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A 30-day no-spend challenge is a set period of time — 30 days, in this case — during which you can only spend money on absolute necessities. Allowed expenses include utility bills, rent, transportation costs, and groceries. Anything that falls outside the necessity bucket is banned for the 30-day duration.

With many people looking to cut back on expenses due to recent price increases, a 30-day no-spend challenge can be a great way to take stock of your spending habits and find ways to use your money more wisely.

How Does the 30-Day No-Spend Challenge Work?

Again, a no-spend challenge is a time period during which you stop spending money on anything other than what you absolutely need to live. To get started, you create a list of items and services you consider essential. When you review the list, ask yourself if all of your so-called essentials really are that important, or are some superfluous or impulsive?

Keep in mind that this challenge is designed to help curb troublesome overspending or more specific bad spending habits. So don’t beat yourself up if you do spend some money on wants versus needs.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

Allowed Expenses During the 30-Day No-Spend Challenge

During the no-spend challenge, you will still need to pay your rent or mortgage, gas, utility bills, insurance, and things like your internet and phone bills. You can purchase essential personal care items, too, such as medications, groceries, and cleaning products. A budget planner app can help you decide on your “needs” list.

But the lines can get blurry. For instance, what happens if you wear out your shoes and want/need a new pair? After all, walking in cheap, poorly made shoes could lead to injury or avoiding activity. Feel free to give yourself some wiggle room in deciding what’s essential for you.

Recommended: The 70/20/10 Rule for Budgeting

Forbidden Expenses During the 30-Day No-Spend Challenge

Remember that before you begin the challenge, you’ll be questioning what’s essential and how strict you want to be. It’s smart to decide in advance which of the following will be on your do-not-spend list:

•   Eating out: fast food, restaurants, takeout, alcohol, coffees, etc.

•   Personal care items or services

•   Clothing

•   Gifts and gift cards

•   Home decor and furnishings

•   Hobbies

•   Entertainment: movies, concerts, books, streaming services

You may determine ahead of time that there will be certain exceptions to these categories. For example, you can decide on “no gifts” except for your mom’s birthday. Or no salon appointments except for a needed haircut.

Tips for Completing the 30-Day No-Spend Challenge

Anticipate what will be the most difficult part of the challenge for you, and create strategies for coping. Is your busy social life going to tempt you to break the rules? Or will the siren call of online shopping be your undoing?

Come up with a plan on how you will get past your specific spending challenges. If your social life will be tough to navigate that month, recruit pals to join the challenge and make it a friendly competition. If online shopping is your budget-killer, unsubscribe from retail email lists and delete shopping apps from your phone. The point is to make the challenge as easy on yourself as possible.

Here are a few additional ways to set yourself up for success:

•   Unsubscribe from memberships and apps

•   Set aside time during the week for meal prep, and bring lunch to work

•   Dust off your travel mug, and skip the coffee shop

•   When you get an urge to buy something, add it to a post-challenge wish list

•   Print out a 30-day calendar and make a checkmark at the end of each successful day. Visual reinforcement can motivate you to keep going.

10 Free Things to Do Instead of Spending Money

Taking part in a 30-day no-spend challenge doesn’t have to mean isolating yourself at home in an effort to save money. This is a time to get creative and search out free activities. You may find that some free experiences are more fun than what you normally spend money on.

1. Take a Hike

Whether you’re walking a mile or seven, hiking is a great way to spend the day outdoors. You can invite friends or go solo and get in tune with nature.

2. Get Some Exercise

Many great athletes and trainers offer workouts on social media and YouTube. Or download one of the many free apps that feature yoga, strength training, and high-intensity workouts.

3. Set Up a Sports League

Call your friends and organize a weekly game of flag football, basketball, or frisbee. Encourage folks to BYO beverages and snacks so that there’s no need to visit a restaurant or bar after the game.

4. Dine Al Fresco

Get your picnic blanket and paper plates ready, and propose a pot-luck in the park.

5. Host a Movie Night

Try a free, library-affiliated streaming service like Hoopla or Kanopy, and immerse yourself in a great film. If you’re feeling inspired, select a classic film, and ask friends to come dressed in the style of that time period.

6. Sand and Surf

Sticking to your challenge budget during summer is simple: Head to the nearest free parking beach. Bring towels, chairs, and umbrellas and set up shop for the day. And of course, pack a cooler full of sandwiches and drinks.

7. Have an At-home Spa Night

You don’t need to spend hundreds at the spa. Set the tone with candles and music.
And use personal care items that you already have to pamper yourself.

8. Check Out a Local Park

Odds are, there’s at least one park near your home that you’ve never visited. If you live near a botanical garden, even better. Also, see if any national or state parks nearby have free visitor days.

9. Visit Art Galleries and Museums

Support local artists by visiting small art galleries, or see if any local museums have free visitor days.

10. Whip Up a Gourmet Meal

Instead of dining out, try recreating your favorite meal yourself. Take your time, find recipes, get groceries, and have fun with it. You can pull up an online recipe or follow along with a cooking show.

The Takeaway

Intended to encourage better spending habits, the 30-day no-spend challenge asks you to limit your purchases for one month to essential items and services only. Utilities and groceries are allowed; dining out and other “treats” are not. You’ll likely learn a lot about your money habits, and perhaps let go of some “needs” that you really aren’t.

Before the challenge, review your monthly spending habits with SoFi.

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 is the no-spend challenge?

A no-spend challenge is a stretch of time during which participants vow not to spend money unnecessarily. Essentials are still allowed, such as bills, transportation, and groceries. Anything that falls outside of your predetermined needs has to wait until the challenge is over.

How do you do a no-spend month challenge?

Don’t spend any money you don’t have to — it can be as simple as that. Before you begin the challenge, ask yourself which items are essential (such as groceries) and how strict you want to be. The goal is not to purchase anything unnecessary.

How do you challenge yourself to not spend money?

Make spending less money a game by trying a 30-day no-spend challenge. Motivate yourself to stick with it by setting up a reward once the challenge is over. And be sure to track how much you save over those 30 days.

Photo credit: iStock/Seiya Tabuchi

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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.


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SORL-Q224-1921296-V1

When it comes to financing a college education, there are several very different options, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each.

Depending on your academic qualifications, you may have been awarded scholarships or grants, which is funding that won’t (typically) need to be repaid. Any expenses not covered by a scholarship will need to be financed, often through a combination of work-study, personal funds, and student loans.

It is fairly common for college students to take out student loans to finance their education. There are two main types of student loans — private student loans and federal student loans. We’ll compare and contrast some of the more popular features of both private and federal student loans and explore some features that can help you determine what makes the most sense for your financial situation.

Types of Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans are funded by the federal government. In order to qualify, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) every year that you want to receive federal student loans. We’ll delve more into the FAFSA soon — but first, here are some important distinctions to consider.

Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Loans

Federal loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. If you’re an undergraduate student in financial need, you may qualify for a subsidized loan. The amount of money you qualify for will be determined by your school.

With subsidized loans, the U.S. government covers the interest that accrues while you are a full- or half-time student, during a six-month grace period after graduation, and for any periods of loan deferment.

If you receive an unsubsidized federal loan, you don’t need to demonstrate financial need when applying. Interest begins accruing from the day your loan is disbursed — though borrowers are not required to make payments until six months after graduation. As with subsidized loans, your school will determine the amount you can receive, based on your cost of attendance.

Direct PLUS Loans for Parents and Graduate Students

Direct PLUS Loans are another source of federal student loan funding. To qualify for graduate PLUS Loans, you need to be a graduate-level or professional student in a program that offers degrees or certifications, and attend college at least half-time.

Parents can also apply for a Parent PLUS loan if their dependent undergraduate student attends an eligible school at least half-time. “Parent” is defined as biological, adoptive, or sometimes a stepparent.

To obtain a Direct PLUS loan, you cannot have an adverse credit history. And you and your dependent child must meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid.

Recommended: How Do Student Loans Work? Guide to Student Loans

More About the FAFSA

If you plan to apply for any of these types of federal loans, you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA form. Be aware of your state’s FAFSA deadline — FAFSA funding is determined on a rolling basis, so the sooner you can apply, the sooner you may qualify.

The new FAFSA application typically is available on October 1 of the prior year. The 2025-26 FAFSA form is expected to be released on October 1, 2024.

Benefits of Federal Student Loans

First off, you won’t be responsible for making student loan payments while you are actively enrolled in school. Your repayment will typically begin after you graduate, leave school, or are enrolled less than half-time.

Another perk is that your credit history doesn’t factor into a federal loan application. One exception is Direct PLUS Loans for grad students and parents.

Interest rates on federal student loans are fixed and typically lower than interest rates on private student loans. Depending on the type of federal loans you have, the interest you pay could be tax-deductible.

When it comes to federal student loan repayment, there are several options to choose from, including several income-driven repayment plans.

If you run into difficulty repaying your federal student loans after graduation, or if you drop below half-time enrollment, deferment and forbearance options are available. These programs allow qualifying borrowers to temporarily pause payments on their loans should they run into financial issues — but interest may still accrue. The loan type will inform whether a borrower qualifies for deferment or forbearance. Borrowers can contact their student loan servicer for more information on these programs.

Qualifying borrowers can also enroll in certain forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). These programs have strict requirements, so borrowers who are pursuing forgiveness should review program details closely.

Federal Student Loan Pros and Cons

Here is a recap of some of the pros and cons of federal student loans.

The CARES Act and Federal Student Loans

The CARES Act, passed in March 2020 in response to COVID-19, temporarily paused payments on most federal student loans and set interest at 0%. With the signing of the debt ceiling bill in June 2023, the three-year pause came to an end. Interest on federal student loans resumed on September 1, 2023, and the first post-pause payments were due shortly after. To ease the transition, borrowers won’t be reported as delinquent if they are late with payments through September 2024.

The CARES Act and the payment pause did not apply to private student loans.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are not funded by the government. To apply for them, you can check with individual lenders (banks, credit unions, and online lenders), with the college or university you’ll be attending, or with state loan agencies.

Because these loans are available from multiple sources, each will come with its own terms and conditions. So when applying for private student loans, it’s important to clearly understand annual percentage rates (APRs) and repayment terms before signing, as well as the differences between private vs. federal student loans.

Since private student loans are not associated with the federal government, their repayment terms and benefits vary from lender to lender. Some private loans require payments while you’re still attending college. Unlike federal loans, interest rates could be fixed or variable. If you are applying for a variable-rate loan, it’s a good idea to check how often the interest rate can change, plus how much it can change each time and what the maximum interest rate can be.

When applying for a private loan, the lender typically reviews your financial history and credit score, which means it may be beneficial to have a cosigner.

Be sure to ask your lender about repayment options in addition to any deferment or forbearance options. These will all vary by lender, so it’s important to understand the terms of the particular loan you are applying for.

Benefits of Private Student Loans

Private student loans offer several benefits that can make them an attractive option for some students. One significant advantage is their ability to cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, which can be particularly helpful if federal loan limits are insufficient.

Additionally, private lenders often provide a variety of loan options with different repayment terms and interest rates, allowing borrowers to choose a plan that best fits their financial situation and future income expectations. Some private loans offer competitive interest rates, especially for borrowers with excellent credit or those who have a creditworthy cosigner, potentially resulting in lower overall borrowing costs compared to federal PLUS loans.

Another benefit of private student loans is the potential for customization and flexibility in loan features. Many private lenders offer interest rate discounts for autopay enrollment, loyalty discounts for existing customers, and even the option to release a cosigner after a certain period of on-time payments.

Private loans can also be accessed more quickly than federal loans, which can be advantageous in time-sensitive situations.

Private Student Loans Pros and Cons

Here is a recap of some of the pros and cons of private student loans.

Private loans can help fill the monetary gap between what you’re able to cover with grants, scholarships, federal loans, and the like, and what you owe to attend college. It’s never a bad idea to take the time to do your research, shop around, and find the best loan options for your personal financial situation. For a full overview, take a look at SoFi’s private student loan guide.

Determining Whether a Student Loan Is Federal or Private

To find out if the student loan you have is a federal student loan, one option is to check the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). This database, run by the Department of Education, is a collection of information on student loans, aggregating data from universities, federal loan programs, and more.

Borrowers with federal student loans can also log into My Federal Student Aid to find information about their student loan including the federal loan servicer.

Private student loans are administered by private companies. To confirm the information on a private student loan, one option is to look at your loan statements and contact your loan servicer.

Options for After Graduation: Consolidation vs Refinancing

After graduation, depending on one’s student loan situation, borrowers may wish to consider consolidation or refinancing options to combine their various loans into a single loan.

The federal government offers the Direct Consolidation Loan program that allows borrowers to combine all of their federal loans into one consolidated loan.

Loans consolidated in this program receive a new interest rate that is the weighted average of the interest rates of all loans being consolidated — rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent. This means that the actual interest rate isn’t necessarily reduced when consolidated. If monthly payments are reduced, it is most likely because the repayment term has been lengthened. Additionally, only federal student loans are eligible for consolidation in the Direct Consolidation Loan program.

Student loan refinancing, on the other hand, means taking out a new loan and using it to pay off all the other student loans. Depending upon individual financial situations, applicants could qualify for a lower interest rate through refinancing.

When an individual applies to refinance with a private lender, there is typically a credit check of some kind. Each lender reviews specific borrower criteria that influences the rate and terms an applicant may qualify for.

Recommended: The SoFi Guide to Student Loan Refinancing

Combining Federal and Private Student Loans

Refinancing federal loans with a private lender is the only option that allows borrowers to combine both federal and private student loans into a single loan. While refinancing may allow borrowers to secure a competitive interest rate or preferable terms, it’s very important to understand that when you refinance federal student loans, they no longer qualify for federal benefits or borrower protections.

Refinancing may make sense for federal student loan holders who do not plan to take advantage of any federal programs or payment plans, but it won’t make sense for everyone. When you are evaluating whether you should refinance student loan debt, reflect realistically on your professional and financial situation. For example, borrowers who are enrolled in income-driven repayment plans or are pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, may find that refinancing their federal student loans doesn’t make sense for their personal goals.

The Takeaway

Federal student loans differ from private student loans in key ways. You must fill out the FAFSA every year to qualify for federal loans. With subsidized federal loans, interest doesn’t accrue until after graduation and a six month grace period. Federal loans also offer special protections to borrowers, such as deferment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The same protections are not available on private student loans. You may or may not qualify for a lower interest rate on a private student loan, depending on your credit history, whereas your credit score doesn’t affect your ability to qualify for federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is the difference between a federal and private student loan?

Federal student loans are issued by the U.S. government with fixed interest rates, more flexible repayment options, and benefits like income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. Private student loans are offered by private financial institutions with rates and terms based on creditworthiness, often requiring a cosigner, and generally lacking the same level of repayment flexibility and borrower protections. However, private student loans are a good option once federal student loans have been exhausted.

What is the downside to using private student loans instead of federal student loans?

The downside to using private student loans instead of federal student loans includes higher and potentially variable interest rates, less flexible repayment options, and fewer borrower protections. Private loans often require a good credit score or a cosigner, lack income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs, and generally offer limited deferment and forbearance options compared to federal loans.

How much student loan debt is federal vs private?

According to the Education Data Initiative, federal student loan debt significantly outweighs private student loan debt in the United States, with federal loans comprising approximately 92% of the total student loan debt, amounting to around $1.6 trillion, while private loans account for the remaining 8%, or roughly $140 billion.

Is it better to get a federal or private student loan?

It is generally better to get a federal student loan due to its lower interest rates, flexible repayment options, and robust borrower protections. However, private student loans can be a good option once federal student loans have been exhausted.

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Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

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Yes, international students can get student loans to study in the U.S. However, international students have fewer financing options than American borrowers and may face some additional hurdles to securing a loan.

Going to college in the U.S. can help international students advance their education and professional goals. It’s also a big undertaking financially. For the 2023-24 academic year, tuition and fees averaged $38,421 at private colleges, $9,750 for in-state students at public colleges, and $28,386 for out-of-state students at public colleges.

Read on to learn what type of student loans you might qualify for as an international student, and how to evaluate and compare options.

Who Is Considered an International Student?

An international student is typically defined as a student who chooses to pursue education in a country other than their own. This status applies to students across various levels of education, including high school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate studies. For undergraduate students, international students would include anyone who has graduated high school outside of the United States.

What Is an International Student Loan?

An international student loan is a type of private loan available to the nearly one million foreign students studying in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Education does not issue international student loans, as federal student loans are only available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-residents.

There are many lenders to choose from for international student loans. Loan terms and eligibility requirements can vary by lender. It’s generally recommended to exhaust any opportunities for scholarships, grants, and school-based financial aid before applying for an international student loan.

U.S. citizens looking to get an education overseas have options for student loans for studying abroad, too.

Loan Options If You Are an Eligible Noncitizen

Are federal loans for international students possible? In some cases, yes. To be eligible, noncitizens must fall into one of several categories:

•   You are a U.S. national or green card holder.

•   You hold an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) showing “Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Cuban-Haitian Entrant,” “Conditional Entrant,” (if issued before April 1, 1980) or “Parolee” (with one year paroled minimum and proof that you’re in the U.S. for a non-temporary purpose and intended to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).

•   You or your parents hold a T-1 nonimmigrant status.

•   You or a parent are a battered immigrant-qualified alien.

Other noncitizens may be eligible for other forms of federal aid. For example, citizens from Palau can apply for Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Work-Study.

There are additional student loan requirements that eligible noncitizens must satisfy to qualify for federal loans, such as completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) and attending school at least half-time.

Loan Options if You Are Not Eligible for Federal Student Loans

When federal loans aren’t an option, private student loans may be needed to cover the cost of attending college in the U.S.

Private student loans are offered by banks and financial institutions and are credit-based — meaning the borrower’s ability to repay the loan will be evaluated by the lender based on factors such as the individual’s credit score and income, among others.

Some lenders may require an international student to apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, though there are lenders who offer specialized student loans for international students.

International students might also explore parent loans to pay for college. Instead of the student, a parent, relative, or trusted individual takes out a loan for their student’s education expenses.

It could be beneficial to ask your school’s financial aid office for a list of lenders to begin your search. Browsing online may also be helpful for understanding your options as a borrower and comparing loans and lenders.

Do International Students Need a Cosigner to Get a Student Loan?

A cosigner is someone who takes on a legal obligation to pay back a loan if the borrower is unable to. Having a cosigner for a student loan reduces the risk for the lender and can help the borrower obtain financing with better terms.

With private student loans, lenders may require a cosigner if a borrower’s income and credit aren’t enough — which is often the case. According to the Enterval Private Student Loan report, during the 2025-2026 school year, 91% of undergraduate student loans had a cosigner while 69% of student loans made for graduate students had a cosigner.

As briefly mentioned, for international students, applying for student loans often requires having a U.S. cosigner. Generally, cosigners are a relative or close friend since they are on the hook for paying the loan if a borrower fails to make loan payments or defaults.

But can international students apply for student loans without a cosigner in the U.S.? Applying for a student loan without a cosigner is possible, but a no-cosigner loan will likely come with a higher interest rate.

After building up credit and making regular on-time payments post-graduation, borrowers may be able to get a cosigner release. This frees the cosigner from legal liability for the loan, which is especially important if another college-bound family member needs a cosigner.

Typical Requirements for International Student Loans

Many lenders require international students to have a cosigner and study at least half-time at an eligible college to obtain a loan. Here are some typical student loan requirements that could impact approval, as well as the loan amount and terms:

•   Personal credit history and score in the U.S.

•   Cosigner’s creditworthiness

•   Live in the U.S. while attending school

•   Qualify for a student or other temporary resident visa that does not expire within six months of graduation

•   Personal financial information, such as bank statements and tax returns

•   Estimated future earnings

•   Employment and education history

Can international students get student loans without meeting all these requirements? Student loans have varying requirements, so it’s possible to qualify with one lender and not another.

International Student Loan Repayment Terms

A loan’s repayment term stipulates how long the borrower has to pay back the loan, the monthly payment amount, and conditions for when payment starts.

A longer repayment term translates to smaller monthly payments, and vice versa. Keep in mind that the longer the term, the more interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.

Private student loans don’t offer the same repayment options as federal loans. Whereas the standard repayment plan for federal loans has a 10-year repayment term, international student loan terms may vary depending on the lender and could range from five to 20 years.

International student loans may come with a grace period of up to six months after graduation as long as you’re enrolled at least half-time in college. Alternatively, interest-only payments could be required while enrolled in college, or repayment may begin as soon as the loan is disbursed.

International Student Loan Interest Rates

Interest is the amount charged by the lender on top of the original loan amount. With international student loans, your creditworthiness is a major factor for determining the interest rate you’ll pay.

Lenders may offer either fixed or variable interest rates. The former remains constant over the life of the loan, while the latter can fluctuate over time based on market conditions.

The main benefit of fixed-rate loans is the predictable monthly payments. The loan terms outline how much interest you’ll pay each month and over the entire life of the loan.

Later on, refinancing international student loans could help secure a lower fixed interest rate.

On the other hand, variable-rate student loans can be advantageous if you qualify for a low interest rate or expect to land a high-paying job after graduation. If you can make extra payments early on before variable rates rise, you could potentially reduce how much you pay in the long run.

Recommended: All About Interest Rates and How They Work

What Can You Use an International Student Loan For?

How much you can borrow is determined by the school’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive, such as scholarships and grants. If you have money left over after tuition, international student loans could be used for other education-related and living expenses, including:

•   Room and board or off-campus housing

•   Health insurance

•   Textbooks, laptop, and supplies

•   Equipment (e.g. lab equipment)

•   Transportation and commuting costs

Generally, lenders are not monitoring how borrowers spend their student loan funds once disbursed. The rationale to avoid using loans for unnecessary expenses is that you have to pay it back with interest.

Recommended: Using Student Loans for Living Expenses and Housing

Do International Students Have Other Financing Options?

Yes, international students have other financing options outside student loans. Options include scholarships and grants, sponsorships, assistantships and fellowships, getting a part-time job, asking family or friends, and crowdfunding.

Private Student Loans for International Students

As an international student, attending college in the U.S. can come with challenges. Besides adjusting to a new culture, foreign students can’t receive federal aid or loans unless they qualify as eligible noncitizens.

Still, international students have several options for paying for college in the U.S., including scholarships, grants, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Can international students get a student loan?

International students cannot get federal student loans unless they qualify as eligible noncitizens. They can, however, apply for scholarships, grants, and private student loans. Private student loans do not offer the same benefits as federal student loans, but they can be a solid way to help fund an education.

Photo credit: iStock/Anchiy

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Are you toying with the idea of opening a Christmas Club account? It may sound like a retro idea, but a Christmas Club (or Holiday Club account) is simply a short-term savings fund that can help you plan for and manage the annual spending blizzard. The strategy can be smart, since during the most recent season, consumers spent a whopping $964 billion, according to the National Retail Foundation.

Pacing yourself to save in advance of the holiday crush is great, but there can be pros and cons of a Christmas Club account. Learn the details here.

What Is a Christmas Club Account?

Christmas Club accounts started in 1909 at a Pennsylvania bank and are designed to help you save money for holiday expenses. They typically do not earn high interest but can help you pull back your purse strings when December comes along and avoid debt.

After making regular, scheduled contributions to the Christmas account, the money is withdrawn, typically in October, November, or December, depending on your bank’s rules. Christmas Club funds are transferred to your regular checking account with the bank or withdrawn in a check to cover your holiday expenses, be they toys, trimmings, or latke parties.

Saving in increments can be easier on your budget than scrambling for cash when Yuletide, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa come around. It can also spare you from putting all those charges on your credit cards and having a high balance due.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure mobile banking app.

How a Christmas Club Account Works

When you sign up for a Christmas Club account, you start with a deposit. Rules and regulations vary by bank. Some require a minimum to start; others don’t. Some have no minimum balance requirement in person at a branch but need a $25 minimum for setting up a Holiday Club account online.

You decide the amount you want to contribute regularly. For instance, you might opt for $25 or $100 swept from your checking account into your Christmas account every week or every payday.

Historically, banks have charged fees for withdrawing money before the club account matures. That encourages consumers to leave their money there until holiday shopping time. Just be aware that if an emergency comes up, like a broken water heater, and you take the money out, you will get hit with a fee.

Reasons to Use a Christmas Club Account

There are several benefits to Christmas Club accounts that can make them a helpful financial tool. Here are some of the reasons why people open them:

•   To save for a predictable spend above and beyond your year-round monthly budget. Many of us try to celebrate the holidays on a budget. But the gifting/decorating/entertaining spree can still hit every winter. A club account plumps up a money cushion to help you avoid credit card debt.

•   To afford holiday travel. Most of us need extra dough, whether to rent a car to visit family or fly the kids home from college. To score the lowest airfare, car rental, and lodging costs, brush up on smart tips for finding travel deals. (If short-term savings won’t cover your trip, shop for the best travel loans with lower APRs, no compounding interest, and no fees.) Stashing funds in a club account, of course, is a viable solution.

•   To build up funds for other planned annual costs. Just because they are called Christmas Club accounts doesn’t mean they have to be used for holiday spending. Puzzling over how to save on spring break expenses or how to pay for your child’s summer sleepaway camp? In those cases, a club account can be golden.

Where Can You Find a Christmas Club Account?

Christmas Club accounts are most often available at smaller community banks and credit unions vs. banks with a national presence. You can open one in person at a branch or online at your bank’s website. (Search under savings accounts.) Often, the same banks that set up payroll direct deposit plans also offer short-term club accounts.

Christmas Club accounts are offered at credit unions all across America, from the Fidelity Bank and Trust in Iowa to the Pasadena Federal Credit Union in California, and in too many places in between to count.

Pros of a Christmas Club Account

If you’re trying to decide if a Christmas Club account is right for you, it’s worthwhile to consider the advantages of these accounts.

Simplifies the Process of Saving for the Holidays

Framing your holiday budget ahead of time can cut stress. Pacing yourself to save over months may be even better. If it helps, you can give these targeted accounts nicknames to keep your eye on the goal; say, “Christmas in Vermont” to “Kids’ Lego Fund.”

Alternative to Putting Holiday Purchases on Credit Card

Using Christmas cash can help you avoid overspending with credit cards. Once you turn to plastic, things can get out of control. You start hunting online for a scooter a child has her heart set on and then see an ad for the brown suede boots you’ve been wanting…ka-ching. Interest rates on credit cards are quite high, and you can be left with debt that takes a long time to pay off.

Recommended: How Does a Credit Limit Work?

Cons of a Christmas Club Account

It’s not all a winter wonderland; Christmas Club accounts can have downsides. Here are a few to consider.

Most Banks Have Saving Limits

Most Christmas Club accounts have a maximum dollar amount you can save. Some banks allow up to $5,000, but this number will vary. The cap might be less than what you’d like to save. If need be, consider opening a second Christmas club if the bank allows it or open an additional one at another bank, too.

Potential Fees for Early Withdrawal

If you need to get the money out before the set withdrawal date, you will most likely incur early withdrawal fees. These can vary. Find out what they are when you open your account.

Alternatives to Christmas Club Accounts

If you want to save money for the holidays but aren’t sure a Christmas Club account is right for you, consider these options.

•   Certificate of Deposit. A certificate of deposit (or CD) generally offers a higher interest rate than a savings account but comes with a term. The bank holds your money for anywhere from months to years, and you collect the interest when the CD matures at the end of the term. Since a CD will lock up your money for a specific amount of time (typically between six months and 18 months, but shorter and longer terms are available), you may need to plan this right to have funds available for holiday expenses.

•   Money Market Account. A money market account is an interest-bearing account that is federally insured and has competitive interest rates. It generally requires a higher opening deposit.

•   High-yield Savings Account. These high-yield bank accounts earn significantly more interest than standard savings; you may find the best rates at online banks. However, the accessibility of these funds can be a downside. We all know how tempting it can be to transfer money from savings to checking when an unexpected household expense or special occasion comes up.

•   Travel account. Like Christmas accounts, these savings accounts likely won’t pay great interest, but they help you save for your goal. You can pick where to keep travel fund savings, and then use the money to hop on a plane when the holidays roll around.

The Takeaway

Christmas Clubs (or Holiday Club accounts) can spur you on to save regularly for the winter holiday spend. Planning ahead reduces stress. What’s more, setting a savings goal can help you keep your eye on the limit and avoid credit card overspending. But beware of fees for early withdrawals and caps on total amount saved. In some cases, you might be better off with another savings vehicle, like a CD or money market account.

Another option is to stash cash in a high-yield account and earn more interest there.

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

FAQ

Do banks still do Christmas Club accounts?

Yes, community banks, smaller banks, and credit unions still offer Christmas Club accounts. Ask at your branch or search the bank’s website.

Are Christmas Club accounts worth it?

Christmas Club accounts generally have low interest rates. However, they can be worthwhile if they help you put money away regularly and thereby avoid a holiday spending blowout using credit cards.

Is there interest on Christmas Club accounts?

Yes, most accounts offer interest. The rates, though, tend to be lower than the interest rates for regular savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs).

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 3.80% 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 3.80% 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 3.80% 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.

Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

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