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It’s often — but not always — possible to deposit cash at an ATM. Whether you can feed bills into the machine can depend on your bank, the particular device you’re using, and other factors. If you are able to make the deposit, fees might be charged.

It’s important to understand the ground rules for depositing cash at an ATM so you can get your money where you want it to go, with a minimum of hassle.

How to Deposit Cash at an ATM

Here are the usual steps for depositing cash at an ATM, once you have your bills counted and ready.

Locate an ATM

In order to avoid wasting time at an ATM that won’t accept cash, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research ahead of time. Log onto the website or app for your financial institution, and look for an ATM locator, which will show you all nearby locations and may also specifically mention which services those ATMs can perform.

It’s worth noting that those convenient ATMs that you may see at your local grocery store or at a concert venue may not accept cash. They are likely there just to provide people with some crisp bills for spending.

Insert Your Bank Card

Once you’ve arrived at an ATM that will accept a cash deposit, you’ll most likely need to use your debit card or other kind of bank card and personal identification number (PIN) to confirm your identity. That will allow you to pull up the ATM’s service options. Some banks may grant access to an ATM using cardless withdrawal technology, which involves using your phone vs. your bank card to complete transactions.

Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Next, you’ll follow the instructions to make a cash deposit. For instance, if you have multiple accounts, such as a checking and savings account, you’ll typically be asked to select the account where the money should be deposited.

Feed Your Money Into the ATM

Ready for the main event? It’s now time to feed your bills into the machine. It’s worth noting that some ATMs may have limits as to how many paper bills they can take at once (perhaps 40 or 50), and ATMs typically don’t take coin deposits. Incidentally, a few older ATMs still require you to put bills into the designated envelopes they provide prior to depositing.

You will usually have the opportunity to confirm the deposit’s amount during this step, which is a valuable checkpoint.

As with any situation where you’re feeding bills into a machine, it’s possible that the machine may spit one back out if it reads it as damaged or potentially counterfeit. And, of course, any time you are handling cash, you want to take note of your surroundings and make sure you feel safe when conducting your transaction.

Sign Out

Last of all, you can ask for a receipt, if you like (you will usually be offered the option of a printed or an email receipt; either can help with record-keeping). Also make sure you are signed out of the ATM before you leave, which is a wise move whenever you use one of these terminals.

Can You Deposit Cash at Any ATM?

You can’t necessarily deposit cash at any ATM. If you are a customer of the bank, you probably can utilize their ATMs, but if a machine is out-of-network, you may or may not be able to deposit your bills there and have them land in your account.

For this reason, it’s important to check to see which ATMs are part of your bank’s network and accept cash. This can save you a wasted trip to an ATM, only to learn that the device doesn’t accept bills from clients of your financial institution…or doesn’t accept bills at all.

If you are permitted to deposit cash, you may have to pay a fee. Currently, out-of-network fees average $4.73 per transaction. In addition, you may have to wait an extra couple of days to have the funds turn up in your account (more on that in a moment).

Can You Deposit Cash at an ATM for an Online Bank?

Customers of online-only banks may be concerned that they won’t be able to deposit cash at an ATM. However, some of the leading online-only banks partner with ATM networks so you can enjoy this aspect of banking. For example, you may find that you can access more than 50,000 global ATMs for free (whether you want to withdraw or deposit cash, or conduct other business) with some of the key players.

Recommended: 12 Top Mobile and Online Banking Features

When Depositing Cash at an ATM, Is It Available Immediately?

At some ATMs, cash deposits are made available immediately, while with other ATMs you may experience some lag between the moment you feed the money into the machine and the moment the funds become available.

The FDIC requires banks to make cash deposits available within a certain amount of time. In the case of an in-network ATM, availability is not required until the second business day after the deposit. At an out-of-network ATM, however, funds don’t have to be made available until the fifth business day, so it’s wise to take that into account.

Again, your bank may have more information available on their website as to their specific policies.

Things to Consider When Depositing Cash at an ATM

Most of the time, depositing cash into an ATM goes smoothly and may happen for free. But there are a couple of scenarios to be aware of and potential hiccups to be prepared for.

Depositing Cash at an ATM That Isn’t Your Bank

As mentioned above, you may or may not be able to deposit cash in an out-of-network ATM. For instance, if you have an account at Bank of America, you probably can’t stick a couple of hundred-dollar bills into a Chase ATM.

What’s more, if you can make a deposit at an out-of-network ATM, there may be fees involved. It will likely take longer to process and become available to use than if you’d stayed in your own network.

If you keep your money at an online-only bank, you may want to stick to their network or make sure your financial institution offers a fee-reimbursement feature. You can usually locate in-network or partner ATMs by checking your bank’s app or website or by calling their customer service number.

Potential Problems

Technology can offer many benefits, such as speed and convenience, but it isn’t perfect. When you are trying to deposit cash at an ATM, you might in rare cases hit a snag. Perhaps the machine won’t accept your bills, or it miscounts the amount deposited.

If an issue like this happens, make sure to note down the details, such as the date, time, location, and what transpired. You can then report the issue to your bank and/or the owner of the ATM to get the matter resolved. If you lost money in this way, you may want to involve the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help you get refunded.

Fees

You are unlikely to encounter a fee if you make a deposit at your bank’s ATM. The same can hold true if you keep your accounts with an online-only bank and use their network of terminals.

However, life can get complicated, and you may need to deposit cash when an in-network device isn’t anywhere nearby. In that case, you are likely to incur an out-of-network ATM fee. As noted above, these are currently averaging $4.73 a pop, according to one recent survey, so this can really add up.

Check with your bank ahead of time to get a better grasp of their specific ATM fee policies and avoid these unnecessary fees when possible.

Limits

There can be limits on how much you can deposit at a given time at an ATM. Typically, this isn’t a dollar amount but rather a cap on how many bills can be inserted. For instance, if an ATM allows no more than 50 bills at a time, that might mean you can only deposit $250 if you have $5 bills or as much as $5,000 if you have $100 bills.

Recommended: How to Avoid ATM Fees

The Takeaway

You can usually deposit cash in an ATM in a few simple steps, which can be a convenient way to get money into your checking or savings account. Depending on whether you insert your bills at an out-of-network vs. in-network machine, the transaction may involve fees and potentially a delay in the funds becoming available. It can be wise to do a little research on your options and rely on in-network machines whenever possible.

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.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

How do you deposit cash at an ATM?

To deposit cash at an ATM, you’ll need an ATM that accepts cash, your bank card, and PIN. Then you simply follow the directions on the machine’s screen. However, it’s good to research first where ATMs in your network are or how much of a fee will be charged to deposit cash at an out-of-network ATM.

Can you deposit checks at an ATM?

Yes, you can usually deposit a check into an in-network ATM, though some machines may not accept them.

Are there ATM deposit fees?

Whether you will pay to use an ATM varies. Typically, you will not be assessed a fee to use an ATM that belongs to your bank or the network of ATMs it partners with. However, if you use an out-of-network machine for a transaction (withdrawal or deposit), you will likely be charged a fee of a few dollars.

How much cash can be deposited in an ATM?

There may be a limit on the number of bills you can deposit at an ATM vs. a limit on the dollar amount. For example, some ATMs accept no more than 50 bills at a time.

How can I deposit money without going to the bank?

You can often deposit cash at one of your bank’s ATMs or a machine that’s part of your bank’s network. Another method would be to buy a money order made out to yourself and then use mobile deposit to get it into your bank account.

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Photo credit: iStock/RgStudio

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

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

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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

*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.

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Checking accounts and debit cards are both key to storing and accessing your money for making everyday payments. Think about how often you use them as you pay bills, grab a latte, and check your balance to see if you can afford some new shoes.

Though they are linked, they are two separate financial tools — and it’s possible (though uncommon) to have one without the other.

What Is a Checking Account?

A checking account is a type of bank account that allows you to access your money when you need it for paying bills or making purchases. Unlike other deposit accounts (like saving accounts), checking accounts allow you to make regular withdrawals by writing checks, swiping your debit card for purchases, or taking money out of an ATM.

Most checking accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or NCUA (National Credit Union Administration), meaning your funds are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. You can typically fund your checking account through bank transfers and via direct deposit from your employer.

You can also connect your checking account to a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or Cash App to send money to and receive money from friends and family. Some banks may even offer built-in payment programs through their mobile apps.

Some checking accounts charge monthly fees while in other situations you can open a free checking account. Banks charging fees for accounts may offer ways to waive the fees. Other “fine print” details to consider when selecting a checking account include minimum balance requirements, overdraft fees, and annual percentage yield (APY).

Recommended: How Much Money Do You Need to Open a Checking Account?

What Is a Debit Card?

A debit card is a form of payment that gives you access to the funds in your checking account.

You can use a debit card online and in person to make purchases, wherever that card is accepted. You can even add your debit card to mobile wallets, like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You typically must use a unique personal identification number (PIN) to use the card for in-person purchases and ATM withdrawals.

Unlike a credit card that allows you to loan money from the card issuer, a debit card only gives you access to the funds in your checking account. If you don’t have enough funds in your account to cover a purchase, the transaction may be declined or you may overdraw the account (and face overdraft fees).

You can also use a debit card to withdraw cash at ATMs. Most banks and credit unions offer a network of fee-free ATMs where you can safely take out cash without incurring charges. You may also be able to request cash back at the point of sale at some businesses when paying with your debit card.

While we typically think of debit cards as a component of a checking account, consumers without a checking account can purchase a prepaid debit card, load funds onto it, and spend it at stores like a bank debit card.

Do You Automatically Get a Debit Card When Opening a Checking Account?

Most checking accounts come with debit cards nowadays, but it’s always a good idea to confirm before opening up a new account. Upon account creation, the bank or credit union will generally send your debit card in the mail. In some cases, you may have to request the debit card.

Not all debit cards are created equal. When looking for a checking account with a debit card, you may want to prioritize one that:

•   Has a large network of ATMs

•   Doesn’t charge fees for card replacements

•   Doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees

•   Offers cash back on debit card purchases.

Can You Have a Checking Account Without Having a Debit Card?

While most checking accounts come with debit cards these days, it’s still possible to encounter a checking account that doesn’t have a debit card. However, you’re more likely to find a checking account that no longer supplies free paper checks to members.

Debit Card vs. Checking Account

Let’s break down the difference between a checking account vs. a debit card.

Checking Account	Debit Card
Deposit account at bank or credit union that is typically federally insured	A card that allows you to make purchases and withdraw cash, typically tied to a checking account
May earn interest	May earn cash back
May have monthly maintenance fees	May have foreign transaction fees and overdraft fees
Can be used for online transactions	Can often be used for online transactions
Can be linked to P2P app	Can be linked to P2P app
Federally insured	Insured if tied to insured account

The best way to think about the difference between checking accounts and debit cards? A checking account is a deposit account for storing and spending your money; a debit card is a common tool to access the money in that deposit account.

Pros and Cons of Checking Accounts

Now that you know how a debit card vs. checking account stacks up, here’s a closer look at checking accounts. These accounts are a staple of personal finance and, as such, offer plenty of benefits to consumers. There are also some downsides to be aware of.

Here are some of the pros and cons of checking accounts:

Pros

•   Easy access to funds: A checking account allows you to make purchases (in person or online), pay bills, and receive direct deposit paychecks.

•   Security: Checking accounts are typically insured by the FDIC or NCUA.

•   Banking benefits: Depending on the checking account, you may enjoy premium features like mobile check deposit, automatic savings tools, and early paycheck access.

Cons

Checking accounts have a specific and necessary purpose for most consumers, but they do have drawbacks:

•   Low or no interest: In terms of checking vs. savings accounts, checking accounts typically have low APYs — if they earn interest at all.

•   Fees: Some checking accounts may have monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, account inactivity fees, and other charges that can add up.

•   Minimum balance requirements: Some checking accounts may require you to maintain a specific amount of funds in your account. They may also require a minimum deposit to open the account.

Here are the pros and cons of checking accounts in chart form:

Pros of a Checking Account	Cons of a Checking Account
Easy access to funds	Low or no interest
Security	Fees
Banking benefits	Minimum balance requirements

Pros and Cons of Debit Cards

To better understand the difference between a debit card and a checking account, it can be helpful to consider debit cards’ unique features. These cards also have their fair share of pros and cons.

Pros

Advantages of debit cards include:

•   Easy way to spend and withdraw cash: Debit cards are more convenient than paper checks and give you quick access to your cash at ATMs.

•   No risk of debt: Unlike credit cards, debit cards don’t let you spend money on credit. This means you don’t risk overspending and falling into high-interest credit card debt.

•   No fees or interest: Debt isn’t the only risk of credit cards. You also have to worry about annual fees and annual percentage rates (APRs) when opening a credit card. Neither applies to debit cards.

Cons

Debit cards have drawbacks, as well:

•   Less fraud protection: Credit cards may pose more debt risk, but they typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

•   Ability to overdraft: Some banks and credit unions charge fees if you accidentally overdraft using your debit card.

•   Daily spend limits: Your debit card likely has a daily spend limit, and it may be less than you think (possibly $300 or $400). Before using your card for a big purchase, you may want to check with your bank to see if they need to increase the limit temporarily.

Take a look at how these pros and cons look in chart form:

Pros of a Debit Card	Cons of a Debit Card
Easy way to spend and withdraw cash	Less fraud protection
No risk of debt	Ability to overdraft
No fees or interest	Daily spend limits

Tips for Finding the Right Checking Account and Debit Card

How can you find the right checking account and debit card for you? Each person’s banking needs are different, but here are a few tips to get you started:

•   Think about the features that are right for you: It’s likely that no checking account will tick all the boxes for you, so it’s a good idea to make a list of the most important features of your ideal checking account. Maybe you want an interest-bearing account that also has a cashback debit card, or perhaps you just want a standard account with no monthly fees or overdraft fees. Deciding on your wish list will help you narrow down the options.

•   Ask friends and family: Getting recommendations from people you trust is a great way to instill confidence in any big financial decision.

•   Consider online banking: Online banks can often offer lower (or no) fees and higher interest rates because of their low overhead. With the advent of mobile banking, including mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and P2P payments, you may find that you don’t miss your brick-and-mortar bank — while enjoying the checking and debit features.

•   Bank in one place: It’s possible to have checking and savings accounts at separate institutions, but you may appreciate the convenience of banking in one place (or in one app). If you already have a credit card or savings account with a specific institution, it might be worth researching their checking account and debit card offerings.

Banking With SoFi

Looking for a new checking account with a debit card? Open an online bank account with SoFi. Our Checking and Savings account allows you to unlock a wealth of banking features, including a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), no account fees, automatic savings tools, and cashback on select local purchases when swiping your debit card.

Bank smarter with SoFi, and see why people love the SoFi debit card and Checking and Savings Account.

FAQ

Is a checking account a debit card?

A checking account is not a debit card. Rather, a debit card is a common way for consumers to spend and withdraw cash from their checking accounts.

Can you withdraw cash without a debit card?

It is possible to withdraw cash without a debit card. If your bank has a physical branch, you can go in person to take out funds. Some banks offer ATM cards for ATM withdrawals, and others may even offer cardless ATMs that allow you to access your funds through a mobile app.

Do checking accounts come with a debit card?

Most checking accounts come with a debit card. The bank may automatically send you the card upon account creation, but in some cases, you may have to request the card before the bank will send it.

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Photo credit: iStock/Phiromya Intawongpan

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.
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.

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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Yes, they are usually similar rectangles of plastic, but charge cards and credit cards are actually very different financial products.

Charge cards, unlike credit cards, do not charge interest. Nor do they allow you to carry a balance over from one month to the following one.

In addition, charge cards often feature uncapped spending limits and considerable reward benefits to cardholders. However, it’s not all positive: They typically come with relatively high annual fees.

There are likely pros and cons of using a charge card vs. a credit or debit card. If you learn how each of these payment systems work, it can put you in a better position to decide which card you may want to use at various times and in different situations.

What is a Charge Card?

A charge card is a branded payment card that can be used anywhere the brand is accepted for electronic payment.

Charge cards require a credit application for approval, and typically are only approved for borrowers with good to excellent credit.

Like a credit card, charge cards allow the cardholder to make purchases that can be paid for at a later date.

However, unlike a credit card, which allows the cardholder to carry a revolving balance by making minimum payments each month, charge card balances must be paid in full at the end of each statement cycle.

If you don’t pay the balance at that time, you may not only face hefty late fees (often considerably higher than those you’d see with a credit card).

However, this strict repayment requirement does come with some benefits.

For one thing, most charge cards don’t have a preset spending limit like credit cards do.

That doesn’t mean you can spend an unlimited amount, however. It means that the max amount you can spend changes, depending on your card usage, credit history, financial resources, and other factors.

These limitations can change frequently. You can find out what your spending limit is on the spot online, with a mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card.

Charge cards are also known for their generous rewards, including purchase points and/or credits for making a purchase, and sometimes offer double or triple points on dining and travel expenses.

The benefits of a charge card aren’t free, however. Although charge cards don’t charge interest on purchases, since they’re paid off in full at the end of each billing cycle, almost all charge cards do require an annual fee. These fees can range from $95 to $5,000 for a super-premium American Express Black Card.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Charge Card vs. Credit Card

Although charge cards and credit cards are similar, the differences between them can make one payment system more appealing than another, depending on your financial situation and spending habits.

Credit cards, like charge cards, allow purchases to be made today and paid for tomorrow — but in this case, “tomorrow” doesn’t necessarily have to mean the end of the billing cycle.

Credit cardholders are able to carry a balance from month to month, sometimes called a revolving balance, which allows the flexibility to pay when you’re able.

However, it’s important to note that credit card companies charge interest on these revolving balances — and the compound nature of that interest means that interest can also be assessed on the interest itself over time.

That’s one reason it’s so easy for credit card debt to spiral–and one reason being forced to pay the bill in full each month, as charge cardholders are, can be an attractive option for those working on their financial self-discipline.

That said, those who have the discipline to pay their credit card bill in full each month can avoid paying interest entirely, since credit card companies only charge interest on revolving balances.

If your credit card doesn’t assess an annual membership or maintenance fee, that means you can use the card to your heart’s delight and never pay a dime more than you spent on your purchases, provided you’re diligent about paying the statement off in full each and every time.

Both credit cards and charge cards often offer additional bonuses and benefits, such as cash-back rewards, points you can use towards purchases, concierge services, and statement credits.

The value of these kinds of rewards often scales with the annual membership fee in both credit and charge cards, so you’ll want to always be sure to read the fine print before signing any paperwork.

Recommended: Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards

Charge Card vs. Debit Card

Since a charge card isn’t an extension of long-term credit in the same way a credit card is, it might be tempting to compare it to a debit card. But there are significant differences between these two types of electronic payment systems too.

A debit card, unlike either a charge card or a credit card, is linked to a spending account with real money in it.

Therefore, in most cases, the cardholder can’t spend more than the amount they’ve put into that account. If they do, they may face pricey overdraft fees and have the difference taken out of the next deposit they make.

Debit cards, however, generally don’t involve interest charges or annual fees. They’re simply a shortcut for taking money out of a spending account.

Debit cards are also used to withdraw money from the ATM and can be used at certain point-of-sale terminals to get cash back when the cardholder needs actual dollars in hand.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

Pros and Cons of Charge Cards

Charge cards, like any other financial product, have both benefits and drawbacks.

While some consumers may enjoy having and using a charge card, others may feel the annual fee is not worth the benefits.

Pros of Charge Cards

•   Because they have to be paid in full each month, charge cards can help avoid a credit card debt spiral.

•   Charge cards have no preset spending cap, which may allow cardholders to make large purchases without having to worry about “maxing out” the card.

•   Charge cards don’t require paying interest (though high fees can be assessed for late payments).

•   Charge cards often offer generous rewards and benefits, such as purchase points, statement credits, and sometimes double or triple points on dining and travel (which can make them a good option for business travelers).

Cons of Charge Cards

•   Many charge cards carry high annual fees, while many fee-free credit and debit cards are available.

•   Charge cards are offered by a limited number of issuers, so there are typically far fewer to choose from than credit cards.

•   As with credit cards, late payments can ding your credit history. With charge cards, however, consistently late payments can be more detrimental to your credit than late credit card payments.

•   You have to pay the whole balance to avoid a late fee (with a credit card, you can typically pay the minimum payment to avoid the late fee).

Alternatives to Using Charge or Credit Cards

The buy-now-pay-later model of purchasing has its advantages, since you can have something in hand before you actually have the funds to cover the cost.

But if you’d rather avoid hefty annual fees and/or paying interest, another way to afford a significant purchase is to start saving ahead of time. You may also want to consider setting up a separate savings account earmarked for that particular savings goal.

For something major you’d like to buy within a couple of years, consider opening an account that offers higher interest than a traditional bank account, but will allow you to access your money when you need it. Good options include a savings account from an online vs. traditional bank, money market account, or a checking and savings account.

To make sure you stay on track with your savings goal, you may also want to set up automatic payments between your spending account and your savings account. For example, you could select a dollar amount (and it’s fine to start small) to be sent each month after your paycheck gets deposited.

The Takeaway

A charge card is a financial product that, like a credit card, allows the cardholder to make purchases now that they then pay for later.

However, unlike credit cards, charge cards don’t allow cardholders to carry a revolving monthly balance — all charges must be paid in full at the end of the billing cycle.

Charge cards also don’t carry preset spending caps (though there may still be some spending limits), and typically assess annual membership fees. But if you enjoy perks, travel frequently, and make the occasional high-ticket purchase, a charge card might be a good fit for you.

If you’d rather avoid annual fees and/or paying interest, you may want to simply save up for that next big purchase.

One way to make saving for a short-term goal a little easier is to sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings Account. SoFi Checking and Savings allows you to spend and save, all in one account. And you’ll pay zero account fees to do it.

Using SoFi Checking and Savings’s Vaults feature, you can separate your spending from your savings while still earning a competitive interest rate on all your money.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

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

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

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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

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Bond valuation is a way of determining the fair value of a bond. Bond valuation involves calculating the present value of the bond’s future coupon payments, its cash flow, and the bond’s value at maturity (or par value), to determine its current fair value or price. The price of a bond is what investors are willing to pay for it on the secondary market.

When an investor buys a bond from the issuing company or institution, they typically buy it at its face value. But when an investor purchases a bond on the open market, they need to know its current value. Because a bond’s face value and interest payments are fixed, the valuation process helps investors decide what rate of return would make that bond worth the cost.

How Bond Valuation Works

First, it’s important to remember that bonds are generally long-term investments, where the par value or face value is fixed and so are the coupon payments (the bond’s rate of return over time) — but interest rates are not, and that impacts the present or fair value of a bond at any given moment.

To determine the present or fair value of a bond, the investor must calculate the current value of the bond’s future payments using a discount rate, as well as the bond’s value at maturity to make sure the bond you’re buying is worth it.

Some terms to know when calculating bond valuation:

•   Coupon rate/Cash flow: The coupon rate refers to the interest payments the investor receives; usually it’s a fixed percentage of the bond’s face value and typically investors get annual or semi-annual payments. For example, a $1,000 bond with a 10-year term and a 3% annual coupon would pay the investor $30 per year for 10 years ($1,000 x 0.03 = $30 per year).

•   Maturity: This is when the bond’s principal is scheduled to be repaid to the bondholder (i.e. in one year, five years, 10 years, and so on). When a bond reaches maturity, the corporation or government that issued the bond must repay the full amount of the face value (in this example, $1,000).

•   Current price: The current price is different from the bond’s face value or par value, which is fixed: i.e. a $1,000 bond is a $1,000 bond. The current price is what people mean when they talk about bond valuation: What is the bond currently worth, today?

The face value is not necessarily the amount you pay to purchase the bond, since you might buy a bond at a price above or below par value. A bond that trades at a price below its face value is called a discount bond. A bond price above par value is called a premium bond.

💡 Quick Tip: Are self-directed brokerage accounts cost efficient? They can be, because they offer the convenience of being able to buy stocks online without using a traditional full-service broker (and the typical broker fees).

How to Calculate Bond Valuation

Bond valuation can seem like a daunting task to new investors, but it is not that onerous once you break it down into steps. This process helps investors know how to calculate bond valuation.

Bond Valuation Formula

The bond valuation formula uses a discounting process for all future cash flows to determine the present fair value of the bond, sometimes called the theoretical fair value of the bond (since it’s calculated using certain assumptions).

The following steps explain each part of the formula and how to calculate a bond’s price.

Step 1: Determine the cash flow and remaining payments.

A bond’s cash flow is determined by calculating the coupon rate multiplied by the face value. A $1,000 corporate bond with a 3.0% coupon has an annual cash flow of $30. If it’s a 10-year bond that has five years left until maturity, there would be five coupon payments remaining.

Payment 1 = $30; Payment 2 = $30; and so on.

The final payment would include the face value: $1,000 + $30 = $1,030.

This is important because the closer the bond is to maturity, the higher its value may be.

Step 2: Determine a realistic discount rate.

The coupon payments are based on future values and thus the bond’s cash flow must be discounted back to the present (thanks to the time value of money theory, a future dollar is worth less than a dollar in the present).

To determine a discount rate, you can check the current rates for 10-year corporate bonds. For this example, let’s go with 2.5% (or 0.025, when expressed as a decimal).

Step 3: Calculate the present value of the remaining payments.

Calculate the present value of future cash flows including the principal repayment at maturity. In other words, divide the yearly coupon payment by (1 + r)^t, where r equals the discount rate and t is the remaining payment number.

$30 / (1 + .025)¹ = $29.26

$30 / (1 + .025)² = 28.55

$30 / (1 + .025)³ = 27.85

$30 / (1 + .025)⁴ = 27.17

$1030 / (1 + .025)⁵ = 1,004.87

Step 4: Sum all future cash flows.

Sum all future cash flows to arrive at the present market value of the bond : $1,117.70

Understanding Bond Pricing

In this example, the price of the bond is $1,117.70, or $117.70 above par. A bond’s face or par value will often differ from its market value — and in this case its current fair value (market value) is higher. There are a number of factors that come into play, including the company’s credit rating, the time to maturity (the closer the bond is to maturity the closer the price comes to its face value), and of course changes to interest rates.

Remember that a bond’s price tends to move in the opposite direction of interest rates. If prevailing interest rates are higher than when the bond was issued, its price will generally fall. That’s because, as interest rates rise, new bonds are likely to be issued with higher coupon rates, making the new bonds more attractive. So bonds with lower coupon payments would be less attractive, and likely sell for a lower price. So, higher rates generally mean lower prices for existing bonds.

The same logic applies when interest rates are lower; the price of existing bonds tends to increase, because their higher coupons are now more attractive and investors may be willing to pay a premium for bonds with those higher interest payments.

Is Investing in Bonds Right for You?

Investing in bonds can help diversify a stock portfolio since stocks and bonds trade differently. In general, bonds are seen as less risky than equities since they often provide a predictable stream of income. Investors can consider bonds as an investment, and those with a lower risk tolerance might be better served with a portfolio weighted highly in bonds.

Performing proper bond valuation can be part of a solid research and due diligence process when attempting to find securities for your portfolio. Moreover, different bonds have different risk and return profiles. Some bonds — such as junk bonds and fixed-income securities offered in emerging markets — feature higher potential rates of return with greater risk. “Junk” is a term used to describe high-yield bonds. You can take on higher risk with long-duration bonds and convertible bonds. Some of the safest bonds are short-term Treasury securities.

You can also purchase bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and bond mutual funds that own a diversified basket of fixed-income securities.

The Takeaway

Bond valuation is the process of determining the fair value of a bond after it’s been issued. In order to price a bond, you must calculate the present value of a bond’s future interest payments using a reasonable discount rate. By adding the discounted coupon payments, and the bond’s face value, you can arrive at the theoretical fair value of the bond.

A bond can be priced at a discount to its par value or at a premium depending on market conditions and how traders view the issuing company’s prospects. Owning bonds can help diversify your portfolio. Many investors also find bonds appealing because of their steady payments (one reason that bonds are considered fixed-income assets).

Invest in what matters most to you with SoFi Active Invest. In a self-directed account provided by SoFi Securities, you can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, options, and more — all while paying $0 commission on every trade. Other fees may apply. Whether you want to trade after-hours or manage your portfolio using real-time stock insights and analyst ratings, you can invest your way in SoFi's easy-to-use mobile app.

Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.¹

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SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

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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Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.


¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.
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