Jan
03
2025
What 'Do Not Convert to ACH' Means on a Check

What ‘Do Not Convert to ACH’ Means on a Check

By | Financial Independence, money, Terminology | Comments Off on What ‘Do Not Convert to ACH’ Means on a Check

Checks seem a pretty mundane bit of banking, but when they say “Do not convert to ACH,” that means the payer doesn’t want the funds transferred electronically. Rather, they are requesting manual processing.

Here, learn more about the implications of these five little words on a check.

ACH System 101

First, understand what ACH is. It stands for Automated Clearing House, which is an electronic system that transfers funds throughout the United States. This network allows individuals and businesses to move money from one financial institution to another, quickly and securely.

Every time you set up automatic bill pay or receive your paycheck by direct deposit or write an eCheck, that’s ACH at work. Apps such as PayPal and Venmo also use the ACH network to send and receive money.

💡 Quick Tip: Did you know online banking can help you get paid sooner? Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier when you set up direct deposit with SoFi.

How Does ACH Work?

ACH transfers are initiated by either making a withdrawal or deposit into an account. You can send money to another account on a one-time basis — such as through an ACH debit to a utilities company or transferring money to a friend for your share of a restaurant meal — or opt into recurring payments. For example, some companies allow you to make automatic payments, such as for subscription services. In either case, you give permission for the receiver to initiate a withdrawal from your account.

You can also get money via an ACH credit. This happens when people receive a direct deposit of their paycheck or Social Security.

Once you or someone else initiates a transfer, the request will be processed first by your financial institution, usually by the next business day. You may be able to expedite the request, as well as schedule a transfer for a future date.

Typically, ACH transfers are faster than other types of transactions, though a potential downside is that it’s only available for transfers within the U.S. (That’s one of the distinctions between an ACH vs. wire transfer, incidentally; the latter has global reach.)

What Is Check Conversion?

Check conversion refers to the process of transforming a check payment into an electronic payment. This usually happens at one of these three points:

•   Point of Purchase (POP), meaning when a purchase is made, say, at a store

•   Accounts Receivable Conversion (ARC), when a business receives a check by mail and then processes it electronically

•   Back Office Conversion (BOC), or when a check is processed electronically after acceptance at, say, the office of a retail location

What Does Conversion to ACH Mean?

ACH conversion describes the fact that a paper check will be converted to a payment that’s processed through the ACH network. In other words, even though a paper check was written and used as payment, it will become an electronic ACH transfer.

Recommended: How to Cash a Check with No Fees

Why Might a Check Be Converted to ACH?

The main reason why a check may be converted is to save time and money when processing payments. Plus, converting a check payment to ACH could be more efficient, as it can help financial institutions detect potential bank fraud earlier, make fewer mistakes, and even result in fewer returned payments. The service of ACH transfers is typically free to consumers.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

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Can a Check Be Converted to ACH?

A check can be converted to ACH in many cases (unless it says “do not convert to ACH”) to help it move swiftly and securely; there’s no check to get lost or be forged, for instance.

How the conversion usually happens: When the check gets deposited in a checking account, the payment details are captured from the check. Then, the check itself will be stored securely by the financial institution — unless you have the physical check and are making a mobile deposit. If the check is converted in person, then the original check will be voided and given back to the payer.

If the check was converted for ACH, it will typically appear on a bank statement as a direct payment (or withdrawal) in the same section as ATM withdrawals or other forms of electronic payments. It could also appear as a check payment — some banks include a scanned image of the check or include the payment details.

Recommended: How Much are the Average ATM Fees?

What Does It Mean When a Check Says ‘Do Not Convert to ACH’?

When a check says “do not convert to ACH,” it means that the payer does not want to make a payment electronically. Instead, the payment needs to be processed manually from one financial institution to another through the check collection system.

More specifically, it means the financial institution will contact the other financial institution to request the funds, which are then delivered through a local clearinghouse exchange or other form organization like the Federal Reserve Bank.

It’s rare to receive a check that says this on it, but if you do, there’s not much to be done to alter the payer’s request.

What Is the Benefit to the Drawee if a Check Says ‘Do Not Convert to ACH’?

Checks that say “Do not convert to ACH” may sometimes be printed when a payer is issuing multiple checks; for example, if a class action suit is being paid out. In this case, perhaps the check issuer does not want the much faster electronic processing of their checks. Perhaps it suits them to have a slower payment process.

What Is the Difference Between ACH and a Check?

The difference between ACH and check payments is the network by which they’re processed. ACH payments are processed electronically through the ACH network, whereas non-converted paper checks are processed manually. In many cases, ACH transfers are processed faster than paper checks, since you may have to wait for a check to clear.

The Takeaway

When it comes to getting paid, converting a check to ACH is most likely the fastest, safest way. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do if the check you receive says “Do not convert to ACH,” however rare they may be. You’ll probably need to deposit it and allow the extra time required for it to become available cash.

Most of us love the conveniences of banking today, and if you want to make a good thing even better, why not check out your options?

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


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

FAQ

Can an ACH payment be declined?

Yes, an ACH payment may be declined or rejected for a few reasons, the most common one being that the payer doesn’t have enough funds in their account for the transfer. Other reasons include the account was closed by the time the transfer took place, the funds have been frozen, or the payer has stopped the payment request.

What does “ineligible for conversion” mean on a check?

If a check says “ineligible for conversion,” it means the check can’t be converted to an ACH payment. This may be due to the paper the check was printed on. The payee needs to either cash or deposit the actual check at a local branch.

Why would a bank reject a check?

There are several reasons a bank would reject a check, including:

•   You don’t have an account at the bank where you want to cash the check

•   You don’t have proper identification to show to the bank

•   The amount may be too large for the financial institution to process

•   The check is void (for example, the check is old and the payment is no longer valid)

•   The signature on the check doesn’t match what the bank has on file

About the author

Sarah Li Cain

Sarah Li Cain

Sarah Li Cain, AFC is a finance and small business writer with over a decade of experience. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Kiplinger, Fortune, CNBC Select, U.S. News & World Report, and Redbook. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

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

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

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

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

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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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Jan
03
2025
Spare Change Savings

Spare Change Savings

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on Spare Change Savings

Whenever you collect change – maybe in a cup by the front door–you likely already know the benefits of spare change savings.

You generally don’t miss the coins you drop into your collection each day. But once you get around to putting the whole pile in the bank (or a coin machine), you could end up with a few hundred bucks.

Today, spare change saving or “round-up” apps make the process even simpler. They automatically calculate the difference between the amount you charge on your debit or credit card and the next dollar amount. They then divert that virtual change into a savings account.

Spare change savings (also known as “micro-saving”) can be a great way to kick start your savings and also help you start automating your finances. However, not all spare change apps are created equal.

Some of these apps charge fees, which can quickly erode your savings. And some actually invest your savings, which may not be ideal if you’re saving for a short-term goal, such as building an emergency fund or buying a car.

Here are some key things you may want to keep in mind when choosing a spare change savings app.

How Does Spare Change Saving Work?

The philosophy behind spare change savings is “little and often.” Every time you spend money, whether it’s on gas, groceries or dining out, an app rounds up that purchase and saves the change for you.

Spare change savings apps typically connect to your credit and/or debit card, take the virtual change from your linked checking account, and put the money into a savings account. For instance, if you buy a sandwich for $5.80, the app will automatically transfer 20 cents from your checking account into a savings account. It’s one way to automate your finances.

Some spare change apps put your money into a traditional savings account or a checking and savings account. Others invest your money in small portfolios, based on your risk tolerance and financial situation. There are also spare change apps that use saved funds to pay off debts that you designate, such as credit cards or student loans.

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Earn up to 3.80% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.

9x the national average savings account rate.

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Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.


The Benefits of Spare Change Savings

There are a number of potential benefits to spare change savings. Below are some of the reasons you may want to try using one of these apps.

They can make saving easy and automatic

One of the biggest advantages of spare change savings is that it’s automatic. You don’t have to remember to bring your change to the bank or transfer money from checking to savings after you get paid in order to save money from your salary. And, unlike the change jar, the money saved is out of sight and out of mind.

If you’re struggling to save money, setting up a spare change savings app can help jumpstart the process and make it relatively pain-free.

Your savings can earn interest

Unlike the piggy bank method, a spare change app can put your savings into an account that can earn interest and help your money grow over time.

Some spare change savings apps, known as “micro-investing” apps, will offer users the opportunity to invest their money in stocks, bonds, and/or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This involves risk, but if these investments do well, your savings could grow considerably.

They can make investing less intimidating

Micro-investing apps can make it easier to get started with investing, even if you currently don’t know anything about it. Generally, they’ll recommend a portfolio based on your goals and time horizon, turning your spare change into an investment on a small scale–a good way to experiment.

There may be extra ways to save

Some spare change savings apps partner up with other brands that will kick in a percentage of every purchase you make to your savings account. For example, if an app partners with Macy’s or Apple, every time you make a purchase from one of those retailers, a small percent of the total you spend would get added to your savings account (in addition to the round-up amount taken from your checking account).

💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more everyday? When you turn on Roundups, all of your debit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the next dollar and deposited into your online savings account.

Disadvantages of Spare Change Savings

There are some potential downsides to spare change savings apps. Here are a few drawbacks you may want to consider before signing up for one of these apps.

They may charge fees

Some spare change apps charge monthly (and other) fees for using their services. Before signing up for an app, it’s a good idea to read the fine print and look into what, if any, fees you may be charged and how often.

Even if the fees are small, they could quickly eat into your savings, especially since the dollar amounts you’re putting away are small.

It’s possible to lose money through investments

If you choose to put your spare change savings into investments, there is some risk involved. Depending on market fluctuations, your money could grow. On the other hand, you could potentially lose some or all of your savings.

Micro-investing may not be ideal for emergency funds

If you go with an app that invests your savings, you may not be able to access the money immediately, which could be an issue if you’re faced with a financial emergency.

Another potential problem is that if your account is down in value at the time you need to withdraw the money, you would have to take a loss instead of waiting for market conditions to improve.

You might get hit with an overdraft fee

If your checking account is close to zero after you make a transaction, and then the spare change app rounds-up the transaction and withdraws additional funds, you could end up overdrafting your account. This could result in getting hit with a hefty overdraft fee.

The Takeaway

While each spare change app functions slightly differently, they all revolve around the same basic concept: You save small increments of cash that you likely won’t miss. The money gets put into a savings account. You can then use the money to work toward your savings goals.

Spare change apps aren’t for everyone, however. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and at risk of overdrafting your account, these apps may not be ideal for you. And if you don’t yet have an emergency fund built up, you may not want to choose an app that invests your savings.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for creative ways to jumpstart your financial goals, a spare change app (with low or no fees) may be the tool you’re looking for. Just make sure you have a savings account for that spare change to go into.

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


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

Photo credit: iStock/Nattakorn Maneerat

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa. Read full bio.


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.

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.

3.80% APY
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

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

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

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

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Jan
03
2025
26 Tax Deductions for College Students and Other Young Adults_780x440

21 Tax Deductions for College Students and Other Young Adults

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on 21 Tax Deductions for College Students and Other Young Adults

If you’re a student or a recent grad, you are likely just starting your financial life and looking for ways to economize. One way to do that is to learn about the tax deductions and credits that can often help you lower your tax bill whether you’re still in school or just got your degree.

Here, you’ll learn about more than 20 possible ways you can save on your tax bill. But keep in mind: Taxes can get complicated. If you have any outstanding questions or concerns about your specific situation, consider consulting with a tax professional.

Smart Tax Deductions for Young Adults

1. American Opportunity Tax Credit

If someone is still in school, they might qualify for The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). The AOTC allows people to take a student tax credit of up to $2,500 for tuition, fees, and course materials they paid for during the taxable year for an undergraduate education.

In addition, 40% of the credit, or up to $1,000, is refundable, which means that someone can receive it even if they happen not to owe any taxes for the year. To qualify, the taxpayer or their dependent needs to be pursuing a degree and enrolled half-time at the very least. A taxpayer can only take advantage of this for four years, no matter how long it takes the student to finish the degree.

💡 Quick Tip: Banish bank fees. Open a new bank account with SoFi and you’ll pay no overdraft, minimum balance, or any monthly fees.

2. Lifetime Learning Credit

Unlike the AOTC, the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is available to vocational, graduate, and non-degree or vocational students, too. The maximum benefit? Up to $2,000 is allowed per tax return. To learn more about the differences between the LLC and AOTC and which one might be right for you, see this IRS chart.

3. Student Loan Interest

Students and parents of students paying for a child’s education through student loans can use the student loan interest tax benefit for education. With this deduction, they can deduct up to $2,500 in interest they paid for the year.

4. Moving Expenses

Perhaps instead of going to college, a young adult enrolled in the military instead. If they are a Member of Active Forces on active duty and had to move due to a military order, then they could take a deduction for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents. On Form 3903, active members of the military can claim expenses related to a military move like transportation and storage of household goods and personal effects and travel (including lodging) from the old home to the new home. They cannot include the cost of meals.

The IRS has an interactive tool to help taxpayers determine whether or not their moving expenses may qualify for a moving deduction.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $3M of additional
FDIC insurance.


5. Self-Employment Tax

If a young adult chose to go into business for themselves after graduating, then they can deduct one-half of their self-employment tax, which is 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. They can do this when figuring their adjusted gross income on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.

6. Home Office

Someone who works at home, whether they’re working at their job remotely or after hours, or they are self-employed, can take a deduction for their home office. Someone can deduct expenses that keep their home office running such as utilities, insurance, and general repairs, but they cannot deduct unrelated expenses like a gardening bill or the paint they used for a room that is not their office. There is a simplified method for this deduction as well as a regular one. With the simple one, taxpayers can deduct $5 per square foot of the home used for business, with a 300-square-foot maximum (see both methods on the IRS’ website ).

Recommended: Do You Qualify for Home Office Tax Deductions?

7. Standard Mileage Rate

If a young adult is using their car for business purposes, then they may be able to deduct their standard mileage rate, which is 67 cents per mile for tax year 2024. They need to keep in mind, however, that if they use the standard mileage rate, they cannot use the car expenses deduction as well. They cannot deduct lease payments, gasoline, car depreciation, vehicle registration fees, oil, or insurance.

8. Car Expenses

When a young adult does not use the standard mileage rate, then they can deduct car expenses that involve business purposes from their taxes. If they use the vehicle for personal and business expenses, then they need to split the deductions.

9. Meals While Traveling

When traveling for business, young adults who are entrepreneurs or self-employed can take a 50% deduction for their unreimbursed business meals. They can either take a standard meal allowance through the IRS or keep records of their actual costs for their meals and take those deductions.

10. Other Travel Expenses

The IRS also allows taxpayers to deduct some travel expenses. If young adults own their own business or are otherwise traveling for professional purposes, they could deduct things like travel by airplane, car, or train, fares for taxis to and from the airport to the hotel, the shipping of baggage, dry cleaning, and laundry, and business calls made on the trip.

11. Business Interest

If a young entrepreneur took out a business loan vs. a personal loan to get their startup running, then they can deduct the interest they paid. If they utilized the loan proceeds for more than one type of expense, then they need to allocate the interest based on how they used the loan’s proceeds.

12. 401(k) Contributions Deduction for Employed People

The government doesn’t tax money that an employee diverts directly from their paychecks into a traditional 401(k). For tax year 2024, the 401(k) contribution limit for individuals is $23,000; for tax year 2025, the limit is $23,500.

13. IRA Deduction for Self-Employed People

If someone does not have a job that provides a 401(k), they may be eligible to deduct their contributions to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This can be a common tax deduction when you are self-employed.

You can learn more about the various kinds of IRAs and possible deductions from the IRS website.

14. Employee Pay

A young entrepreneur who has hired someone as an independent contractor may be able to deduct the income they pay that person on their tax return. You may want to check in with a tax professional if you hire contract workers or salaried individuals to make sure you stay on top of your taxes.

15. Educator Expenses

A young graduate who is working as a teacher is able to deduct up to $300 of the expenses they put towards things they used in the classroom, such as books, courses, and computer equipment. If they teach a course in physical education or health, then athletic supplies would count towards the deduction as well.

16. Health Savings Account

If a taxpayer chose to use a tax-deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) for their healthcare expenses in 2024, then they can contribute up to $4,150 for self-only coverage; in 2025, they can contribute up to $4,300. Note: An HSA is only available to people who have a high-deductible health insurance plan.

Recommended: HSA vs. FSA: What Are the Differences?

17. Home Mortgage Interest

If a young adult is fortunate enough to own their own home, they may qualify for the home mortgage interest deduction, which allows them to deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of their debt.

18. State and Local Tax Deduction

Under federal rules, taxpayers who itemize may be able to deduct up to $10,000 of certain state and local taxes from their taxable income.

19. Charitable Contributions

Young adults who itemize may be able to deduct charitable donations on their return. Just remember that federal law limits cash contributions to just 60% of their AGI for the year. It’s always best to keep receipts and records of charitable contributions in order to take the deduction.

20. Medical Expenses

Healthcare is very expensive, but the IRS allows taxpayers to deduct the amount of total medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). Medical expenses include payments for diagnosing, preventing, and mitigating disease.

21. Residential Energy Credit

If a young adult is lucky enough to own their own home and invests in qualifying clean energy (think heat pumps, solar panels, geothermal energy), they may be able to claim up to 30% of the costs as a tax credit.

The Takeaway

Making smart use of tax deductions can help maximize a tax refund or minimize tax liability. Even if you are a student or a young person, you may be able to claim deductions and credits that make a difference on your tax return. You might even qualify for a tax refund that you could use to pay down debt or sock away in the bank to earn interest.

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


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

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa. Read full bio.

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

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

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

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

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

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.


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Jan
03
2025
37 Places to Sell Your Stuff

Guide to Selling Used Items

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off on Guide to Selling Used Items

Offloading your used items can do you good on a couple of fronts. You can declutter your home, help fight waste (since you’re not just throwing things out), and you can make money by selling your still-useful stuff.

Whether you are looking to sell unwanted items like clothing, shoes, bags, furniture, housewares, books, electronics, or anything else, you can probably find a platform to help you get the job done. Some ways to sell are online, others aren’t, but all can do their part to connect your items with buyers. And get some additional cash flowing your way.

Here’s a guide on where to sell stuff, with dozens of places that can help you turn your unwanted items into cash.

Key Points

•   Online platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist provide convenient ways to sell used items.

•   Specialized platforms like Poshmark for clothing or Decluttr for electronics offer targeted selling options.

•   Local consignment stores and thrift shops can be good options for selling used items in person.

•   Hosting a garage sale or participating in community flea markets can help sell multiple items at once.

•   Utilizing social media platforms and local buy/sell/trade groups can connect you with potential buyers in your area.

21 Places to Sell Stuff Online

If you have items you no longer want or need, and you’re looking to make some extra money, exploring online platforms to sell used items can be highly beneficial. Whether you’re decluttering regularly to keep your space tidy or need a financial boost, online resale apps and sites offer convenient ways to reach a wide audience. Many of these platforms are free to list, some take a percentage of profits, and others offer direct payment upon sale.

1. Craigslist

One of the original online marketplaces, Craigslist (Craigslist.org) , is where you can sell used things. You can list all sorts of things, from tools to toys to DVDs to antiques (and much more) for free.

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to sell items in your local area. It’s free to create a listing that can be seen by anyone on and off Facebook. You can also choose to post your listings to any “Buy and Sell” Groups you’re a member of.

However, a word of caution: Facebook Marketplace and other similar platforms can be used for banking scams. Read up on common ploys and proceed with caution when selling this way.

3. Amazon

While you may think that Amazon is where you can buy new things, there are also a lot of opportunities to list used items, especially books. Current pricing can be $39.99 a month plus selling fees, so you will likely want to be confident you can sell more than that before enrolling.

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4. eBay

The original selling platform, eBay can still be a good way to sell your stuff, especially if you want to reach buyers from around the world who are looking to save money daily. Or it can be a huge help if you’re looking to unload an unusual item (there is almost nothing you can’t sell on eBay). But you may want to keep an eye out for selling fees, which may include a listing fee, a percentage of the sales prices, and possibly other fees.

One example of fees: For most categories, you will pay 35 cents per listing and, when an item sells, you will owe 13.255 of the total sales amount up to $7,500. If the item’s price is higher than that, you’ll pay an additional 2.35% on the overage.

5. OfferUp

Developed as a locally-driven platform, OfferUp is another good bet for selling used things. It allows you to sell to someone local, or ship an item to a buyer who lives anywhere in the US. Most items are free to post. When you sell a shipped item on the site, you may be charged a fee that is 12.9% of the sale price, with a minimum of $1.99.

6. Poshmark

Primarily a site for selling used clothing, Poshmark also lets you list home decor, jewelry, and beauty products. For sales you make under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95. If you make a sale that’s worth $15 or more, it takes 20%.

7. Etsy

Etsy may be best known as a platform for artists to sell their handmade goods and launch a low-cost side hustle. But the site also allows you to list some used goods. However, you can only resell in the “Vintage” and “Craft Supplies” categories. There is a listing fee of 20 cents per item, and, when you sell an item, there’s a transaction fee of 6.5% of the price, plus the amount you charge for shipping and gift wrapping.

8. thredUP

An online consignment and thrift store, thredUP sells thousands of major brands. You can send your gently used clothing directly to the service. If they accept (and sell) your clothing, you can choose from cash or credit.

A $2.99 Clean Out Kit fee and a service charge of $14.99 or higher may be assessed when you send in your clothes.

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield savings account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.

9. eBid

Like eBay, you can sell just about anything on eBid, either for auction or at a fixed price. eBid is organized into three tiers of selling, with different membership costs and selling fees. eBid may or may not wind up costing you less than other selling platforms, depending on how much you will sell and at what price.

10. Bookoo

Another platform for selling stuff locally is Bookoo, which doesn’t charge any listing or selling fees. Bookoo may not be as well known as other sites, but it is available in nearly every state throughout the U.S.

11. Vinted

If you have a lot of gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories to sell, you may want to check out Vinted (Vinted.com), a peer-to-peer online marketplace that focuses on vintage and second-hand fashion. And, for sellers, it’s free. Buyers pay a “protection fee,” typically 5% of the purchase price plus 70 cents.

12. Vestiaire Collective

If you have luxury items you want to sell, you may want to try Vestiaire Collective, a resale website where you can buy and sell high-end clothing, handbags, and accessories. When you sell an item, you can usually keep up to 85% of your money from the sale, minus a payment processing fee (usually 3%).

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $3M of additional
FDIC insurance.


13. TheRealReal

TheRealReal is a luxury consignment site where you can drop off or ship designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry, as well as fine art and upscale home decor. They sell your items for you in exchange for a percentage of the profit.

Recommended: Ways to Make Money Online

14. Rebag

If you have a designer bag that you no longer want, you might consider selling it on Rebag, a site that’s focused on buying, selling, and trading luxury handbags. The site will let you know how much your bag is worth. If you like the offer, you can send them your bag with no shipping charges. Once it’s received and approved, you’ll get your payment.

15. Bag Borrow or Steal

Another site for selling luxury handbags is Bag Borrow or Steal. You can sell directly to the site (and get paid right away), or you can consign and receive 70% of the sales price after it’s sold.

16. PreOwned Wedding Dresses

If you aren’t sentimental about keeping your wedding dress, bridal party gown, or accessories, then you can list it on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, with a $25 listing fee and an 80% payout of the sale price when someone buys it.

17. BookScouter

If you’re looking to sell textbooks, you may want to check out BookScouter. The platform simplifies the process by searching sites that buy used textbooks, then displaying the prices from those sites, so you can compare and decide where to sell your books.

18. GoTextbooks

GoTextbooks also allows you to sell your college textbooks and hopefully recoup some of the money you spent on them. When you let the site (sellback.gotextbooks.com/) know about what you have for sale, they will give you an instant quote. You can then ship your books for free and receive your money.

19. DeCluttr

If you mainly have electronics to sell, DeCluttr offers a straightforward way to sell old things for cash, buying used tech, cell phones, DVDs, and video games. The site will give you an instant valuation. If you like the price, you can ship your item for free. If it meets expectations, you receive payment a few days later.

20. Gazelle

You may be able to turn your old cell phone into some quick cash at Gazelle. The site will give you an instant quote. If you like the numbers, you can ship the phone to them for free, and get paid via Amazon Gift Card, PayPal, or check.

21. Instagram

If you have a fair number of followers on Instagram, you might consider listing items you’re looking to sell there. As with Facebook groups, you simply need to snap a photo, write a brief description, and name your price. Or, you can go the more professional route and integrate Instagram’s shopping tools.

15 Places to Sell Stuff In Person

For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, selling items in person can be equally rewarding. If you have items cluttering your home and you need quick cash, local stores, markets, and community sales provide great opportunities to sell your goods directly. Whether you choose to consign your items or sell them outright for cash, these in-person places can offer immediate results and personal interactions with buyers.

1. Garage Sales

If your goal is to unload a large amount of stuff all at once, hosting a garage sale can be a good way to go. You could even get some neighbors together and hold a community garage sale to attract more people.

Just be sure to double-check community guidelines first to see if a permit is required.

2. Flea Markets

Community flea markets can be a great way to sell unwanted things. The owner and operator of the flea market will likely charge you a fee for a booth. If you live in a big city, you may have to register early to get a spot.

3. Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is a vintage and used clothing store with locations throughout the U.S. If one of their stores is convenient to you, you can make an appointment to meet with a buyer. If they like your stuff, they will pay 25% of their selling price in cash or 50% in store credit. (Using that store credit could prove to be a good way to save money on clothes.)

4. Crossroads Trading

Crossroads Trading is a second-hand clothing store with brick-and-mortar locations throughout the U.S. If you visit a store, you may be able to receive cash for your clothing on the spot. For higher-end pieces, you can opt to consign. Crossroads also offers mail-in service.

5. Plato’s Closet

You can bring your gently used brand-name clothing and accessories to a Plato’s Closet near you. They’ll review your items and, if accepted, you’ll get paid on the spot.

6. Style Encore

A women’s resale store, you can bring in stylish, gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories to one of Style Encore’s retail locations. If they (style-encore.com) like your items, you will get paid right away in cash.

7. Once Upon a Child

If you have gently used children’s clothing and shoes, toys, and/or baby gear lying around, you may want to cart it over to Once Upon a Child, which has locations throughout the U.S. An employee will check out your goods and, if they think they sell them, will give you cash in return.

Recommended: Weird Ways to Make Money

8. Play It Again Sports

If you live near Play it Again Sports, you may want to consider bringing in all the no-longer-used sports equipment in your garage. You’ll clear out the space, and may get a nice amount of cash in return.

9. Music Go Round

Live in a musical household? Music Go Round is a resale music shop where you can bring in used instruments and sound equipment (like amps, MIDI equipment, and mixers) and get paid cash in return.

10. Local Thrift Stores

Unlike Goodwill or Salvation Army which accept donations, thrift stores — specifically ones that sell high-end or vintage clothing — might be willing to buy your clothes and other items. Look up local stores, and ask them what they buy and how much they typically pay.

11. Used Book Stores

Your local used book stores may be looking to purchase your books from you. You can call ahead, let them know what you have, and see if they are interested. You might wind up selling your old things for cash.

12. Pawn Shop

You may be able to make some quick money selling your old stuff to a local pawn shop. Typically, pawn shops are only interested in things of value, such as jewelry, collectible coins, and electronics. It can be a good idea to bring in proof of purchase so that the owner knows you aren’t trying to sell stolen goods.

13. Facebook Groups

If you’re in any local or niche Facebook groups, you may want to post items that might appeal to members of the group. You simply need to snap a picture, describe your item, set your asking price, and see what offers you get.

14. Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a network of local community websites and can be a good place to post items. You click on the “Sell or give away an item” option when posting and can set your terms. While the number of people who are in a particular area’s community will vary, Nextdoor does have approximately 37 million active users, so you just might find a buyer.

15. A “Raid My Closet” Event

Do you have friends who might be interested in checking out what you have for sale? You may want to consider inviting them over for a “raid my closet” event, or a “raid my garage” party. You can offer food and drinks, and make it a fun celebration to declutter your home.

What Are the Benefits of Selling Your Things?

Selling your things can have several benefits:

•   You can declutter or downsize by selling unwanted items.

•   You can help the environment by passing the item along versus throwing it in the garbage.

•   You can help someone who is looking for a gently used item that you have and wants to get a good deal on it.

•   You can bring in extra income.

However, as mentioned before, there are also downsides of selling your stuff. There is the possibility of being scammed in some direct sales, and there are also income tax implications to doing those kinds of transactions as well. Educate yourself on these situations.

Keeping Your Cash in a SoFi Savings Account

If you’re holding on to clothes, furniture, books, or other items you no longer want or need, you could be sitting on a way to make some extra money while decluttering.

What to do with all the profits that start rolling in? You might want to bank it and earn some interest.

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


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

FAQ

What is a good website to sell stuff on?

The right website to sell stuff on will depend on the item you are selling to some extent. If you are selling a piece of furniture or large appliance, you might try Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. For clothing, there are sites like thredup and Vinted, among others.

How do I sell my stuff online for free?

This will depend on the kind of item you are selling. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted are some examples of platforms that typically don’t charge the seller any fees.

What is the best app for selling used items?

Among the apps to consider when selling your used items are eBay, OfferUp, and Poshmark. These can reach a large number of potential buyers, though as a seller, you will likely pay some fees.

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/Zinkevych

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

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

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

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

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


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.

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03
2025
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What Are RSUs & How to Handle Them

By | Budgeting & Goals, Investing, Terminology | No Comments

Restricted stock units, or RSUs, are a form of equity compensation offered to employees of a company. They’re similar to, but distinct from, employee stock options (ESOs).

You are probably pretty familiar with many of the standard offers in a job compensation package. When receiving an offer letter from a potential new employer, employees could typically receive a salary figure, paid vacation and sick day allowances, some type of health insurance, and, possibly, a retirement plan. RSUs and ESOs can be yet another part of that package.

What Is a Restricted Stock Unit?

Restricted stock units are a type of compensation offered to employees in the form of company stock. RSUs are not technically stock, though; they are a specific amount of promised stock shares that the employee will receive at a future date, or across many future dates.

Restricted stock units are a type of financial incentive for employees, similar to a bonus, since employees typically receive promised stock shares only when they complete specific tasks or achieve significant work milestones or anniversaries. Again, RSUs are different from employee stock options, too.

RSU Advantages and Disadvantages

Among the key advantages of RSUs are, as mentioned, that they provide an incentive for employees to remain with a company. For employers, other advantages include relatively small administrative costs, and a delay in share dilution.

As for disadvantages, RSUs can be included in income calculations for an employee’s income taxes (more on this below), and they don’t provide dividends to employees, either. They also don’t come with voting rights, which some employees may not like.


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Know the Dates: Grant and Vesting

In the case of RSU stock, there are two important dates to keep in mind: the grant date and the vesting date.

Grant Date

A grant date refers to the exact day a company pledges to grant an employee company stock.

Employees don’t own granted company stock starting on the grant date; rather, they must wait for the stock shares to vest before claiming full ownership and deciding to sell, hold, or diversify stock earnings.

Vesting Date

The vesting date refers to the exact day that the promised company stock shares vest Employees receive their RSUs according to a vesting schedule that is determined by the employer. Factors such as employment length and specific job performance goals can affect a vesting schedule.

The employer that wants to incentivize a long-term commitment to the company, for example, might tailor the RSU vesting schedule to reflect the employee’s tenure at the company. In other words, RSUs would only vest after an employee has pledged their time and hard work to the company for a certain number of years, or the vested percentage of total RSUs could increase over time.

If there are tangible milestones that the employee must achieve, the employer could organize the vesting schedule around those specific accomplishments, too.

RSU Vesting Examples

Typically, the vesting schedule of RSU stock occurs on either a cliff schedule or a graded schedule. If you leave your position at the company before your RSU shares vest, you generally forfeit the right to collect on the remaining restricted stock units.

On a graded vesting schedule, an employee would keep the amount of RSUs already vested, but would forfeit leftover shares. If that same employee is on a cliff vesting schedule and their shares have not yet vested, then they no longer have the right to their restricted stock units.

Cliff Schedule

A cliff schedule means that 100% of the RSUs vest at once. For example, if you receive 4,000 RSUs at the beginning of your job, on a cliff vesting schedule you would receive all 4,000 on one date.

Graded Vesting Schedule

With a graded schedule, you would only receive a portion of those 4,000 RSUs at a time. For example, you could receive 25% of your RSUs once you’ve hit your two-year company anniversary, 25% more after five years at the company, 25% more after seven years, and the final 25% after 10 years.

Alternatively, a graded vesting schedule might include varying intervals between vesting dates. For example, you could receive 25% of your 4,000 total RSUs after three years at the company, and then the remainder of your shares (3,000) could vest every month over the next three years at 100 per month.

Are Restricted Stock Units Risky?

As with any investment, there is always a level of uncertainty associated with RSUs. Even companies that are rapidly growing and have appreciating stock values can collapse at any time. While you do not have to spend money to purchase RSUs, the stock will eventually become part of your portfolio (as long as you stay with the company until they vest), and their value could change significantly over time.

If you end up owning a lot of stock in your company through your RSUs, you may also face concentration risk. Changes to your company can not only impact your salary but the RSU stock performance. Therefore, if the company is struggling, you could lose value in your portfolio at the same time that your income becomes less secure.

Diversifying your portfolio can help you minimize the risk of overexposure to your company. A good rule of thumb is to consider diversifying your holdings if more than 10% of your net worth is tied up with your company. Holding over 10% of your assets with your firm exposes you to more risk of loss. When calculating how much exposure you have, include assets such as:

•   RSUs

•   Stock

•   Other equity-based compensation

Are Restricted Stock Units Reported on My W-2?

Yes, restricted stock units are reported on your W-2.

The biggest difference between restricted stock units and employee stock options lies in the way that the Internal Revenue Service taxes them. While you owe tax on ESOs the moment you decide to exercise your options, RSU stock taxation happens at the time of vesting. Essentially, the IRS considers restricted stock units supplemental income.

RSU Tax Implications

When your RSUs vest, your employer will withhold taxes on them, just as they withhold taxes on your income during every pay period. The market value of the shares at the time of vesting appears on your W-2, meaning that you must pay normal payroll taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare, on them.

In some cases, your employer will withhold a smaller percentage on your RSU stock than what they withhold on your wages. What’s more, this taxation is only at the federal level and doesn’t account for any state taxes.

Since vested RSUs are considered supplemental income, they could bump you up to a higher income tax bracket and make you subject to higher taxes. If your company does not withhold enough money at the time of vesting, you may have to make up the difference at tax time, to either the IRS or your state.

So, it might be beneficial to plan ahead and come up with a strategy to manage the consequences of your RSUs on your taxes. Talking to a tax or financial professional before or right after your RSU shares vest could help you anticipate future complications and set yourself up for success come tax season.

How to Handle RSUs

If you work for a public company, that means that you can decide whether to sell or hold them. There are advantages to both options, depending on your individual financial profile.

Sell

Selling your vested RSU stock shares might help you minimize the investment risk of stock concentration. A concentrated stock position occurs when you invest a substantial portion of your assets in one investment or sector, rather than spreading out your investments and diversifying your portfolio.

Even if you are confident your company will continue to grow, stock market volatility means there’s always a risk that you could lose a portion of your portfolio in the event of a sudden downturn.

There is added risk when concentration occurs with RSU stock, since both your regular income and your stock depend on the success of the same company. If you lose your job and your company’s stock starts to depreciate at the same time, you could find yourself in a tight spot.

Selling some or all of your vested RSU shares and investing the cash elsewhere in different types of investments could minimize your overall risk.

Another option is to sell your vested RSU shares and keep the cash proceeds.. This might be a good choice if you have a financial goal that requires a large sum of money right away, like a car or house down payment, or maybe you’d like to pay off a big chunk of debt. You can also sell some of your RSUs to cover the tax bill that they create.

Hold

Holding onto your vested RSU shares might be a good strategy if you believe your company’s stock value will increase, especially in the short term. By holding out for a better price in the future, you could receive higher proceeds when you sell later, and grow the value of your portfolio in the meantime.

RSUs and Private Companies

How to handle RSUs at private companies can be more complicated, since there’s not always a liquid market where you can buy or sell your shares. Some private companies also use a “double-trigger” vesting schedule, in which shares don’t vest until the company has a liquidity event, such as an initial public offering or a buyout.

The Takeaway

RSUs are similar to stock options for employees. Your specific financial goals, the amount of debt you may hold, the other types of investments you might be making, are all factors to consider when weighing the pros and cons of selling or holding your RSU shares.

Perhaps the most pertinent thing to keep in mind, though, is that everyone’s financial situation is different – as so is their respective investing strategy. If you have RSU shares, it may be worthwhile to speak with a financial professional for advice and guidance.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

What is the difference between restricted stock units and stock options?

Restricted shares or restricted stock is stock that is under some sort of sales restriction, whereas stock options grant the holder the choice as to whether or not to buy a stock.

Do restricted stock units carry voting rights?

Restricted stock units do not carry voting rights, but the shares or stock itself may carry voting rights once the units vest.

How do RSUs work at private vs public companies?

One example of how RSUs may differ from private rather than public companies is in the vesting requirements. While public companies may have a single vesting requirement for RSUs, private companies may have two or more.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

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