to growth stocks
Investors may earn a return even when the stock price goes down	Dividend payments can suddenly be cut or suspended
Qualified dividends have preferential tax treatment	Tax inefficiency through double taxation

Things to Avoid When Investing in Monthly Dividend Stocks

When investing in monthly dividend stocks, there are a few things to avoid:

•   Avoid investing in a company that pays a monthly dividend solely because it pays a monthly dividend. Many companies pay monthly dividends, but not all are suitable investments. Do your research and only invest in companies that you believe will be successful in the future.

•   Avoid investing in a company or industry that you don’t understand. If you don’t understand how a company makes money, you should hesitate to invest in it.

•   Avoid investing all of your money in monthly dividend stocks. Diversify your portfolio by investing in other types of stocks, bonds, funds, and other securities.

The Takeaway

It may seem ideal to invest in monthly dividend stocks to get paid every month. However, this strategy shouldn’t be the ultimate way to reach your financial goals. A well-diversified portfolio with stocks that can reliably maintain or increase dividends may be a better way to look at your dividend investing strategy.

If you’re ready to build your portfolio with dividend-paying stocks, SoFi Invest® can help. A SoFi online brokerage account allows you to buy and sell stocks and ETFs with no commissions for as little as $5. With SoFi, you can invest in dividend-paying stocks and ETFs today.

Learn more about SoFi Invest today.

FAQ

How can you get stocks that pay monthly dividends?

To invest in stocks that pay monthly dividends, you need to research financial websites and publications to find companies that pay dividends monthly. There are not many monthly dividend stocks, especially compared with stocks that pay quarterly dividends.

How can you determine the stocks that pay the highest monthly dividends?

Investors use metrics like high dividend yields and dividend payout ratios to determine the stocks that pay the highest monthly dividends. However, stocks that pay the highest monthly dividends can change over time.

How do monthly dividend stocks work?

A monthly dividend stock is a stock that pays out dividends every month instead of the more common quarterly basis. This can provide investors with a steadier stream of income, which can be particularly helpful if you rely on dividends for living expenses.

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