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Q: What is the cost of an irrevocable letter of credit?

Transaction fees help banks make money so it should be no surprise that you’ll likely pay a fee for an irrevocable letter of credit. The fee is typically set as a percentage of the transaction amount, though the rate you’re charged can vary from bank to bank.

Q: Does an irrevocable letter of credit expire?

An irrevocable letter of credit can have an expiration date. If the letter is set to expire, the date should be spelled out clearly in the agreement.

May

2024

Guide to Irrevocable Letters of Credit (ILOC)

By Rebecca Lake | Credit, money | Comments Off

An irrevocable letter of credit (or ILOC) is a written agreement between a buyer (often an importer) and a bank. As part of the agreement, the bank agrees to pay the seller (typically an exporter) as soon as certain conditions of the transaction are met. These letters help reduce a seller’s concern that an unknown buyer won’t pay for the goods they receive. It also helps eliminate a buyer’s concern that an unknown seller won’t send the goods the buyer has paid for.

Irrevocable letters of credit are often found in international trade, though they can be used in other types of financial arrangements to ensure that a seller will be paid, even if the buyer fails to uphold their end of the bargain.

Key Points

• An irrevocable letter of credit is a written agreement between a bank and a buyer to guarantee payment, ensuring that the seller will be paid even if the buyer fails to fulfill their obligations.

• Irrevocable letters of credit cannot be canceled or modified in any way without the explicit agreement of all parties involved.

• Irrevocable letters of credit are commonly used in international transactions but can be used in other situations as well.

• Alternatives to irrevocable letters of credit include trade credit insurance and standard letters of credit, which offer different levels of flexibility and protection.

What Is an Irrevocable Letter of Credit?

Simply defined, an irrevocable letter of credit represents an agreement between a bank and a buyer involved in a financial transaction. The bank guarantees payment will be made to the seller according to the terms of the agreement. Since the letter is irrevocable, that means it cannot be changed without the consent and agreement of all parties involved.

Irrevocable letters of credit can also be referred to as standby letters of credit. Once an irrevocable letter of credit is issued, all parties are contractually bound by it. This means that even if the buyer in a transaction doesn’t pay, the bank is obligated to make payment to the seller to satisfy the agreement.

Having an irrevocable letter of credit in place is a form of risk management. The seller is guaranteed payment from the bank, which can help to reduce concerns about the buyer failing to pay. And it ensures that the seller will follow through on their obligations by providing whatever is being purchased through the agreement. In simpler terms, a standby letter of credit or irrevocable letter of credit is a sign of good faith on the part of everyone involved in a transaction.

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How Does an Irrevocable Letter of Credit Work?

An irrevocable letter of credit establishes a contractual agreement between a buyer, a seller, and their respective banks. It effectively creates a safeguard for both the buyer and the seller, in that:

• Buyers are not required to forward payment until the seller provides the goods or services that have been purchased.

• Sellers can collect payment for goods and services, as long as the conditions outlined in the letter of credit are met.

The bank issuing the letter of credit acts as a go-between for both sides, guaranteeing payment to the seller even if the buyer doesn’t pay. Assuming the buyer does fulfill their obligations, they would then make payment back to the bank. In a sense, this allows the buyer to borrow from the bank without formally establishing credit in the form of a loan or credit line. (Check with your financial institution to learn what fees may be involved.)

Before an irrevocable letter of credit is issued, the bank will first verify the buyer’s creditworthiness. Assuming the bank is reassured that the buyer will, in fact, repay what’s owed to complete the purchase, it will then establish the irrevocable letter of credit to facilitate the transaction between the buyer and seller. Irrevocable letters of credit are communicated and sent through the SWIFT banking system.

Recommended: How Do Banks Make Money?

Irrevocable Letter of Credit Specifications

The exact details included in an irrevocable letter of credit can depend on the situation in which it’s being used. The conditions that are set for the completion of the transaction will also matter. But generally, you can expect an irrevocable letter of credit to include:

• Buyer’s name and banking information (that is, their bank account number and other details)

• Seller’s name and banking information

• Name of the intermediary bank issuing the letter of credit

• Amount of credit that’s being issued

• Date that the letter of credit is issued and the date it will expire

An irrevocable letter of credit will also detail the conditions that must be met by both the buyer and seller in order for the contract to be valid. For example, the seller may need to provide written verification that the goods or services referenced in the agreement have been provided before payment can be issued. The letter of credit must be signed by an authorized bank representative. It may need to be printed on bank letterhead to be valid.

Do I Need an Irrevocable Letter of Credit?

You may need an irrevocable letter of credit if you’re doing business with someone in a foreign country. You may also require one if you are conducting a transaction with a new company or individual (one with which you don’t yet have an established relationship).

Irrevocable letters of credit can help to mitigate some of the risk that goes along with international transactions. These letters ensure that if you’re the seller, you get paid for any products or services you’re providing. They also protect you if you’re the buyer, promising that products or services are delivered to you.

An irrevocable letter of credit could also come in handy if you’re still working on building credit for your business and you’re the buyer in a transaction. The bank will pay the money to the seller; you’ll then repay the bank. Payment may be required in a lump sum from your business bank account or another source. Or the bank may also offer the option of repaying it in installments over time. Repaying your obligation could help to raise your business’s creditworthiness in the bank’s eyes. This may make it easier to take out other loans or lines of credit later.

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Alternatives to Irrevocable Letters of Credit

An irrevocable letter of credit is not the only way to do business when engaging in international transactions. You may also consider trade credit insurance or another type of letter of credit instead.

Trade Credit Insurance

Trade credit insurance, also referred to as accounts receivable insurance or AR insurance, is used to insure businesses against financial losses resulting from unpaid debts. You can use trade credit insurance to cover all transactions or limit them to ones where you believe there may be a heightened risk of loss, such as transactions involving foreign businesses.

A trade credit insurance policy protects your business in the event that the other party to a financial agreement defaults. It can insulate your accounts receivable against losses if an unpaid account turns into a bad debt. Purchasing trade credit insurance may be an easier way to manage risk for your business overall, as it’s less involved than an irrevocable letter of credit.

Letters of Credit

A letter of credit guarantees payment from the buyer’s bank to the seller’s bank in a financial transaction. Like an irrevocable letter of credit, it establishes certain conditions that must be met in order for the transaction to be completed. But unlike an irrevocable letter of credit, a standard letter of credit can be revoked or modified.

You might opt for this kind of letter of credit if you’re doing business with someone you don’t know and you want reassurance that the transaction will be completed smoothly. A regular letter of credit may also be preferable if you’d like the option to modify or cancel the agreement.

The Takeaway

An irrevocable letter of credit is something you may need to use from time to time if you run a business and regularly deal with international transactions. It adds a layer of protection to buying and selling, as a bank is saying it will cover the transaction. An ILOC, as it’s sometimes known, can provide reassurance when working with a new business or establishing your company overseas. The letter cannot be changed, so you’re getting solid peace of mind.

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FAQ

What is the difference between a letter of credit and an irrevocable letter of credit?

A letter of credit and irrevocable letter of credit are largely the same, in terms of what they’re designed to and in what situations they can be used. The main difference is that unless a letter of credit specifies that it is irrevocable, it can be changed or modified by the parties involved.

What is the cost of an irrevocable letter of credit?

You generally need to pay a transaction fee for an irrevocable letter of credit. The fee is typically a small percentage of the transaction amount. The rate will vary from bank to bank.

Does an irrevocable letter of credit expire?

Yes, an irrevocable letter of credit will typically state the date by which the seller must submit the necessary paperwork in order to receive payment.

Photo credit: iStock/Photoevent

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May

2024

Understanding ACH Returns: What They Are & How to Return an ACH Payment

By Jacqueline DeMarco | Financial Independence, Life & Career, money | Comments Off

The Automated Clearing House Network, or ACH, is a network that allows individuals and businesses to electronically move money between bank accounts — often within the same day. But sometimes things just don’t go according to plan, and those quick, convenient ACH payments wind up getting returned or needing to be reversed. Usually, these electronic transactions run smoothly, but at times, the funds don’t or can’t get from point A to point B.

Here, we’ll take a look at why ACH payments are sometimes returned. We’ll cover:

• What ACH turns are

• Terms to know about ACH returns

• What the difference is between an ACH return and a Notice of Change

• How to return an ACH payment

What Are ACH Returns?

While most ACH payments are likely to go through, ACH returns occur when an ACH payment fails to be completed. This can happen for a few reasons, such as:

• The originator providing inaccurate payment information or data

• The originator providing non-existent or inadequate authorization

• The originator isn’t authorized to debit the client’s account with an ACH payment

• Insufficient funds to cover the transaction (which can happen, especially if the person paying doesn’t balance their bank account regularly)

Next, let’s look at how an ACH return transpires. If a merchant wants to debit their customer’s or client’s account, the merchant’s bank (at the merchant’s request) will send a request for an ACH debit from the customer’s account. The customer’s relevant ACH network will then receive an ACH payment request. Then the merchant’s bank will debit the customer’s account and the merchant’s account will be credited with the amount of money indicated in the ACH payment request.

If for some reason the customer’s bank account alerts the ACH network that they are not able to complete the transaction, the money will remain in the customer’s account. That’s an ACH return.

It costs money to process an ACH return, and that cost generally falls on the consumer. Similar to how consumers get charged a fee when they bounce a check, the consumer will typically need to pay a fee if an ACH return occurs. This bank fee is fairly small and typically only costs $2 to $5 per return.

Important Terms to Know About ACH Returns

To better understand how ACH returns work, it’s helpful to know a bit of the industry’s vocabulary — particularly ODFI and RDFI (which are the two parties involved in every ACH return). Here’s what these acronyms mean:

• ODFI (Originating Depository Financial Institution): The originator of the transaction who’ll send funds

• RDFI (Receiving Depository Financial Institution): The receiver of the funds

Another facet of ACH lingo that’s helpful to know are ACH return codes. Any ACH return that occurs will generate an ACH return code. These ACH return codes are made up of the letter R followed by some numerals. Each code represents a different reason for a return. These codes can be helpful because they inform the originator of why the ACH return happened.

The following ACH return codes are fairly common:

• R01 – Insufficient funds. This code means that the available assets can’t cover the debit entry (like when an account is overdrawn).

• R02 – Account closed. In other words, the client or the RDFI closed the account that should be debited or credited through an ACH payment.

• R03 – No account/unable to locate account. In this case, the return occurred because the account intended for ACH payment doesn’t exist or the account’s owner is not the one noted by the debit entry.

• R04 – Invalid account number structure. If something is wrong with the client’s bank account number or the number doesn’t pass validation, a R04 return code results.

• R05 – Unauthorized debit to a consumer account. If the receiver hasn’t authorized the originator to request an ACH transfer from their bank account, the transfer can be blocked, and this ACH code will occur.

It’s worth noting that R05 return codes work a bit differently. Unlike the other ACH return codes listed, the return time frame for R05 is 60 banking days instead of two. This longer time frame gives the originator a chance to ask the receiver to allow the ACH transfer to occur or to provide them with a new bank account number to complete the transaction.

What Is the Difference Between a Notice of Change (NOC) And ACH Return?

It’s easy to confuse a Notice of Change (NOC) and an ACH return, but these are two different things. An NOC is a method used by financial institutions to notify a federal agency to correct or change account information. It applies to an entry processed by the federal agency through the ACH. A NOC is not a form of payment in and of itself. Nor does it represent a failure to complete an ACH payment transaction. It’s a request for an edit, basically, while an ACH return actually stops a transaction.

When Can You Request a Reversal of an ACH Payment?

For a reversal to occur on an ACH payment, certain requirements have to be met. Here are the guidelines for successfully putting the brakes on a transaction:

• The reversal entry has to be transmitted to the bank within five banking days after the settlement date of the erroneous file.

• Transmitting the reversing file has to occur within 24 hours of discovering the error.

If these criteria are met, the reversal of an ACH payment can proceed.

Why You Might Be Receiving an ACH Return

As you monitor your bank account, you may see that an ACH transaction, which usually happens so smoothly, is being returned. This can occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, the originator may have provided inaccurate payment information or may not have been authorized to debit the customer’s or client’s account with an ACH payment. The codes reviewed above can also shed light on why the transfer of funds was stopped. By the way, both returned mobile ACH payments and returned ACH card payments can occur.

How to Return an ACH Payment

Account holders and merchants who encounter issues with ACH payments can stop or reverse them.

If you may need to delay or adjust an ACH debit (which is an automatic “pull” from your account) as a consumer, you’ll want to contact the organization that is initiating the payment, whether this is the biller or your bank. If it is your bank, you’ll need to give them the name of the business or organization that is making the ACH debit and the amount. Ideally, you want to do this three business days before the scheduled payment date.

If you want to stop an ACH credit, which is when your bank “pulls” money from someone else’s account, you will need to notify your bank before the payment is debited. You will typically need to provide the name of the person or business that is paying you, the exact payment amount, and your account details.

The Takeaway

While ACH payments are a convenient payment method, sometimes a funds transfer fails to go through. In this situation, a returned ACH payment occurs. ACH returns can happen for a few reasons (such as the client’s bank account contains insufficient funds to complete the transfer). The entire process is fairly quick and is usually completed within two banking days. As more and more electronic transfers happen, it’s wise to be aware of this system that can step in if details are incorrect or one party can’t or won’t hold up their end of the arrangement.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What’s the time frame for an ACH debit return?

It usually takes two banking days for an ACH return to complete. However, there are select ACH return codes that result in a 60-day return period.

How much are ACH return fees?

Fees vary, but they usually cost about $2 to $5 per return. The consumer pays this charge. It’s similar to paying a fee for a bounced check.

What are ACH return codes?

Every time an ACH return happens, the originator will be sent an ACH return code. This code is represented by the letter R and a two-figure number and explains why the return happened. For example, a R01 return code indicates that the client’s bank account contains insufficient funds to complete the transfer.

Can returned ACH payments be disputed?

Yes, ACH returns can be disputed. What that process looks like varies with the reason why the ACH return occurred. Every ACH return code has a specific return time frame associated with it. Generally, the client needs to dispute the ACH return during that time frame.

Photo credit: iStock/Nicola Katie

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May

2024

How to Write a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Emily Greenhill Pierce | Family Finances, Life & Career, money | Comments Off

The basic steps of check-writing sound pretty straightforward: Fill out the date, amount, payee name, and add your signature.

There are, however, right and wrong ways to complete this process. And, despite the current age of online banking, there may still be times when you need to write checks and want to do so correctly. Make an error, and your check may not be cashed, which can lead to hassles and fees.

By learning the simple step-by-step process, you can fill out a check properly when you need to.

Key Points

• Writing a check involves filling out the date, amount, payee name, and your signature.

• Errors in check writing can lead to uncashed checks and potential fees.

• Postdating a check allows it to be deposited at a future date.

• Writing the dollar amount in words and numbers helps prevent fraud.

• Signing the check is crucial as an unsigned check is invalid.

1. Date the Check

First things first: Write today’s date on the space provided in the upper right-hand corner of the check. Putting the date on your check will provide evidence of when you wrote the check.

You can also postdate a check and request for the recipient not to deposit the amount until on or after that future date.

filling out date on a check

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2. Add the Recipient’s Name

In the line, “Pay to the order of,” write the name of the individual or company you are paying. Be sure to double check the spelling of the person’s name and the official vendor name to avoid any payment mishaps.

You can also make a check out to “cash,” but this poses a security risk. If you or the payee loses the check, anyone who finds it will be able to cash it. You can also write a check to yourself if you need to transfer funds from your checking account to another personal account.

adding recipients name to check

3. Write the Payment Amount in Numbers

Write the dollar and cents amount in the rectangular box, located to the right of the payee line. (Example: $156.99.) It’s essential to write the payment amount clearly for the ATM or bank worker.

filling in payment amount on check

4. Write the Payment Amount in Words

To help prevent error or fraud, write the check amount out in words on the line provided.

How to Write a Check with Cents

To write a check with cents, you’ll express the cents amount as a fraction. For example, $156.99 would read as “One hundred and fifty-six and 99/100.”

How to Write a Check with No Cents

If the dollar amount is whole ($156.00), it should read “one hundred and fifty-six and 00/100.” A banker or ATM will check that your numerical amount matches the spelled-out amount.

Recommended: What Is an Outstanding Check?

writing payment amount on check

5. Sign the Check

One of the biggest mistakes check writers make is forgetting to sign the check. Neglecting to do so makes the check invalid and uncashable. Be sure and write your signature on the bottom right-hand line of the check.

adding signature to a check

6. Add a Memo

Adding a note in the memo line on a check is optional, but it’s a good idea. Doing so will help you remember why you wrote the check in the first place: “July 1st rent” or “Beyoncé tix reimbursement.”

Some payees may require additional information which you can put on the memo line on the bottom-left corner. The IRS, for example, will ask you to write your Social Security number on your check.

adding a memo to a check

Example of Writing a Check

Now that you’ve read about writing a check, here’s what a properly filled out one looks like:

example of a filled out check

Tips for Filling Out Checks

The steps on how to write a check are pretty clear. But there are additional tips that can help protect your account and ensure a successful transaction.

Use a Pen

Protect your money. Always fill out a check in ink — preferably blue or black ink for easier readability. Using a pencil is a recipe for theft. You don’t want your payee and dollar amounts being erased and rewritten (aka an altered check).

Don’t Sign a Blank Check

Don’t sign your name on the bottom of the check until it is completely filled out. If a check has your signature, but no payee name or dollar amount, you are leaving yourself wide open for any thief with a pen to fill in the blanks.

Keep Your Signature Consistent

Maintaining a consistent signature can help a bank teller or ATM detect signs of identity fraud. You’ll be better able to prove someone other than you signed your check if you have clear signature samples.

Save a Copy of Your Check

Having a copy of your check can act as proof of payment. You can take a picture of it with your cell phone. Some banks will issue checkbooks with carbon copies—a duplicate check attached to the back of a paper one. If you press down hard enough, your writing will transfer onto the duplicate check.

How to Protect Your Accounts When Writing Paper Checks

After mailing or handing over a check, it’s wise to keep tabs on its path and your bank account. Here are some smart moves that can help keep your records straight.

Record the Payment

Most checkbooks come with a check register — a place to record your check usage and current bank balance. It’s important to dot down:

• The check number

• The date you wrote the check

• The payee information

• The dollar amount

Doing so will help you balance your checkbook and avoid ending up with a negative balance.

Monitor for Fraud or Lost Checks

Having a record of your checks will help you avoid overdraft fees and keep track of any outstanding checks that payees have yet to cash. When you receive your monthly statement, compare it against your check register to catch any suspicious activity.

This can reveal a check that might have been cashed for a different amount than what you filled it out for. This could indicate a kind of fraud called “check washing,” in which a criminal gets a hold of your check, erases information, and fills it out to themselves.

Or you might spot that a check hasn’t been cashed in a timely manner, indicating that it’s a lost check, worth following up on.

Check Your Available Balance

You don’t want to write a check for more money than you currently have, so keep an eye on your bank balance to avoid bouncing a check. Whether you have a traditional or online checking account, you should be able to easily monitor this on your financial institution’s website or app.

Consider Automated Payments

While checks can still have their time and place in your financial life, online and mobile banking can make it easy to pay bills and otherwise send funds to other accounts. This can be accomplished quickly, easily, and securely by automating your finances.

For example, instead of writing paper checks, you could set up recurring transfers to pay bills online every month or make one-off payments as needed. These actions can be done safely and simply, and they eliminate the need for envelopes and postage stamps, too.

Recommended: ACH vs Checks: Key Differences

The Takeaway

It’s possible that check payments could eventually become a thing of the past. Until then, it’s important to know how to write a check and avoid making little errors that could result in big headaches.

Most bank accounts come with checks, but that’s not the only feature to consider when shopping for a new account.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What makes a check invalid?

Banks can refuse to cash a check due to a missing signature, insufficient account funds, invalid or illegible account numbers, or if too much time has passed since the check was dated (typically six months).

Can someone steal your identity with a check?

It is possible for criminals to use the information on your check — your name, your address, your routing number — to steal your identity. They might be able to apply for loans in your name or open bank accounts.

Where is the bank routing number on a check?

The bank routing number is at the bottom of the check, to the left. Just to the right of it is your account number, and then at the far right, the check number.

Who signs the back of a check?

The payee endorses the back of the check in order to make a deposit or cash it.

Photo credit: iStock/payphoto

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

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

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

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

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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

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

SOBK-Q224-1878350-V1

May

2024

ACH vs Check: What Are the Differences?

By Jacqueline DeMarco | Budgeting & Goals, money, Terminology | Comments Off

While both ACH and checks have their upsides, ACH tends to be the quicker and more secure payment method. However, in your financial life, there will probably be times when one is a lot better suited to your needs than the other.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of ACH vs. check, the pros and cons of each, and how they stack up.

What Is ACH and How Does It Work?

An ACH transfer (named after the Automated Clearing House network) is an electronic banking transaction that is processed through the ACH network. The network is a major financial hub, made up of around 10,000 institutions. Through the ACH network it is possible to process the following transactions:

• Direct debits

• Direct deposits

• Direct payments

• Electronic checks (eChecks)

• Electronic funds transfers (EFTs)

Businesses and consumers have the option of using ACH transfers to make direct payments (known as ACH debit transactions) or direct deposits (ACH credit transactions). Some financial institutions even make it possible to schedule and pay bills electronically via ACH transfers. You are probably familiar with ACH transactions when you set up autopay on an account, whether it’s a utility bill or your gym membership.

You may wonder how long ACH transfers take. Because they are electronic, ACH transfers can clear banks in a matter of a few business days as long as there are enough funds in the account. However, there are times where ACH transactions will take longer. This is especially common if a transaction is suspected to be fraud.

However, for something like a direct deposit of a paycheck, ACH can be quite quick. When the payment hits your checking account, it’s immediately available. You don’t have to run around with a paper check that needs to be deposited. That can make a big difference between getting paid by ACH vs. a check.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

Pros and Cons of ACH

Like any financial tool, ACH transfers have some advantages and disadvantages worth considering. Here’s a closer look at some important pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
• Free. Most, but not all, ACH transfers are free. • Errors can be reversed. You can sometimes request a transaction reversal for ACH transfers if an error occurs. • Simple and straightforward. Convenient form of payment allowing you to pay without cash. • Secure. The digital nature of these payments can make them less likely to have funds stolen.	• Fees can apply. May need to pay a fee to expedite bill-pay services or to make a transfer to an outside bank. • Slow timeline. Can take up to three days for a transfer to go through. • Potential roadblocks. Daily transfer limits apply.

Pros

Cons

• Free. Most, but not all, ACH transfers are free.

• Errors can be reversed. You can sometimes request a transaction reversal for ACH transfers if an error occurs.

• Simple and straightforward. Convenient form of payment allowing you to pay without cash.

• Secure. The digital nature of these payments can make them less likely to have funds stolen.

• Fees can apply. May need to pay a fee to expedite bill-pay services or to make a transfer to an outside bank.

• Slow timeline. Can take up to three days for a transfer to go through.

• Potential roadblocks. Daily transfer limits apply.

What Is a Check?

A check is a payment method that involves making a payment using a paper check that has the payment amount and the payee’s bank account information on it. Once someone writes a check, the recipient can cash it and receive the funds.

Pros and Cons of Using a Paper Check

While not as popular as in the past, checks are still one of the most basic and time-honored financial tools at your disposal. They allow you to move money around without paying a fee, and they are a secure way to do this. What’s more, checks create a paper trail with proof that funds have been received.

But they can wind up costing you, they can take longer than you might expect, and sadly, there are scams that prey upon those who use checks. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a check to make payments or to receive payments in chart form.

Pros	Cons
• No fees. Electronic payments can come with fees, but there are no fees for standard checks once you purchase them. • Safe way to send money. Cash can be lost or stolen. If a check is lost or stolen, the person who finds it will have a hard time cashing it thanks to handy security features. • Proof of payment. Checks have a paper trail confirming proof of payment.	• Check scams exist. Check scams can be dangerous and easy to fall for. • Checks cost money. Typically, you don’t pay a fee when you use a check, but it costs money to buy checks, and depending on your situation, you might have to pay a fee to cash a check at some locations. • Processing delays occur. Paying by cash, credit, or electronic transfer can usually occur more quickly than paying by check.

Pros

Cons

• No fees. Electronic payments can come with fees, but there are no fees for standard checks once you purchase them.

• Safe way to send money. Cash can be lost or stolen. If a check is lost or stolen, the person who finds it will have a hard time cashing it thanks to handy security features.

• Proof of payment. Checks have a paper trail confirming proof of payment.

• Check scams exist. Check scams can be dangerous and easy to fall for.

• Checks cost money. Typically, you don’t pay a fee when you use a check, but it costs money to buy checks, and depending on your situation, you might have to pay a fee to cash a check at some locations.

• Processing delays occur. Paying by cash, credit, or electronic transfer can usually occur more quickly than paying by check.

Recommended: Ways to Send Money Online

ACH vs Check: The Differences

Here, a side-by-side comparison of ACH vs. checks. It’s important to note that both have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, but much of the choice about which to use will depend on your particular circumstances and preferences.

ACH	Check
• For the most part, ACH transfers are free unless a rush fee or a fee for transferring to an outside bank applies. • It is sometimes possible to request a transaction reversal for ACH transfers if an error occurred. • ACH payments are fairly simple and easy to conduct. • ACH transfers can take a few days to clear.	• There are no fees associated with checks, but consumers do have to buy the checks to be able to use them. • Checks offer a safe way to make payments, but there can be issues with scams and stolen checks. • Checks provide a convenient paper trail that cash payments lack. • Checks can take several days to clear.

ACH

Check

• For the most part, ACH transfers are free unless a rush fee or a fee for transferring to an outside bank applies.

• It is sometimes possible to request a transaction reversal for ACH transfers if an error occurred.

• ACH payments are fairly simple and easy to conduct.

• ACH transfers can take a few days to clear.

• There are no fees associated with checks, but consumers do have to buy the checks to be able to use them.

• Checks offer a safe way to make payments, but there can be issues with scams and stolen checks.

• Checks provide a convenient paper trail that cash payments lack.

• Checks can take several days to clear.

Recommended: Average Savings by Age

Which Should You Consider Using?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a check over an ACH transfer. Both have unique advantages and disadvantages. Consider these scenarios:

• Because it’s possible to set up recurring ACH transfers, that can be a much more convenient option if someone wants to schedule ongoing automated payments such as rent or bills.

• Checks, which are very secure and convenient, may be a better fit for one-off payments such as paying the babysitter or a hairdresser.

As you see, the decision depends on what best suits your needs for a particular transaction.

The Takeaway

Both ACH transfers and checks offer benefits. They can be convenient, secure ways to transfer money, though ACH may be faster and safer. Which one is the “best” will often depend on the unique preferences of both parties involved in the transaction. You may well find yourself toggling between the two during your everyday financial life.

While you’re thinking about which kinds of payments work best for you, consider your banking options.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is an ACH payment a check?

No, ACH payments are an electronic transfer processed through the Automated Clearing House network, which is a network made up of around 10,000 financial institutions. A check is a different kind of payment, using a paper document and being processed in a different way.

Is ACH better than checks?

Not necessarily. ACH can be faster, cheaper, and more secure in certain scenarios, but both can be useful ways to make payments.

Is ACH cheaper than checks?

When it comes to check vs. ACH costs, ACH payments can be cheaper than checks in some cases, but not always. ACH payments are free, whereas consumers generally need to buy checks to use for payments. However, you may run into fees when doing certain ACH payments.

Is ACH safer than a check?

Both checks and ACH transfers are very secure, but ACH payments are known to be more secure, thanks to the extra layers of protection in place due to encryption that occur during the transfer. Both checks and ACH transfers do require that the identity of the recipient be verified before the transaction can complete. Fraud and mistakes can occur for both payment types.

Photo credit: iStock/bernardbodo

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

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

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

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

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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

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.

SOBK-Q224-1890436-V1

May

2024

Charge Card vs Credit Card: What’s the Difference?

Charge Card vs. Credit Card: Understanding the Key Differences

By Kim Franke-Folstad | Credit, Family Finances, money | Comments Off

Though the terms may be used interchangeably, there are major differences: With a credit card, you can either pay your full monthly bill or a portion of it. With a charge card, no matter how much you owe, you’re expected to pay the monthly bill in full.

That’s not the only thing that sets these cards apart. The two also vary in their accessibility, flexibility, spending limits, and costs. If you’re wondering if a charge card vs. a credit card is a better fit for you, read on to understand their key differences, which can help you decide.

How Charge Cards Work

In some ways, a charge card is much like a regular credit card. When you use it to make a purchase, you’re borrowing money from the card issuer. And when you pay your bill, you’re paying the card issuer back.

But there are several things about the way charge cards work that make them very different from traditional credit cards. And because of the way they work, there are benefits and risks of charge cards to consider.

As mentioned above, a charge card holder’s obligation to pay the bill in full each month is probably the most important distinction. Because you don’t have the option of carrying forward a balance, you won’t pay any interest. But if you don’t pay the balance in full by the due date, you could be subject to a late fee and restrictions on your future card use.

Another thing that makes a charge card unique is that there’s no pre-set credit limit. This offers charge card holders some added flexibility, but it doesn’t mean you can go out and spend as much as you want any time you want — even if you’ve stayed current with your charge card payments.

A transaction still may be declined if it exceeds the amount the card issuer determines you can manage based on your spending habits, account history, credit record, and other financial factors. To avoid any confusion, card holders can contact their charge card issuer before making a major purchase to ask if the amount will be approved.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

How Credit Cards Work

Because they’re more common, you may be more familiar with how credit cards work than you are with charge cards. With a traditional credit card, card holders are given a preset credit limit that’s based on their income, debt-to-income ratio, credit history, and other factors.

Once your account application is approved and you receive a card with a unique credit card number, you can use your card as much or as little as you like — as long as you stay within that limit.

Each month when you receive your billing statement, you can decide if you want to repay the full amount you owe or make a partial payment, but you must make at least the minimum payment that’s due. And if you carry forward a balance, you can be charged interest on that amount. (Similar to your spending limit, interest rates are typically based on a cardholder’s creditworthiness.)

A credit card is classified as “revolving credit” because there’s no set date for when all the money you’ve borrowed must be repaid. As long as you make at least your minimum payments on time and stay within your credit limit, the account remains open, and you can use the available credit over and over again.

Differences Between a Charge Card and Credit Card

Here’s a side-by-side look at some key differences between charge cards and credit cards:

Charge Card vs. Credit Card
Charge Cards	Credit Cards
Full payment required every billing cycle	Can carry a balance, but must make minimum monthly payment
Can be difficult to find and qualify for	Many options available, even for those with not-so-great credit
Accepted by most U.S. vendors (but less so overseas)	Widely accepted in the U.S. and worldwide
No interest charged, but can expect a high annual fee	May avoid annual fee, but interest accrues on unpaid balance
Known for prestigious rewards programs	Many cards offer rewards, often without an annual fee
No hard spending limit	Hard pre-set spending limit

Payment Obligations

With a charge card, you’re required to pay what you owe in full when you receive your monthly billing statement. With a credit card, on the other hand, you can make a full or partial payment, but you’re only required to make a minimum monthly payment.

Even if you’re waiting for a refund that hasn’t yet shown up as a credit on your statement, you’ll be expected to pay the full amount of your charge card bill. With a credit card refund, you’ll just have to make sure you pay at least the minimum amount on your current bill.

Availability

If you’re looking for a new card, you’ll find there are far more credit cards available than true charge cards these days. Even American Express, the only major card issuer that still offers charge cards, has gone with a more hybrid approach.

American Express still offers cards that don’t have a preset spending limit. But those cards now come with a feature that — for a fixed fee — allows a card holder to split up eligible large purchases into monthly installments.

There also are some fuel cards, typically geared toward businesses, that are true charge cards.

Credit cards also are generally easier to qualify for than the charge cards that are available. Even if you have a poor or limited credit history, you may be able to find a secured or unsecured credit card that suits your needs.

Acceptance

Whether you shop local most of the time or hope to use your card as you travel the world, you may want to look at the acceptance rates of charge cards vs. credit cards.

Your card may not do you much good if you can’t use it where you like. American Express says its cards can now be accepted by 99% of the vendors in the U.S. that accept credit cards. If you aren’t sure your favorite local boutique or grocer will accept a particular card, you may want to ask or look for the card’s network logo in the store window.

If you plan to use your card overseas, you may want to check ahead on the acceptance rate in that country and also find out if you’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee. Charge cards tend to have a lower rate of acceptance overseas.

Costs

If you’re trying to decide between a charge card vs. a credit card, how much a credit card costs compared to a charge card — both in interest charges and fees — could be an important consideration.

Interest

You can find a full explanation of how your card issuer calculates interest in your card’s terms and conditions. But as noted above, if you carry forward a balance on your credit card, you can expect to pay interest on the outstanding amount.

According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card’s annual percentage rate (APR) is currently around 22.8%. Your rate may be higher or lower, depending on your creditworthiness.

You may not have just one interest rate associated with your account either. Your account may have a different APR for purchases, for example, than for credit card cash advances or balance transfers. Or you might have a lower, introductory APR for the first few months after you get a new card. If, over time, you miss payments or make late payments, the card issuer also could decide to raise your APR.

Because you don’t carry a balance with a charge card, you don’t pay interest. But if you pay off your credit card balance by the due date every month, you also won’t have to worry about accruing interest on a credit card account.

Annual Fees

You won’t pay interest with a charge card, but you may end up paying a significant annual fee just to own the card. (The annual membership fee for an American Express Platinum Card, for example, is currently $695.)

Some credit cards also charge annual fees, but you can find many that don’t.

Rewards and Perks

You may decide it’s worth paying a higher annual fee to enjoy the extra benefits some charge cards offer. American Express, for example, has a reputation for offering its card holders prestigious perks, including travel and retail purchase protections, early access to tickets for concerts and other entertainment events, and special offers from partner merchants.

However, plenty of credit cards also come with special benefits, such as cash back rewards, travel rewards, retail discounts, and more. And many of those card issuers don’t charge an annual fee.

Both charge card and credit card issuers also occasionally offer generous welcome or sign-up bonuses to new card holders, so that might be another benefit worth looking at when you’re searching for a new card.

Before you sign up for any card to get the perks it offers, though, it can be a good idea to step back and assess whether it’s worth paying a higher annual fee (or accruing interest on a balance you can’t pay off) to reap those rewards.

Spending Limit

With a credit card vs. a charge card, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend, because your credit card will come with a pre-set limit. You can go online or use an app to check your credit card account at any time to see how much available credit you have.

Charge cards don’t have hard spending limits. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you can use your card to buy a car or take a trip around the world. Your card issuer may decline a charge if you’re spending more than it thinks you can afford.

How Card Choice Can Impact Your Credit Score

When it comes to what a charge vs. credit card can do for (or to) your credit score, there are few things you should know.

Inquiries

Whether you’re applying for a charge card or credit card, you can expect the card company to run a hard inquiry on your credit. This could temporarily lower your credit score, but usually only by about five points.

Payments

Whether you use a charge card or a credit card, paying your monthly bill on time is critical to building and maintaining a good credit record.

Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO® credit score, so consistency is key. If your payment is 30 days or more past due and your card issuer reports it to the credit bureaus, that negative news could remain on your credit report for up to seven years. And it could come back to haunt you when you try to borrow money to buy a car or house.

Utilization

Credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit that you’re currently using) makes up 30% of your FICO score, so it’s important to keep your credit card balances well under the assigned limit.

To maintain or positively impact your credit score, the general rule is that you should try not to exceed a 30% credit card utilization rate. If you’re using up a big chunk of the pre-set limit on your credit card, it could have a negative effect on your score.

Because charge cards don’t have a pre-set credit limit, it can be difficult to determine if a card holder is at risk of overspending — so neither FICO or VantageScore include charge card information when calculating a person’s utilization rate.

This can have both pros and cons for charge card holders. The advantage, of course, is that you don’t have to worry about negative consequences for your credit score if you spend a lot in one month using your charge card. On the flip side, though, if you have a large amount of available credit that you aren’t using, it won’t do anything to help your score.

Choosing Between Credit Cards and Charge Cards

Deciding whether to apply for a credit card vs. a charge card may come down to evaluating the benefits you’re hoping to get from the card and assessing your own spending behavior. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• Does the card offer unique, valuable perks you think you’ll use?

• If there’s a high annual fee for the card, does it fit your budget and are the card’s perks worth the cost?

• Do you have enough money, discipline, and organization to ensure your bill is paid in full every month? Or could there be times when you’ll want to make a partial or minimum payment and carry forward a balance?

• Is your credit score good or excellent? If not, you may have more options and a better chance of qualifying if you apply for a credit card instead of a charge card.

• If you think you’ll pay off your card’s balance every month, would a credit card still be a better fit because of the rewards, low or no fees, and wider acceptance from vendors?

Also keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to choose. In fact, you could benefit from owning both a charge card and a credit card. You may find there are reasons to have both types of cards in your wallet.

The Takeaway

The terms charge card and credit card are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A charge card must be paid off every month, so there’s no interest to worry about — but there may be a high annual fee to pay. A credit card allows the user to make a minimum monthly payment and carry forward a balance, but the interest on that balance can add up quickly.

Each individual user must decide which is the better fit for their needs. And a card’s benefits vs. its costs may be a deciding factor.

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

Is a credit card easier to get than a charge card?

Because these days there are more companies issuing credit cards, it may be easier to find one that suits your needs and has qualifications you can meet — even if you have a poor or limited credit history. There are very few charge cards available anymore.

Does a charge card build credit better than a credit card?

Both a credit card and a charge card can help or hurt your credit score, depending on how you use it.

When do credit cards charge interest?

Most credit cards come with a grace period, which means the credit card issuer won’t charge you interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month. If you fail to pay the entire amount on your statement balance, however, or if you make your payment after the due date, interest charges will likely appear on your next monthly statement.

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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.

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

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Guide to Irrevocable Letters of Credit (ILOC)

What Is an Irrevocable Letter of Credit?

How Does an Irrevocable Letter of Credit Work?

Irrevocable Letter of Credit Specifications

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Do I Need an Irrevocable Letter of Credit?

Alternatives to Irrevocable Letters of Credit

Trade Credit Insurance

Letters of Credit

The Takeaway

FAQ

What is the difference between a letter of credit and an irrevocable letter of credit?

What is the cost of an irrevocable letter of credit?

Does an irrevocable letter of credit expire?

Understanding ACH Returns: What They Are & How to Return an ACH Payment

What Are ACH Returns?

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Important Terms to Know About ACH Returns

What Is the Difference Between a Notice of Change (NOC) And ACH Return?

When Can You Request a Reversal of an ACH Payment?

Why You Might Be Receiving an ACH Return

How to Return an ACH Payment

The Takeaway

FAQ

What’s the time frame for an ACH debit return?

How much are ACH return fees?

What are ACH return codes?

Can returned ACH payments be disputed?

How to Write a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Date the Check

2. Add the Recipient’s Name

3. Write the Payment Amount in Numbers

4. Write the Payment Amount in Words

How to Write a Check with Cents

How to Write a Check with No Cents

5. Sign the Check

6. Add a Memo

Example of Writing a Check

Tips for Filling Out Checks

Use a Pen

Don’t Sign a Blank Check

Keep Your Signature Consistent

Save a Copy of Your Check

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How to Protect Your Accounts When Writing Paper Checks

Record the Payment

Monitor for Fraud or Lost Checks

Check Your Available Balance

Consider Automated Payments

The Takeaway

FAQ

What makes a check invalid?

Can someone steal your identity with a check?

Where is the bank routing number on a check?

Who signs the back of a check?

ACH vs Check: What Are the Differences?

What Is ACH and How Does It Work?

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Pros and Cons of ACH

What Is a Check?

Pros and Cons of Using a Paper Check

ACH vs Check: The Differences

Which Should You Consider Using?

The Takeaway

FAQ

Is an ACH payment a check?

Is ACH better than checks?

Is ACH cheaper than checks?

Is ACH safer than a check?

Charge Card vs. Credit Card: Understanding the Key Differences

How Charge Cards Work

How Credit Cards Work

Differences Between a Charge Card and Credit Card

Payment Obligations

Availability

Acceptance

Costs

Interest

Annual Fees

Rewards and Perks

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
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