What Does Bullish and Bearish Mean in Investing and Crypto?

What Does Bullish and Bearish Mean in Investing?

Markets are often described as being either bullish vs. bearish. These are common terms used to refer to how a market is performing over a shorter or longer period of time. Investors can also be bullish or bearish on a specific stock, a sector, an asset class, or on the economy in general.

Read on to learn more about the definitions of bearish vs. bullish, where the terms bullish and bearish come from, and the bullish and bearish meaning for investors in stocks or other markets.

Key Points

•   A bull market features rising stock prices and high investor confidence.

•   Bear markets are generally marked by a 20% drop in stock prices and sustained low investor confidence.

•   Investor behavior in bull markets includes increased buying and holding of stocks.

•   In bear markets, investors tend to move to safer investments and may sell assets.

•   Diversifying investments and dollar cost averaging may help manage risks in bear and bull markets.

What Does Bullish Mean?

Bullish refers to stock market sentiment that the direction of the overall market will go up. A market that is increasing in value over a long period of time is said to be in a bull market. A bullish trend means that there may be an upward trend in prices for an asset.

For investors, being bullish means they feel positive about a stock, index, or the overall stock market. For example, if an investor says they are bullish on Stock X, the investor expects the market value of Stock X to increase in the long-term. That bullishness may even compel the investor to buy more shares of the company.

A bullish market is generally one where prices go up by 20% from a previous low for a sustained period.

What Does Bearish Mean?

Bearish refers to a sentiment that the direction of securities or the overall market will move down in price. An investor characterized as a bear believes the stock market will decrease in value, even if current prices are going up. An investor investing in a bearish market may even sell shares of their portfolio if they believe the market will turn negative.

A bear market is one that has fallen 20% from recent highs and remains below that threshold for at least two months. Since investors are bearish during this period, there may be lower trading activity.

Where Do the Terms Bullish and Bearish Come From?

While there are several theories as to the origins of bullish vs. bearish. The consensus believes the difference between bullish and bearish reflects the way each animal responds when they attack. When a bull goes into attack mode, it races at its target with confidence. In a bull market, investors are confident that stock prices will rise and correspondingly, the value of the market will trend upward.

When bears attack, they swipe their paws in a downward motion and often in fear. That is why in a bear market, prices drop. When investors are bearish, they do not have confidence in stocks and usually end up selling off some of their investments.

How Bullish Markets Can Impact Investors

In a bull market, demand is greater than supply. There are many investors who want to buy stocks while only a few are willing to sell. Bullish traders tend to have long positions in stocks or other assets.

How Bearish Markets Can Impact Investors

In a bear market, supply is greater than demand — and investors may look to offload their shares when there is not a lot of demand for market participants to buy. As a result, share prices decrease. A bear market is challenging for investors because stock prices keep falling, and that means more losses in an investment portfolio.

Your first instinct may be to sell in a bear market, but to increase chances of securing a profit in the long-term, it may make more sense to remain invested. Bear markets do not last forever.

Still, some investors prefer to adjust their investments in a bear market, turning to defensive stocks like consumer staples, healthcare, or utilities. They also may consider going into safer investments like bonds that offer stable fixed-income.

Bear markets can also present a good buying opportunity for investors who use dollar-cost averaging. This involves investing a fixed amount of money consistently. This way, investors can purchase stocks at a more affordable price.

Tips on Withstanding Bullish vs Bearish Markets

One of the best investing strategies during a bull or bear market is diversification. Diversifying your investment portfolio with different securities in a variety of different industries — along with various asset classes that may fare better in bear vs. bull markets — can help protect a portfolio by potentially minimizing losses and maximizing gains over the long-term.

Diversification means buying shares of companies in different sectors and companies of different sizes, rather than just investing in a select few of stocks, and also investing in different types of assets, such as low-risk bonds as well as stocks.

Stock Market

Investors who are not sure how to pick individual stocks can purchase an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or index fund, which are pre-selected baskets of securities all in one investment vehicle. For example, investors who own a fund that follows the S&P 500 will see their investments perform in line with that index.

In an ETF, investors own hundreds of companies, which means they don’t need to painstakingly choose one or two companies, rather, they own the entire index. Investing in these types of securities may be a strategy that utilizes diversification principles to help protect value.

The Takeaway

A market doesn’t necessarily have to be either bearish or bullish. It can actually be neither. The stock market can be in a state that is relatively flat. This may mean there are normal market fluctuations leading to either small gains or small losses.

Even if markets experience a sharp decline or rise in the short-term, this still cannot be defined as bearish or bullish because bull and bear markets are maintained over a period of time.

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FAQ

Does being bearish mean that you want to sell your assets?

“Bearish” means general pessimism about the direction of the market. In some cases, people are not even aware of a bear market until it’s over because it’s difficult to predict the direction of the markets. Investors who are invested for the long run do not pay attention to the peaks and troughs of the market and may take a dollar-cost averaging approach by investing consistently over time in both bear and bull markets.

How can you tell if a market is bearish or bullish?

Predicting and timing the markets is a challenging task. However, if stock prices have fallen by more than 20% from their recent peaks, and remained there for more than two months, that’s typically considered a bear market. A sustained increase in prices is a bull market.


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SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

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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Guide to Short Put Spreads

Guide to Short Put Spreads


Editor's Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

A short put spread, sometimes called a bull put spread or short put vertical spread, is an options trading strategy that investors may use when they expect a slight rise in the price of an underlying asset. This strategy, which involves a short put and a long put with the same expiration, but different strike prices, allows an investor to profit from an increase in the underlying asset’s price while also limiting losses from downward price movement. An investor using this spread can also determine their maximum potential profit and loss upfront.

When trading options, you have various strategies, like short put spreads, from which you can choose. The short put spread strategy can be a valuable trade for investors with a neutral-to-bullish outlook on an asset. Which options trading strategy is right for you will depend on several factors, like your risk tolerance, cash reserves, and perspective on the underlying asset.

Key Points

•   A short put spread is a neutral-to-bullish options trading strategy.

•   Short put spreads involve selling a put with a higher strike price (the short put) and buying a put at a lower strike price (the long put), with the same expiration.

•   Time decay benefits this strategy, reducing the value of the sold put more than the bought put.

•   Maximum profit is achieved if the underlying asset’s price increases or remains stable.

•   A short put spread has both limited risk and lower profit potential compared to buying the asset outright.

What Is a Short Put Spread?

A short put spread is an options trading strategy that involves buying one put option contract and selling another put option on the same underlying asset with the same expiration date but at different strike prices. This strategy is a neutral-to-bullish trading play, meaning that the investor believes the underlying asset’s price will stay flat or increase during the life of the trade.

A short put spread is a credit spread in which the investor receives a credit when they open a position. The trader buys a put option with a lower strike price and sells a put option with a higher strike price. The difference between the price of the two put options is the net credit the trader receives, which is the maximum potential profit in the trade, after any commissions and fees.

The maximum loss in a short put spread is the difference between the strike prices of the two puts minus the net credit received. This gives the trading strategy a defined downside risk.

Although the strategy has limited upside risk, external factors, such as fees and the possibility of early assignment, can still impact profitability.

A short put spread is also known as a short put vertical spread because of how the strike prices are positioned — one lower and the other higher — even though they have the same expiration date.

How Short Put Spreads Work

With a short put spread, the investor uses put options, which give the investor the right — but not always the obligation — to sell a security at a given price during a set period of time.

An investor using a short put spread strategy will sell a put option at a given strike price and expiration date, receiving a premium for the sale. This option is known as the short leg of the trade.

Simultaneously, the trader will also buy a put option at a lower strike price, paying a premium. This option is called the long leg. The premium for the long leg put option will always be less than the short leg since the lower strike put is further out of the money. Because of the difference in premiums, the trader receives a net credit for setting up the trade.

Recommended: In the Money vs Out of the Money Options

Short Put Spread Example

Say stock ABC is trading around $72. You feel neutral to bullish toward the stock, so you open a short put spread by selling a put option with a $72 strike price and buying a put with a $70 strike. Both put options have the same expiration date. You sell the put with a $72 strike price for a $1.75 premium and buy the put with a $70 strike for a $0.86 premium.

You collect the difference between the two premiums, which is $0.89 ($1.75 – $0.86), less any fees. Since each option contract is usually for 100 shares of stock, you’d collect an $89 credit before considering costs or margin requirements.

Recommended: Guide to How Options Are Priced

Maximum Profit

The credit collected up front is the maximum profit in a short put spread. In a short put spread, you can achieve your maximum profit when the stock price remains at or above the strike price of the option you sold. Both put options expire worthless in this scenario.

In our example, as long as stock ABC closes at or above $72 at expiration, both puts will expire worthless and you will keep the $89 credit you received when you opened the position.

Maximum Loss

The maximum loss in a short put spread is the difference between the strike prices of the two put options minus the credit you receive initially, plus any commissions and fees incurred. You will realize the maximum loss in a short put spread if the underlying asset’s price expires below the strike price of the put option you bought.

In our example, you will see the maximum loss if stock ABC trades below $70, the strike price of the put option you bought, at expiration. The maximum loss will be $111 in this scenario, not including commissions and fees.

Maximum loss: ($72 – $70) – ($1.75 – $0.86) = $1.11 x 100 shares = $111

Breakeven

The breakeven on a short put spread trade is the price the underlying asset must close at for the investor to come away even. They neither make nor lose money on the trade, not including commissions and investment fees.

To calculate the breakeven on a short put spread trade, you subtract the net credit you receive upfront from the strike price of the short put contract you sold, which is the option with the higher strike price.

In our example, you subtract the $0.89 credit from $72 to get a breakeven of $71.11. If stock ABC closes at $71.11 at expiration, you will lose $89 from the short leg of the trade with a $72 strike price, which will be balanced out by the $89 cash credit you received when you opened the position.

Set-Up

To set up a short put spread, you first need to find a security that you are neutral to bullish on. Once you have found a reasonable candidate, you’ll want to set it up by entering your put transactions.

You first sell to open a put option contract with a strike price near where the asset is currently trading. You then buy to open a put option with a strike price that’s out-of-the-money; the strike price of this contract will be below the strike price of the put you are selling. Both of these contracts will have the same expiration date.

Maintenance

The short put spread does not require much ongoing maintenance since your risk is defined to both upside and downside.

However, you may want to pay attention to the possibility of early assignment, especially with the short leg position of your trade — the put with the higher strike price. You might want to close your position before expiration so you don’t have to pay any potential assignment fees or trigger a margin call. Early assignment occurs when the holder of a short position is required to fulfill their obligation before expiration, typically when the option is in the money. Investors may choose to close their position before expiration to avoid the risk of early assignment, especially if the underlying asset is approaching (or has surpassed) the short option’s strike price.

Exit Strategy

If the stock’s price is above the higher strike price at expiration, there is nothing you have to do; both puts will expire worthless, and you will walk away with the maximum profit of the credit you received.

If the stock’s price is below the lower strike price of the long leg of the trade at expiration, both options will be in the money. The short put will be assigned, requiring the investor to buy shares at the higher strike price, while the long put offsets some of the loss by allowing the sale of shares at the lower strike price.This results in the maximum loss, which is the difference in strike prices minus the net credit received.

Before expiration, however, you can exit the trade to avoid having to buy shares that you may be obligated to purchase since you sold a put option. To exit the trade, you can buy the short put contract to close and sell the long put contract to close.

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Impacts of Time, Volatility, and Price Change

Changes in the price and volatility of the underlying stock and the passage of time can affect a short put spread strategy in various ways.

Time

Time decay benefits this strategy because the value of the sold put declines faster than the bought put. As expiration gets closer, the difference in time value erosion allows the trader to keep more of the initial credit received.

Volatility

Because the strategy consists of both a long and a short put, changes in volatility tend to have a limited effect on the overall spread. While each leg may respond differently to volatility shifts, the combined position mitigates much of this impact.

Price

A short put spread is a bullish option strategy. You have no risk to the upside and will achieve your maximum profit if the underlying stock closes above the strike price of the higher put option. You are sensitive to price decreases of the underlying stock and will suffer the maximum loss if the stock closes below the strike price of the lower put option.

Pros and Cons of Short Put Spreads

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using short put spreads:

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Short Put Spread Pros:

•   No risk to the upside

•   Limited risk to the downside; maximum loss is known upfront

•   Can earn a positive return even if the underlying does not move significantly

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Short Put Spread Cons:

•   Lower profit potential compared to buying the underlying security outright

•   Maximum loss is generally larger than the maximum potential profit

•   Difficult trading strategy for beginning investors

Short Put Calendar Spreads

A short put calendar spread is another type of spread that uses two different put options. With a short put calendar spread, the two options have the same strike price but different expiration dates. You sell a put with a further out expiration and buy a put with a closer expiration date.

Traders may use a short put calendar spread when they expect minimal price movement in the underlying asset, but anticipate a decline in implied volatility. This strategy differs from a short put spread, which benefits more from directional price movement rather than volatility shifts. The short put calendar spread seeks to profit from the faster decay of the near-term option relative to the longer-term option.

Alternatives to Short Put Spreads

Short put vertical spreads are just one of the several options spread strategies investors can use to bolster a portfolio.

Bull Put Spreads

A bull put spread is another name for the short put spread. The short put spread is considered a bullish investment since you’ll get your maximum profit if the stock’s price increases.

Bear Put Spread

As the name suggests, a bear put spread is the opposite of a bull put spread; investors will implement the trade when they have a bearish outlook on a particular underlying asset. With a bear put spread, you buy a put option near the money and then sell a put option on the same underlying asset at a lower strike price.

Call Spreads

Investors can also use call spreads to achieve the same profit profile as either a bull put spread or a bear put spread. With a bull call spread, you buy a call at one strike price (usually near or at the money) and simultaneously sell a call option on the same underlying with the same expiration date further out of the money.

Conversely, with a bear call spread, an investor sells a call option at a lower strike price and buys a call option at a higher strike price, both with the same expiration date. This strategy is used when the trader expects the underlying asset’s price to decline or remain below the sold call’s strike price, aiming to profit from the initial net credit they received.

The Takeaway

A short put spread is an options strategy that allows you to collect a credit by selling an at-the-money put option and buying an out-of-the-money put with the same expiration on the same underlying security. A short put spread is a bullish strategy where you achieve your maximum profit if the stock closes at or above the strike price of the put option you sold.

While this trading strategy has a limited downside risk, it provides defined risks and rewards, which may differ significantly from owning the underlying security outright.

SoFi’s options trading platform offers qualified investors the flexibility to pursue income generation, manage risk, and use advanced trading strategies. Investors may buy put and call options or sell covered calls and cash-secured puts to speculate on the price movements of stocks, all through a simple, intuitive interface.

With SoFi Invest® online options trading, there are no contract fees and no commissions. Plus, SoFi offers educational support — including in-app coaching resources, real-time pricing, and other tools to help you make informed decisions, based on your tolerance for risk.

Explore SoFi’s user-friendly options trading platform.

FAQ

Is a short put spread bullish or bearish?

A short put spread is a neutral to bullish options strategy, meaning you believe the price of an underlying asset will increase during the life of the trade. You will make your maximum profit if the stock closes at or above the strike price of the higher-priced option at expiration.

How would you close a short put spread?

To close a short put spread, you enter a trade order opposite to the one you entered to open your position. This would mean buying to close the put you initially sold and selling to close the put you bought to open.

What does shorting a put mean?

Shorting a put means selling a put contract. When you sell a put option contract, you collect a premium from the put option buyer. You’ll get your maximum profit if the underlying stock closes at or above the put’s strike price, meaning it will expire worthless, allowing you to keep the initial premium you received when you opened the position.


Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

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.

¹Claw Promotion: Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

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What Are Bull Put Spreads & How Do They Work?

Bull Put Spread: How This Options Strategy Works


Editor's Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

A bull put spread is an options trading strategy that investors might use when they have a moderately bullish view of an asset, meaning they think the price will increase slightly. The strategy provides the potential for profit from an increase in an underlying asset’s price while limiting losses if an asset’s price declines.

Bull put spreads and options trading are not for everyone, but learning the ins and outs of this commonly used vertical options spread could be useful to traders’ looking to pursue gains while capping downside risk.

Key Points

•   Bull put spreads allow investors to profit from modest price increases in the underlying asset, aligning with a moderately bullish market outlook.

•   In a bull put spread strategy, an investor sells a put option, and buys another put option on the same security, with the same expiration date, but with lower strike price.

•   The maximum gain with this strategy is the difference between the premium received for selling the put with the higher strike price and the premium paid for buying the second put, minus any commissions or fees.

•   This strategy limits risk by capping maximum loss, providing protection from significant downside risk.

•   Time decay helps as the short put loses value faster than the long put, letting traders keep more of the initial credit if the asset’s price stays stable or rises.

•   Bull put spreads can be adjusted to align with different risk tolerances and market views, making them a flexible tool within options trading.

What Is a Bull Put Spread?

A bull put spread is an options trading strategy that involves buying a put option and selling another put option on the same underlying asset with the same expiration date, but at different strike prices. The trade is considered a neutral-to-bullish strategy, since it’s designed so the maximum benefit occurs when an asset’s price moderately increases.

To execute a bull put spread, a trader will simultaneously sell a put option at a specific strike price (the short leg of the trade) and buy a put option with a lower strike price (the long leg of the trade).

The trader receives a premium for selling the option with a higher strike price but pays a premium for buying the put option with a lower strike price. The premium paid for the long leg put option will always be less than the short leg since the lower strike put is further out of the money. The difference between the premium received and the premium paid is the maximum potential profit in the trade.

The goal of the bull put spread strategy is to finish the trade with the premium earned by selling the put (sometimes referred to as writing a put option) and lose no more than the premium paid for the long put.

A bull put spread options trading strategy is sometimes called a short put spread or a credit put spread.

Recommended: Options Trading 101: An Introduction to Stock Options

How a Bull Put Spread Works

Bull put spreads focus on put options, which are options contracts that give the buyer the right – but not always the obligation – to sell a security at a given price (the strike price) during a set period of time.

The bull put spread strategy earns the highest profit in situations where the underlying stock trades at or above the strike price of the short put option – the put option sold with the higher strike price – upon expiration. This strategy, therefore, works best for assets that the traders of a bull put spread believe will trade slightly upwards.

The strategy offers investors the potential to benefit from a stock’s rising price without having to hold shares. An options strategy like this also caps downside risk because the maximum loss is calculated as the difference between the strike prices of the two puts minus the net credit received.

Even though the risk is limited, there can still be times when it makes sense to close out the trade.

Recommended: How to Trade Options: An In-Depth Guide for Beginners

Max Profit and Risk

A bull put spread is meant to profit from a rising stock price, time decay, or both. This strategy caps both potential profit and loss, meaning its risk is limited.

The profit of a bull put spread is capped at the premium received by selling the short leg of the trade, minus the premium spent buying the long leg put option. This maximum profit is therefore seen if the underlying asset finishes at any price above the strike price of the short leg of the trade.

Maximum profit = premium received for selling put option – premium paid for buying put option

The maximum loss of a bull put spread is the difference between the strike prices of the short put and the long put, minus the net premium received. This occurs if the underlying asset’s price falls below the long put’s strike price at expiration.

Maximum loss = strike price of short put – strike price of long put – net premium received

The breakeven point of a bull put spread is the price the underlying asset trades at expiration so that the trader will come away even. The breakeven point is calculated as the strike price of the short put (the higher strike price) minus the net premium received upfront for the sale and purchase of both puts. At the breakeven, the trader neither makes nor loses money, not including commissions and fees.

Breakeven point = strike price of short put – net premium received

Bull Put Spread Example

A trader would like to use a bull put spread for XYZ stock since they think the price will slowly go up a month from now. XYZ is trading at $150 per share. The trader sells a put option for a premium of $3 with a strike price of $150. At the same time, they buy a put option with a premium of $1 and a strike price of $140 to limit their downside risk. Both put options have the same expiration date in a month.

The trader collects the difference between the two premiums, which is $2 ($3 – $1). Since each option contract is usually for 100 shares of stock, she’d collect a $200 premium when opening the bull put spread.

Maximum Profit

As long as XYZ stock trades at or above $150 at expiration, both puts will expire worthless, and the trader will keep the $200 premium received at the start of the trade, minus commissions and fees.

Maximum profit = $3 – $1 = $2 x 100 shares = $200

Maximum Loss

The trader will experience the maximum loss if XYZ stock trades below $140 at expiration, the lower strike price of the long leg of the trade. In this scenario, the trader will lose $800, plus commissions and fees.

Maximum loss = $150 – $140 – ($3 – $1) = $8 x 100 shares = $800

Breakeven

If XYZ stock trades at $148 at expiration, the trader will lose $200 from the short leg of the trade with the $150 stock price. However, this will be balanced out by the initial $200 premium they received when opening the position. The trader neither makes nor loses money in this scenario, not including commissions and fees.

Breakeven point = $150 – ($3 – $1) = $148

Bull Put Spread Exit Strategy

Often, trades don’t go as planned. If they did, trading would be easy, and everyone would succeed. It’s important for investors to consider how they might mitigate risk before they begin initiating a strategy, especially given the higher risk associated with options trading.

Having an exit strategy can help by providing a plan to cut losses at a predetermined point, rather than being caught off guard.

An exit strategy may be a little complicated for a bull put spread. Before the expiration date, you may want to exit the trade so you don’t have to buy an asset you may be obligated to purchase because you sold a put option. You may also decide to exit the position if the underlying asset price is falling and you want to limit your losses rather than take the maximum loss.

To close out a bull put spread entirely would require that the trader buy the short put contract to close and sell the long put option to close.

Recommended: Buy to Open vs Buy to Close

Pros and Cons of Bull Put Spreads

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of bull put spreads:

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Bull Put Spread Pros:

•   Protection from downside risk; the maximum loss is known at the start of the trade

•   The potential to profit from a modest decline in the price of the underlying asset price

•   You can tailor the strategy based on your risk profile

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Bull Put Spread Cons:

•   The gains from the strategy will be limited and may be lower than if the trader bought the underlying asset outright

•   Maximum loss is usually more substantial than the maximum gain

•   Difficult trading strategy for novice investors

Impacts of Variables

Several variables impact options prices, and options trading terminology describes how these variables might change in a given position.

Because a bull put spread consists of a short put and a long put, changes in certain variables can impact the position differently than other options positions. Here’s a brief summary.

1. Stock Price Change

A bull put spread does well when the underlying security price rises, making it a bullish strategy. When the price falls, the spread performs poorly. This is known as a position with a “net positive delta.” Delta is an options measurement that refers to how much the price of an option will change as the underlying security price changes. The ratio of a stock’s price change to an option’s price change is not usually one-to-one.

Because a bull put spread is made up of one long put and one short put, the delta often won’t change much as the stock price changes if the time to expiration remains constant. This is known as a “near-zero gamma” trade. Gamma in options trading is an estimation of how much the delta of a position will change as the underlying stock price changes.

2. Changes in Volatility

Volatility refers to how much the price of a stock might fluctuate in percentage terms across a specific timeline. Implied volatility (IV) is a variable in options prices. Higher volatility usually means higher options prices, assuming other factors stay the same. But a bull put spread changes very little when volatility changes, and everything else remains equal.

This is known as a “near-zero vega” position. Vega measures how much an option price will change when volatility changes, but other factors remain constant.

3. Time

Time decay refers to the fact that the value of an option declines as expiration draws near. The relationship of the stock price to the strike prices of the two put options will determine how time decay impacts the price of a bull put spread.

If the price of the underlying stock is near or above the strike price of the short put (the option with a higher strike price), then the price of the bull put spread narrows (allowing the trader to potentially profit) as time goes on. This occurs because the short put is closest to being in the money and falls victim to time decay more rapidly than the long put.

But if the stock price is near or below the long put’s strike price (the option with a lower strike price), then the value of the bull put spread widens (causing a loss) as time goes on. This occurs because the long put is closer to being in the money and will suffer the effects of time decay faster than the short put.

In cases where the underlying asset’s price is squarely in-between both strike prices, time decay barely affects the price of a bull put spread, as both the long and short puts will suffer time decay at more or less the same rate.

4. Early assignment

American-style options can be exercised at any time before expiration. Writers of a short options position can’t control when they might be required to fulfill the obligation of the contract. For this reason, the risk of early assignment (i.e., the risk of being required to buy the underlying asset per the option contract) must be considered when entering into short positions using options.

In a bull put spread, only the short put has early assignment risk because it represents the obligation to purchase the underlying asset. Early assignment of options usually has to do with dividends, and sometimes short puts can be assigned on the underlying stock’s ex-dividend date (the date someone has to start holding a stock if they want to receive the next dividend payment).

In-the-money puts with time value that doesn’t match the dividends of the underlying stock are likely to be assigned, as traders could earn more from the dividends they receive as a result of holding the shares than they would from the premium of the option.

For this reason, if the underlying stock price is below the short put’s strike price in a bull put spread, traders may want to contemplate the risk of early assignment. In cases where early assignment seems likely, using an exit strategy of some kind could be appropriate.

The Bottom Line

A bull put spread is one of four frequently used vertical options spreads that traders may use to try to benefit from the price movements of stocks or other assets. While the potential rewards of a bull put spread are limited, so too are its potential losses when the stock price moves in an unfavorable direction, which can make it a useful strategy for traders to have in their toolkit.

Trading options isn’t easy and can involve significant risk. Many variables are involved in options trading, some of which have been notorious for catching newbie traders by surprise. It’s important to consider your risk tolerance before initiating an options trade.

SoFi’s options trading platform offers qualified investors the flexibility to pursue income generation, manage risk, and use advanced trading strategies. Investors may buy put and call options or sell covered calls and cash-secured puts to speculate on the price movements of stocks, all through a simple, intuitive interface.

With SoFi Invest® online options trading, there are no contract fees and no commissions. Plus, SoFi offers educational support — including in-app coaching resources, real-time pricing, and other tools to help you make informed decisions, based on your tolerance for risk.

Explore SoFi’s user-friendly options trading platform.


Photo credit: iStock/kate_sept2004

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

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.

¹Claw Promotion: Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

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Wire Transfer vs Direct Deposit

Wire transfers and direct deposit are both methods for moving money, but they have significant differences. Wire transfers are usually done on an individual basis and allow you to send money from your bank account to someone else’s account electronically, either domestically or internationally. Direct deposit, however, is typically used by businesses and organizations, often on a recurring basis, to transfer funds between bank accounts, though these transactions are typically limited to U.S. banks only. These two kinds of financial transactions are also processed differently and can involve dissimilar fees.
Read on to learn more about the differences between a wire transfer vs. direct deposit so you can use the technique that best suits your needs.

Key Points

•   Wire transfers and direct deposits are both methods for moving money, with significant differences in usage and fees.

•   Wire transfers are typically used for one-time payments, both domestically and internationally, and often involve fees.

•   Direct deposits are commonly used for recurring payments, such as wages and government benefits, usually within the U.S., and are often fee-free for recipients.

•   Wire transfers are fast and secure but can be costly and irreversible once sent.

•   Direct deposits offer convenience and possibly early access to wages but require accurate account information and initial set-up time.

What Is a Wire Transfer?

A wire transfer is an electronic transaction that allows money to move from one bank account to another. You initiate the wire transfer through your bank if you’re the person who’s sending money. The bank executes the transfer on your behalf and typically charges you a fee for that service. Some points to be aware of:

•   Wire transfers can be domestic, meaning you’re transferring money from one bank to another in the U.S., or international. For example, you might live and bank in the U.S. but need to send money to relatives living in Spain. A wire transfer would allow you to do that, without having to send cash or put a check in the mail.

•   Banks and credit unions can offer wire transfer services. The timing can vary, with domestic transfers typically being completed within a business day, while international ones can take between one and five days.

•   The fees you pay for a domestic or international wire transfer will depend on which financial institution completes the transfer for you. Some banks also charge a fee to receive a wire transfer into your account. Typically, outgoing wire transfers can cost anywhere from $0 to $50 depending on the transaction’s details.

•   It’s also possible to wire money through nonbank providers, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, if you don’t have a bank account or you need to send cash to someone. Each company has its own fee schedule that determines how much you’ll pay to send or receive money.

How Do Wire Transfers Work?

Wire transfers work by allowing you to send money directly from your bank account to someone else’s. You can use a wire transfer to send money to an individual or to a business.

Each bank has its own wire transfer policies but generally, the process works like this:

•   The sender provides their bank with the required information to initiate a wire transfer, making sure they have enough funds for the transaction.

•   The bank verifies the information and calculates the wire transfer fee, if applicable.

•   The sending bank initiates a transfer action with the recipient bank through a secure messaging network.

•   The recipient bank acknowledges the message and deposits funds equal to the amount of the transfer into the recipient’s account.

Wire transfers can be sent through SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), the Federal Reserve Wire Network, or the CHIP (Clearing House Interbank Payments) system.

In terms of processing times, domestic transfers are typically completed within one business day, while international wire transfers may take one to five business days. There may also be cutoff times at a given financial institution, which can impact how quickly the funds are transferred and made available.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator: Estimate How Much to Save

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What You Need to Send a Wire Transfer

Wiring money is a fairly straightforward process, and it starts with organizing the required information. Here’s what you’ll need to send a wire transfer at a bank.

•   Domestic transfers. You’ll need the recipient’s name, address, their bank account number, and their bank’s routing number. Some banks may request the recipient’s phone number as well.

•   International transfers. You’ll need the recipient’s name, address, and bank account number (IBAN), as well as their bank’s SWIFT code (this may be referred to as a BIC, or bank identification code).

You’ll also need to have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the amount of the transfer, plus any wire transfer fee the bank charges. Depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international and the type of account you have, the wire transfer fees could range from $0 to $50, as noted above.

If you’re sending money via wire transfer through Western Union, MoneyGram, or another nonbank provider, you’ll typically need the following:

•   Your government-issued photo ID and personal details

•   Funds for the transaction and to cover any fees (you may be able to pay with cash, a credit card or debit card, or via your bank account, depending on the specific transfer and service involved)

•   Recipient’s name, phone number, and address

•   Recipient’s bank name, account number, and routing number

•   SWIFT code for international transfers

One thing to note is that once a wire transfer is sent, it’s very difficult to get the money back or cancel the transaction. So it’s important to double-check all of the information beforehand to make sure you’re sending the right amount of money, to the right person, and the right bank account.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wire Transfers

Wire transfers can be a good choice for sending money in certain situations. For example, if you need to deliver funds to someone within one business day, a domestic wire transfer could allow you to do that. There are, however, some downsides to consider.

Advantages Disadvantages
Wire transfers are typically quick, with domestic transfers usually processing within one business day. In most cases, you cannot reverse or change a wire transfer once it’s been sent.
Wire transfers can allow you to send large amounts of money without having to write checks.

Your bank may impose limits on the amount of money you can transfer in a single transaction.
A wire transfer can be a secure way to send money domestically or internationally. Scammers may use ploys involving wire transfer requests to defraud consumers.
There is no risk of incurring overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, as there is with payments by check. Banks can charge fees for domestic and international wire transfers, up to $50 each.

In terms of what’s good about wire transfers, they’re a fast way to send money and they’re more reliable and secure than checks or cash. On the other hand, there are the fees to contend with and the inherent risk of sending the wrong amount or directing funds to the wrong bank account. Additionally, other money transfer services may be just as fast without charging steep fees.

What Is a Direct Deposit?

Direct deposit allows you to receive money into your bank account electronically, without needing to deposit a paper check or cash. Funds move from the sender’s account to your account on a scheduled date. To delve in a little more deeply:

•   Direct deposit can be a convenient way to receive funds in the U.S. There’s no need to wait for a check and then deposit or cash it.

•   Depending on where you bank and the kind of account you have, you may be able to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit payments.

•   This method is often used for recurring payments, such as wages.

•   You can set up direct deposit to receive your paychecks, tax refunds, or payments of government benefits if you receive them.

•   Direct deposit can also be used to send payments for court-ordered child support. Parents who are required to pay support through a wage withholding plan may opt to have that money withdrawn from their paychecks automatically. Those funds can then be routed to the recipient parent’s bank account via direct deposit.

It’s worth noting that direct deposit is a very popular technique for getting paid. In fact, more than 95% of Americans are paid this way.

Also, there are some exceptions to the U.S.-only rule. For instance, if you are eligible to receive Social Security payments but live outside the U.S., you may be able to receive your benefits via direct deposit to an American financial institution or one overseas that has an international direct deposit agreement with the U.S.

How Does Direct Deposit Work?

Direct deposits are a form of ACH (or Automated Clearing House) payment. The ACH is a network that links banks in order to allow for the transfers of funds. An ACH transfer is one kind of electronic funds transfer, or EFT. In terms of the difference between ACH vs. EFT, the former refers to a specific category of payment methods, while the latter includes a broader range of electronic payments.

That’s important to understand when discussing how direct deposit works. Here’s what the process involves:

•   On a scheduled day, the sender forwards a direct deposit request to the Automated Clearing House.

•   The ACH processes the transaction and forwards the appropriate amount of funds to the recipient’s bank.

•   The recipient bank verifies the details of the direct deposit and credits the recipient’s bank account with the money.

•   The deposit amount is then deducted from the sender’s bank account.

There’s typically no fee to enroll in direct deposit as the recipient, though senders may pay a fee to the bank. That can include a set-up fee as well as a fee for each direct deposit transaction.

The average time for direct deposit to be completed and clear your bank account can vary based on where you bank. You may be able to get paid early (up to two days before “payday,” typically). However, the bank’s funds availability policy will determine when you can access the money in your account.

One additional note: Although direct deposit is typically initiated by businesses and government agencies using ACH transfers, individuals may be able to send a version of direct deposit via an app (either your bank’s or a third-party app) to transfer funds to, say, a friend or family member’s account.

What You Need to Send a Direct Deposit

If you would like to receive direct deposits of your paychecks, you’ll likely need to fill out a direct deposit form with some personal and banking details. These may include:

•   Your name and Social Security number

•   Bank account number and routing number where the money should be sent

•   Account type (checking or savings)

•   Possibly a voided check and/or deposit slip

•   Details on whether you want the full paycheck sent to checking or perhaps some of it deposited into a savings account.

You’ll usually sign and date the form; then, your employer’s payroll department will typically handle the processing of these materials. Keep in mind that it may take one to two pay cycles for the direct deposit to take effect, as well as the fact that direct deposit is usually only for use within the U.S.

If you want to send money to someone via direct deposit as an employer, you’ll have to coordinate with your payroll processor to initiate a program. You’ll need to provide your employees with a direct deposit form and get their personal and bank account information, as noted above, in order to start direct deposit payments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Deposit

Just like wire transfers, direct deposit can have some pros and cons. It’s important to consider both if you have the option to enroll in direct deposit to receive your paychecks, tax refunds, government benefits, child support, or other payments.

Advantages Disadvantages
No need to visit a bank branch to deposit payments to your bank account. Tech snafus could result in delays in receiving direct deposit payments.
Potentially get paid up to two days early when you enroll in direct deposit of your paychecks. Initial set-up can take time to process, and you may still need to get paid via paper check in the meantime.
Direct deposit is typically free for employees. Changing banks means updating direct deposit information, which can slow down payments temporarily.
You can split direct deposit payments into multiple accounts to make paying bills or saving easier.
Direct deposit payments of certain government benefits may be protected from being seized by creditors.

Direct deposit can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get paid. As with wire transfers, it’s important to make sure your account information is accurate and up-to-date. Sending a direct deposit to a closed account or to the wrong bank account could create financial headaches that may take time and effort to untangle.

Why You Might Use a Wire Transfer Over a Direct Deposit

There are some situations where it might make sense to choose a wire transfer in place of a direct deposit payment. For example, you might choose a wire transfer if you:

•   Need to make a one-time payment to another person or business

•   Want to send a large amount of money securely, without having to write a check or purchase an official check from the bank

•   Are making a time-sensitive payment and don’t mind paying a fee to be able to do so

•   Want to send money to another person or business internationally

•   Have sufficient funds in your account to cover the payment and fees

The most important thing to consider may be the fees you’ll pay. Again, the cost of sending or receiving a wire transfer can vary by bank. Also, you might find yourself in a situation in which the recipient of the wire transfer has to pay a fee to receive it and wants you to cover that cost. Being aware of fees upfront can help you decide if a wire transfer is the best option.

Why You Might Use a Direct Deposit Over a Wire Transfer

Direct deposits can be useful in a number of situations. You might choose to enroll in direct deposit if you:

•   Want to get paid without having to deposit a paper check and waiting for it to clear

•   Prefer to access your pay up to two days early, thanks to your bank’s policies

•   Receive government benefits that you may be able to protect from creditor actions

•   Would like to be able to split your paychecks, government benefits, or tax refunds across multiple checking and savings accounts

•   Receive child support payments and would like them to be delivered to you without having to interact with the other parent

•   Prefer to avoid the fees associated with wire transfers

Whether you choose a direct deposit vs. wire transfer can ultimately depend on the situation. If you need to send money, you can do that with a wire transfer. If you want to receive money, you could do so using wire transfers or (in the case of paychecks and certain other payments) direct deposit. Direct deposit is often a convenient way to receive recurring payments from a business or government agency.

The Takeaway

Wire transfers and direct deposit are both convenient ways to move funds. Typically, a wire transfer is a one-off way to quickly and securely send funds, domestically and internationally, though fees are often involved. Direct deposit, on the other hand, is usually used by businesses and government agencies to send money (such as paychecks or tax refunds) within the U.S., with the recipient not having to pay any fees.

SoFi currently offers incoming and limited outgoing domestic wire transfers, and our Checking and Savings accounts can offer a great place to receive direct deposits. Qualifying deposits may even be available up to two days early.

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


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

Can you send direct deposits with a mobile app?

It’s possible to send direct payments to friends and family via a mobile app. Person-to-person payment apps allow you to forward funds from your bank account to someone else’s; your bank’s app may also have this capability. Depending on the particular transaction, there may be little or no fees involved.

Can you send direct deposits internationally?

It is possible to send direct deposit payments internationally in some situations. For instance, if you live abroad and receive Social Security benefits, you might receive them at a bank which has an international direct deposit agreement with the U.S.

Can you send wire transfers with a mobile app?

You can send wire transfers with your bank’s mobile app if the app is equipped with this feature. You’d need to provide the same information as you would if you were completing a wire transfer in person and make sure that the account you’re sending the money from has sufficient funds to cover the transfer and the fee.

Is there a fee with sending direct deposits?

If you’re sending direct deposit as an employer to one or more employees, your bank may charge a fee for that. If you’re receiving direct deposit of paychecks, tax refunds, or government benefits, there’s usually no fee for that. If you’re sending a direct payment to someone else, the app you’re using might charge a fee.

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

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

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

*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.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



photocredits: iStock/sayu_k
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What Is FICO Score vs. Credit Karma Score?

Understanding the differences between a FICO® Score and a Credit Karma Score is essential for managing your credit health. Both scores provide insight into your creditworthiness, but they are calculated using different models and data sources.

The FICO Score, developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation, is the most widely used credit scoring model by lenders, while Credit Karma relies on the VantageScore® model, which is based on data from TransUnion® and Equifax®. Knowing how each score is calculated and used can help you make informed financial decisions, whether you’re applying for a loan or simply monitoring your credit health.

Keep reading to learn more on FICO Score vs Credit Karma score, including how each model works, the differences between FICO Score and Credit Karma score, how credit scores are calculated, and more.

Key Points

•   A FICO Score is a credit score that assesses a consumer’s creditworthiness based on factors like payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix.

•   A Credit Karma score is a credit score provided by Credit Karma, typically based on the VantageScore model, which evaluates a consumer’s creditworthiness using data from TransUnion and Equifax.

•   Lenders primarily use FICO Scores for loan approvals, while Credit Karma’s VantageScore is more for credit monitoring and personal finance management.

•   Both FICO and VantageScore range from 300 to 850, but their scoring criteria and weighting for factors like payment history and credit utilization differ.

•   Credit Karma updates scores more frequently, providing users with instant insights, while FICO Scores are typically updated when lenders request them during loan applications.

What Is a Credit Report?

A credit report is a statement that has information about your current and past history of paying loans and other types of credit. People have more than one credit report, as there are several different companies that collect and maintain credit information about consumers.

Three of the largest credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian®, and TransUnion, and many consumers have credit reports from all three of these credit reporting agencies. Typically, credit scores are calculated using the information on these credit reports, and you can build credit by improving the information on your credit report.

Check your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*

and get $10 in rewards points on us.


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How Credit Karma Score Works

Credit Karma uses the VantageScore model, which evaluates factors like payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and recent inquiries to generate a credit score. Unlike the FICO Score, which is used by 90% of lenders, the VantageScore is primarily for educational purposes, helping consumers track their credit health and understand financial habits.

By providing free access to credit scores and reports, Credit Karma allows users to monitor changes, detect potential identity theft, and receive personalized recommendations for credit products. The platform updates scores regularly and offers insights on how different financial actions, such as paying off debt or opening new accounts, can impact credit standing.

Recommended: Differences Between VantageScore and FICO Credit Scores

How FICO Works

The FICO Score is a widely used credit scoring model that evaluates a consumer’s creditworthiness based on five key factors:

•   Payment history (35%)

•   Amounts owed (30%)

•   Length of credit history (15%)

•   New credit inquiries (10%)

•   Credit mix (10%)

FICO Scores are considered highly reliable because they focus on a borrower’s financial behavior over time. Higher scores indicate responsible credit management and lower credit risk, which can help secure better loan terms and interest rates.

Differences Between Credit Karma Score vs. FICO Score

The FICO Score and Credit Karma score differ primarily in the scoring model and data sources they use:

1.    Scoring Model: FICO Scores are calculated using proprietary algorithms developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation. Credit Karma, on the other hand, provides scores based on the VantageScore model, which was created by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

2.    Credit Bureau Data: FICO Scores can be derived from any of the three credit bureaus’ data, depending on what the lender requests. Credit Karma primarily pulls data from Equifax and TransUnion, which may lead to differences in reported scores.

3.    Usage by Lenders: FICO Scores are the standard used by most lenders when making credit decisions, while VantageScore, which Credit Karma uses, is more common for educational and consumer monitoring purposes.

4.    Score Range: Both models have credit score ranges from 300 to 850, but their algorithms weigh factors like payment history, credit utilization, and new credit inquiries differently, leading to potential score discrepancies.

5.    Frequency of Updates: Credit Karma updates scores more frequently, often providing users with weekly updates, while FICO Scores are updated when requested by a lender or when information on your credit report changes.

How Credit Scores Are Calculated

Each company that creates a credit score has their own proprietary formula for what factors affect your credit score. This is the reason that credit scores from different companies vary. However, most companies use similar types of information. We already discussed what makes up the FICO Score; here is how VantageScore compares:

•   Payment history (40%)

•   Depth of credit (21%)

•   Credit utilization (20%)

•   Balances (11%)

•   Recent credit (5%)

•   Available credit (3%)

As you can see, payment history is weighted more heavily with VantageScore than FICO, and new or recent credit is weighted less. All of these factors will cause your credit score to differ by a few points between companies.

How to Check Your Credit Score and Credit Report

To check your credit score and credit report, you can visit websites like AnnualCreditReport.com, which provides free access to reports from the three major credit bureaus once a year. Additionally, many credit card companies and financial apps offer free access to your credit score and updates.

How to Access Your FICO Score and Credit Karma Score

If you want to know your FICO score, here are five ways to check it:

•   Check with your bank or credit card issuer: Many financial institutions offer free FICO Score access to customers.

•   Visit the official FICO website: Purchase your score directly from myFICO.com.

•   Use credit monitoring services: Paid credit monitoring services like Experian CreditWorks offer regular access to your FICO Score, along with credit report updates and alerts for suspicious activity.

•   Check with credit counseling agencies: Some nonprofit agencies offer free credit score reviews.
Request a credit report: While not always included, some reports might show your FICO Score.

Here’s how you can specifically access your Credit Karma score:

•   Visit the website or download the app: Go to the official Credit Karma website or download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

•   Create an account: Provide personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and email to set up an account.

•   Verify your identity: Answer security questions related to your credit history to confirm your identity.

•   Access your credit score: Once verified, you can view your credit score and credit report for free, updated regularly.

•   Monitor your credit health: Use Credit Karma’s tools to track changes, receive alerts for unusual activity, and get personalized tips to build your credit score.

Recommended: Free Credit Score Monitoring with SoFi

The Takeaway

Understanding the differences between FICO Score and Credit Karma score is helpful for managing your credit effectively. While both provide insights into your credit health, FICO Scores are widely used by lenders, whereas Credit Karma offers free access to VantageScores. Monitoring both is never a bad idea, as they can help you stay informed and improve your financial standing.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Is Credit Karma or FICO Score more accurate?

FICO Scores are considered more accurate for lending decisions because they are the standard used by most lenders. Credit Karma provides VantageScores, which can differ from FICO Scores due to different scoring models and criteria. While helpful for monitoring credit, Credit Karma scores may not reflect what lenders see.

Is my FICO Score the same as my credit score?

Your FICO Score is just one credit score, but it is one of the most popular credit scores used by lenders. When many people refer to their credit score, they are often referring to their FICO score.

Which credit score is most accurate?

There isn’t a consensus on which credit score is the most accurate — each company that produces a credit score believes their own proprietary formula is the best. What’s most important is likely to be the credit score model that is used by the lender that you are using (FICO is the most popular one), since that is the one that will affect your lending decision. The good news is that typically the different credit scores will be within a few points of each other.

What is a good FICO Score to buy a house?

A good FICO Score to buy a house typically falls within the range of 620 to 740, depending on the loan type. Conventional loans often require a minimum of 620, while FHA loans may accept lower scores. Higher scores can secure better interest rates and loan terms.

How do I build my FICO Score?

You can work on building your FICO score in a number of different ways, including regularly paying your bills, loans, and other debt obligations each and every month. Another way to build your FICO and other credit scores is by lowering your credit utilization.

How do I clean up my FICO Score?

One of the first things you can do to clean up your FICO score is to regularly review your credit reports. You can get a free copy of your credit reports each year from each of the major credit bureaus. Make sure that there is no incorrect or out-of-date information on your credit report. If there is, make sure to dispute it with the credit bureau. You can then work to pay off your debts, lower your utilization, and make on-time payments. Over time, this will likely clean up and build your FICO score.


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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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

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

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