Feb
27
2025
25 Ways to Cut Costs on a Road Trip_780x440

25 Ways to Cut Costs on a Road Trip

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on 25 Ways to Cut Costs on a Road Trip

Road trips are a popular vacation idea, and there are plenty of ways to cut costs when taking to the open road. Whether you are heading to a national park or a local lake, on a wine-tasting getaway or just to hang with your college roommate, you can do a little bit of planning to bring down costs.

Learn how to minimize expenses on a road trip here.

Key Points

•   Road trips can be a fun and affordable way to take a vacation.

•   Choose a fuel-efficient car to save on gas.

•   Drive at or below the speed limit to avoid speeding tickets.

•   Prebook hotels for better rates, and sign up for loyalty programs for discounts.

•   Eat lunch at special restaurants to save.

1. Choose a Fuel-Efficient Car

If you have a choice of cars to take, you may want to go with one that is large enough to be comfortable but also gives you the best gas mileage. This is true whether you are using your own wheels or renting a car.

You can use FuelEconomy.gov’s Trip Calculator to determine which car will cost you the least in gas. This tool helps estimate fuel consumption and how much it will cost for a particular route using a specific car.

2. Drive at or Below the Speed Limit

This cautionary measure can help you save money in two ways. For one, you’ll be less likely to get pulled over and slapped with an expensive speeding ticket.

For another, observing the speed limit can actually reduce your gas consumption. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, every five miles you drive above 50 miles per hour is akin to paying an additional $0.27 per gallon.

3. Pack Your Car Wisely

You can also cut your gas costs by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than piling them on your roof. By reducing drag, this tactic can increase your fuel economy by 5% on highways according to one benchmark study.

4. Set a Road Trip Budget

When you first start talking about the road trip, you may want to roughly map out where you want to go, how long it’ll take to get there, and if you’ll need hotels or motels. From there, you can calculate the approximate cost of gas (FuelEconomy.gov can help) and tolls (try Tollsmart ), as well as food and fun.

Once you’ve established an overall budget for the trip, you start creating a travel fund.

    Tip:

A smart place to keep your fund is in a high-yield savings account, often found at online banks. These can help grow your money faster, thanks to favorable interest rates and no or low fees.

5. Bring Your Own Food and Supplies

Packing a cooler with water bottles, drinks, hand-held snacks, and sandwiches before leaving home is a proven frugal traveler trick. You can end up saving a sizable chunk of cash by not having to buy drinks and snacks at rest stops, vending machines, and drive-throughs.

You’ll also have a quick solution the next time someone in the car wants to pull over because they’re hungry.

6. Sign up for an Electronic Toll Account

The money-saving shift to electronic tolling is well underway. If you haven’t yet done so, getting a quick pass (or transponder) for your car can be a smart move. In New York, for example, drivers with EZ-Pass can save up to 75% on tolls.

7. Avoid Tolls Altogether

When your road trip isn’t on any set schedule, you may want to take the scenic route and completely avoid tolls. You can do this by setting your GPS app to “avoid tolls.”

If you’re in a location with pricey bridges and highways, your savings could really add up. You may want to make sure, however, that avoiding tolls doesn’t take you so far out of your way that you’re spending a lot more on gas.

8. Look for Hotels that Offer Free Breakfasts

If you’re comparing lodging options in a similar price and quality range, one way to save on hotel costs and on road trip expenses in general is to choose the hotel with a free breakfast.

Not only will you probably get a large, filling meal, but you might even be able to take a piece of fruit or cereal box as a snack for later on in the trip.

9. Pack Reusable Water Bottles for Everyone

You’ll no doubt get thirsty while driving and sightseeing, especially in summer, and buying water or drinks can put a major dent in your road trip budget.

Making sure everyone in the car has a large reusable water bottle (or two) to fill up at rest stops and in restaurants can help you avoid spending money on drinks, and also create less plastic waste.

10. Buy a National Park Pass

If you’re going to be road-tripping across the U.S. and visiting a few national parks, you may want to consider getting an America the Beautiful pass.

The pass (which costs $80 per year and $20 for seniors) covers entrance, standard amenity, and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle (up to 4 adults) at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.

Just remember that summer is primetime for many parks, from Yosemite in California to Acadia in Maine. If you need lodging, book early.

Recommended: How to Make Money Fast

11. Hit the Grocery Store

Once you’ve run out of your cooler meals and snacks, consider restocking at a local grocery store while en route so you don’t have to resort to fast food or a pricey local restaurant for the rest of your trip. That can be a good way to save on food costs.

This is also a good strategy if you’re going to be staying at a hotel for a few nights. Making good use of a hotel kitchenette and fridge can help you avoid having to eat out for every single meal.

12. Prebook Your Hotels

Spontaneity is great, but if you’re looking to save money on accommodations, it can be wiser to book ahead of time and stick to your plan. You can often secure a better rate by booking in advance (and online), than by showing up without a reservation or booking last minute.

13. Look Beyond Hotels

Your first thought when looking for roadside accommodation may be cheap hotels or motels. But you sometimes find a better deal (or a nicer option for the same price) using a home rental site, such as Airbnb, VRBO, or FlipKey, especially if you’re staying for more than one night.

When booking lodging, it can be smart to use a travel credit card or a cash back rewards credit card, since every swipe can help you earn points, miles, or cash back that you might apply to future trips.

14. Plan to Visit Free Attractions

Part of the fun of a road trip is to enjoy the journey and scenery while en route to your final destination.

To cut spending while still enjoying your travels, you may want to research free attractions, such as a hike, walk on a beach, or a free museum, on your route for times when you need to stretch and take a driving break.

You can also look for festivals and local events by checking out the online events calendar for the towns you’ll be visiting that day. You might also check out Meetup.com and see what kinds of local groups are gathering for experiences and outings.

15. Plan Gas Stops in Advance

Getting stuck in a big city with the tank close to empty can be costly (and driving in circles looking for a gas station when you’re en route to the beach is no fun either). To avoid overpriced gas, you may want to use a gas app like Gas Guru or GasBuddy, which can help you compare prices and find affordable gas no matter where you are. This hack is an easy way to lower your gas costs.

16. Set a Daily Spending Limit

You can use your overall budget to get a rough idea of how much you can spend on the road trip each day. This can help you avoid blowing the money you’ve saved, wherever you may keep your travel fund, before the end of the trip.

A spending plan can also let you know when you can splurge a bit and when you’ll have to reign it in with a meal, activity, or lodging. You may also want to set aside some of your budget for the unexpected, such as the car getting a flat and needing to be towed, or discovering the cheap hotel you planned to stay in is actually a total dump. Also factor in some summer road-trip treats: You’re likely to be stopping for ice cream here and there and maybe even a lobster roll.

17. Entertain the Kids on the Cheap

Road trips can help you afford a family vacation since you sidestep pricey plane tickets. But remember that kids have a tendency to get bored, tired, and antsy on a road trip. To avoid giving in to impulse toy purchases, you may want to bring along their favorite toys and also pick up a variety of new ones at the dollar store before you leave.

Good choices include coloring books and games they can play in the car that won’t create a mess. You might also consider borrowing audio books from the library to give yourself an hour or so of peace and quiet.

18. Search Online for Local Coupons and Passes

It can be worthwhile to research online coupons and discount codes for local attractions and restaurants at some of your scheduled stops.

Consider checking Groupon or LivingSocial for deals and steals. Sometimes booking online ahead of time saves you money, and it’ll give you a reason to try to reach a specific destination by a certain day.

19. Save on Alcohol

Sipping a cold beer or glass of wine at a local bar at the end of your long drive might sound like the perfect way to unwind.

But alcohol costs can quickly add up on a road trip vacation. Consider buying a few local beers or a small bottle of wine that’s native to that area to enjoy in your hotel room. You’ll save money on tipping too.

20. Volunteer at a Festival

Yes, you read that correctly. Some festivals and special events offer discounts or free admission to volunteers. You can look up events taking place in the town you’ll be visiting and reach out to the event organizer to see if they need help. Summer is full of events like these, from concerts to craft fairs to food festivals.

21. Sign up for a AAA Membership

An auto club like AAA can save you time, money, and hassle should you run into car trouble during your trip. What’s more, a membership (often starting at around $6 a month) gives you access to discounts at loads of hotels, restaurants, and many retailers nationwide.

22. Travel During the Off-Season

Yes, summer can be the most welcoming time of the year to hop behind the wheel. But visiting national parks when kids are back in school can often help save money on lodging and activities. Planning a road trip to a destination like Disney World or Disneyland? You’ll likely find better deals if it’s not during a spring break or other school vacation.

You can often also save money by visiting warm weather locations during “shoulder seasons.” This is the period in between a destination’s low and high seasons of tourism, when prices for hotels tend to be lower, and crowds tend to be smaller, at popular attractions.

23. Do Some Camping

Outdoorsy road trippers might enjoy setting up a tent at a free or low-cost public campsite. You can find out more on the Bureau of Land Management site.

This can end up saving you a lot of money on hotel costs, provided you don’t go out and buy a lot of expensive camping equipment.

If you don’t have any camping gear, you may want to consider renting equipment from an outdoor specialty store or asking a friend who regularly goes camping if you can borrow their equipment. As noted above, summer can be prime time for basking in some of America’s natural beauty, so book your campsite early.

24. Eat Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner

If there are special restaurants you want to try without breaking the bank, consider going there for lunch. You might get a slightly smaller portion than you would if you ordered it off the dinner menu, but you’ll likely save on dining out.

25. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Booking with the same hotel chain as often as possible and signing up for their member loyalty (or “points”) program may net you a free night after a few stays.

Travel booking services, such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Hotels.com, may also offer discounted rates and free nights for loyal customers.

Recommended: 50/30/20 Budget Calculator

The Takeaway

Planning a summer vacation? A car trip might sound much more affordable than traveling by plane. However, gas, food, and accommodations can add up.
One of the best ways to cut road trip expenses is to plan out your trip and research deals, coupons, and discounts ahead of time. Packing wisely and loading up on drinks, snacks, toys, and activities can also help cut costs once you’re out on the road. It’s part of optimizing your financial wellness.

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.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How can I make road trips more affordable?

Some ways to make road trips more affordable include bringing your own snacks, driving at or under the speed limit, and booking hotels or motels ahead of time.

How can I save money when traveling by car?

You can save money when traveling by car by using a gas card and taking other steps that can help you save on tolls; using electronic tolling or avoiding tolls; and bringing snacks and drinks with you vs. buying them on the road.

How can I spend time when on a road trip?

Ways to spend time on a road trip include going to local and national parks, looking for activities at a discount on Groupon or LivingSocial, and checking out any interesting gatherings that might be happening on Meetup.com.

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Feb
13
2025
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What Are P2P Transfers & How to Use Them

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | No Comments

P2P payments, aka peer-to-peer transfers, are a popular tech-powered way to send money to and receive money from other people. With a money transfer app or perhaps one from your financial institution, you can send a friend your half of the dinner bill, gas money, or other payments, quickly and easily from your mobile device. Chances are, you can also buy items (say, on Instagram or a website) using one of these apps.

To move money via P2P, all you need to do is to download a transfer app, like Venmo or PayPal, and connect your bank account, debit card, or credit card to it. Or your financial institution may offer app options you can enable. Either way, once you are set up, you are just a few clicks away from being able to send money.

Key Points

•   P2P (or peer-to-peer) payments are a popular way to send money to and receive money from others.

•   These apps allow for transfers to say, split a dinner bill with a friend or sometimes purchase items.

•   These apps may be almost instantaneous or can take a few days to move money.

•   Depending on the specific transaction, fees may be assessed.

•   Options to P2P apps include cash, checks, money orders, and wire transfers and other transfer services offered by banks.

What Is a P2P Payment?

With a P2P payment, you can send money to a friend with just a few clicks on your mobile device. This replaces the need to get cash at an ATM or write out a personal check, options that aren’t always quick or convenient.

For traditional P2P apps, both parties need to have an account with the transfer service in order to make the transaction. For example, if you want to use Venmo to repay a friend for the salad they bought you at lunchtime, that person would also need to have a Venmo account to receive that payment.

Typically, a P2P account is attached to your online bank account. Some P2P platforms, however, allow customers to link their P2P accounts to a debit card or even a credit card, though it may involve additional fees.

Recommended: How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another

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Understanding How P2P Transfers Work

Here’s a closer look at what goes on when you use a P2P payment app.

Overview of the P2P Transfer Process

Say that you want to send money P2P to your sister for your mother’s birthday present. Depending on the type of P2P service you use, you’ll follow some variation of these basic steps.

•   Creating a P2P account. You will need to download a P2P app and then sign up for an account. In order to send money to your sister, you’ll both need to have an account with the same money transfer service.

•   Linking your bank account to your P2P account. Some P2P services have the ability to hold funds, but they generally must be linked to a primary bank account (such as your checking account), credit card, or debit card in order to be fully operational. This is how the account will pull any funds needed to make a payment.

To link your checking account, you may need your checking and routing number (which appear at the bottom of a check). Some P2P transfer services may only need your bank log-in information. Others may allow you to set up extra verification measures.

•   Searching for a user to transfer funds to. To send money to your sister, you’ll need to find her on the P2P platform. You can typically search by username, email address, or a phone number. In most cases you will be able to add her account as a contact or “friend” in your account.

•   Initiating a transfer. The next step in how a P2P payment works is getting the money moving. Your sister can request a payment from you, or you can initiate the payment yourself. This requires choosing the option to send funds, entering a dollar amount, and then clicking submit. If you’ve enabled additional security measures on your account, you may need to enter a PIN that gets texted to you as well.

You may be prompted to choose whether you are making a purchase or sending money to a friend or family member. This can impact whether fees get assessed and what kind of protection you receive for the transaction.

You may have the option to add a description or “memo” to your transaction. Some P2P services may require this information so that they can charge a fee for business-related transactions. Others offer the option to act as a personal ledger should you need it in the future.

•   Waiting for the transfer to complete. Now the funds are in motion via a P2P bank transfer. When money is sent from one customer to another, it moves in the form of an electronic package safeguarded with multiple layers of data encryption. This makes it hard for hackers to access the data (like your bank account number) within the transfer while it is in motion. Similarly, data encryption keeps your money and account information safe. Once the data set reaches its destination, it is decoded and deposited as currency.

•   Transferring the funds into the payee’s bank account. When a P2P transfer is completed, the funds may be deposited directly into your sister’s bank account. Or they may go into an account created for her by the P2P service. Funds received into P2P user accounts can then be transferred into a person’s bank accounts at little to no cost. (You are likely to pay a fee if you want the funds transferred ASAP versus in a couple of days.)

Your sister will likely receive some combination of email, text, and/or in-app notifications that the funds have arrived. If she decides to leave the money in her P2P account, she can use that account balance the next time she needs to pay someone or purchase something from a business that accepts P2P transactions.

How Long Do P2P Transfers Take?

The general rule of thumb for P2P transfer services is to allow one to three business days for a transfer to complete (although some seem instantaneous; timing varies). That’s because standard bank transfers use the ACH (or Automated Clearing House) system, which can take a day or two to complete.

When it comes time to move funds from the app to, say, a checking account, some apps may not charge a fee; others may assess a charge of 0.5% to 1.75% of the overall transfer amount.

Are P2P Money Transfers Safe?

You may wonder if mobile payment apps are safe. Any time your bank account, credit, or debit card information is online, there is a chance that someone can get a hold of it, and P2Ps are no different. While all major money transfer companies encrypt your financial information, no P2P system can say it’s totally impervious to hacks and scams.

There are also additional measures you can take to make sure that your account remains secure. For example, you may be able to set up two-factor authentication, which might involve typing in a unique pin number that is texted to your phone for each transaction. Or you might elect to receive notifications each time there’s a transaction posted on your account, enabling you to spot financial fraud right away if it were to happen.

You may also want to take care when you type in a recipient’s email address, phone number, or name. A typo could lead to the money going to the wrong person.

How Do Peer-to-Peer Transfer Companies Make Money?

P2P transactions are largely offered for free to consumers, which may beg the question of how the companies that offer these services stay in business. Here are two major ways that P2P money transfer apps may generate income.

Account Fees

Typically, you can make P2P payments from a linked bank account or straight from the P2P account for free. If you want an instant transfer or you are transferring money using a credit card or from depositing checks into your P2P account, there may be a fee involved.

Business Fees

P2P platforms aren’t just for consumers — they are used by businesses as well. Compared to the free transactions that standard user profiles offer, business profiles are generally subject to a seller transaction fee for each customer purchase made with a P2P money transfer app. Venmo, for instance, charges a fee of 1.9%, plus 10 cents for each transaction.

What Are the Benefits of P2P Money Transfers?

There are three main benefits to using online money transfer services.

•   They’re fast. Depending on the service, P2P money transfers can happen very quickly. They can take anywhere from just a few seconds to a couple of business days.

•   They’re cheap. When exchanging money between friends and family, P2P money transfers are often free. There may be a small fee, however, if you want an instant bank transfer, are using a credit card instead of a bank account, are making a transfer above a certain dollar amount, are conducting a high volume of transfers, or are using the service for a business transaction.

•   They’re easy. P2P transfers eliminate the need to make trips to the ATM or a local bank branch to get cash. They also eliminate the need to get out your checkbook, write a check, and then mail it to someone. For a P2P transfer, all you likely need is a mobile device, the app, and cell service or wifi.

Alternatives to P2P Money Transfers

What if a P2P money transfer isn’t available or doesn’t suit your needs? Try these options instead to move money.

Sending a Check

You can go old-school and write a paper check. You fill out the necessary details and hand or mail the check to the person you are paying. Typically, no fee is involved, although you may have to pay for a new checkbook when you run low and order more checks.

Money Orders

Money orders are in some ways similar to a check, but you don’t write them from a bank account. Instead, you purchase them (essentially pre-paying for the amount you are sending) at the post office, businesses like Western Union or Moneygram, or from certain retailers.

Typically, you will pay a small fee. For example, the United States Post Office will issue domestic money orders up to and including $1,000. Those that are for amounts up to $500 will be assessed a $2.35 fee; for ones that are $500.01 to $1,000, $3.40 will be charged. Once you have a money order, you can either give it to the recipient in person or mail it. You can also typically track a money order to see when it’s cashed.

Using Online Bill Payment Services

Many financial institutions offer ways for their customers to pay bills electronically. A key feature of mobile banking, this service can be a simple way to send funds from your checking account, regardless of where you are or what time it is. You may be able to set up recurring payments as well for bills you receive regularly.

Wire Transfers

Wire transfers are another way to send funds electronically using a network of financial institutions and transfer agencies that operate globally. Typically, you will access a wire transfer via your bank, its website, or its app. You’ll need to have your payee’s banking details and will likely pay a fee to wire money.

For instance, domestic wire transfers can charge a fee of anywhere from $0 to $50 (depending on whether they are incoming or outgoing), and they can often be processed in a few hours or within a day. International wire transfers can cost more (with both the sender and recipient possibly paying fees, typically $35 to $50 for the sender) and can take longer, typically two days. Certain banks may offer free wire transfers, perhaps only for certain types of accounts (such as premium ones), so if this is an important feature for you, it can be worthwhile to do your research.

Recommended: What Is an E-Check (Electronic Check)?

The Takeaway

Peer-to-peer (or P2P) payment apps facilitate mobile money transactions. You can use them in place of cash or writing a check when you want to give friends or family money, whether it’s to cover your portion of a dinner bill or split the cost of a vacation rental. Some businesses also accept this form of payment.

All you need to make a P2P transfer is a mobile device, an internet connection, and your P2P app, which you must link to your credit card or bank account.

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.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How much time does a P2P transfer take?

P2P accounts can take just a few seconds or a few days to move funds. Then, if the person who has money in the P2P app wants to transfer their cash to a bank account, that can also take between hours and a couple of days. Often, you may be charged a fee if you want the money moved ASAP.

Is P2P digital money?

P2P, or peer-to-peer-payments, are a digital way of moving funds from one person to another. Once the transfer is complete, the recipient has money they can use to pay for purchases or transfer into a bank account.

What’s an example of a P2P payment?

An example of a P2P payment would be to use a P2P app such as PayPal or Venmo to send funds to a friend you owe money. Or you might send a payment to a service provider or retailer using P2P apps as well.

Do banks use P2P?

Many banks offer their own version of P2P apps. For example, you might be able to almost instantly send funds from your account to a friend, a retailer, or a service provider by using a bank’s app.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

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 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, 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 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY 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, 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 members with Eligible 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 Eligible 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 an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible 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.

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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


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

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12
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How Many Bank Accounts Should I Have?

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | No Comments

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many bank accounts you should have. The answer will likely be, “It depends”. Your personal and financial situation and goals will impact whether you have just one or two accounts or several of them with different purposes. For example, a recent college grad who is just entering the workforce will likely need fewer accounts than a self-employed person who is saving for a down payment on a house and their toddler’s future education.

There can indeed be advantages to holding multiple checking accounts or savings accounts, but having more than one or two will definitely require more of your time in terms of money management.

Key Points

•   Multiple bank accounts can be beneficial for managing diverse financial needs and goals.

•   Having just one checking and one savings account simplifies finances and reduces fees.

•   Specific savings goals might require separate accounts to track progress effectively.

•   Business owners and freelancers benefit from separate accounts to manage expenses and taxes.

•   Multiple accounts can aid in budgeting by allocating funds to different spending categories.

How Many Bank Accounts Do Most People Have?

When it comes to managing your money, many adults have, at a minimum, one checking account and one savings account at the same bank. In the journal Consumer Affairs, one landmark study found that the average American had 5.3 accounts.

That said, for most individuals, especially those who are unmarried, opening just one checking account and one savings account usually covers their basic banking needs.

With just one checking account and one savings account, you eliminate confusion and can simplify your finances. If all of your paycheck goes into your checking account using direct deposit, you can set up recurring automatic transfers into savings for the date after your payment hits.

If you automate your finances in this way, money moves into your savings account and leaves what you know you’ll need in checking until your next paycheck.

It’s also wise to keep in mind that some banks, especially the larger traditional banks vs. online banks, may charge monthly fees for checking accounts or require a minimum deposit. If you bank at one of these bricks-and-mortar financial institutions, having only two accounts can reduce the fees you’ll need to pay.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

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FDIC insurance.


7 Reasons to Open Multiple Bank Accounts

Although two bank accounts may suit some people just fine, there are many people who may prefer or even need to open additional accounts. Among them may be those who are married or starting a family, those who are planning extended foreign travel, military personnel, freelancers, and/or business owners. For these individuals, there may be benefits to having multiple savings accounts or checking accounts for different financial needs.

1. Large Transactions

While couples do not necessarily need to share all of their finances, there are certain benefits to having a joint account for your household and family. This can be helpful, even if you still have a personal account for your own discretionary spending.

For one thing, this pooled account can help cover large monthly payments such as a mortgage, rent, or other household expenses equally.

Plus, rather than individual savings, you might want a shared savings account for emergencies, like a surprise medical bill or car trouble. Each partner might put a small amount into that fund every month, with a goal of having at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses covered. (You can use an online emergency fund calculator to determine what your goal amount should be.)

2. Specific Savings Goals

Having dedicated savings accounts (especially high-yield savings accounts) can also be a smart tactic to encourage you to put away money for future goals, whether that’s travel or saving up for a wedding or baby.

Some couples even prefer a shared account for debt payments (such as student loan debt or credit card debt). However, helping to pay off your partner’s debt is an important financial conversation to have before you start a new bank account for that purpose.

3. Saving for College

Saving for college is another reason parents might open an additional bank account. Can you have more than one bank account for this purpose? Of course, especially if you have more than one child.

Also, even an individual who is currently paying for school might see the benefits in having a separate checking account to manage and keep track of spending on books or other school-related costs. This would be distinct from a checking account for spending on food, clothes, and other everyday expenses.

4. Charity Donations or Family Healthcare

Other reasons people might consider opening additional bank accounts would be for charity donations or offering financial assistance to another family member, such as paying for eldercare. While there’s probably no reason why those monthly expenses can’t also be accounted for in your regular checking or savings account, keeping such things separate can improve some people’s money management.

5. Separating Finances

In some situations, partners may want to open additional accounts to keep some of their finances separate. For instance, in a married couple, you might both agree to put the majority of your paycheck into a joint checking account. However, you could each direct some of your earnings to a separate checking account for discretionary spending. For some couples, this can help keep the peace, since there’s no need to explain how much you chose to spend on new shoes or the latest cell phone model.

Or you might decide to open up different types of savings accounts to put some money into for an upcoming friends’ getaway or a similar goal.

What’s more, if one of you is starting a business (say, selling prints of your travel photos online), it would make sense to open a dedicated account for that, to keep your earnings and work-related expense payments in one place.

Recommended: How to Write a Check

6. Creating Accounts for Your Kids

If you have a child you’d like to gain financial literacy, opening an additional account with them can be a wise idea. You can open a shared account and begin teaching your kid how to put money in the bank, withdraw funds saved, and see how interest is earned.

Since those under age 18 typically can’t have their own account, this can be a good way to instill good financial habits at a young age.

7. Budgeting Is Easier

Deciding which budget is right for you can take some trial and error, and some people find that keeping track of their finances is easier with multiple accounts. For instance, if you follow the 50/30/20 budget rule, you are likely putting 50% of your take-home pay towards the “musts” of life, 30% towards the “wants,” and 20% towards savings.

In this situation, you might find it clearer and more convenient to have two checking accounts from which you pay those two types of bills. You might even name one “musts” and one “wants,” if you like.

Recommended: How Much Money Should You Have After Paying Bills?

How Many Checking Accounts Should You Have?

If you’re thinking about whether to have multiple bank accounts, keep this in mind: There’s no single right or wrong answer. While there is no need to open five new savings accounts to plan for your next five vacations, how many bank accounts you should have can depend on your ability to organize your finances.

Some individuals might find they prefer having at least one or two extra savings accounts for savings goals. These savings goals could be anything from an emergency fund, travel fund, or saving up for a car.

That emergency savings account can be critical to have, by the way, to be prepared for whatever may come your way. Whether you want this account to be a separate fund in a different bank account or part of your overall main savings account, however, is really up to you.

Potential Downsides to Having Multiple Bank Accounts

Before you start opening up additional checking and savings accounts, consider these cons:

•   You risk incurring more bank fees. Some banks will charge you account fees for each and every account you open, which can take a bite out of your funds.

•   You will have to keep track of account rules. In some cases, there are minimum balance requirements, limits on the number of withdrawals, and other guidelines that can take up brain space, not to mention involve potential charges.

•   There can be an increased chance of overdrafting. No one is perfect, and the more accounts you have, the more opportunity there is to forget about some autopayments you had set up and wind up with a negative balance. This in turn can trigger overdraft and NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees.

Why Freelancers and Business Owners May Need Separate Bank Accounts

While large businesses inevitably need their own bank accounts, sometimes smaller enterprises or even individuals with side hustles overlook creating a separate business bank account.

Some banks offer small business accounts, which can be used by freelancers, side hustlers, or small business owners. Basically, you want to make it easy on yourself to track personal and business expenses separately, and having different bank accounts helps take care of a lot of the legwork.

An additional account makes it easy to track business expenses and deductions, like shipping costs for your Etsy account or treats purchased for your dog-walking gig. Plus, with all of your business expenses in one place, you are more prepared for an audit and have a better bookkeeping record, rather than sorting through every transaction and trying to remember if that coffee you had six months ago was for a work meeting or not.

A great benefit of having another savings account for your business or freelance work is that you can set aside money specifically for taxes.

Of course, as a business owner or freelancer, it’s also important to save for tax season, which is why opening a separate business savings account can also come into play. A great benefit of having another savings account for your business or freelance work is that you can set aside money specifically for taxes.

Recommended: Business vs Personal Checking Account: What’s the Difference?

Alternate Money Management Options to Consider

Whether you are looking to open a new checking and savings account with a new bank or taking a broader look at what works best for your financial needs, there are a number of reasons to consider making a change.

A new account could offer you better rates or features, lower fees, or greater interest earnings.

Here, some options:

•   Credit unions are banks that are run as financial co-ops, meaning each member has a small stake in the business. Banking with a credit union usually allows more flexibility and lower fees. As nonprofits, they are designed to serve their members, often paying higher interest rates on deposits as well.

•   Online banks typically offer lower (or no) fees than traditional banks because they don’t have to support physical locations. They often have higher annual percentage yields (APYs) on deposits, too.

The Takeaway

There is no one answer to how many bank accounts you have. Typically, having checking and savings accounts is a wise and convenient move, but many people find they have multiple accounts. This might be to separate different income streams, save for various goals, and to differentiate personal from joint finances when, say, getting married.

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.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is it a good idea to have multiple bank accounts?

Whether it’s a good idea to have multiple bank accounts depends upon an individual’s personal and financial situation. A single person with a full-time job may do fine with one checking and one savings account. A married person with a day job and a side hustle, who is saving for a house and putting money aside for a child’s education, may prefer having multiple accounts to help them stay organized.

Is 3 bank accounts too many?

Three bank accounts is not necessarily too many, though it depends on a person’s situation. Having a checking account, a savings account for a down payment on a home, and a savings account for an emergency fund can be a good thing. However, if that number of accounts winds up charging too many fees or risking overdraft for the account holder, then it is possibly too many.

Do too many bank accounts hurt your credit?

Multiple bank accounts should not impact your credit. When you open a bank account, you are not requesting a line of credit, so it should not be reflected on your credit report nor should it lower your credit score.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

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 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, 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 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY 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, 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 members with Eligible 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 Eligible 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 an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible 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.

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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


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.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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12
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Why Your Student Loan Balance Never Seems to Decrease

By | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

If you’ve been making your student loan payments, yet your balance isn’t budging — or even worse, it’s gone up — you may be asking yourself, why did my student loan balance increase? The likely reason is that your monthly payments are not covering all the interest that has accrued, which may be a result of the payment plan you’re on.

Understanding how and when student loans accrue interest, and the role your repayment plan may play, can help you make smart choices about paying off your balance.

Key Points

•   Accrued interest can cause student loan balances to remain stagnant or grow. Federal student loans accrue interest daily.

•   At the beginning of the loan repayment term, larger portions of payments primarily cover interest rather than the principal. Over time, the portion reducing the principal increases as the interest portion decreases.

•   Income-driven repayment plans can lower monthly student loan payments, but they may be too low to fully cover the interest, which can potentially cause the loan balance to grow.

•   During a period of forbearance or deferment, interest continues to accrue on student loans, and on certain types of loans, the interest may capitalize.

•   Potential methods to reduce student loan balance include changing repayment plans, making extra payments toward the loan principal, and student loan refinancing.

What Makes Up a Student Loan Balance?

To understand what increases your total loan balance, it’s important to know how student loans work. Your student loan balance is made up of two parts: the amount you borrowed plus any origination fees (the principal) and what the lender charges you to borrow it (interest).

Once you receive your loan, interest begins to accrue. If it’s a Direct Subsidized loan, the federal government typically pays the interest while you’re in school and for the first six months after you graduate. After that, you are responsible for paying the interest along with the principal.

If the loan is a Direct Unsubsidized loan or a private student loan, the borrower is solely responsible for accrued interest, even while they’re in school.

The Impact of Interest Accrual

The interest rate on your student loan is calculated as a percentage of your unpaid principal amount. Most federal student loans accrue interest daily. To determine the amount of interest that accrues each day, multiply your loan balance by the number of days since your last payment and then multiply that number by your interest rate.

In some cases, unpaid interest on federal student loans can capitalize — such as after a deferment for a Direct Unsubsidized loan. That means the interest is added to your principal balance. Interest then accrues on the new, larger balance moving forward, which increases how much you owe.

How Do Payments Affect My Student Loan Principal?

Many student loan borrowers pay a fixed monthly payment to their lender. That payment includes the principal and the interest. At the beginning of a loan term, a larger portion of your payment goes toward paying interest, and a smaller portion goes to the principal. But the ratio of interest to principal gradually changes so that by the end of the loan term, your payment is mostly going toward the principal.

How Does an Income-Based Repayment Plan Affect My Student Loan Balance?

The payment process is different if you’re making payments under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. Under these plans, your payments are tied to your family size and discretionary income. The interest, however, doesn’t change based on your income.

While an IDR plan can lower your monthly payments, the payment amount might be too low to fully cover the interest that accrues for that month, much less contribute to your principal. In fact, your student loan balance may actually grow over time, despite the payments you’re making, and you could end up repaying significantly more than you borrowed originally.

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Forbearance and Deferment Periods

Borrowers can temporarily pause their federal student loans payments with a forbearance or deferment.

A student loan forbearance allows you to pause your payments for up to 12 months at a time. However, interest continues to accrue on your federal loans while you’re in forbearance. To qualify for a forbearance, you need to apply for it and demonstrate that you meet specific requirements, such as experiencing financial difficulties or facing medical bills. Your loan servicer will determine if you are eligible.

With a student loan deferment, you can temporarily pause the payments on your federal loans, but you must apply for a specific type of deferment and meet certain requirements to be eligible. The types of deferment include cancer treatment deferment, economic hardship deferment, and unemployment deferment, among others.

Interest accrues on your loans during deferment, and you may be responsible for paying it, depending on the type of loan you hold. For example, borrowers with Direct Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) typically need to pay the interest that accrues on these loans while in deferment. You can pay the interest as it accrues or not. However, if you don’t pay it, the interest will capitalize at the end of the deferment period, which means the total amount you pay over the life of the loan might be higher.

Private student loans may or may not allow forbearance or deferment, and the rules typically differ from lender to lender.

How to Pay Down Your Loan Quicker

When it comes to repaying student loans, the key is to find an approach you’ll stick with. One way to tackle the debt is by making extra payments toward the principal. Even a little bit can help bring down the loan balance.

Another approach is to consider a student loan refinance to a lower interest rate, if you qualify, or you could refinance to a shorter loan term. You could also potentially do both. Your payments may be higher, particularly if you switch to a shorter loan term, but you will be finished paying off the debt sooner.

Note that if you refinance a federal student loan, you will lose access to federal protections and programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and income-driven repayment plans.

Other Strategies to Reduce Your Student Loan Balance

There are additional methods you can use to help pay off your student loans. They may take longer than the approaches listed above, but they can help shrink your balance.

•   Switch to a different repayment plan. If you’re on an income-driven plan, you could change to the standard repayment plan instead. Your monthly payments will likely be higher on this plan, but that will typically reduce the total amount of interest you’ll pay. Plus, you’ll repay your loan in up to 10 years, rather than the 20 or 25 years on an IDR plan.

•   Enroll in autopay. When you sign up for automatic payment, your loan servicer will deduct the amount you owe from your bank account each month. You won’t have to remember to make your payments, and even better, if you have federal Direct loans you’ll get a 0.25% interest rate deduction for participating. Some private student loan lenders also offer a similar interest rate deduction for autopay.

•   Search for student loan repayment assistance or forgiveness options. The federal government, many states, and various organizations offer programs that help qualifying individuals in certain professions pay off their loans. This includes teachers, health-care professionals, members of the military, and those who work in public service. Do some research to see what programs you might be eligible for.

The Takeaway

The way loan payment schedules are set up is likely one reason why your regular payments don’t seem to be making much of a dent to your balance or loan principal. Initially, more of your payment goes toward paying interest and less goes toward the principal. But gradually that changes so that by the end of the loan term, most of your payment is going toward the principal.

In addition, the type of student loan repayment plan you’re on can increase the amount you owe. With an income-driven plan, your monthly payment may be low enough that it doesn’t cover the interest you owe, which could cause your loan balance to grow.

Fortunately, you have options to help pay off your loan faster or pay less interest over the life of the loan. For instance, you could switch to a different repayment plan, make extra payments toward your loan principal, or refinance your student loans.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Private Student Loans
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.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.



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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12
2025
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Navigating Your Financial Aid Package

By | Going to College, Student Loans | No Comments

College financial aid includes grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

You apply for federal aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Once submitted, students can expect to receive a financial aid award that details the type and amount of aid for which they qualify. Financial aid can be incredibly helpful when trying to finance your college education, but it’s possible that you may not receive enough to foot your tuition bill. If that’s the case, there are other options available to help you pay for your education.

Continue reading for more information on understanding your financial aid package and the options to consider should you find yourself in need of additional funding.

Key Points

•   Financial aid packages may include scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. Understanding each type helps in assessing the aid offered.

•   The cost of attendance (COA) encompasses tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Comparing the COA with the total aid offered is crucial to determine out-of-pocket costs.

•   Subtracting grants and scholarships from the COA provides the net price, which is the actual amount you need to pay or cover through loans and other means.

•   Carefully compare financial aid packages from different institutions, considering factors like the balance between loans and grants, to make an informed decision.

•   If you don’t have enough federal student aid to cover the cost of college, you can rely on private student loans. Private student loans do not offer the same protections and benefits as federal student loans, so should be used as a last resort.

What Is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is financial assistance provided to students to help cover the cost of higher education, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. It can come from the federal government, state agencies, colleges, and private organizations. Financial aid is typically awarded based on financial need, academic merit, or other eligibility criteria.

Types of financial aid include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them the most desirable forms of aid. Work-study programs allow students to earn money while in school, while student loans must be repaid after graduation. Understanding financial aid options can help students reduce their educational costs and manage their finances effectively.

How Does Financial Aid Work?

Financial aid works by providing students with funding to help cover the costs of higher education, such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Students typically begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CSS Profile to determine their eligibility for various types of aid. Based on financial need, merit, or other qualifications, students may receive grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, or student loans.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?

In order to get any financial aid package for college, the first step is generally to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.

The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year became available Dec. 30, 2023, and the application cycle ends on June 30, 2025. Some states and colleges have separate deadlines for the FAFSA to determine aid. Contact your school’s financial aid office for questions about the deadline for your state or school.

Filling out the FAFSA requires some basic financial and income information. If you’re a dependent student, then you’ll need your parents’ financial info as well.

All federal loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized, require a FAFSA in order to determine eligibility. Colleges may also use the FAFSA to determine their own financial aid awards and packages, based on things like the Student Aid Index and financial need.

After you fill out the FAFSA, the Office of Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA and send you a Student Aid Report (SAR), which is essentially a summary of your information. It’s usually worth reviewing this information in detail to confirm that all of the information is accurate. If you find a mistake after reviewing your SAR, you’ll likely need to update or correct your FAFSA.

The SAR will include the calculated Student Aid Index (SAI), which is how much you and/or your family can be expected to contribute personally toward your education.

Then, colleges use this information to determine eligibility for university, local, state, and federal financial aid. Sometimes schools may ask for additional information, particularly if you are applying for school-specific scholarships.

The schools will then assemble a financial aid package that could be made up of grants, loans, work-study, and other waivers, and send you an “award letter.” Reviewing your award letter carefully can help you choose the financial aid mix that is right for you.

What Are the Different Types of Financial Aid?

A financial aid package is a list of different amounts of money in different forms of loans, grants, work-study, or other tuition waivers that should add up to cover the cost of the college, minus your Student Aid Index.

Here are the different types of financial aid you may see in your financial aid package:

Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships don’t have to be repaid, so they are sometimes referred to as “gift aid.” These could be school, state, or federal scholarships and grants you qualified for and were awarded.

Recommended: SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool

Work-Study

This is part-time work you will do and be paid for. You’ll be paid at least the federal minimum wage, but depending on the job, you could earn more. Being granted work-study in your aid package does not always guarantee a job. Depending on the school you attend, you may be matched with a job or you may have to apply for and secure your own job.

Federal Student Loans

Federal loans can be either subsidized or unsubsidized, and usually have lower interest rates than private loans. There is also typically a cap on how much you can borrow.

Subsidized loans are for undergrads and are awarded based on financial need; additionally, the government pays the interest on them while you’re in school at least half-time, during your grace period, and during periods of deferment.

Unsubsidized loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students and are not awarded based on financial need. This type of loan accrues interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time, during the loan’s grace period, and during other periods of deferment.

Borrowers have the option to make interest-only payments during this time, but are not required to do so. If the interest on the student loan accrues, at the end of the deferment period it will be capitalized or added to the principal value of the loan.

There are also PLUS Loans for parents and graduate students, which are also unsubsidized.

Beyond Federal Financial Aid: Private Student Loans

Private student loans are not part of a federal financial aid package. Private student loans can be borrowed from a private lender, which typically have more stringent financial qualifications and, like federal loans, must be paid back with interest. Typically, that interest also accrues while you’re in school.

Check the terms of any private student loans you’re considering and the interest rate being offered to get a sense of how they stack up to federal loans. Federal loans also offer benefits that private student loans do not, such as income-driven repayment plans and deferment options.

In order to make the decision that’s best for you, you’ll want to compare the total cost of attendance, how much gift aid is being awarded, and the loans you’ve received and their terms. This should give you a better idea of how much any federal loans will cost you, and whether there is a gap in funding.

The total cost of college may change over a student’s enrollment, so it generally needs to be calculated each year. Consider things like fluctuation in tuition rates, federal interest rates, and your financial aid award which, among other factors, have the potential to change.

Recommended: Graduate Student Loans

What Should I Know About Financial Aid Deadlines?

Financial aid deadlines vary depending on the type of aid and the institution, so it’s crucial to stay informed and apply on time. Federal aid deadlines are set by the U.S. Department of Education, while state and institutional aid may have earlier deadlines.

For the 2025-26 academic year, the FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2025. The deadline for the CSS Profile is Feb. 17, 2025.

Some scholarships and grants operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning funds could run out before the deadline. Missing deadlines can result in reduced aid or lost eligibility for grants and scholarships. To ensure you receive the maximum aid available, check deadlines for the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and specific schools, and submit applications as early as possible.

How Do Schools Award Aid?

Schools award financial aid based on a combination of factors, including financial need, merit, and availability of funds. They use information from the FAFSA or CSS Profile to determine need-based aid, while scholarships and grants may be awarded for academic, athletic, or other achievements.

Schools allocate funds based on their financial aid policies, federal and state regulations, and institutional resources. Once aid is determined, students receive an award letter detailing their financial aid package, which may require acceptance and additional steps to secure funding.

When Will I Receive a Financial Aid Award Letter?

The timing of your financial aid award letter depends on when you submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile and the school’s processing timeline. Typically, students who apply early can receive their award letters as early as late winter or early spring, often between February and April.

However, some schools may issue award letters on a rolling basis, especially for students who apply later. If you’re an incoming freshman, you’ll usually receive your financial aid package shortly after your college acceptance. Returning students may receive their award letters later in the spring or early summer before the next academic year begins.

Should I Appeal a Financial Aid Award?

It is possible to appeal a financial aid package, particularly if you had a change in circumstances or if there was a gap between the cost and the award. While writing an appeal letter might be a first step if your financial aid package isn’t enough to cover the cost of college, it doesn’t guarantee your award will change.

It also might be the case that circumstances change and you lose your financial aid or portions of your award package. In these situations, there are options in addition to or besides appealing.

Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

The Takeaway

Your financial aid package will state the amount and types of aid you receive. Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans. Carefully compare your financial aid awards at each college when you are making your college decision.

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.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

What types of financial aid might be included in a financial aid package?

A financial aid package may include scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. Each type of aid has different terms and conditions, so it’s important to understand them to make informed decisions.

How can students compare financial aid packages from different colleges?

Students should carefully review each financial aid award, considering factors such as the balance between loans and grants, the total cost of attendance, and any conditions attached to the aid. This thorough comparison helps in making an informed college decision.

Why is it important to understand the components of your financial aid package?

Understanding the components of your financial aid package is crucial because it allows you to know how much financial support you’re receiving and what your financial responsibilities will be during and after your education. This knowledge aids in effective financial planning and decision-making.

SoFi Private Student Loans
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.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


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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