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There are various ways to maximize your credit card rewards for travel, including timing large purchases strategically and using shopping portals. These techniques can help you hit your travel goals more quickly and get you off on your next adventure. Learn more about travel rewards from credit cards and making the most of them.

Types of Credit Card Rewards for Travel

Just as there are many different types of credit cards, rewards from credit card use come in several varieties. When it comes to using rewards for travel, consider these options to find what best suits your needs:

•   Airline points and miles cards: With these credit cards, you typically earn miles or points on purchases made with the card. These can be redeemed with the particular airline’s rewards programs. Examples of airline credit cards include the Citi AAdvantage Mastercard and United Explorer Card.

•   Hotel credit cards: With this kind of travel credit card, you typically rack up points that can be used for rewards (such as upgrades or free nights) at a particular hotel chain. For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, and IHG ONE Rewards Premier Credit Card are all examples of these cobranded cards.

•   Flexible currency cards: With these cards, you are not locked into a single airline or hotel chain. The points/miles and rewards you earn can be transferred to different programs, via Ultimate Rewards, ThankYou Points, and Membership Rewards.

You might use a conventional rewards credit card that earns cash back and lets you redeem your rewards for cash in the form of a statement credit, bank transfer, or check. You can then apply this toward travel-related expenses. The best rewards credit card for travel will be the one that suits your needs and spending style.

Credit cards that earn points typically let you redeem those points for things like travel, cash back, gift cards, and merchandise. The value of points will vary, but generally, a point is worth about $0.01. However, you may get better value when you redeem points for things like travel.

There are many factors to consider when deciding between credit card miles vs. cash back vs. points cards. Cash back cards often have low or no annual fees, and you can redeem your cash back for any purpose. However, they don’t usually have high-value welcome offers and may not offer as many benefits as other rewards cards. Credit cards that earn points or miles offer travel-related benefits and can help reduce the cost of travel, but they may charge large annual fees, and the value of the points and miles may vary.

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit and How Can You Increase It?

5 Steps for Using Rewards for Travel

Here are five easy steps for using your rewards for travel.

1. Set a Travel Goal

First, set a travel goal. Decide where you want to go and when. If you are flexible on dates, you can save money or points. For example, flying a few weeks before Christmas instead of a few days before can save you a lot of money.

Is there a certain hotel or resort you dream of staying in? Do a little research to see what their rates are like. You might see that your target dates are at a time of high demand and cost due to a special event at that moment. You can then move your date a bit to avoid those extra-high prices. Or perhaps you are looking for just a two-night stay at a hotel near Lake Como, Italy, but all the lodging there has three-night minimums in summer. This kind of intel can be very useful as you plan.

Also, once you determine your goal, you can begin to develop a travel budget and start a travel fund to keep your money secure as you save and earn some interest.

2. Figure Out the Miles and Points You Need

Once you know where you want to go and when, you should see which miles and/or points you will need to get there. Scope out which airlines fly to your destination from your home airport (or another nearby), and which airlines they might partner with.

As you research routes that you might take, get a rough idea of how many miles or points the flights might cost. Be aware of blackout dates and other special considerations.

3. Research Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs

Most hotels and airlines have loyalty programs in which you earn and redeem points and miles with that hotel or airline. Every hotel and airline has its own point system, though some have networks of partners, in which rewards can be used at multiple brands.

Airline partners within the same airline alliance allow you to redeem miles on flights operated by their partners. For example, Star Alliance includes airlines such as Air Canada, TAP Portugal, United Airlines, and many more. If you are looking at a flight, you may want to look up potential partners, as it is sometimes cheaper to book that flight with miles from a different partner.

4. Shop for Credit Cards That Will Help You Meet Your Goal

Once you know which airlines and hotels will work best for your travel goal, you can figure out which credit card rewards can help you reach that travel goal.

Credit cards with rewards can be an example of how families afford to travel. You can earn points and miles every time you swipe or tap and then redeem them for travel expenses, like flights and hotels.

You may want to apply for a credit card with the specific airline or hotel, or one that offers points that are transferable to airline and hotel partners (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards). Be sure to research which airlines and hotels these rewards programs partner with. You should also compare things like annual fees, welcome offers, earning structures, and benefits like travel insurance. Make sure you understand how credit card travel insurance works; that can be an important perk.

5. Track Your Progress

Once you have signed up for the credit card(s) that will help you meet your travel goal, there are a few things that you will need to track. If your credit card has a welcome bonus after spending a certain amount, you will need to track your progress toward that minimum amount. Some banks track this for you in your account, but others do not. Some other things that you may want to consider tracking include:

•   Spending requirements

•   Spending goals

•   Deadlines

•   Bonus reward categories

•   Points expiration dates

•   Hotel points to help save on hotel costs

•   Frequent flier miles

Recommended: Getting the Most Out of Your Credit Card Rewards

Tips for Maximizing Your Cards

Maximizing your cards is important to get the most rewards that you can. Follow this advice to help squeeze every last drop of value from your cards.

Label Your Cards

If you have multiple credit cards, it can be difficult to remember which one to use for which purchase. You may have one card that earns more on dining, another that earns more on gas, and a third that earns more on groceries. Some credit cards have rotating bonus categories that change throughout the year and may offer a short-term bonus earning opportunity, like extra points on gas purchases for the next few weeks.

If you have trouble remembering which card to use for which purchase, you can try using stickers or tape on the card with words like “gas” or “dining.” This can help you find the right card at the right moment. This strategy can also offer some helpful guidance if you have a partner who is not as invested in maximizing their cards as you are.

Time Large Purchases Strategically

If you know that you will have a large or several large purchases coming up in the near future, you may want to plan your credit card strategy around them. You might apply for a new credit card with a welcome offer shortly before making the large purchase. Some credit cards have welcome offers that require you to spend a certain amount during the first few months. If you would not otherwise spend that amount of money, timing it around the large purchase could help you meet this minimum spend and earn a hefty bonus (say, extra points).

Utilize Shopping and Dining Portals

Shopping and dining portals can give you extra miles, points, or money when you complete an eligible purchase. This involves going through a certain platform when making a purchase so that you can earn extra cash back, points, or miles. In this way, you can stack these portal rewards with other rewards, like the ones that you are earning on purchases on your credit card.

•   Portals can be through an airline, credit card, or independent cash back company. Some popular airline portals include American Airlines’ AAdvantage eShopping and AAdvantage Dining, Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards, and Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles programs, among others.

•   Credit card companies that offer their own online shopping portals include Chase, Capital One, and Barclays. Popular cash-back portals include Rakuten, Mr. Rebates, and Top Cashback.

•   To use a shopping or dining portal, you would sign up for an account with the specific portal program. When you are ready to make a purchase at a retailer, you can go to the portal program’s website first, and click through there to the retailer to complete your purchase. You could also download a browser button for the program, and then click on the button before you complete your purchase.

•   If you want to compare which portal will give you the best return for a retailer, CashbackMonitor.com lets you search by stores or rewards types.

Try Apps

If you find yourself with points and miles in a variety of reward systems (like various airlines, hotels, and credit card companies), you may have a hard time keeping track of it all. Apps, like Travel Freely and MaxRewards, can help you organize your credit cards, rewards, points, and miles. Apps can help you easily see which credit card to use for which purchase, how many rewards you have in various systems, view upcoming annual fees, and more.

Recommended: Understanding Purchase Interest Charges on Credit Cards

The Takeaway

Credit card rewards can help make travel more affordable. Once you have figured out which credit card can enable you to reach your travel goals, learning how to maximize your cards will likely boost the rewards you reap. By labeling your cards, timing large purchases, utilizing shopping and dining portals, and using apps, you may get closer to your dream vacation that much more quickly.

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

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

FAQ

What are some tips to maximize credit card rewards?

Some tips to maximize your credit card rewards are to label your cards, time your large purchases for maximum impact, and use shopping and dining portals, as well as apps.

How do I get the maximum benefits from my credit card?

Getting the maximum benefit from your credit card rewards can be about understanding when and how to spend to get the most points or cash back; timing purchases properly; and labeling your cards so you use each one when it’s most effective.

What is the smartest way to redeem credit card points?

The smartest way to redeem credit card points is the way that uses them most effectively to reach your goal. You can redeem them for high-value uses, such as flights or hotel stays, but it’s wise to do so in a way that gets the most bang for your buck. For instance, avoid prime travel periods (like holidays) and know how to maximize earning points, such as using shopping portals or timing big purchases properly.

Photo credit: iStock/martin-dm

**Terms, and conditions apply: This SoFi member benefit is provided by Expedia, not by SoFi or its affiliates. SoFi may be compensated by the benefit provider. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions, please review the benefit provider's terms: Travel Services Terms & Conditions.
The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.

When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.

SOCC-Q125-043

If you need wheels for an upcoming vacay, chances are you’re searching for rental options and trying to understand why prices can fluctuate so much. Typically, car rental rates vary based on supply and demand, just like airline tickets and hotel rooms. Lower availability generally means higher rental car rates.

There are some obvious times when demand will be high, such as spring break in Florida. Much of the time, though, there’s no way to know when a car rental company has a surplus or not, so car rental rates can seem to vary with no rhyme or reason. But with a little shopper savvy, you can snag the cheapest rental car rates for your next getaway.

Why Are Car Rental Rates So High?

First, a quick glance back: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people scrambled for car rentals to escape the doldrums of lockdown. As a result of demand, car rental rates shot up, reaching record highs in July 2021. While weekly rental car rates have dipped since the summer of 2021, they’ve remained consistently higher than before the pandemic.

Since then, rental rates have stayed elevated, due to supply and demand, supply chain issues, high interest rates, and depreciation and maintenance issues, among other factors. One survey found that prices of car rentals increased 35% in 2024.

Factors That Influence Rental Car Rates

Beyond supply and demand there are other factors that play into the prices of weekly or monthly car rental rates. It’s important to be aware of them when budgeting for your next family vacation.

Factors that can affect car rental rates include:

•   Age of the driver. Car companies may have a surcharge for renters under 25.

•   Type of car. Luxury brands and larger cars can push prices higher.

•   Pickup location. Prices can vary between airport vs. in-town branches.

•   Day of the week. Your pickup and drop-off days can influence cost.

•   Length of the rental. Deals can be found for short- and long-term rentals if you know the rules of the (rental) road.

•   Extra fees and add-ons, including insurance, additional drivers, and perks like satellite radio.

11 Ways to Get the Best Car Rental Rates

Wondering how to get the best car rental rates? Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or an epic cross-country road trip, here are some tips for scoring the lowest price.

1. Book Early

Booking in advance can help you snag a low price, which can be an incentive for planning ahead. Reserving your rental car three to six months in advance can be the ideal time frame for finding the lowest prices. So if you know, say, you are going to be doing some summer travel and are making hotel reservations, don’t forget to book your car too. Bonus: You’ll likely have your pick of vehicles, with compact sedans, minivans, and SUVs available.

2. Shop Around Online

Online searching can help unlock travel deals. The same holds true for car rentals. There are a lot of online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Kayak and Expedia, that can do the comparison-shopping for you. They review all kinds of sites to find you the lowest car rental rates, so you don’t have to click through to each individual company.

But remember, these are third-party vendors. If you need to change or cancel your reservation, it can be easier to do so directly through a car rental agency.

3. Check for Membership Discounts

Most rental car companies offer loyalty programs that are typically free to join. In the same way you earn credit card points for swiping your plastic, you can earn points for each booking that can be applied toward a free rental or vehicle upgrade in the future.

There are also warehouse club memberships, such as Costco, that provide discounts at major car rental companies, such as Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise. AAA works with Hertz, Dollar Car Rental, and Thrifty to bring down costs for members.

Many travel credit cards can help you earn points to spend on whatever you’d like — including car rentals.

Recommended: ​​A Guide to How Credit Card Travel Insurance Works

4. Use Your Own Insurance

Your personal car insurance typically covers a rental car with the same limits and deductibles — as long as your trip is for personal travel. If you’re on a business trip, you might need commercial coverage or your company might have a commercial auto policy that can cover the rental.

Most rental companies prefer for you to pay with a credit card for your car rental reservation. But what most people don’t know is that some travel credit cards will cover basic collision insurance on rentals, saving you up to $30 a day. Check with your credit card provider to fully understand the terms and conditions.

5. Rent for the Weekend

If your schedule and plans allow, time your trip for the weekend, when you can nab the lowest rental car rates for a getaway. Rental car companies cater to business travelers who tend to need cars Monday through Friday, making rates per day higher during the week.

6. Rent by the Week

What if you have a longer adventure in mind? Rental companies can offer deals if you rent a car for the whole week versus just a few days. (And if you are planning a major road trip or renting a car all summer for beach getaways, check with rental companies and see if monthly car rental rates are available at a discount.)

If you are planning on covering considerable ground, be sure and ask about weekly car rental rates with unlimited mileage. That way, you can take to the open road without worrying about the odometer.

7. Avoid Airport Pickup

Picking up your rental car at the airport is convenient when a flight is part of your travel plan, but doing so can come with a higher price tag. Airport rental locations may charge a “Customer Facility Charge,” which can add up to several dollars a day.

Plus, demand can be high at the airport, leading to higher prices or lack of available cars. Renting from a local branch in town can save you money. Just be sure to factor in the cost of the transportation from the airport.

8. Don’t Add Additional Drivers

Most rental car agreements charge extra to add an additional driver — up to $15 a day, depending on the location. Some companies will waive the additional driver fee for a spouse, as long as you have the same address on your driver’s licenses.

9. Refuel Yourself

Rental car companies typically require you to return your vehicle with the same fuel level you left with. If you leave with a full tank and come back half full, they’ll charge you a fueling fee. This can trigger an additional “ka-ching” to your bill.

You can opt for a prepay fuel option, but rental car companies tend to charge a lot more for their gas than the going rate. So if you’re not rushing to an early-morning flight, it’s likely worth making a pit stop at a gas station. (Hint: If you have a gas credit card, use it to help boost your rewards and savings.)

10. Skip the Extras

Opting out of the extras offered by car rental agencies can save some cash. Make a playlist instead of paying for satellite radio, bring your kid’s car seat if possible, or utilize your phone’s map apps vs. renting a GPS with the car to help navigate.

11. Opt for a Modest Car

This may sound obvious, but the larger and fancier the vehicle, the bigger the price. Selecting an economy vehicle can save you hundreds on a weekly rental, and you’ll spend less on gas.

Recommended: Breaking Down the Different Types of Credit Cards

How to Get the Most Out of Your Car Rental Rewards Program

A car rental rewards program can help you earn points toward free rentals, allow you expedited check-ins, free car upgrades, and more. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of your tier status, so you can take full advantage of the perks. Also be sure to stay on top of any reward point expiration dates.

Recommended: Guide to Choosing a Rewards Credit Card

Alternatives to Car Rentals

Another way to save money on car rentals is to not rent a car! Hey, when money is tight, it’s worth exploring all your options.

•   If you’re visiting a city, explore local mass transit and taxi/rideshares. Book a conveniently located hotel where you can walk or bike to everything.

•   Investigate the cost of rideshare services. Could you take an Uber to the resort you’re staying at and then use shuttles to get around?

•   Consider car-sharing services like Getaround, Zipcar and Turo that can allow you to use a car just when you need it. If you have a vacation planned and need wheels for only one or two excursions, that might save you money and keep you from blowing your entire travel fund.

The Takeaway

If you need a car when traveling, you can find good deals on car rentals by doing some comparison shopping, being flexible with your travel schedule, and maximizing any rewards programs, whether offered by a car rental agency or your credit card. Doing so can help you put your money toward what makes a vacation the most fun and memorable vs. watching it fly out the window.

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

FAQ

Are car rentals per day or per mile?

Car rentals often quote a daily rate, but mileage can matter too. If you select a mileage cap, your car rental has mileage limits. If you hit the limit, you’ll be charged per extra mile, often at around $0.10 – $0.25 each.

What can be the hidden fees when renting a car?

You can learn about “hidden fees” by looking at the rental agreement and terms carefully. You can also request details from the car rental agency about whether charges will be assessed for returning a car with less than a full tank or after hours or for, say, renting a car seat.

How to calculate car rental rates?

In general, car rental rates are booked per 24-hour day. The pickup and dropoff times may allow a little wiggle room or not in terms of how you are charged (say, dropping the car off at noon when your rental had begun at 11am two days prior). Also, you need to consider extras, such as accessing satellite radio, insurance costs, or fees for returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up. To learn more, read the fine print or contact the car rental’s customer service.

Photo credit: iStock/GoodLifeStudio

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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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.

SOCC-Q125-042

While checks are not as popular as they once were, there may still be times when you have one of those rectangular pieces of paper in hand and want to have cash instead. Perhaps your great aunt Sally sent you a birthday gift or you received a refund for an overpayment from a service provider via check. The question is, where can you cash it?

Unfortunately, you can’t cash a check at any bank. You’ll likely need to go to a branch of a bank where you have an account or to the bank that the check was drawn on. There are also other places where you can cash a check, including retailers and stand-alone check cashing services. Learn the full story so you can complete this process as efficiently as possible.

The Basics of Check Cashing

Cashing a check generally refers to taking a check to a bank or check-cashing service and receiving the full amount of money written on it in physical cash, allowing you to spend it right away. This differs from depositing a check into your checking account, then drawing upon the funds later.

One of the most common ways to cash a check is to visit a branch of a bank where you have an account. There, you can endorse the check (or sign it on the back) and present it to a teller, along with ID and/or your debit or ATM card. Once the banker has conducted the steps they need to complete, you will receive your cash.

However, there are other options for cashing a check. You might be able to cash a check at a bank where you are not an account holder, at a retailer, or at a check cashing service (though fees may be involved).

Cashing Checks at Your Own Bank

As noted above, one of the most convenient ways to cash a check is to go to a branch of your bank where you have an account, provided they have brick-and-mortar locations. There, a teller can help you exchange your check for the amount of money written on it with a few simple steps, such as endorsing it and showing your ID.

If you bank at an online bank, you might instead deposit the check into your account using mobile deposit. Once the check clears (which typically takes one to two days), you could then withdraw the funds from an ATM in your bank’s network.

Cashing Checks at Other Banks

While banks aren’t under any obligation to cash checks for people who do not hold accounts at their institution, they may do so as a courtesy.

You’ll generally have your best chance of success by going to the bank of the person or company that wrote you the check (the institution that is pre-printed on the check). This bank may be willing to cash the check even though you are a noncustomer, provided you can show a valid ID. However, they may charge a fee, which can range between $5 and $10 or 1% to 2% of the check amount. Some banks will waive the fee if the check is under $50.

Factors Affecting Check Cashing at Different Banks

Whether or not any bank will cash a check depends on a number of factors. Here are key things to keep in mind when trying to cash a check at a bank.

•   Account status: If you don’t have an account with the bank where you are trying to cash a check, your request may not be honored. You’ll have a better chance of getting the check cashed if you visit the check-writer’s bank.

•   Check amount: Not all bank branches keep enough cash on hand to be able to cash a large check without advance notice. If you are seeking to cash a large check, it’s wise to call the branch ahead of time and find out if the cash is available or if you need to make an appointment.

•   Date of the check: Checks are typically considered good (or able to be cashed) for anywhere from 60 to 180 days, depending on the bank. After that, you have what is known as a stale or stale-dated check, and banks may not cash it.

•   Type of check: A cashier’s check (which is guaranteed by the issuing bank) can generally be cashed at any bank, though some banks charge a fee to noncustomers. It’s generally harder to cash a personal check at a bank where neither you, nor the payer, have an account.

Alternatives to Cashing Checks at Banks

If visiting a bank isn’t an option or isn’t convenient, or you’re looking to cash a check without a bank account, you still have options. Here are some to consider.

•   Large retailers: You can cash certain types checks (including government and payroll checks) at Walmart and some other big-box retailers, typically for a fee. At Walmart, for example, you’ll pay $4 to cash a check up to $1,000; $8 for checks up to the $5,000.

•   Grocery store chains: Some grocery stores, including Publix and Kroger, also cash checks. There may be a fee — often between $4 and $7.50 — involved, as well as a limit on the amount that can be cashed. Depending on the store, they may or may not cash personal checks.

•   Your employer: Some employers will cash checks. Ask yours about their policies, limits, and any fees that might be assessed.

•   Check cashing services: These are storefronts where you can cash a check and leave with the face value, typically minus a fee (which may be a flat fee or anywhere from 1% to 10% of the check amount).

•   Signing the check over to someone else: As a work-around, you might sign the check over to another person (a trusted individual, such as a family member) and ask them to cash it for you. Before attempting this, it’s a good idea for the recipient to contact their bank and ask about their policies. Not all banks accept third-party checks.

Common Challenges When Cashing Checks

Unfortunately, not all instances of cashing a check will run smoothly. Here’s a look at some common reasons why a bank won’t cash your check.

•   You’re not a customer: A bank is not legally required to cash a check if neither you, nor the writer of the check, don’t have an account with that bank.

•   The payer has insufficient funds: Even if the check was written by someone with an account at that bank, the bank still may not cash the check if there is not enough money in the payer’s account to cover the check’s amount.

•   You don’t have a valid ID: To guard against bank fraud, a bank may refuse to cash a check if you are unable to provide proper proof of identity. Be sure to bring a valid (not expired) government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

•   The check is too large: Smaller branches of national banks and credit unions may not have sufficient cash on hand to cash a large check. For example, if a bank only keeps $50,000 on hand per day, it may not be able to part with a significant portion of that in a single transaction.

•   The check is made out to a business name: If the check is written to a business name and you are cashing it with personal ID, the financial institution may not cash the check.

•   The check is too old: Some checks state that they will become void after a certain period of time. Once that window has passed, a bank typically won’t cash the check. Legally, a bank can refuse to cash any check that is older than six months.

Fees Associated with Check Cashing

If you are considering how much it might cost you to cash a check, here’s some useful intel about the fees you might be assessed:

Legal Considerations for Check Cashing

Many people may not give check cashing much thought since it’s such a basic transaction, but there are legal considerations at work. These can protect all parties involved and help prevent check fraud.

•   The person cashing a check must be the “payee” (the person to whom the check is made out), unless it’s been signed over, and that individual will usually have to present valid government-issued ID.

•   If a check looks as if it’s been tampered with in any way, such as writing that is scribbled over or cross-outs that aren’t initialed, this can also trigger a closer look and possibly delay or invalidate the check cashing.

•   When cashing or depositing a check over $10,000, banks are required to file a Currency Transaction Reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This is a measure designed to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering. It’s routine and, as long as the check is legitimate, nothing to worry about.

Recommended: How to Deposit Cash at an ATM

The Takeaway

Checks can be cashed at many banks, including but not limited to one where you have an account. Other locations where you can cash a check include retailers, grocery stores, your employer, and check-cashing businesses. In some cases, there may be limits and fees involved, and it’s usually important that the check is made out to you, that you have proper identification, and that the check is not deemed stale.

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

FAQ

Can I cash a check if I don’t have a bank account?

Yes, you can typically cash a check if you don’t have a bank account, but fees and limits may be involved. Possible locations where you can cash a check include Walmart and some other big-box retailers, grocery-store chains, your employer, and check-cashing businesses with physical locations.

What identification do I need to cash a check at a bank?

To cash a check at a bank, you usually need to present current government-issued photo ID. Examples include a passport or your driver’s license.

Is it possible to cash a post-dated check?

Yes, you may be able to cash a post-dated check (one written for a future date). A signed check is payable on demand unless the check-writer submitted a formal post-dating notice with the bank.

Photo credit: iStock/Anurak Tepkhamtai

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 12/23/25. 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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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.

SOBNK-Q424-046

Since it’s so easy to do and omnipresent, online shopping can sometimes lead to debt. If this is the case for you, there are steps you can take to rein in your digital purchases, such as identifying triggers, deleting your card info from apps and websites, and trying other strategies.

Online shopping can give you access to a multitude of retailers with just a click or two, and its popularity continues to grow. The number of Americans using e-commerce is expected to grow by almost 22% between 2024 and 2029, adding 60 million online shoppers to the current estimate of 273.5 million. To help you curb excessive online shopping, try these tactics for spotting bad spending habits and building better ones.

Understanding Your Online Shopping Habits

It’s easy to ignore poor online shopping habits and assume they’re no big deal. Until, that is, you see how low your checking account is or how high your credit card balance has risen. That can quickly bring you back to reality.

When those moments occur (or, better still, before they do), it can be wise to evaluate whether you need to cut back on online shopping.

Identifying Triggers and Patterns

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to cut back on shopping and spending, here are a few signs to watch for:

•   You’re spending a lot of your free time and money on online shopping.

•   Your online shopping is making it hard to stick to your budget.

•   Buying items online is causing you to have credit card debt or owe a higher balance than in the past.

•   It’s tough to resist making purchases, even when you know it might hurt your finances or lead to debt.

•   You may be prioritizing shopping over other important responsibilities.

•   You feel uneasy or tense when you’re not shopping.

•   There’s a sense of guilt or regret about your online spending habits.

•   After a tough day, you often turn to online shopping to lift your mood.

•   You often buy something just because it’s on sale.

These can be signals that it’s time to stop online shopping and develop better financial habits.

Recommended: How to Combine Bank Accounts

Assessing the Impact on Your Finances

Do you know that around 40% of Americans say they have a budget for online shopping, but about 32% admit they often go over it, according to Badcredit.org? While going over budget now and then might not hurt your finances too much, doing so regularly can lead to debt and make it harder to get back on track to reaching your money goals.

If you want to see how much you’re really spending online, here are some ways you might track your purchases and check if you’re overspending:

•   Keep your receipts: Holding onto your receipts (whether paper or emailed) can make it easier to remember and review what you’ve spent at the end of the month.

•   Check credit card and bank statements: Many credit cards and banks have built-in budget trackers on their online platforms and in their apps. Some even break your spending into categories so you can easily see where your money is going.

•   Record your transactions: Even small buys, like toothpaste from Amazon, count as online spending. Keep your eyes peeled for these items which are easy to overlook. Budgeting apps, whether from your bank or a third party, or a little notebook can help you easily track your transactions.

By keeping an eye on your online spending with one of these methods, you can see if you’re going over your budget and determine if you need to cut back on your spending habits.

Strategies to Curb Online Shopping

Whether your spending habits are big or small, using a few smart tactics can help you reduce your online shopping and make the most of your money. Here’s how.

Creating a Realistic Budget

Creating a budget (and sticking to it) is one of the best ways to manage your spending habits more effectively. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are plenty of strategies you can use to find what works best for you. A few to consider:

•   50/30/20 Rule: This budgeting method has you split your monthly take-home income into three categories: 50% for needs (like rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and minimum debt payments), 30% for wants (like dining out, travel, or movies), and 20% for savings or additional debt payments. Say you net $5,000 a month. If you use this method, you’d set aside $2,500 for needs, $1,500 for wants, and $1,000 for savings. You can use an online 50/30/20 budget calculator to do the math.

•   70/20/10 Rule: This strategy is similar to the 50/30/20 rule, but you allocate 70% for needs and wants, 20% for savings, and 10% for paying off debt or charitable donations. This is a good option if debt repayment is one of your main focuses or if you have big savings goals.

•   Zero-based budgeting: With this strategy, you assign every dollar to a job or expense, like dining out, health care, or clothes. Start with your monthly income and subtract all your expenses — including savings — until you reach zero. This approach helps you stay aware of where every dollar is going.

•   Envelope budget system: Set aside a specific amount of cash divided into envelopes for each spending category, like $3,000 for housing or $600 for food. Once the money in each category is gone, you either wait until next month or adjust by borrowing from another category, like cutting back on streaming services to fund your grocery bill.

Developing Healthier Shopping Habits

If you find that impulse buying is becoming a bad habit, there are ways to start building healthier spending patterns. Here are some tips to help you get started:

•   Try the 24-hour rule. When you find something you want to buy that isn’t a necessity, try waiting at least 24 hours before buying it. This gives you more time to think about whether you really need it. If you still want it after waiting, shop around to find the best deal, as different sites usually offer different prices and deals. Some people find that the 24-hour period isn’t long enough to have the “I’ve got to have it” feelings potentially subside. You could extend it to a week or even a month.

•   Delete your saved credit card details. Today’s digital tools can make life more convenient, as with online banking and hotel reservation apps. But online shopping can lower the barrier to purchase and make it easy (some might say too easy) to buy items with just one click. By removing your saved card info, you add an extra step to the purchase process. This also gives you more time to decide if the purchase is really necessary.

•   Pick up a new hobby. Instead of browsing shopping sites when at loose ends or bored, try picking up a new inexpensive hobby like reading, photography, or learning coding or social media strategy online. Swapping out your old shopping habit for a new hobby can help reduce the temptation to shop online.

•   Unsubscribe from retailer and merchant emails. Stores love to tempt you with emails about their latest deals. Unsubscribing from these emails can help you avoid the urge to make impulse purchases. If you don’t know about the deal, you won’t be tempted to buy.

•   Limit your shopping time. The more time you spend looking at online retail sites or being served ads on social media, the more enticing objects you’ll be exposed to. Try to limit how much time you spend browsing to help reduce the temptation to shop. You might use a browser extension (such as Pause) to limit access to shopping sites as an easy way to save money.

Seeking Support and Accountability

Setting financial goals is a great way to help you stay accountable. Start by creating specific savings or spending goals. For example, you might want to build your emergency savings fund to cover three to six months’ worth of income or save money for that dream beach vacation. Whatever your goals are, make them specific, set a deadline, and create a savings plan.

You may also want to share your goals with friends or family members who can support you and hold you accountable. You can even schedule regular check-ins to track your progress, make adjustments if needed, and recommit to your money goals. Having someone to share this process with can keep you motivated and on track. Plus, isn’t it more fun when you have someone cheering you on?

Dealing with Setbacks and Maintaining Progress

Even after you’ve created a budget, set goals, and built healthy spending habits, setbacks are bound to happen — and that’s okay. It’s not about being perfect 100% of the time. It’s about making progress and continuing to move toward your goals.

Here are a few tips to help you handle those bumps in the road when it comes to reducing online shopping:

•   Review your budget and make adjustments. Set aside time to regularly review your budget, perhaps weekly and monthly. By tracking your spending, you can see where you stand. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your current needs.

•   Set up automatic bank transfers. Setting up automatic transfers between bank accounts (say, from your checking to savings right after you’re paid) can simplify the saving process for you. This way, you can stay consistent without having to think about it, which can help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Also, having money whisked out of your checking account can be a good thing. You won’t be feeling as rich and therefore tempted to start shopping.

•   Build an emergency fund. Unexpected expenses pop up all the time. Not having an emergency fund can leave you vulnerable to going into debt when surprise costs arise — like pricey car repairs or plane tickets for holiday travel. This cushion will help ease the stress when life throws you a curveball.

•   Use budgeting tools. Plenty of apps and tools are available to help you track spending and savings. One of these can keep you on top of your spending habits and help you avoid going over budget. You might start by seeing what your financial institution offers and then research third-party apps, if needed.

The Takeaway

If your spending habits have become a problem and you’re wondering how to stop online shopping, there are plenty of ways to tackle it. Start by creating a budget, blocking access to your favorite shopping sites, and focusing on positive spending habits. You may find that you need new hobbies to fill the time you used to spend shopping online, or that you can delete your banking details saved on websites and in apps, thereby discouraging impulse buys.

The right banking partner can also help make it easier to monitor your money and stay on track.

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

FAQ

What are some effective strategies to curb impulse online purchases?

Some of the best ways to curb your online impulse buying are to create a budget, stick to shopping lists, limit time spent online, and delete financial information saved online or in apps (that could lead to impulse buying). You can also try delaying gratification, where you wait at least a period of time before making a purchase. This gives you time to think it over, and often you’ll realize you don’t really need the item.

How can I block or limit access to online shopping sites?

One way to limit your online shopping is by using a browser extension like Pause, which blocks distracting sites (it comes preloaded with some; you can add more) for a brief, programmable period of time. This gives you time to think before diving in. You can also block specific sites directly through your browser’s privacy and security settings. Deleting saved financial details (such as credit card numbers) from sites and in apps can also slow down the online shopping process and give you time to reconsider a purchase.

Are there apps that can help control online shopping habits?

Yes, there are apps like Stop Impulse Buying and the Daily Bean (a diary-style log) that can help you reduce those online shopping urges by tracking your spending habits. You can also try budgeting apps and tools provided by your financial institution to keep a closer eye on where your money is going.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

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 12/23/25. 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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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