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A mobile wallet can be a great way to pay for things as you go through your day without having to carry an actual, potentially cumbersome, wallet with you. Instead, an app holds digital versions of your credit, debit, loyalty, and ID cards, allowing you easy access when needed.

But you may wonder which of the mobile wallet options are best, how safe these transactions are, and whether it wouldn’t just be better to slip your debit card in your pocket on most days.

Read on to learn more.

What Is a Mobile Wallet?

A mobile wallet is just what it sounds like: It’s a virtual wallet that lives on your mobile device (aka your cell phone). It can store credit cards and charge cards, as well as debit, loyalty, and store card information. This allows you to quickly and easily pay for goods and services with your smartphone, smartwatch, or another mobile device. No more digging through your bag or backpack for your “real” wallet and fishing out cash or the right piece of plastic.

Mobile wallets (sometimes called digital wallets) can go a step further, too. You can also stash insurance cards, ID, coupons, concert tickets, boarding passes, and hotel key card information in them. Some digital wallets also enable you to send money to friends, as well as receive payments.

You may also be able to use your mobile wallet instead of a physical card at some ATMs for contactless withdrawals.

How Does a Mobile Wallet Work?

Here’s how a mobile wallet works:

•   You install the app and type in your personal and payment information, which is securely stored. (Unique identifying numbers are used to store your details vs. your actual card or account information.)

•   When you are ready to make a payment with the mobile wallet, a technology called NFC (near-field communication) typically kicks in. This allows the two devices (your mobile wallet and the vendor’s reader) to communicate. Typically, you will wave your device over the merchant’s terminal or tap your device against it.

•   As the two devices communicate, your transaction will likely go through. Funds will transfer, and you will usually be pinged with a confirmation.

Recommended: How to Deposit Cash at an ATM

What Is the Best Mobile Wallet App?

The major mobile wallets are:

•   Apple Pay

•   Google Pay

•   Samsung Pay

These may come already installed on mobile devices. Although they differ in layout, these mobile wallet apps have the same basic function that allows you to pay with a phone tap.

Other ways to make payments on the go include mobile wallets you can download from app stores, including wallets from banks, PayPal, and merchants such as Walmart, and Starbucks.

Deciding which mobile wallet is best will largely depend upon your own personal needs, which options are compatible with your device, how you like to manage your money, and what your financial goals are. A couple of points to keep in mind:

•   When choosing a mobile wallet app, be aware that a mobile wallet offered by your credit card company may only be accepted at certain retailers.

•   Merchant wallets will typically only work in that merchant’s store or online. For instance, the Starbucks wallet will only work at Starbucks. Enjoy that latte, but don’t expect to buy new boots at the mall with it.

Setting up and Using a Mobile Wallet

Here’s how to set up most of the major mobile wallet apps:

•   You launch the app (it may be pre-installed on your device), take a photo of your card or enter its information (such as your credit card number), and follow the step-by-step instructions.

•   This process is then repeated for all other cards entered. Generally, even if you load up several credit cards into your mobile wallet, only one of them will be your default payment option. That card will be the one that is used to process a purchase. If you want to use a different card, you may need to change the default card before you make the transaction.

•   Beyond credit and debit cards, the app may also walk you through configuring peer-to-peer payments like Apple Cash or Google Pay fund exchanges. You may also be able to link your PayPal account.

•   You may be able to import retail store rewards cards, as well as museum or library memberships cards, event tickets, and airline boarding passes. This may involve scanning a QR code or selecting the “add to wallet” button in an email or a text message from the issuer.

•   When you are ready to pay for purchases using your mobile wallet, you’ll want to make sure the merchant accepts mobile money. These businesses can typically be identified through a contactless payment indicator (usually a sideways Wi-Fi symbol).

•   To pay, open your digital wallet app if necessary, hold the phone near the wireless reader or tap your device against the terminal. This will authorize the payment. Your phone’s screen will typically confirm the transaction.

💡 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.

Are Mobile Wallets Safe?

Overall, mobile wallets are considered to be safe. Here’s why:

•   Unlike credit cards, which can be copied by card-skimming devices, the card information you load into a mobile wallet is encrypted. That means that your actual card or account numbers are never shared with the merchant.

•   Unlike credit cards, which can be copied by card-skimming devices, the card information you load into a mobile wallet is encrypted. That means that your actual card or account numbers are never shared with the merchant.

•   In the case of theft, it’s not possible for anyone to use a mobile device to make a payment without providing the required security credentials.

These safeguards actually make mobile wallets more secure than carrying physical credit cards and cash, which can easily be compromised.

Pros and Cons of Using Mobile Wallets

Is a mobile wallet right for you? Here are some key pros and cons you may want to consider.

Mobile Wallet Pros

Here are some of the upsides of using a mobile wallet.

•   They’re convenient. If you’re out and about without your wallet or bag, you can still make purchases, as well as use your coupons and rewards cards. You may also be able to get cash at an ATM or check a book out of the library, all from your mobile device. What’s more, they often allow for a contactless payment, meaning they can be extra quick and easy.

•   They’re secure. Mobile wallets provide a layer of security you don’t get with cash or using a debit or credit card. Your payment information is saved in one protected, central location. Card numbers are never stored in the app itself but are instead assigned a unique virtual number. This protects your money even if your smartphone is lost or stolen.

•   They can help you track your spending. A mobile wallet can help you track and better manage your spending. All of your transaction information is stored in the app so it’s easy to see how much you’re spending and where each week. You might even wind up using a credit card more responsibly.

Mobile Wallet Cons

There are also some downsides to mobile wallets to be aware of.

•   They’re not accepted everywhere. There are still some industries where cash is the only currency accepted. Even in businesses that do take credit, not all of them accept mobile wallets. To accept a mobile wallet, businesses need to have payment readers that take NFC payments, and not all of them have these terminals. This can cause a problem if a mobile wallet is all you have on hand.

•   Your phone could die. Cell phones often run out of battery and, if you’re without a charger, that handy mobile wallet will no longer exist. That can put a crimp in your shopping plans or become a major problem if you have important documents such as train passes or concert tickets stored in your mobile wallet.

•   You may end up overspending. The use of mobile wallets can be similar to that of using a credit card. Because cash isn’t physically leaving your hands, spending can feel less real, which can be a cause of overspending. If you have spending issues, a mobile wallet can make it easy to spend mindlessly and swipe or tap too often.

4 Tips for Using Your Mobile Wallet

To keep your mobile wallet safe, keep these tips in mind:

1.    Do your research before downloading payment apps. Look for reliable brands/companies, many positive reviews, and a significant number of downloads. Avoid untested apps; they could be a kind of scam and contain spyware or malware.

2.    Know how to remotely lock and locate your phone in case it gets lost or stolen. Check your phone’s device manager capabilities before you find yourself in an emergency situation.

3.    Always have appropriate locking technology. Carrying around a phone that doesn’t lock means you could be risking loss.

4.    Review your credit and debit card statements. Make sure those purchases are yours. While mobile wallets are secure, problems can occasionally arise, and you want to be alert.

The Takeaway

A mobile wallet is a digital way to store credit, debit, ID, and gift cards so that purchases can be made using a mobile smart device rather than a physical card.

Mobile wallets can help simplify your financial life. They allow users to make in-store payments without having to carry cash or physical credit cards. They’re easy to use and have hefty safeguards.

However, they aren’t universally accepted. It’s worth your while to determine whether the retailers you frequent accept them to help determine if a mobile wallet is a good option for you.

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

FAQ

How many places support mobile wallets?

While there isn’t a precise tally of how many retailers and other businesses support mobile wallets, a recent study found that there are 1.75 billion registered mobile money accounts globally, indicating significant adoption of and acceptance of this technology.

Do mobile wallets support all debit/credit cards?

Each mobile wallet will have its own policies, but most credit and debit cards from major banks are supported by, say, Google Pay and Apple Pay. Small business credit cards may also be added, especially those from established banks. You may find, though, that prepaid cards are not supported.

Will mobile payments replace cash?

According to a 2024 study by the nonprofit Global System for Mobile Communications, the mobile money industry saw a 23% increase in transaction volume worldwide in 2023, up to 85 billion annually. However, cash isn’t going away any time soon. According to the most recent statistics from the Federal Reserve, cash is the third-most-used payment instrument in the U.S.

Photo credit: iStock/hiphotos35

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOBNK-Q125-009

Writing checks may not be an everyday occurrence for you, but they are still a reliable form of payment that have a place in most people’s finances. So if you think a check you wrote got lost or was stolen, it’s important to report it to your bank ASAP and request to stop payment on it.

If you suspect there’s criminal activity afoot, you may also want to notify your local police. In addition, it becomes important to monitor your accounts and credit reports for any signs of identity theft.

By acting quickly, you could avoid major stress as well as financial loss.

What if a Check You Sent Never Got Cashed or Deposited?

If you’re concerned because a check you sent hasn’t cleared your online bank account, you may want to start by contacting the recipient (whether it’s a person or business) to make sure they aren’t just sitting on it.

These days, electronic payments are processed so rapidly, we’ve become accustomed to seeing payments show up immediately on online bank statements.

If your paper check is slow to show, it could be that it’s still sitting on someone’s desk or in their wallet.

But what if the check never made it to its destination? It’s possible for checks to get lost in the mail or stolen, so there are steps you should take.

How to Report a Lost or Stolen Check

So if it does seem that a check has gone missing, here’s what to do.

Gather Details about the Check

Before you contact your bank or credit union, you may want to take a few minutes to gather as much information as you can about the check (or checks) that are MIA. This includes:

•   Your account number

•   The check number

•   The routing number

•   The name or names on the bank account

•   The exact name of the payee as you wrote it on the check

•   The check amount.

Contact Your Bank

With that information in hand, you can call your bank, contact it online or in app, or visit your local branch to report the missing check and request a stop payment. Some financial institutions may allow you to do this online. See below for more details on stop payments.

Monitoring Your Bank Accounts

If the bank didn’t receive the stop payment order in time or if the information you provided was incorrect, it still might process (or pay) the check from your checking account.

So if you don’t already monitor your checking account online, you may want to start. For many people, monitoring your bank account a few times a week works well; daily if you think there’s reason for concern.

If you believe the bank cashed a check in error and you want to dispute it, it can help if you move as quickly as possible in order to avoid liability.

Some banks don’t impose time limits for customers to report fraudulent check cashing. But because stolen paper checks aren’t regulated by federal laws the way stolen debit and credit cards are, policies can vary from one bank to the next.

Sending a New Payment

The person or business that didn’t receive your check is still going to be looking for that payment (or expecting that gift), so you’ll likely want to send a replacement as soon as possible.

However, you may want to consider using a more secure method for sending the second check. Keep in mind:

•   If the payee is a person or vendor who insists on personal checks, you might want to deliver the payment in person.

•   If you must mail a check, consider using certified mail. The cost is higher than regular mail, but you’ll get a receipt from the U.S. Postal Service when you send it, plus a notification when it’s delivered.

•   Or you could see if the payee will accept an online method of transferring money to another bank account.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator

Issuing a Stop Payment on a Check

If you do indeed wind up issuing a stop payment on a check that is lost in the mail or otherwise missing, here are points to keep in mind:

•   Fees for stopping a check vary from one bank to another but can run around $30. Whether you keep your accounts at an online bank or traditional one, you may find that some financial institutions waive the fee for customers with premium accounts, and some may not charge fees if the missing checks are blank.

•   With a stop payment order, the bank flags the missing check number, and as long as the check hasn’t already been processed, it won’t allow the check to clear.

•   A stop payment typically lasts for six months. According to state law, however, a stop-payment request made by phone (and not in writing) can lapse after 14 days, so you may want to ask your bank if any forms need to be filled out to get the full six-month hold.

•   If the stop payment order ends and you suspect criminal activity, you can renew the order for an additional six months, but you may have to pay another fee.

Recommended: What Is a Routing Number?

Protecting Yourself From Fraud and Identity Theft

There are a few different ways in which checks can be stolen. Someone could possibly remove it from the outgoing mail in your mailbox or the payee’s mailbox. There have also been some cases in which mail has been stolen from a blue U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Or the check might have been stolen from the recipient after they received it.

What can someone do with a stolen check?

•   Once they’ve intercepted your check, thieves might find a way to cash it for the amount written or change it to a larger amount. In some cases, they may use chemicals to alter the name of the payee, or the amount.

•   It may also be possible for a thief to use the information on the check to steal your identity and use that information to open new accounts in your name.

If you believe your check was stolen and you’ve already reported it to your bank, there are a few more steps you may want to take to protect yourself.

Recommended: What Can a Scammer Do With Your Bank Account and Routing Number?

Filing a Police Report

By going to your local police department, you can create a paper trail to show the bank and others you’ve been doing all you can to get to the bottom of your loss and stop any further theft.

Reporting Stolen Mail

If you think you’ve been the victim of mail theft or tampering, you can report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service online or call 1-877-876-2455.

Reporting Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers step-by-step advice on what to do if you think your personal information has been compromised, including placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Watching Bank Accounts Closely

Keeping an eye on other accounts — including savings accounts and credit card accounts — could help you spot identity theft faster.

If anything looks out of the ordinary, you can check into it immediately and take any necessary actions to report the theft and protect your account.

What If a Check Written to You Is Lost or Stolen?

If a check that was sent to you never arrives and you’re wondering what to do if the check is lost in the mail, follow these steps:

•   Notify the person or business who sent it as soon as possible so they can stop payment before someone else can cash or deposit it.

•   If you believe the check was stolen from your mailbox and could be cashed, it’s also a good idea to report it to the police.

•   If someone cashed and/or altered the check, and you’re worried about identity theft, you may want to report the theft to the FTC.

•   You may also want to ask the issuer to send the replacement funds in a more secure way.

What If Your Checkbook or Multiple Checks Are Missing?

If several checks or your entire checkbook go missing and you suspect they were stolen, it’s wise to spring into action to protect yourself.

•   Quickly report the loss to your bank and also file a report with the police. If you don’t, you could be held responsible for any unauthorized activity.

•   If you know the numbers of the missing checks, you may choose to put a stop payment on each one.

•   Consider putting a freeze on the account or closing it. If you have other transactions that haven’t finished processing, a bank representative can help you decide which are safe to clear.

How Can You Help Prevent Check Theft?

Implementing a few safeguards could help save you from the stress of dealing with a lost or stolen check. These might include:

Guarding Your Checkbook

It’s wise to treat your checkbook as if it were a big stack of cash. If you don’t think you’ll need it, why not leave it in a safe place at home? Or you could tuck one check in your wallet, just in case.

Mailing Checks with Extreme Care

Putting the flag up on your mailbox can be a signal to thieves looking for an opportunity to steal checks. Rather than leave envelopes with checks in your mailbox or in an outgoing mail basket at work, consider taking them to the post office yourself. If you want to be extra-safe, consider sending them by certified mail.

Using Your Check Registry

If you aren’t writing checks very often, it may seem silly to maintain the check register. But the information you keep there can help you keep track of when and where you sent a check. And if a check is stolen, you’ll have the details you need to report it.

Checking Your Transactions Daily

It doesn’t take long to log into your account and check your transactions frequently, even daily. If you have an app, you can often do this quickly with your phone.

If something looks fishy or a check you sent a while ago hasn’t cleared, it’s a good idea to follow up with the payee and/or your bank.

Being Cautious When Writing Checks

It’s a good idea to be careful when filling in the front of your checks. This includes making sure your signature is clear and consistent, not putting your Social Security number on a check, and only writing your phone number or driver’s license number on a check if a merchant known to you requests it.

The less information you provide, the harder it will be for someone to impersonate you and attempt to cash your check.

Paying with Checks Only When Necessary

Many transactions can be completed online these days, so you may want to consider that route whenever it’s a choice.

You can also set up automatic payments so you don’t have to write checks for recurring expenses.

And if you have to send money to friends or family, you may want to try switching to P2P transfers. You may want to keep in mind that, depending on the money transfer service or app you use, both parties may need to have access to the app or set up an account to exchange money. Also be aware of any fees assessed as you move funds around this way.

The Takeaway

When you write a check and it gets lost or stolen, it’s a good idea to act quickly to protect your finances. This may involve putting a stop payment on the check and possibly contacting authorities if you believe a crime was committed or that identity theft may be the goal. There is typically a fee charged for a stop payment, but it can be worthwhile to protect yourself. After a check is stolen, you run the risk of identity theft, so it’s wise to monitor your accounts and your credit reports closely.

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

FAQ

Can I cancel a check after it’s been cashed?

Once a check has been cashed, you cannot stop payment or cancel it. If you believe there’s fraudulent activity related to the check, contact your financial institution as quickly as possible and possibly other authorities.

How long before a check is considered lost?

Checks are typically good for six months, meaning that someone could hold onto one for that long and still cash it. However, if you were expecting a check to arrive via mail in, say, a week and you have waited twice as long, you might wonder what to do if a check is lost in the mail. Consider issuing a stop payment and then having payment made again, possibly by another method.

Can someone steal your bank info from a check?

If someone gets one of your checks, they have access to both your bank account number and bank routing number. With those two sets of digits, they can potentially commit fraud, such as printing fake checks that are drawn against your account or setting up ACH (automated clearing house) withdrawals from your account.

How do thieves cash stolen checks?

One common method that thieves use is working with household chemicals to erase the ink on a check they have stolen. They can then write in a new payee’s name and amount and cash the check. Typically, they might cash the altered check at an ATM or a currency exchange.

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOBNK-Q125-024

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.

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.

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

FAQ

Is 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. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

SOBNK-Q125-032

If you ever see the phrase “ACH hold” when checking on your bank account, it can be helpful to know that this means funds are on hold, anticipating a completed electronic transfer.

ACH, which is short for Automated Clearing House, is a system that enables the electronic transfer of funds between accounts at different financial institutions. Both businesses and individuals may use this method to move money between bank accounts. When you grant a business or government the right to conduct an ACH debit (which is the electronic removal of funds from your bank account), you may see those words “ACH hold” on funds in your account, telling you that verification is taking place.

This may cause you to wonder if your bank account and financial affairs are in good shape. But there’s usually no need to worry. Here’s what you need to know about ACH holds on your account.

What Is an ACH Hold?

So what does ACH hold mean? When a company or institution that you have authorized to make a withdrawal from your account submits an ACH debit, your bank will receive and acknowledge the transaction. At that point, the bank might place an ACH hold on your account. Here’s what is happening:

•   While there is a hold on your bank account for the amount of the ACH debit, you will not be able to use those funds for a purchase.

•   During the ACH hold, the bank is verifying that you have the funds in your account to cover the requested debit.

•   Once confirmed, your bank will deduct the money from your account.

•   If there are not adequate funds for a transaction, it could be rejected.

In such an instance, the ACH hold simply makes the funds you will owe unavailable before they are actually debited from your account.

On the flip side, you may sometimes notice a pending ACH credit in your account. Here’s a bit of detail about what that may represent:

•   If you open your mobile banking app a day before payday, you might see the pending direct deposit, but the funds are not yet available.

•   This means your employer has sent the money through ACH, but your bank has simply placed a hold until it can verify the transaction and push the funds through to your account.

Understanding Automated Clearing House

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, a U.S.-based network governed by Nacha (National Automated Clearing House Association). The system enables businesses and individuals to electronically debit (take money from) or credit (put money into) accounts.

ACH credit transfers are quite common today. For instance:

•   Examples of a company or government agency putting funds into an individual’s or company’s account include direct deposit payments from an employer to an employee, social security benefits, and tax refunds.

•   As an individual, you likely utilize ACH debit as well. If you have connected your online bank account to a peer-to-peer or P2P payment app like Venmo or Apple Cash and you utilize standard transfers, you are likely using ACH debit when you pay friends and family.

•   You may also use ACH when you enable autopay for bills each month, such as your mortgage, rent, or utilities. When you sign up for this kind of payment, those companies are using ACH debit to withdraw the necessary funds to cover your monthly payment.

But money does not go directly from one account to another. Before your direct deposit paycheck reaches your bank account — or your automatic payment reaches your landlord or the electric company — it goes through the clearing house, which batches payments multiple times a day. That means ACH payments are not immediate, though they can be same-day.

Recommended: What Happens if a Direct Deposit Goes to a Closed Account?

How Does an ACH Hold Work?

When an ACH hold turns up in your account, here are the steps that are typically going on behind the scenes:

1.    The ACH request is sent to your bank to debit or credit funds from/to your account.

2.    The bank receives the request and begins work.

3.    The bank puts a hold on the funds.

4.    The bank ensures the funds are available.

5.    The transaction is completed.

Recommended: ACH vs. Check: What Are the Differences?

How Long Does an ACH Hold Last?

There is not a set time that an ACH hold will last. ACH transfers are often processed in batches throughout the day, so if a transfer misses one batch, it likely waits for the next one. For this reason, ACH transfers typically occur in one or two business days.

For this reason, it’s unlikely a hold would last any longer than 24 to 48 hours.

Tracking Your ACH Hold

But what happens if the days are passing and an ACH hold doesn’t clear? This can be a major inconvenience, whether the transaction involved is an incoming paycheck or an outgoing bill payment.

Unfortunately, as the customer, you will not be able to resolve this on your own. You will need to to contact the bank and make an inquiry, giving them the pertinent details. This will likely include your account number, the amount of the ACH, and how long you have seen the hold in your account. If you are able to see any other specifics under a section such as “transaction details,” those can be helpful as well.

Tracking an ACH hold can be a wise move if a couple of days have passed (say, you are on day three) and the funds in question still have not cleared. Usually, by this point, the transfer would either have taken place or been rejected.

Why Do Banks Perform an ACH Hold?

ACH holds allow banks to verify that funds are in place before approving the transaction. For example, say your account has $100 in it, but a bill collector has initiated an ACH debit for $500. It will be in the bank’s best interest to place the hold on your account. Once the bank realizes that your account does not have the funds to complete the transaction, it will likely reject the ACH transfer.

This protects the bank’s assets, but it means you have an unpaid bill. In this example, you may also have to pay late fees in addition to the funds you owe. What’s more, the bank might charge you an ACH return fee. These fees can certainly add up.

It is a good idea to monitor your account closely and set up low-balance alerts. As a best practice, you might want to keep track of scheduled automatic payments via calendar reminders so your account balance is always high enough to cover charges.

Unauthorized ACH Holds

ACH holds can benefit you as well as your bank. For example, if you monitor your checking account closely and notice a pending ACH transaction that you weren’t expecting, you can contact your bank to learn more about the transaction.

If a person or entity is attempting to debit your account without your authorization, this could mean that your banking details have been compromised. Your bank will be able to help you with next steps to protect you from fraud.

Another scenario to consider: The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) advises that you can stop electronic debits via ACH by payday lenders. These payday loans are a way to get an advance on your paycheck. To curtail unauthorized account deductions, you must revoke their payment authorization (or ACH authorization) by calling and writing to the loan company and your financial institution or by issuing a stop payment order. Visit the CFPB website for sample letters .

Note: Stopping payment via ACH debit does not cancel your contract with payday lenders. You must still pay off the full balance of your loan, but you can work with the lender to determine an alternate method.

Keep in mind, however, that an ACH hold is typically part of a financial institution’s processing protocol and the end user (you) likely isn’t able to intervene. That said, if you’d like to try to remove the hold or cancel the transaction, you may contact your bank’s customer service representative to see if anything can be done.

Also, you can follow the steps above to revoke ACH authorization if the hold reflects an unauthorized transaction. That step may or may not cancel the pending transaction but can help curtail future debits that you don’t want to take place.

The Takeaway

ACH (or Automated Clearing House) holds work to protect banks during transfer processing. While delays may seem annoying at times, there are also pros to ACH holds for account holders. When a company initiates an ACH debit from your account, the hold allows the bank to confirm that funds are available to complete the transaction, which can ensure good flow of finances. Such holds also give you an opportunity to identify any unauthorized ACH debits, which is definitely a plus.

Having a bank that looks out for your best interests is also a major plus. If you’re looking for a new banking partner, see what SoFi has to offer.

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

FAQ

How long can a bank hold an ACH transfer?

When an entity, such as your employer or the government, issues you a direct deposit via Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer, your bank must generally make the funds available for withdrawal by the next business day. However, weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so it may take a few days to get your money even after an ACH transfer has gone through.

How long does it take an ACH check to clear?

Financial institutions may be able to process Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers in one to two business days or on the same day. However, a bank or credit union might hold onto transferred funds once it receives them, generally until the next business day.

What is the ACH hold check order fee?

Financial institutions may be able to process Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers in one to two business days or on the same day. However, a bank or credit union might hold onto transferred funds once it receives them, generally until the next business day.

Photo credit: iStock/max-kegfire

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOBNK-Q125-019

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.

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.

💡 Recommended: Defaulting on Student Loans

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.

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.

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 FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY 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., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, 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 4/22/2025 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.