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Good news for drivers with excellent credit: The average auto loan interest rate for consumers with an 800 credit score is 5.25% for a new car and 7.13% for a used car, according to Experian’s 2024 State of the Automotive Finance Market report.

Consumers with high credit scores tend to secure the best loan rates and terms for any lending products, including auto loans. But many different factors impact the interest rate a borrower receives when they apply for a car loan.

Let’s dive into what auto loan interest rates you can expect, how they differ among lenders, and some steps you can take to get the best deal.

Average Used Car Interest Rate for 800 Credit Score

As mentioned, the average interest rate for a car loan with an 800 credit score is going to be 7.13% for a used car. Experian’s 2024 report found that borrowers with a credit score of 781 or higher access those rates on average.

Having a higher credit score generally leads to getting your hands on the best loan rates and terms. If a borrower has a credit score of 800, that means they have good credit habits that lenders like to see. If you’re just starting your credit journey, there are ways to help build your credit over time.

Factors That Affect Auto Loan Interest Rates

When you apply for an auto loan, lenders take a few factors into consideration when determining the loan amount, interest rate, and loan terms. Here’s a closer look.

Credit Score

Lenders evaluate your credit score to get an idea of how likely you are to make your loan payments on time. Having a high credit score shows that you know how to manage credit responsibly, and as a result, you can often secure a better interest rate. Borrowers with lower credit scores can make lenders nervous, so they’re often charged higher interest rates to balance out the risk.

What affects your credit score? Make consistent on-time payments, avoid hard credit inquiries, and keep your credit utilization ratio low to improve your score over time.

Lender

Whom you choose to borrow money from can impact the interest rate you receive. In general, you’re more likely to secure a better deal by getting a loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender than from a dealership — even if you have a lower credit score.

Amount Borrowed

The amount you borrow can impact your auto loan interest rate. A larger down payment helps lower your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which can lead to better loan rates and terms. A money tracker app can help you track and manage your finances.

Length of the Loan

If you can choose the loan term, you may be tempted to pick a long one. After all, the longer your loan term is, the lower your monthly payments will be. While lower payments can help you manage your monthly budget, you’ll end up paying more interest over the life of your loan. Longer loan terms are also often associated with higher interest rates, since there’s an increased risk a borrower defaults or pays off the loan early. You can use a spending app to create a budget that accommodates larger loan payments.

Economic and Market Conditions

Some factors that impact loan rates are out of your control. For example, current economic and market conditions affect the Fed rate, which in turn influences auto loan rates. Lenders also take certain market conditions into consideration, like vehicle demand and how well their current borrowers are repaying their loans on time.

How to Get a Better Auto Loan Interest Rate

If you want to spend as little as possible when you borrow money to finance a car purchase, there are a few ways you can help secure a lower interest rate.

To start, spend some time improving your credit score. Borrowers with a high credit score tend to access better interest rates because they pose less risk to the lender. Regular credit score monitoring can help you find ways to continuously improve your score.

It takes time to build credit, but making a large down payment can help immediately. You can also shop around for a lender to see who can offer you the lowest interest rate.

Recommended: What Is the Starting Credit Score?

How Often Do Auto Loan Rates Change?

Interest rates on lending products like auto loans change daily, so check the current loan rates before you walk onto a car lot. It’s also a good idea to get prequalified or preapproved ahead of time. That way, you have a better idea of what you can afford.

How to Use Average Car Interest Rates

It’s important to remember that average rates are just a helpful guidepost, not a guarantee. Understanding what the average car interest rate looks like can help you evaluate if you’re getting a good deal when shopping around for a car loan.

Where Are Auto Loan Rates Heading?

Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball that can help you predict exactly what auto loan rates will look like in the future. However, making an educated guess is possible. Thanks to recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, some economists believe we should continue to see auto loan rates drop in late 2024 into 2025.

Ways to Get a Better Car Loan Rate

If you’re looking for ways to get a better car loan rate, consider taking these steps:

•  Buy a more affordable car. Expensive cars come with more expensive car loans. If you can’t make a large down payment on a pricey car, look for a more affordable option.

•  Shop around. Apply for a car loan with a few different lenders to get an idea of which one can offer you the best terms at the right price.

•  Pay off your revolving credit. One quick way to get a credit score boost is to lower your credit utilization ratio by paying off any revolving forms of credit like a credit card or home equity line of credit.

•  Check your credit report for errors. You can check your credit score and report without paying. Once a year, check for errors that are harming your credit report and dispute any that you believe should be removed.

Recommended: How Often Does Your Credit Score Update?

The Takeaway

In 2024, the average used car loan interest rate for an 800 credit score is 5.25% for a new car and 7.13% for a used car. That said, these are just averages. The car you choose to buy, your down payment amount, your credit score, and the lender you work with can all impact what your actual interest rate ends up being. It’s a good idea to spend some time working on improving your credit score and to shop around for the right lender to avoid overspending on interest.

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

FAQ

What car loan interest rate can I get with an 800 credit score?

You can expect to find an average interest rate of 5.25% if you have an 800 credit score and are applying for a new car loan. Buying a used car? You can expect to encounter an average interest rate of 7.13%.

Is 800 a good credit score to buy a car?

Having a credit score of 800 is considered excellent. As a result, you can expect to access favorable auto loan rates and terms.

What is the average interest rate on a 72-month car loan?

It can be difficult to gauge exactly what a 72-month car loan interest rate will be, but it is safe to say it will cost more than a shorter-term loan. Choosing a 72-month car loan will result in lower monthly payments, but also in paying more interest.

Is 7% interest rate high for a used car?

A 7.00% interest rate for a used car is about average for borrowers with good credit.

What is a bad APR for a car?

As of Q3 2024, the average 60-month new car loan APR is 8.40%, according to the Federal Reserve Board. If you are offered an interest rate higher than that amount, you may want to work on improving your credit score before accepting a loan offer.

Is 5.90% APR good for a 72 month car loan?

If you can manage to secure a 5.90% APR for a 72-month car loan, you likely have a great credit score and a large down payment on your side.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

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

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

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 .

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.

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

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

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In some cases, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) does consider credit card rewards taxable income and in some cases, they don’t tax earned rewards. Confused? Don’t worry: Read on to learn when credit card rewards are taxable income and when they aren’t.

What Are Credit Card Rewards?

To better understand how credit card rewards are taxed, it can help to know what credit card rewards are. When a consumer uses a credit card they may earn different credit card rewards, such as points, cash back, and airline miles.

Depending on their redemption value, these rewards can be worth up to hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Your cardholder agreement should outline the credit card rules for how to earn rewards using a specific credit card, as well as how to redeem them.

How the IRS Treats Credit Card Rewards

In some cases, credit card rewards are taxable; in other cases, no. Take a closer look at which types of rewards and in which scenarios credit card rewards are counted as taxable income by the IRS.

Rewards Treated as Rebates on Spending

Luckily, cash back rewards and other rewards like miles or points aren’t considered taxable income when earned by making purchases. The IRS considers these types of rewards as rebates, discounts, or bonuses rather than income.

The trick is that the cardholder has to spend a certain amount to earn a reward in order for the IRS to not classify the rewards as income. For example, if a new credit card offers $200 in cash back when the cardholder spends $2,000 within the first six months of opening their account, that $200 would not be considered taxable income.

Rewards Considered as Income

Certain rewards are considered income. The way to identify which rewards are taxable income is by looking at how they’re earned.

As mentioned previously, if someone spends money to earn rewards, those rewards won’t be taxed. If, however, someone is given a $150 gift card simply for signing up or referring a friend for a new credit card, that $150 is viewed as taxable income — because they didn’t spend any money to earn it.

When Are Credit Card Rewards Taxed?

Again, credit card rewards that aren’t earned through spending (such as some introductory bonuses) can count as income that the IRS will expect the cardholder to pay income taxes on. Some scenarios in which credit card rewards may get taxed include:

•   If you received a sign-up bonus simply for opening a credit card or account

•   If you earn a reward for referring a friend

When Your Credit Card Rewards Are Taxable

As briefly mentioned above, any monetary rewards that a cardholder didn’t earn through spending can be considered taxable income.

Let’s look at how this can work with two different credit card bonus offers. If a cardholder is offered $100 if they spend $1,500 in the first three months of having their account open and they spend enough to earn that bonus, that reward won’t count as taxable income. On the other hand, if a cardholder is offered a $100 gift card simply for opening their new account, they will need to pay income tax on the $100.

When Your Credit Card Rewards Are Not Taxable

As briefly mentioned above, credit card rewards aren’t considered taxable income if someone spends money to earn them. When a cardholder acquires the rewards (cash back, travel miles, etc.) through purchases, then those rewards are classified as a rebate or a bonus, not taxable income.

For instance, this may include:

•   Sign-up bonuses that require meeting a spending threshold

•   Rewards earned from credit card spending

•   Miles earned through travel

Are Business Credit Card Rewards Taxable?

It doesn’t matter if the rewards are earned with a personal credit card or a business credit card — the same rules surrounding income taxes apply.

Where business credit cards can affect taxes is when it comes time to take tax deductions. For example, if someone bought $2,000 worth of equipment for their business and earned $40 in cash back rewards doing so, they can only deduct $1,960 on their taxes. In other words, they can only deduct the net cost of business expenses, which cash back reduces.

How to Know If You Owe Taxes on Credit Card Rewards

It can be hard to keep track of how much taxes are owed on credit card rewards. If someone earns a bonus without having to meet a spending requirement, the credit card company might send the cardholder an IRS Form 1099: either a Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-MISC specifying the amount of income they earned.

Whether or not you receive this form, however, you’ll need to report the bonus on your income taxes. To make doing this easier, it can be helpful to keep track of any bonuses not earned through spending. That way, if the credit card issuer doesn’t send a Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-MISC, you can still complete your taxes properly.

Reviewing old statements to look for statement credits in the form of cash back or other types of rewards can be helpful.

Recommended: How to Pay Taxes With a Credit Card

Avoiding Taxes on Your Credit Card Rewards: What to Know

To avoid taxes on credit card rewards, all the cardholder has to do is not seek out credit cards that offer bonuses for simply signing up for the credit card. If the rewards are earned through spending, they won’t run into any taxes, thus allowing them to pay less tax.

The Takeaway

In general, taxes only apply to rewards that don’t require any spending to earn. If you’ll owe taxes on your rewards, the credit card issuer typically will send a Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-MISC specifying the amount of income you’ve earned and will need to report.

Being smart about credit cards and their usage is about more than just rewards, however.

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 credit card cash back rewards taxable?

Only credit card rewards that cardholders receive without having to spend money to earn them in any way are considered taxable income. If a cardholder earns cash back for spending money using their credit card, it won’t count as taxable income.

Are loyalty points taxable?

If someone spends money to earn loyalty points (such as purchasing airline tickets), they won’t have to pay taxes on those points. If, however, they received the points simply for signing up for a credit card, that would count as taxable income that they’ll need to report.

Are credit card rewards reported to the IRS?

In some cases, yes, credit card rewards are reported to the IRS. When this happens, the credit card company might send the cardholder a Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-MISC specifying the amount of income they earned that they’ll need to report.

Do you have to pay taxes on credit card rewards?

Cardholders need to pay income taxes on credit card rewards they didn’t need to spend money to earn. If they had to spend money to earn a reward, such as cash back, that won’t count as taxable income.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

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

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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-Q224-1909077-V1

Overall, ATMs (automatic teller machines) can be a safe way to access money en route to a cash-only restaurant, say, or to conduct other banking transactions. But that doesn’t mean that theft, fraud, or other issues never crop up. They can and sometimes do.

That’s why it’s important to practice safe habits when using ATMs. Learn the ground rules here.

What Are the Pros of Using ATMs?

ATMs can really come in handy in a pinch. For example, if someone is heading to a tag sale or farmer’s market, there’s often an ATM on the way where they can take out some cash.

Here’s a closer look at why people use ATMs and what their advantages are:

•  Easy to locate; accessible in banks, stores, airports, and other locations

•  Make cash accessible when going to the bank isn’t possible

•  Can be free to use when the ATM is in-network

•  Depositing cash and checks at an ATM can be possible

•  Can check account balance on the go

For these reasons, ATMs can play an important role in facilitating your access to cash on an everyday basis.

Recommended: ATM Cards vs Debit Cards: What’s the Difference?

What Are the Risks of Using ATMs?

As helpful as ATMs can be, people do look to take advantage of consumers using these machines. Unfortunately, ATM fraud and theft is common enough that consumers need to approach these devices with a measure of caution.

These are some of the risks associated with using ATMs that consumers need to be aware of to ensure their safety and financial wellbeing:

•  Fraudsters can attach a card skimmer (thin plastic devices that slip over the card slot) to an ATM that collects debit card information, which can lead to financial loss.

•  Errors can occur such as deposits being counted incorrectly or checks being read wrong, which can cause problems with bank accounts.

•  Power outages in the midst of a transaction can make technical glitches occur and deposits not register.

•  ATMs can dispense too much money, which may seem like a money windfall for the user, but can result in legal trouble if the consumer fails to report the error.

•  Because thieves know the person using the ATM has the ability to access cash quickly, this can make them a target for robbers (especially late at night or at locations without much foot traffic).

•  It’s possible to hit an ATM withdrawal limit or to overdraft, which can lead to fees and other issues with your financial institution.

It’s wise to keep these downsides in mind so you can take steps to avoid them.

Keeping Yourself Safe While Using an ATM

To stay safe when using an ATM, consumers can practice these habits to protect their financial health:

•  Use ATMs within bank branches, where card skimmers are much less likely to be found.

•  Cover the keypad when entering a PIN to block anyone from seeing the code.

•  Scope out any ATMs that aren’t inside a bank before use to see if there are any misaligned card readers or other signs of tampering.

•  Always try to use ATMs during the day or in well-lit and trafficked locations.

•  Visit ATMs with another person or when other people are around, which can reduce the likelihood of being a robbery target.

•  Using these devices can result in ATM fees, which can add up and harm someone’s budget.

•  Do a cardless withdrawal, which relies on mobile phone technology instead of a debit card. This means you’re not vulnerable to card skimming.

These steps can help you keep yourself and your money safe when using an ATM.

Are ATMs Safe From Being Hacked?

The practice of card skimming is a principal reason why some consumers wonder if ATM machines are safe from hacking. As briefly noted earlier, ATM machines can have card skimmers attached to them. These devices collect debit card information and can allow fraudsters to access the associated bank account. Unfortunately, skimmers can be quite sophisticated and hard for consumers to detect. Some ways to protect yourself:

•  Using an ATM located within a bank can significantly lower the odds of interacting with a skimmer compared to accessing more isolated ATMs. Examples of isolated ATMs would be those located outside gas stations or similar sites.

•  It’s also possible to find ATMs in other safer locations, such as busy grocery stores and airports, where fraud may be less common due to the ATM machines being too visible or there being good security measures in place.

It’s worth noting that freestanding ATMs, the kind you might find at a convenience store or outside at a self-service gas station, may be hacked by criminals with wifi scanners and other ways of getting past any less-than-optimal security protocols. For this reason, it’s wise to use ATMs that are part of a major network and securely built into a location whenever possible.

Recommended: What Is a Contactless Payment?

The Takeaway

ATMs can offer a convenient way to quickly access essential banking services (and get cash) when on the go. While usually a safe option, using an ATM does come with some risk of fraud and theft. Because of this, it’s important to practice safe habits when using an ATM, such as only visiting one at a well-trafficked location and/or during the daytime.

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 you use an ATM at any time?

Some ATMs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; it’s often possible to find one accessible at any time. But because other ATMs are located within larger retail spaces (such as malls) or banks, they can have limited operating hours. ATMs may also be closed during less popular hours (such as the middle of the night) due to higher crime rates in an area.

When is the safest time to use an ATM?

The safest time to use an ATM is during the daylight hours, in well-trafficked locations when there are many people around. Whenever possible, try to avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, it’s best to park close to the ATM and to only use it if it is in a well-lit area. Ideally, you should also bring someone else with you, to help you appear less vulnerable to a would-be thief.

How can ATMs be made safer?

ATMs are safest when they are in highly visible, well-lit areas that make committing a crime less appealing due to an increased likelihood of being caught. Having security cameras surrounding the ATM can also help discourage criminals, including those who may want to apply a card-skimming device. In general, it’s wise to use ATMs that are inside financial institutions or built into well-trafficked locations (such as your supermarket) vs. the freestanding ones or devices that are found outside, say, self-service gas stations.

One other note: Using cardless withdrawal methods can help you avoid the threat of card skimmers stealing your data.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. 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.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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

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ACH return codes are generated when an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment fails to process and therefore gets returned. ACH payments, which essentially transfer funds between financial institutions, can be a huge convenience. They allow you to set up automatic monthly bill pay and receive direct deposit of one’s paycheck, for instance. There are, however, likely to be times when a transaction doesn’t work as expected, perhaps due to incorrect coding or insufficient funds. ACH return codes indicate exactly what went wrong.

Here, you’ll learn about what ACH return codes are and what steps you can take to help complete this kind of banking transaction, especially if you are managing a business that relies upon them.

What Are ACH Return Codes?

First, know that ACH refers to the Automated Clearing House, a U.S. financial network that provides electronic transfers among banks and credit unions. If you receive your paycheck by direct deposit or set up bill pay from your checking account, you are using the ACH system. It’s considered a fast, secure, and simple way to move money.

ACH returns occur when an ACH payment can’t be completed.

There are a few reasons why these transactions aren’t successful, including:

•   The originator (the entity who requested payment) provided inaccurate or incomplete payment information or data.

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

•   There aren’t sufficient funds to complete the transaction.

The ACH return code alerts the parties involved so they know there’s an issue, whether a recurring automatic bill pay suddenly stopped or a one-time payment could not go through. The specific reason can then help the situation be remedied so the payment can hopefully be sent again properly.

Here’s an example to clarify this concept: Perhaps your wifi provider is authorized to withdraw payment monthly from your checking account. If the Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI; the wifi provider’s bank) or the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI; the entity receiving the payment request; aka your bank) isn’t able to transfer funds, a return code will be generated to explain exactly why the transaction wasn’t completed.

How ACH Returns Work

If an ACH payment can’t be completed, as mentioned above, a specific return code will be generated. The person or business originating the payment request can then work to resolve the issue.

A few details to note about how ACH returns work:

•   If an ACH return occurs due to insufficient funds, the consumer may be on the hook for an ACH return charge. It’s similar to when a check bounces; the end user pays a small fee; in this case, usually $2 to $5.

•   Timing-wise, most ACH returns only take about two banking days, though a few of these ACH codes involve transactions that can take up to 60 days to process.

Common ACH Return Codes

There are 85 distinct ACH return codes. Here, you’ll learn about some of the most common ones. These return codes are typically received by the entity requesting payment and their bank.

Code: R01
Meaning: Insufficient funds (the account’s available balance isn’t sufficient to cover the funds transfer, similar to being in overdraft)
What to do: The entity requesting payment can attempt the transaction again as a new transaction within 30 days of the original authorization date (up to two times), or contact the customer for an alternate payment method.

Code: R02
Meaning: Account closed (a once-active account has been closed).
What to do: The entity requesting payment can ask the customer to correct their account information or provide a different bank account or form of payment to complete the transaction.

Code: R03
Meaning: No account exists or unable to locate account (even though the account number structure is valid, it doesn’t pass the check digit validation).
What to do: The request’s originator should contact the customer to confirm their routing number, bank account number, and the name on the bank account. If this information differs from what was originally entered, they can submit a new payment with these new details. Or request another form of payment.

Code: R04
Meaning: Invalid account number.
What to do: The entity requesting payment should check the account number, and retry the transaction. Or obtain the correct bank account number and submit a new payment with that account number.

Code: R05
Meaning: This transaction should have been processed as a consumer, not corporate, transaction.
What to do: The request’s originator should check that you have used the right codes. They can contact the customer and ask for a new form of payment. In some cases, they may need to file an appeal with Nacha (the non-profit organization that manages the ACH network) for this kind of returned transaction.

Code: R06
Meaning: Returned at ODFI’s request (ODFI requested that the RDFI return the ACH entry), often because the transaction is believed to be fraudulent.
What to do: The entity seeking payment should contact the ODFI to understand why the transaction was rejected, and then, depending on the response, resubmit or alter the request.

Code: R07
Meaning: The previous authorization for an ACH transaction was revoked by the customer.
What to do: The originator of the request should suspend recurring payment schedules entered for this specific bank account to prevent additional transactions from being returned. Then they need to address the issue with the customer, and try to resolve the issue by getting a new form of payment or asking to debit a different bank account.

Code: R08
Meaning: The customer has issued a stop payment on the item.
What to do: The entity requesting funds should contact the customer to resolve the issue, and then re-enter the returned transaction again with proper authorization from the customer. Or request a new form of payment.

Code: R09
Meaning: Due to uncollected funds, the originator can’t access enough money to cover the transaction.
What to do: The originator should try the transaction again, and re-enter it as a new one within 30 days of the original authorization date (up to two times in 60 days).

Code: R10
Meaning: The customer advised this transaction is not authorized or is improper in some way.
What to do: The entity requesting payment should check the details and authorization on the transaction to determine if an error was made. They can connect with the customer to determine why this code was triggered. If the details can be rectified, they can resubmit the transaction per ACH guidelines.

Code: R11
Meaning: An electronic check deposit was not executed correctly.
What to do: The originator of the request can correct the underlying error and resubmit the corrected electronic deposit within 60 calendar days.

Code: R12
Meaning: The branch where the account is held was sold to another DFI (development financial institution).
What to do: The entity making the request should obtain the customer’s new routing and bank account information, and submit a new transaction.

Recommended: What is Liquid Net Worth

More ACH Return Codes

The following ACH return codes are less common than those mentioned previously, but still occur and are worth knowing. Here’s a look at what makes these codes tick:

Code: R13
Meaning: Invalid routing number provided.
What to do: The request’s originator should get the correct routing number from the customer to use when resubmitting the request.

Code: R14
Meaning: The account was being managed by someone who is now deceased or can no longer continue overseeing the account (such as an account held for a minor or an incapacitated person).
What to do: This is handled on a case-by-case basis; the request’s originator might try to contact the beneficiary or new representative for the account.

Code: R15
Meaning: Beneficiary or account holder is deceased.
What to do: No further action can typically be taken.

Code: R16
Meaning: Account is frozen and funds are unavailable.
What to do: The entity making the request should obtain a new payment form.

Code: R17
Meaning: Known as a “file record edit criteria” code, this indicates that there is a discrepancy in the file code, and the transaction cannot be processed.
What to do: The fields causing the processing error need to be identified (typically by the originator of the request) in the addenda record information field of the return to complete the transaction.

Code: R20
Meaning: The receiving account is not a transaction account (aka, it’s an account against which transactions are prohibited or limited).
What to do: The entity making the request can contact the customer, and request either the authorization to charge a different bank account or a new form of payment.

Code: R21
Meaning: The ACH file contains an invalid or incorrect company identification number.
What to do: The originator of the request should double-check their information, or contact the company to obtain the correct information.

Code: R22
Meaning: The individual ID number is invalid.
What to do: The entity making the request should check their information and resubmit, or contact the customer to obtain the correct information.

Code: R23
Meaning: The account holder or their bank is refusing to accept the transaction.
What to do: The originator of the request can work with the customer to clear up the issue, or ask them to contact their bank to resolve it.

Code: R24
Meaning: Duplicate entry.
What to do: If the transaction is indeed a duplicate, there’s nothing else to do. If it isn’t, the entity making the request can contact their customer or their customer’s bank to resolve the error.

Code: R29
Meaning: The customer has notified their bank that the requesting entity is not authorized to conduct this transaction.
What to do: The originator of the request should suspend recurring payment schedules, and then address the issue with the customer. For instance, they could request new payment information from the customer or ask them to contact their bank to authorize the payment.

Code: R31
Meaning: This indicates that the receiving bank is requesting to return a certain kind of ACH transaction (a CCD, or cash concentration disbursement, and CTX, or corporate trade exchange, only).
What to do: The entity making the request can reach out to their customer to resolve this issue or request a different form of payment.

Code: R33
Meaning: There is an issue with a transaction involving a converted check (known as XCK), such as when a damaged paper check is converted to an electronic version.
What to do: The originator of the request should contact their customer for another payment form.

Recommended: Average Savings by Age

The Takeaway

ACH return codes express the reason why an electronic Automated Clearing House payment could not be completed. Knowing what each code represents can help determine what the next steps should be to keep payments flowing smoothly or get refunds completed.

Need an easy way to receive payments when managing your personal banking?

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 causes an ACH return?

ACH returns occur when an Automated Clearing House payment can’t be completed, perhaps due to inaccurate or incomplete information or insufficient funds. When this happens, an ACH return code is generated, providing a reason for the return.

What is ACH return fee?

When ACH returns occur, especially due to insufficient funds, a fee can be charged. It’s similar to how a bounced check incurs a fee. The amount is generally around $2 to $5.

How long does an ACH refund take?

Typically, an ACH refund takes about five to 10 banking days to occur, though some situations can take longer to resolve..

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. 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.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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