Oct
10
2024

States With No Income Tax

By | Financial Topics | Comments Off on States With No Income Tax

In 2024, there are nine states with no income tax, meaning residents may enjoy a major tax break when they go to file. (One of these states, though, does tax interest and dividend income.) It’s worth noting, however, these nine states earn revenue in other ways, including higher sales and property taxes.

Read on for details on this important financial issue that can impact one’s quality of life significantly.

Which States Don’t Have Income Tax?

Across the U.S., only nine states don’t charge income tax:

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Washington

•   Wyoming

It’s worth noting that while New Hampshire doesn’t charge taxes on earned wages, it does tax interest and dividend income.

Recommended: How to File Your Taxes for the First Time

Alaska

Not only does Alaska have no state income taxes, but the Last Frontier is also devoid of state-level sales taxes. (Localities can leverage their own sales taxes, however.)

The state’s economy largely depends on oil and gas, as well as tourism and fishing. The median home price is approximately $354,333 (compared with the national figure of $362,870), but Alaska isn’t exactly a cheap place to live. The state has a cost of living that’s 25% higher than the national average.

Plus, Alaska’s remoteness and 60-plus days every year with almost no daylight make it a tough — though beautiful — place to live.

Florida

Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, retirement communities, and gators. With three national parks (and even more national seashores, preserves, etc.), Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, and beach paradises like Miami and Destin, Florida brings in a lot of tourism money.

While Florida has no state income tax, its sales taxes and property taxes are considered average. If you can withstand hurricane season, you might appreciate Florida’s cost of living. With a cost of living index of 103.1, it’s just above the national average of 100. 

For many people, the state’s wallet-friendly profile can allow them to make ends meet and maybe stash some cash in an online savings account.

Nevada

Nevada may be most famous for the Las Vegas Strip, which is probably why the state does so well with its sin taxes on gambling and alcohol. While those excise taxes may be high, the state income taxes sure aren’t. 

Like Florida, Nevada is just above the national average cost of living, with a score of 102.7 versus the U.S. average of 100. It seems that many people have felt the pull of living here: It’s one of our country’s fastest-growing states.

New Hampshire

If you’re thinking about moving to New Hampshire because it doesn’t have income tax, consider this: Overall, New Hampshire doesn’t fare that well in terms of cost of living, with a current figure of 113.6 vs. the national average of 100. But this desirable state offers stunning foliage in the fall, great skiing in the winter, and a beautiful landscape to explore in warmer weather.

Note: New Hampshire does charge state income tax on interest and dividends. The state will phase this out in 2025.

South Dakota

Those who live in South Dakota primarily work in agriculture, though the state’s economy also depends heavily on a mix of forestry, mining, and tourism. (The state is home to Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore.)

Not only does South Dakota have no state income tax, but the state’s overall cost of living is below the national average at 93.4.

Tennessee

From the honky tonks of Nashville to the stunning mountain vistas of the Smokies, Tennessee has a lot of appeal. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the state has no income tax.

Tennessee’s sales tax is among America’s most expensive, but as for overall cost of living? Tennessee ranks 10th most affordable in the country at 90.3.

Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, except your state income tax bill. That’s because Texas doesn’t have state income tax. Overall, cost of living in Texas is promising — it comes in at 92.4 vs. the national average of 100 in terms of affordability. And property taxes recently clocked in at 46th out of the states, meaning you may be able to enjoy relatively low housing costs compared with elsewhere.

Texas is a huge state with a lot to offer. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin have plenty of restaurants, sports teams, and music festivals; the Gulf Coast region is great for fishing and relaxing on the beach; and the state’s natural landscape is vast and varied.

Washington

Not to be confused with our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C., this state has no state income tax. While property taxes are average (ranking 23rd in America), sales tax rates range from average to on the high side.

With three national parks, a famous city packed with coffee and nightlife, and plenty of whale watching, Washington makes a great state to visit and live in. Just be aware of its cost of living: Washington’s is high at 115.1 compared with the average of 100 for the country.

Note: High earners may pay taxes on capital gains in Washington.

Wyoming

Wyoming has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, including the Grand Tetons and part of Yellowstone. Perhaps that’s why its tourism industry is on the rise. The state also depends heavily on agriculture (cows and sheep) and mining.

In addition to not having state income taxes, Wyoming also has some of the lowest property tax rates in the country. Even better, the cost of living in Wyoming is under the national average (95.1 vs. the average of 100).

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Advantages of Living in a State Without Income Tax

Before packing up the boxes and budgeting for moving expenses, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of states with no income tax. Here are some of the advantages:

Money-Saving Benefits for Families and Retirees

Living in a state with no income taxes can inject extra money into a family’s budget. However, it’s important to remember that states may make up that lost revenue through other types of taxes, like higher sales and property taxes.

Retirees may especially appreciate living in one of the nine states without income taxes, as they also don’t tax retirement distributions. (Illinois, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania also give this tax break to retirees; Alabama doesn’t tax pensions.)

Recommended: Financial Tips for People in Their 40s

Economic Benefits

Businesses are often attracted to tax-friendly states. While they’ll be paying more attention to states with corporate tax breaks, there’s a lot of overlap between the two. (Six of the 10 most tax-friendly states for businesses don’t have state income taxes.)

States that attract businesses will theoretically have more job opportunities, making them a smart place to move if you’re looking for higher pay and more options.

Easier Tax Filing

Living in a state without income taxes makes tax season a little easier. After all, it’s one less place to file.

It also means you may save money on tax filing. Tax software and accountants may charge more if you want to include state filing each year.

Considerations Before Moving to a State With No Income Tax

Clearly, living in a state without income tax has some benefits. But it’s important to consider the potential downsides to living in a no-income-tax state.

Higher Property and Sale Taxes

While it varies by state, some of the states without income tax make up that revenue through higher sales and/or property taxes.

Researching sales and property tax rates, as well as a state’s cost of living, can give you a fuller picture beyond the income tax rate.

Funding for Government Projects

If states are earning less revenue from income taxes, that can sometimes mean there’s not as much budget to tackle government projects. Proponents of state tax argue that they help fund important priorities, like education and infrastructure.

How Does No Income Tax Impact Cost of Living?

Income taxes are just one of many factors used to calculate a state’s cost of living. Without having to budget for state income tax — which goes as high as 13.30% in California — residents in these states already have an advantage.

But cost of living depends on more than just state income taxes. Economists also consider factors like housing, food, transportation, gas, and healthcare when calculating a state’s cost of living.

For example, Washington may not have income tax, but it has some of the highest home prices in the United States. Currently, the average home value is $600,477 versus the national average of $362,870.

And remember: Though some states may not have income tax, they may charge higher sales and property taxes.

How Does No Income Tax Impact Your Tax Return?

If you live in a state that doesn’t require you to file a tax return, you’ll still have to file a federal return. However, you can omit the state-level step in your process. 

It also means your paycheck will have fewer taxes withheld throughout the year — leading to a higher take-home paycheck.

The Takeaway

Is living in a state without income tax all it’s cracked up to be? For some, it can mean serious savings. But it’s important to consider other taxes, like sales and property taxes, as well as a state’s cost of living, when making any big decisions about where to live.

Expecting a big tax refund this year, whether from federal or state returns? Consider putting it in a high-yield bank account.

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

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

FAQ

Is it better to live in a state with no income tax?

People may find more flexibility in their budget when they don’t have to worry about paying state tax. They’ll also have an easier (and potentially more affordable) experience when it’s time to file their taxes.

That said, residents may find they’re paying more in other taxes — sales and property taxes, primarily — and may encounter higher costs outside of taxes, like housing and food.

Ultimately, people should consider cost of living and tax rates alongside other important factors when choosing a place to live, such as climate, access to healthcare, proximity to friends and family, the job market, and more.

What is the most tax-friendly state?

Determining the most tax-friendly state for your situation depends on a few factors, like your main source of income (paycheck, capital gains, etc.), your propensity for spending (how often you’ll encounter sales tax), and property ownership (do you own or rent your home?).

That said, Alaska is objectively the most tax-friendly state, as it places the lowest tax burden on its citizens overall. However, that may be balanced by a higher cost of living.

What is the best state to live in to avoid taxes?

Alaska is currently the state with the lowest tax burden when you factor in income tax, sales taxes, and property taxes. The Last Frontier has no state income tax or state-level sales taxes (though individual localities can impose their own taxes), though it ranks somewhere in the middle for property taxes.

What are the three least taxed states in the US?

The three least taxed states in the U.S. are Alaska, New Hampshire, and Wyoming. These states are considered to be highly tax-friendly not only because of their lack of state income tax but also because of their sales and/or property tax rates.

Photo credit: iStock/Martina Birnbaum

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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Oct
10
2024

How Are Savings Accounts Taxed?

By | Financial Topics | Comments Off on How Are Savings Accounts Taxed?

A savings account is a secure place to keep your cash while earning interest, but any amount of interest you earn from a savings account will usually be taxable. 

You are required to report any interest earnings from most savings accounts to the IRS. If the yearly earned interest is $10 or more, your bank or financial institution will send a Form 1099-INT to the IRS and a copy to you to include when completing your tax return. 

Here’s a closer look at how taxes affect different types of savings accounts.

Key Points

•   Interest earned on money in a typical savings account is taxable and must be reported to the IRS.

•   The promotional bonuses from savings accounts are also considered taxable income.

•   You will receive a 1099-INT form from your financial institution when the interest earned on your savings account is $10 or more — however, you should report any amount you earn to the IRS.

•   Some types of savings accounts, including IRAs, 529 plans, and HSAs, offer various tax benefits, such as tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals. 

•   While both 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts both offer tax advantages when saving for college and education expenses, they differ in their requirements, contribution limits, fees, and flexibility. 

A Quick Refresher on Savings Accounts

A typical savings account is a place where you can deposit money not meant for everyday expenses — rather, the funds might be set aside for emergencies or a dream vacation. Savings accounts differ from checking accounts in that they tend to offer a higher APY (annual percentage yield), so you can earn a modest interest while saving for the future.

Many savings accounts can be independent or attached to a checking account. Other types, like CDs (certificates of deposit) operate as a financial product where you may earn a higher interest rate over a fixed amount of time. Almost all savings accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

Most savings accounts can be opened online, over the phone, or in person at a bank or credit union. Steps to opening a savings account can include:

•   Providing proof of identification. You’ll need your Social Security number and a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

•   Offering personal details such as your legal name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. 

•   Selecting the type of account. You can usually choose between a single or joint savings account. Some banks may offer a selection of savings accounts with varying rates and terms. 

•   Making your initial deposit. Once your application is completed and approved, financial institutions will generally require an initial deposit — between $25 and $100 for banks and $1 and $10 for credit unions. Sometimes you may open an account without any opening deposit at all.

There are other types of savings accounts and vehicles, such as IRA plans for retirement and 529 plans for college, that may require additional steps and information.

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What’s Taxable in Savings Accounts?

Earned interest on your savings account is almost always taxed. It will be reported on a 1099-INT form if it equals $10 or more per year, but you should report it even if it’s under $10. Here’s a closer look at what can be taxed.

Earned Interest Taxes

Any amount of earned interest you make on a savings account is taxable, be it $600 dollars a year or a mere $.50. The interest will be taxed according to your income tax bracket for the year. 

Promotional Bonuses

Some savings accounts may offer a promotional bonus for opening the account. Unfortunately, that “free money” counts as taxable income. You must report it to the IRS, and your bank will report it on your 1099-INT form.

If the notion of paying taxes on your savings has you clutching to your piggy bank, know this: A savings account is still a good idea, in most cases, since it provides a secure place to save money for your goals and earn interest while having easy access to your funds. 

Which Savings Accounts Are Tax-Advantaged?

Knowing how different types of savings accounts are taxed may help you reach your financial goals. As mentioned above, the interest in a typical savings account is taxable.

For example, if you have $10,000 in a high-yield savings account with a $4.00% APY, you will be paying taxes on $400 (or more, depending on compounding interest) of earned interest for the year.

Some types of savings accounts or plans, however, are tax-advantaged in certain ways. If a savings plan is tax-exempt, for example, you may contribute after-tax money, but then later have the benefit of making tax-free withdrawals, when you may be in a lower income bracket. Conversely, some accounts are tax-deferred, which means taxes aren’t paid until withdrawals are made down the road.

There are different ways a savings account may be tax-advantaged. Here are common types of savings accounts that offer tax benefits.

Types of Savings Accounts That Are Tax-Advantaged

You might think of a few savings accounts as “special cases” in terms of taxes. These may include certain accounts that can be used to save for retirement, a child’s college costs, and healthcare costs. Some of these plans may offer a higher rate of return but also higher risks, and may have rules about when and how you can access your funds in order to avoid paying a penalty.

IRA Accounts

An IRA is an individual retirement account that comes with tax advantages. Contributions to your IRA may be invested in stocks, bonds, CDs, and other investments. 

An IRA is different from a savings account in that it’s meant to serve as a long-term investment. The funds you contribute to your plan may be subject to the highs and lows of the stock market over time, but historically, the average rate of return is 7% to 10% — which can be significantly higher than a savings account. Barring certain exceptions, penalties will be applied if you withdraw funds before the age of 59 ½. 

There are two types of IRAs:

•   Traditional IRA. Contributions to a traditional IRA are typically made with pre-tax dollars up to an annual limit. This money will then grow tax-deferred within the account. These contributions can typically lower your taxable income in the year you make them.  You will need to pay taxes on both the principal and earnings later, however, when you withdraw the money in retirement.  

•   Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA are taxed up front, but you won’t owe taxes on the earnings or the principal when you later make qualified withdrawals for retirement, after the age of 59 ½. As with a traditional IRA, you can only contribute up to the limits determined by the IRS each year..

529 Plans

529 plans are savings accounts meant specifically for educational expenses, such as college for your children or for yourself. Like an IRA, they are meant for long-term investments and are subject to the ebbs and flows of the market. 

529 plan contributions are typically made post-tax and are not tax-deductible at the federal level when you put the money in the account, though some states do offer tax deductions. That said, 529 plans provide tax-free withdrawals for qualifying educational expenditures. There are no annual contribution limits and no age restrictions for beneficiaries. 

However, you may be subject to a 10% penalty and pay federal and state taxes on any funds used for non-educational expenses.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) serves the same purpose as a 529 Plan: to save for qualifying educational purposes. But a Coverdell ESA has contribution limits and can only be opened for a child under the age of 18 years old, excepting those with special needs, as per the IRS. Also, it must be used before the beneficiary reaches age 30, though this also excludes those with special needs. 

Coverdell ESA contributions are not tax-deductible, but qualifying withdrawals can be made tax-free. 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

A health savings account, or HSA, is a tax-advantaged plan for people who have high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). Since individuals with these plans may have higher out-of-pocket costs, an HSA can help make healthcare more affordable. Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars and can then be applied tax-free to qualified medical expenses, meaning you are basically getting those goods or services at a discount. 

HSAs are not “use it or lose it” accounts; the funds can roll over year after year, and you may keep the money if you change jobs. 

Points worth noting: If you use money from your HSA for non-qualifying expenses (say, you need cash for an urgent home repair), the withdrawal will be taxed, and you will be assessed a 20% penalty charge. That said, once you turn 65, funds in your HSA may be used for non-qualifying expenses without penalty. You will, however, incur taxes on funds withdrawn.

Filing Taxes on Savings Accounts

You must report any amount of earned interest from your savings accounts on your tax return. If you earn $10 or more a year in interest, your banking institution will generate an IRS Form 1099-INT form and send it to the IRS and a copy to you for your taxes.

The Takeaway

Most traditional savings accounts are taxed, meaning that the interest earned is taxable. If an account earns more than $10 in interest per year, you and the IRS will each receive a form 1099-INT reporting that money. In addition, certain tax-advantaged accounts, such as IRAs and ESAs, may or may not be taxable. Check the fine print on your account to know how to handle earned interest come tax season. 

While interest you earn may be taxed, don’t let that stop you from saving. It can still be an important way to help your money grow.

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


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

FAQ

How much money can you have in your savings account without being taxed?

Any amount of money in a savings account will be taxed on the interest it earns. The financial institution where the funds are held will send a Form 1099-INT to the account holder and the IRS annually to reflect earned interest of $10 or more.

How can I avoid paying taxes on my savings account?

You cannot avoid paying taxes on any earned interest for a standard savings account. All interest earnings must be accounted for. Earned interest of $10 or more per account is reported on a 1099-INT and sent to the IRS.

How much tax do I pay on a savings account?

It depends on your tax bracket. Your earned interest will be taxed at your earned income rate for the year.

Photo credit: Rockaa/iStock

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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Oct
10
2024

Guide to Bank Cash Withdrawal Limits

By | Financial Topics | Comments Off on Guide to Bank Cash Withdrawal Limits

Banks typically restrict how much cash you can withdraw from your account in a single day. In part, this is a security measure designed to keep criminals from wiping out your account. It also helps protect the bank’s cash reserves. 

How much you can withdraw at one time from the bank can range anywhere from $300 to $20,000, depending on the institution and how you’re making the withdrawal (such as at an ATM versus a teller or using your debit card at the point-of-sale). 

If you need to access a large amount of cash quickly, it’s important to understand your bank’s withdrawal limits. Here’s how they break down. 

Do All Banks Have Daily Withdrawal Limits?

Most banks have withdrawal limits, but each institution sets its own rules as to how much they will allow you to take out of your bank account at any one time. 

Withdrawal limits also vary by type of transaction. For example, withdrawal limits at ATMs are generally lower than in-person withdrawal limits seeing a teller. Debit card transactions are also usually capped at a certain dollar amount per day. These ceilings are typically higher than ATM withdrawal limits but lower than teller withdrawal limits.

In some cases, you may be able to increase how much cash you can withdraw from a bank in one day. If you’re going on a vacation or business trip that requires withdrawing more daily cash than your bank’s ATM limit, for example, it can be worth asking your bank to make a temporary increase. If you have a type of job that requires large daily cash withdrawals, you might ask your bank if they would be willing to make a permanent increase. 

The willingness of a bank to increase your cash withdrawal limit typically depends on several factors, including:

•   The length of time you’ve been a customer

•   Your banking history 

•   The size of the increase you’re requesting 

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


Bank Secrecy Act

In an effort to combat money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes, the federal government introduced the Bank Secrecy Act in 1970 and adjusted it with the Patriot Act in 2002. The Act generally requires all financial institutions to track and report cash transactions that exceed $10,000 in one business day. 

As a result, if you withdraw (or deposit) more than that $10,000 in cash in a single day, the bank may report your transaction to the internal revenue service (IRS). This doesn’t mean you’ll get into trouble with the law. However, the transaction may be part of the government’s records.

Why Do Banks Have Withdrawal Limits?

Financial institutions maintain withdrawal limits for two main reasons. One is so they can monitor and control liquidity. Banks typically don’t keep much cash in reserve at any given time, nor do ATMs. By establishing a cash withdrawal limit, banks can limit how much cash they need to give out at any given time and avoid depleting their reserves. 

The other primary reason for withdrawal limits is to protect account holders from fraud. If a criminal were to gain access to your account details (or your debit card and PIN) and attempt to fraudulently pull money out of your checking account, they would be capped to a certain amount. Thus, withdrawal limits serve as a security feature that safeguards your money.

ATM Withdrawal Limits

Banks typically cap the amount of cash you can withdraw from ATMs in one day. These limits can range anywhere from $300 to $1,000. This is usually a cumulative daily limit. In other words, if your cash withdrawal limit is $500, you can’t hop from ATM to ATM, taking out $500 each time. Once you withdraw $500 from one ATM, you’ve hit your withdrawal limit for the day.

In addition to bank ATM limits, individual ATMs might have their own limits on cash withdrawals. If a particular ATM has a $600 withdrawal limit and your bank has a $1,000 limit, you can only get $600 from that ATM. However, you can then visit another ATM to get another $400.

Recommended: Cardless ATM Withdrawal: What It Is and How It Works 

Debit Withdrawal Limits

Even though a debit card purchase is an electronic payment (and doesn’t impact the amount of cash a bank has on hand), it does pose the same security risks as an ATM withdrawal. As a result, banks typically limit the amount you can purchase using your debit card in a single day. This limit is usually higher than the ATM withdrawal limit (but lower than in-person withdrawal limits). For example, banks commonly limit point-of-sale debit transactions to $5,000 daily.

While you may not normally come up against your debit card spending limit, it’s something to consider if you make a large purchase (such as plane tickets or a piece of furniture) and still have other debit card transactions to make on the same day. In that case, you might risk having your debit card declined.

Also keep in mind that getting cash back when you make a debit card purchase typically counts toward your point-of-sale limit, not your cash ATM limit for the day. This is one way you may be able to get around your ATM cash withdrawal limit.

Teller Withdrawal Limits

Banks and credit unions also have limits on how much cash you can withdraw from your account per day when you visit a branch in person. Since you can prove your identity when you withdraw funds in person (lessening security risks) and branches hold more cash than ATMs, teller withdrawal limits tend to be higher than ATM and debit card limits. Many banks, for example, will allow you to withdraw up to $20,000 in cash bills from a teller per day. 

Checking and Savings Withdrawal Limits

Since checking accounts are designed for everyday money management, there is no restriction on the number of withdrawals you can make per statement period. That’s not necessarily the case with savings accounts, however.

In the past, the Federal Reserve (a.k.a, “the Fed”) limited the number of withdrawals and transfers you could make from a savings account to six per month. The rule, called Regulation (or Reg) D, was designed to help ensure banks had sufficient reserves on hand and encourage people to use their savings account to save, rather than spend. 

While the Fed lifted this restriction in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, many banks and credit unions have continued to enforce the rule. If you exceed your bank’s savings account transaction limit, you will typically get hit with a fee. Doing this repeatedly, however, can lead to closure of your account. 

The Takeaway

Banks and credit unions generally limit the amount of cash you can take out of your account in one day. Rules vary by bank, but limits are typically lowest for ATM withdrawals (ranging from $300 to $1,000), somewhat higher for debit card transactions (commonly around $5,000), and highest for in-person withdrawals at a teller (often up to $20,000). Banks apply withdrawal limits to protect your money from theft and maintain their cash reserves. 

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


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

FAQ

How much cash can I withdraw from a bank?

How much cash you can withdraw from a bank in one day can range anywhere from $300 to $20,000. The cap will depend on your bank’s policies, as well as how you are withdrawing the money. Daily withdrawal limits are typically lowest at ATMs (ranging from $300 to $1,000). They tend to be somewhat higher for debit card transactions (commonly around $5,000) and highest for in-person withdrawals at a teller (which can be as high as $20,000).

How do I withdraw large amounts of cash from my bank?

To take out a large sum of cash, your best bet is to visit a branch and make the withdrawal through a teller. Often, banks will let you withdraw up to $20,000 per day in person (where they can confirm your identity). Daily withdrawal limits at ATMs tend to be much lower, generally ranging from $300 to $1,000. 

How much cash can you withdraw without reporting it to the IRS?

You can generally withdraw up to $10,000 from your account within a 24-hour period without the bank or credit union reporting the transaction to the internal revenue service (IRS). 

Photo credit: miniseries/iStock

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
 
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
 
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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Oct
10
2024

High-Yield Savings Account vs. Traditional Savings Account

By | Financial Topics | Comments Off on High-Yield Savings Account vs. Traditional Savings Account

A savings account can be an important aspect of your financial life. It typically lets you earn some interest while safely storing funds you might need for emergencies or big expenses, such as down payment on a house, a vacation, a wedding, or a new car. 

A traditional savings account at a local bank or credit union can be convenient and offer in-person help, but a high-yield savings account  — often available from online-only banks  — will often earn you a higher interest rate and lower fees. That can help your money grow faster. Read on to take a closer look at these two different kinds of savings accounts. 

Understanding High-Yield Savings Accounts

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) pays out significantly more interest than a typical savings account. While there’s no regulated savings account definition for high-yield savings accounts (also called high-interest savings accounts), these accounts usually earn a considerably higher interest rate than standard options.

How high? That depends. As of August 2024, the average interest rate for a traditional savings account was 0.45% APY as of October 21, 2024, while some HYSAs pay out 3.00% APY or more in interest. That means you could be earning six times more with an HYSA than a traditional account.

Online banks and credit unions commonly offer high-yield savings accounts, though it is possible to find HYSAs at brick-and-mortar banks. It’s worth noting that these accounts usually have many of the features of traditional bank accounts, such as FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance up to $250,000 per account holder, per account ownership category, per insured institution. If offered by a credit union, the account will likely have similar insurance via NCUA, or the National Credit Union Administration. 

Earn up to 4.00% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.

9x the national average savings account rate.

Up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance.

Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.


What Is a Traditional Savings Account?

Traditional savings accounts are just that — the traditional savings account that has been around for decades and is typically offered at financial institutions with brick-and-mortar branches. These offer all the benefits of a savings account, including interest, insurance, and accessibility. Traditional savings accounts don’t pay as much interest as a HYSA, but they may have other advantages. They might have lower or no minimum balance requirement vs. some HYSAs, and they may be a good option for those who like going into a local branch and getting one-on-one assistance with banking matters.

You’re more likely to find a traditional savings account at a local bank or credit union, rather than online, meaning accessing your funds may be more convenient, in some instances. 

And if you have a traditional checking account, opening a traditional savings account with the same bank can be convenient.

Key Differences Between High-Yield and Traditional Savings Accounts

Here’s how these two different types of savings accounts (high-yield savings vs. traditional) compare.

Interest Rates Comparison

As the name implies, a high-yield savings account has a higher yield than a traditional savings account. That means these accounts earn more — sometimes significantly more — interest than savings accounts at traditional banks, as noted above. 

Accessibility and Convenience

Traditional banks may be more convenient if you regularly need to deposit cash, simply because it’s more likely that a traditional bank has local branches. However, there’s a good deal of flexibility here. Online banks with HYSAs often offer large networks of ATMs for withdrawals and deposits, and some brick-and-mortar banks offer high-yield savings accounts.

Traditional bank accounts may be more convenient if you already have a checking account at a specific bank. However, many online banks offering HYSAs also offer checking accounts — sometimes even high-yield checking accounts. This can make it easy to transfer funds back and forth as needed.

Fees and Minimum Balance Requirements

High-yield savings accounts come with varying fee structures. With accounts offered by online banks, you may find no fees. However, with accounts at traditional banks, you may be more likely to pay fees. Often, however, there are requirements at financial institutions to qualify for a HYSA, such as a minimum direct deposit amount or maintaining a minimum balance. 

It can be wise to shop around and see what both traditional banks and online ones offer.

Pros and Cons of High-Yield Savings Accounts

High-yield savings accounts offer several advantages, but there may be some drawbacks to consider.

Pros of HYSAs

•   High interest rate: The major draw of a high-yield savings account is the interest rate. You’ll earn significantly more money on your savings deposits, so your money can grow faster.

•   Security: High-yield savings accounts should offer the same FDIC or NCUA insurance on all your deposits that you would get with a traditional savings account.

•   Account features: Many online banks with high-yield savings accounts offer additional features that might help you save more money, like automatic savings tools with a linked checking account.

•   No fees: Depending on where you open a HYSA, you may not have to pay fees. This can be especially true with accounts held at online banks. 

Cons of HYSAs

•   Less earning potential than other types of accounts: While HYSAs offer more interest than a traditional savings account, you might be able to earn even more with a money market account, certificate of deposit, retirement account, or investment in stocks and bonds. However, those options are less liquid, and some are riskier — so you’ll have to see which works best for your financial needs and money style.

•   Less likely to have in-person banking: Many banks and credit unions offering high-yield savings accounts are online-only. If you prefer in-person banking, this might not be the right account for you.

•   Fees: As noted above, some banks don’t charge fees. However, this varies from bank to bank. Some HYSAs (often those at traditional banks) have fees to contend with, which can erode your earnings. 

Pros and Cons of Traditional Savings Accounts

Traditional savings accounts also have their share of pros and cons.

Pros of Traditional Savings Accounts

•   Convenience: If you have a traditional savings account with a local branch, it’s easy to access your money.

•   Relationship building: If you like in-person interaction when banking and being able to discuss other financial products, like a home loan, in that way, a traditional savings account may suit you well.

•   Low fees: Traditional savings accounts typically have low fees — or no fees at all. (This can, however, be true of HYSAs as well, depending on where you bank.)

Cons of Traditional Savings Accounts

•   Low earnings: Traditional savings accounts often don’t have significant interest rates. In fact, they typically don’t keep up with inflation over time, which may be true of some HYSAs, as well, depending on their interest rate.

•   Liquidity: Money in a savings account is less liquid than money in a checking account. Your bank or credit union may limit how many withdrawals you can make in a month. (This may also be true of HYSAs as well.)

•   Access: If your bank doesn’t have a nearby branch and/or doesn’t offer 24/7 online services, you may find it hard to conduct transactions when you want to.

How to Choose the Right Account for You

Ready to open a savings account but not sure which account is right for you? Here are some things to consider:

•   Interest rate: Ideally, you should pick a savings account that pays out competitive interest so your money grows faster.

•   Liquidity: Some banks let you withdraw from your savings more frequently than others. Think about how often you’ll want to move money to your checking account or withdraw from an ATM.

•   Convenience: Choose a savings account that makes it easy to manage your money. For some people, that may mean a traditional savings account at a financial institution with local branches. For others, it may mean a HYSA at an online-only bank that has all kinds of digital tools that suit your needs. 

•   Fees: Compare fees for savings accounts, and consider choosing one that doesn’t take a bite out of your earned interest.

•   Sign-up bonuses: Many banks and credit unions offer savings account bonuses for signing up and meeting certain criteria. This could be an easy way to make extra cash, if you choose the right account.

The Takeaway

There’s no right or wrong answer when trying to decide between a high-yield savings account and a traditional one. Each can deliver an important way to secure and grow your cash. Often offered by online-only banks, HYSAs can help you earn more interest, and some may be fee-free. Traditional accounts typically don’t pay as much interest, but some people may enjoy the convenience of having local branches for conducting financial transactions.

Looking for an HYSA? See what SoFi offers.

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


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

FAQ

What is the main advantage of a high-yield savings account?

The main advantage of a high-yield savings account is the higher interest rate. HYSAs earn significantly more interest than a traditional savings account, meaning you can make good money just for keeping your money safely stored in a bank.

Are high-yield savings accounts safe?

Yes, high-yield savings accounts are safe. You should expect the same level of FDIC or NCUA insurance for your deposits as you would with a traditional savings account, though you should always confirm that your bank is insured. Also look for a bank that offers 24/7 account monitoring, two-factor authentication, and real-time alerts. 

How often do interest rates change for high-yield savings accounts?

Interest rates on any type of savings account are variable and can change at any time. However, banks typically adjust rates after the Federal Reserve committee meets and changes the federal funds rate.

Photo credit: pixdeluxe/iStock

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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10
2024
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What Is Risk Tolerance and How to Determine Yours

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | No Comments

Risk tolerance refers to the level of risk an investor is willing or able to assume as a part of their investment strategy. Knowing yourself and your risk tolerance is an essential part of investing. Of course, it’s good to have a diversified portfolio built with your financial goals in mind.

Still, the products and strategies you use should ideally fall within guidelines that make you feel comfortable — emotionally and financially — when things get rough. Otherwise, you might resort to knee-jerk decisions, such as selling at a loss or abandoning your plan to save, which could cost you even more.

Key Points

•   Risk tolerance is the level of risk an investor is willing to assume to achieve financial goals.

•   Factors that influence risk tolerance may include risk capacity, need, and emotional risk.

•   Investors tend to fall within or between three main categories of risk tolerance: conservative, moderate, and aggressive.

•   Someone with a conservative risk tolerance may focus on preserving capital, as opposed to maximizing potential returns.

•   Diversifying investments into different risk buckets can align your risk tolerance with your personal goals and timelines.

What Is Risk Tolerance?

As noted, risk tolerance is the amount of risk an investor is willing to take to achieve their financial goals when investing — whether through online investing or any other type of investing. In a broad sense, an investor’s risk tolerance level comprises three different factors: risk capacity, need, and emotional risk.

Risk Capacity

Risk capacity is the ability to handle financial risk. While it’s similar to risk tolerance, and can certainly influence it, it’s not the same thing. Unlike your emotional attitude about risk, which might not change as long as you live, your risk capacity can vary based on your age, your personal financial goals, and your timeline for reaching those goals. To determine your risk capacity, you need to determine how much you can afford to lose without affecting your financial security.

For example, if you’re young and have plenty of time to recover from a significant market downturn, you may decide to be aggressive with your asset allocation; you may invest in riskier assets like stocks with high volatility or cryptocurrency. Your risk capacity might be larger than if you were older and close to retirement.

For an older investor nearing retirement, you might be more inclined to protect the assets that soon will become part of your retirement income. You would have a lower risk capacity.

Additionally, a person with a low risk capacity may have serious financial obligations (a mortgage, your own business, a wedding to pay for, or kids who will have college tuition). In that case, you may not be in a position to ride out a bear market with risky investments. As such, you may use less-risky investments, like bonds or dividend stocks, to balance your portfolio.

On the other hand, if you have additional assets (such as a home or inheritance) or another source of income (such as rental properties or a pension), you might be able to take on more risk because you have something else to fall back on.

Recommended: Savings Goals by Age: Smart Financial Targets by Age Group

Need

The next thing to look at is your need. When determining risk tolerance, it’s important to understand your financial and lifestyle goals and how much your investments will need to earn to get you where you want to be.

The balance in any investment strategy includes deciding an appropriate amount of risk to meet your goals. For example, if you have $100 million and expect that to support your goals comfortably, you may not feel the need to take huge risks. When looking at particular investments, it can be helpful to calculate the risk-reward ratio.

But there is rarely one correct answer. Following the example above, it may seem like a good idea to take risks with your $100 million because of opportunity costs — what might you lose out on by not choosing a particular investment.

Emotional Risk

Your feelings about the ups and downs of the market are probably the most important factor to look at in risk tolerance. This isn’t about what you can afford financially — it’s about your disposition and how you make choices between certainty and chance when it comes to your money.

Conventional wisdom may suggest “buy low, sell high,” but emotions aren’t necessarily rational. For some investors, the first time their investments take a hit, fear might make them act impulsively. They may lose sleep or be tempted to sell low and put all their remaining cash in a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD).

On the flip side, when the market is doing well, investors may get greedy and decide to buy high or move their less-risky investments to something much more aggressive. Whether it’s FOMO trading, fear, greed, or something else, emotions can cause any investor to make serious mistakes that can blow up their plan and forestall or destroy their objectives. A volatile market is a risk for investors, but so is abandoning a plan that aligns with your goals.

And here’s the hard part: it’s difficult to know how you’ll feel about a change in the market — especially a loss — until it happens.

The Levels of Risk Tolerance

Generally, it’s possible to silo investors’ risk tolerances into a few key categories: aggressive, moderate, and conservative. But those terms are subjective, and depending on the institution they can be broadened to include other levels of risk tolerance (for example, a moderate-aggressive level). But because risk tolerance is subjective, the percentages of different assets is hypothetical, and ultimately an investor’s portfolio allocation would be determined by the individual investor themselves.

Again: the hypothetical allocation or investment mix, as it relates to any individual investor’s risk tolerance or risk profile, is not set in stone. You can read more about conservative, moderate, and aggressive risk tolerances below, but first, to help you get an idea of what the investment mix or allocation might look like for a broader range of risk tolerance profiles, here’s a hypothetical rundown of how an investor from each category might allocate their portfolio:

Risk Tolerance Level and Hypothetical Investment Mix
Bonds, Cash, Cash Equivalents

 Stocks
Conservative 70% 30%
Moderately Conservative 55% 45%
Moderate 40% 60%
Moderately Aggressive 27% 73%
Aggressive 13% 87%

And, as promised, here’s a bit more about what the three main risk tolerance categories could entail for investors:

Conservative Risk Tolerance

A person with conservative risk tolerance is usually willing to accept a relatively small amount of risk, but they truly focus on preserving capital. Overall, the goal is to minimize risk and principal loss, with the person agreeable to receiving lower returns in exchange.

Moderate Risk Tolerance

An investor with a moderate risk tolerance balances the potential risk of investments with potential reward, wanting to reduce the former as much as possible while enhancing the latter. This investor is often comfortable with short-term principal losses if the long-term results are promising.

Aggressive Risk Tolerance

People with aggressive risk tolerance tend to focus on maximizing returns, believing that getting the largest long-term return is more important than limiting short-term market fluctuations. If you follow this philosophy, you will likely see periods of significant investment success that are, at some point, followed by substantial losses. In other words, you’re likely to ride the full rollercoaster of market volatility.

How to Determine Your Own Risk Tolerance

Risk Tolerance Quiz

Take this 9 question quiz to see what your risk tolerance is.

⏲️ Takes 1 minute 30 seconds

There are steps you can take and questions to ask yourself to determine your risk tolerance for investing. Once you know your risk preference, you should be able to open a retirement account with more confidence. Both low risk tolerance and high risk tolerance investors may want to walk through these steps to ensure they know what investment style is right. Matching your specific risk tolerance to your personality traits can help you stick to your strategy over the long haul.

Consider the following questions, especially as they relate to your post-retirement life – or, what your life might look like once you reach your financial goals (which, for many people, is retirement!).

1.    What will your income be? If you expect your salary to ratchet higher over the coming years, then you may want to have a higher investment risk level, as time in the market can help you recover from any losses. If you are in your peak-earning years and will retire soon, then toning down your risk could be a prudent move, since you don’t want to risk your savings this close to retirement.

2.    What will your expenses look like? If you anticipate higher expenses in retirement, that might warrant a lower risk level since a sharp drop in your assets could result in financial hardship. If your expenses will likely be low (and your savings rate is high), then perhaps you can afford to take on more retirement investing risk.

3.    Do you get nervous about the stock market? Those who cannot rest easy when stocks are volatile are likely in a lower-risk, likely lower-return group. But if you don’t pay much attention to the swings of the market, you might be just fine owning higher-risk, (potentially) higher-return stocks.

4.    When do you want to retire? Your time horizon is a major retirement investing factor. The more time you have to be in the market, the more you should consider owning an aggressive portfolio. Those in retirement and who draw income from a portfolio are likely in the low risk-tolerance bucket, since their time horizon is shorter.

The Takeaway

Risk tolerance refers to an investor’s comfort with varying levels of investment risk. Each investor may have a unique level of risk tolerance, though generally, the levels are broken down into conservative, moderate, and aggressive. The fact is, all investments come with some degree of risk — some greater than others. No matter your risk tolerance, it can be helpful to be clear about your investment goals and understand the degree of risk tolerance required to help meet those goals.

Investors may diversify their investments into buckets — some less-risky assets, some intermediate-term assets, and some for long-term growth — based on their personal goals and timelines.

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

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