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Accrued interest represents the interest that accumulates in between payments on a financial product. Accrued interest can apply to both lending and investment products, ranging from home loans and credit cards to bonds or savings accounts.

Accrued interest is different from regular interest, and it’s an important concept to understand.

What Is Accrued Interest?

When you are investing and earning interest, you’ll probably encounter accrued interest. And in the opposite situation, if you borrow money and owe interest payments, you’ll also deal with accrued interest.

This type of interest accrues in between payments. For instance, if you have a credit card balance of $1,000, and you make a partial payment on the 30th of the month, the remaining balance and any new charges will begin to accrue interest. It will be due on the 30th of the following month.

Think of accrued interest as interest that is building up, bit by bit, until that payment is made. In the case of an investment like bonds, in which you’re essentially loaning money to an entity like the government or a company, the accrued interest is interest earned on the money you invested that is eventually paid to you.

💡 Quick Tip: Whether your check comes the first Wednesday of the month or every other Friday, if you sign up for direct deposit, you know when the money will hit your account. This is especially helpful for scheduling the payment of regular bills. No more guessing when you’ll have sufficient funds.

How Does Accrued Interest Work?

It’s possible to owe accrued interest on a variety of lending products, like credit cards and loans. It’s also possible to earn accrued interest on certain investing products and savings accounts.

Whenever an individual borrows money, they owe interest. They are paying to use that money. On the flip side, when they are investing and giving a financial institution, government agency, or company money to borrow for an investment, such as a bond, then the individual is owed interest.

Accrued Interest When Borrowing Money

When you borrow money, with an installment loan, for instance, interest typically accrues daily. At the end of the month, the accrued interest is added to the total monthly payment amount.

With credit cards, unless you pay your balance in full every month, the same daily accrual happens after the cardholder makes a charge with their card. The interest is building up as the month goes on. How much interest accrues depends on the balance and the interest rate.

Accrued Interest When Saving

Accounts that earn interest, such as certificates of deposits (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts, also often accrue interest daily. The amount of interest accrued is based on the account’s average daily balance. An exception to that is bonds, which generate a fixed interest payment on a quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis.

How to Calculate Accrued Interest

How interest accrues varies by the lender and product that’s generating the interest, which could be a loan, a line of credit, an investment product, or a bank account such as a savings account.

Example of Accrued Interest When Borrowing

To calculate how much interest will accrue daily with a credit card, for example, an individual needs to divide their APR (annual percentage rate) by 365 (for the number of days in a year). Then, they would multiply their current credit card balance by their daily rate. So if a credit card has an APR of 24.37% with a balance of $500, the calculation for how much interest accrues daily looks like this:

24.37 / 365 = 0.067%

$500 x 0.00067 = $0.34 interest that accrues daily

To calculate the monthly interest charge, multiply the daily rate by the number of days in the credit card billing cycle. So if there are 30 days in the billing cycle the calculation would look like this:

$0.34 x 30 = $10.20 in interest

Although credit card interest accrues daily, the total amount accrued is typically not added to your balance until the end of the billing cycle. So if you pay your balance in full by the due date, you can avoid paying accrued interest.

Example of Accrued Interest When Saving

To calculate accrued interest on a savings account, for example, take your yearly interest rate, which banks generally list as an APY, or the percentage of total interest you can earn on your account per year. To find the monthly interest rate, divide the APY by 12 (for the number of months in the year). So, if the APY is 5%, the calculation would look like this:

5 / 12 = 0.416% monthly interest rate

Next, to calculate how much interest you will actually earn on your money, you need to know if the interest is simple interest vs. compound interest. Most savings accounts use compound interest, and it is calculated depending on how often it compounds, such as monthly.

To determine how much annual interest you’ll earn on a balance of $1,000 in your savings account, the formula is:

P(1 + R / N)˄NT

P is the principal amount (the $1,000), R is your APY (calculated in decimal form), N is the frequency of compounding, which is monthly, and T is the amount of time, which in this case is 1 for one year. It would look like this:

1,000(1+ 0.05 / 12)˄12 x 1 = $1,250

💡 Quick Tip: If your checking account doesn’t offer decent rates, why not apply for an online checking account with SoFi to earn 0.50% APY. That’s 7x based on FDIC monthly interest checking rate as of December 15, 2025. the national checking account average.

Accrued Interest vs Regular Interest

Accrued interest is different from regular interest. Accrued interest typically indicates interest charges that have accumulated but not yet been paid. Perhaps you have heard the term in this context with student loans: The interest may start accruing (adding up) when the loan is disbursed, but it could only become due at your studies’ completion. You may not be paying the interest just yet, but you can know the interest will be assessed.

Regular interest refers to the interest earned on, say, a home loan. Your payment plus interest is due on a certain date and is not accruing day after day or varying. The “regular interest” involves a known principal and interest rate, as well as a constant monthly payment that is due every month.

Why Is Accrued Interest Important?

Accrued interest shows how interest that an individual owes or is owed adds up. For example, with bonds, it may help you understand the interest that’s accruing so you can make sure you are earning the right amount. Or, if you have borrowed money, you can look at how the accruing interest could add to the amount you owe, which might, in turn, help you manage your money.

In the case of a credit card, if an individual sees how long it will take to pay off a credit card balance over a year or two, they could crunch the numbers on how much interest they will accrue during that time. They may find that paying the debt sooner could save them a lot of money, and then work to create a budget to help them pay down what they owe.

Understanding how that interest builds up is a valuable tool. By better comprehending how much you owe or are owed, you can manage your money and work to enhance your financial health.

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 up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is accrued interest good or bad?

Accrued interest isn’t necessarily a bad or good thing. If someone borrows money, they may not enjoy paying accrued interest, but it is a part of their lending agreement. On the other hand, if someone earns accrued interest on investments or savings, they’ll probably consider it a good thing.

Why do I have to pay accrued interest?

Paying accrued interest is more often than not necessary when someone borrows money. Those payments are required by lenders in exchange for lending money to consumers.

What is the difference between interest and accrued interest?

Regular interest represents the payment made in exchange for borrowing money or as a form of income earned from an investment. Accrued interest represents the amount of interest that builds up in between payments.

How do you avoid accrued interest?

When an individual enters a borrowing agreement, they need to pay any interest they accrue. That said, there are ways to avoid paying accrued interest altogether or to minimize accrued interest payments. For instance, pay your credit cards in full. When you pay the balance in full, you won’t have to pay any accrued interest.

Also, to minimize how much accrued interest you owe on a loan, you can make additional payments. Paying down the principal faster will lower how much interest accrues on a monthly basis. You may even be able to pay off the loan early, which also helps avoid more interest accruing.

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

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

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.

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.

3.30% APY
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.
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

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The Automated Clearing House Network, or ACH, is a network that allows individuals and businesses to electronically move money between bank accounts — often within the same day. But sometimes things just don’t go according to plan, and those quick, convenient ACH payments wind up getting returned or needing to be reversed. Usually, these electronic transactions run smoothly, but at times, the funds don’t or can’t get from point A to point B.

Here, we’ll take a look at why ACH payments are sometimes returned. We’ll cover:

•   What ACH turns are

•   Terms to know about ACH returns

•   What the difference is between an ACH return and a Notice of Change

•   How to return an ACH payment

What Are ACH Returns?

While most ACH payments are likely to go through, ACH returns occur when an ACH payment fails to be completed. This can happen for a few reasons, such as:

•   The originator providing inaccurate payment information or data

•   The originator providing non-existent or inadequate authorization

•   The originator isn’t authorized to debit the client’s account with an ACH payment

•   Insufficient funds to cover the transaction (which can happen, especially if the person paying doesn’t balance their bank account regularly)

Next, let’s look at how an ACH return transpires. If a merchant wants to debit their customer’s or client’s account, the merchant’s bank (at the merchant’s request) will send a request for an ACH debit from the customer’s account. The customer’s relevant ACH network will then receive an ACH payment request. Then the merchant’s bank will debit the customer’s account and the merchant’s account will be credited with the amount of money indicated in the ACH payment request.

If for some reason the customer’s bank account alerts the ACH network that they are not able to complete the transaction, the money will remain in the customer’s account. That’s an ACH return.

It costs money to process an ACH return, and that cost generally falls on the consumer. Similar to how consumers get charged a fee when they bounce a check, the consumer will typically need to pay a fee if an ACH return occurs. This bank fee is fairly small and typically only costs $2 to $5 per return.

Important Terms to Know About ACH Returns

To better understand how ACH returns work, it’s helpful to know a bit of the industry’s vocabulary — particularly ODFI and RDFI (which are the two parties involved in every ACH return). Here’s what these acronyms mean:

•   ODFI (Originating Depository Financial Institution): The originator of the transaction who’ll send funds

•   RDFI (Receiving Depository Financial Institution): The receiver of the funds

Another facet of ACH lingo that’s helpful to know are ACH return codes. Any ACH return that occurs will generate an ACH return code. These ACH return codes are made up of the letter R followed by some numerals. Each code represents a different reason for a return. These codes can be helpful because they inform the originator of why the ACH return happened.

The following ACH return codes are fairly common:

•   R01 – Insufficient funds. This code means that the available assets can’t cover the debit entry (like when an account is overdrawn).

•   R02 – Account closed. In other words, the client or the RDFI closed the account that should be debited or credited through an ACH payment.

•   R03 – No account/unable to locate account. In this case, the return occurred because the account intended for ACH payment doesn’t exist or the account’s owner is not the one noted by the debit entry.

•   R04 – Invalid account number structure. If something is wrong with the client’s bank account number or the number doesn’t pass validation, a R04 return code results.

•   R05 – Unauthorized debit to a consumer account. If the receiver hasn’t authorized the originator to request an ACH transfer from their bank account, the transfer can be blocked, and this ACH code will occur.

It’s worth noting that R05 return codes work a bit differently. Unlike the other ACH return codes listed, the return time frame for R05 is 60 banking days instead of two. This longer time frame gives the originator a chance to ask the receiver to allow the ACH transfer to occur or to provide them with a new bank account number to complete the transaction.

Recommended: Routing Number vs Account Number: How to Find Both

What Is the Difference Between a Notice of Change (NOC) And ACH Return?

It’s easy to confuse a Notice of Change (NOC) and an ACH return, but these are two different things. An NOC is a method used by financial institutions to notify a federal agency to correct or change account information. It applies to an entry processed by the federal agency through the ACH. A NOC is not a form of payment in and of itself. Nor does it represent a failure to complete an ACH payment transaction. It’s a request for an edit, basically, while an ACH return actually stops a transaction.

Recommended: How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another

When Can You Request a Reversal of an ACH Payment?

For a reversal to occur on an ACH payment, certain requirements have to be met. Here are the guidelines for successfully putting the brakes on a transaction:

•   The reversal entry has to be transmitted to the bank within five banking days after the settlement date of the erroneous file.

•   Transmitting the reversing file has to occur within 24 hours of discovering the error.

If these criteria are met, the reversal of an ACH payment can proceed.

Why You Might Be Receiving an ACH Return

As you monitor your bank account, you may see that an ACH transaction, which usually happens so smoothly, is being returned. This can occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, the originator may have provided inaccurate payment information or may not have been authorized to debit the customer’s or client’s account with an ACH payment. The codes reviewed above can also shed light on why the transfer of funds was stopped. By the way, both returned mobile ACH payments and returned ACH card payments can occur.

How to Return an ACH Payment

Account holders and merchants who encounter issues with ACH payments can stop or reverse them.

If you may need to delay or adjust an ACH debit (which is an automatic “pull” from your account) as a consumer, you’ll want to contact the organization that is initiating the payment, whether this is the biller or your bank. If it is your bank, you’ll need to give them the name of the business or organization that is making the ACH debit and the amount. Ideally, you want to do this three business days before the scheduled payment date.

If you want to stop an ACH credit, which is when your bank “pulls” money from someone else’s account, you will need to notify your bank before the payment is debited. You will typically need to provide the name of the person or business that is paying you, the exact payment amount, and your account details.

The Takeaway

While ACH payments are a convenient payment method, sometimes a funds transfer fails to go through. In this situation, a returned ACH payment occurs. ACH returns can happen for a few reasons (such as the client’s bank account contains insufficient funds to complete the transfer). The entire process is fairly quick and is usually completed within two banking days. As more and more electronic transfers happen, it’s wise to be aware of this system that can step in if details are incorrect or one party can’t or won’t hold up their end of the arrangement.

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

What’s the time frame for an ACH debit return?

It usually takes two banking days for an ACH return to complete. However, there are select ACH return codes that result in a 60-day return period.

How much are ACH return fees?

Fees vary, but they usually cost about $2 to $5 per return. The consumer pays this charge. It’s similar to paying a fee for a bounced check.

What are ACH return codes?

Every time an ACH return happens, the originator will be sent an ACH return code. This code is represented by the letter R and a two-figure number and explains why the return happened. For example, a R01 return code indicates that the client’s bank account contains insufficient funds to complete the transfer.

Can returned ACH payments be disputed?

Yes, ACH returns can be disputed. What that process looks like varies with the reason why the ACH return occurred. Every ACH return code has a specific return time frame associated with it. Generally, the client needs to dispute the ACH return during that time frame.

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Photo credit: iStock/Nicola Katie

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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When a check is altered (typically the payment amount or recipient name), it constitutes a form of check fraud and can be financially damaging to its victims. Learn more about this situation, as well as tips for how to spot an altered check.

What Is an Altered Check?

An altered check is a paper check that was altered by someone other than the check writer, which can be a kind of bank fraud. Essentially, it occurs when someone writes a check and another person changes the amount on the check (usually by adding an extra zero at the end of the check amount or by changing the payee’s name) in order to commit fraud.

The payer or payee who was defrauded needs to report this fraud within a year to help ensure the loss will be covered. If a bank has reason to believe a check has been altered fraudulently, it can legally refuse to cash it.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) advises not leaving large spaces in the number and amount lines when writing a check to help avoid fraudulent alterations from occurring.

Altered checks are one of the most common types of check fraud. Other types include forgeries and counterfeit checks.
Who is liable when a bank finds an altered check? According to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) — which addresses altered checks in Section 3-407 — the liability can affect multiple parties, including:

•   The check writer

•   The check cashier

•   The bank that presents the check

•   The bank that verifies and cashes the check

It’s not always easy to know when a check is good (you’ll learn more about this below). If you do find evidence of an altered check, you should ideally report the loss within 30 days, but you have to do so within one year if you want to be reimbursed for the loss.

To help soften the blow of altered check fraud, consumers can benefit greatly from examining their bank statements after they write a check to ensure the right amount is processed.

Example of an Altered Check

Not sure what an altered check looks like? Here’s an example of an altered check which may make it easier to spot one.

Say a check is made out to a dollar amount of $1,000. Look closely at that payment amount. Ask yourself these questions:

•   Does the last zero look like the same type of ink was used to write it and was written in the same style of handwriting?

•   Does that final zero appear to cross over a period?

It’s much more common to see an altered dollar amount than a changed name because it’s a lot easier to add a zero at the end of a series of numbers than it is to change a name completely.

However, there is a crime known as check washing in which someone can get a hold of one of your checks and use household chemicals to erase the name and amount. They can then fill in their own name and whatever amount they please.

Recommended: How to Sign Over a Check to Someone Else

Can an Altered Check be Cashed?

It is possible to cash an altered check, but fortunately it’s fairly difficult to pull off these days, thanks to advanced security efforts. Banks use high-tech watermarks and other authentication and fraud detection methods to make it very hard to cash altered checks.

One of the reasons that banks take fraud detection so seriously is because the liability can fall on the bank if they fund an altered check.

Is It Illegal to Alter a Check?

It is illegal to alter a check and if the amount of the check is more than $1,000, altering it is considered a felony. For altered checks of less than $1,000, this crime would be prosecuted as a misdemeanor. All jurisdictions have differing penalties, and these penalties can vary depending on factors such as the check amount.

All forms of check fraud are illegal, including counterfeiting and payroll fraud.

What Types of Checks Are Typically Altered?

Here’s a closer look at the most common types of checks to be altered in addition to basic personal and business checks.

Cashier’s Checks

A cashier’s check functions similarly to personal checks. The main difference between them is that with a cashier’s check the bank or credit union that issued the check guarantees that it will cash. Despite the fact that cashier’s checks have added security features like watermarks and signatures from two bank employees, they can still fall prey to check fraud.

Traveler’s Checks

A traveler’s check is a paper document someone can use to make purchases while traveling in other countries instead of using a normal check or cash. All traveler’s checks have unique serial numbers that make it possible to get refunds if the checks are lost or stolen. It’s important to be careful when traveling as criminals look for tourists to steal from. While traveler’s checks may not be as popular as they once were, they are still used and can be altered if they fall into the wrong hands.

Recommended: Can You Deposit Traveler’s Checks in Your Bank Account?

Money Orders

Money orders can be more secure than personal checks, but they can still be altered, so it’s always a good idea to pay close attention to the details. Similar to a cashier’s check, a money order is guaranteed by the issuer of the check, but instead of a bank this can be the U.S. Postal Service or a retailer.

Tips for Banking Securely

Check out the following tips to protect yourself and your money.

Monitor All Bank Accounts

Keeping an eye on the transaction history of a checking or savings account can help consumers catch fraudulent behavior like altered checks while there’s still time to remedy the situation. It can be wise to monitor your bank account a couple or a few times a week.

Change Passwords Often

It’s a good idea to change your online banking and other passwords frequently and not to use the same password for multiple different accounts to help avoid someone stealing login information and using it to commit financial fraud. It’s also helpful to not include personal information (name, birthday, etc.) in a password and to use a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, special characters, and numbers when creating a new password.

Only Access Online Bank Accounts From Secure Locations

You shouldn’t log onto their online bank account when using shared public wifi at your favorite coffee shop or when traveling. It’s best to only ever log into important accounts when using a secure connection like at home so no one can intercept and steal account login information.

Recommended: Cashing a Check Without a Bank Account

The Takeaway

Check fraud is an unfortunate reality so it’s a good idea for consumers to keep an eye on recent bank transactions to make sure any checks they wrote were cashed for the correct amount. A fraudulent check is a check with altered information on it — such as the amount or payee information.

There are steps consumers can take to protect their financial lives when banking. For example, it’s always best to bank with a financial institution that prioritizes security, like SoFi.

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 tell if a check is altered?

More often than not, the payment amount is the part of a check that is fraudulently altered. Check the payment amount closely to see if it looks like an extra zero was added at the end or another number was changed.

How long does a bank have to return an altered check?

If you notice an altered check, ideally you should report it to the bank within 30 days. That being said, consumers have up to one year to report the loss to their bank in order to get the amount of the check returned to them.

What happens if you deposit a fake check without knowing it?

If you deposit a fake check without realizing you are doing so, there’s a possibility you may be liable. The bank that credited the account could choose to later reverse the funds if the check is found to be fraudulent. All banks have different policies regarding fraudulent checks.

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Photo credit: iStock/AntonioGuillem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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One adulting rite of passage is getting familiar with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the government organization that manages the American tax system. When doing so, you learn to file your taxes, figure out what you might owe, or see whether a refund could be heading your way. Perhaps you need to pay estimated taxes quarterly.

The IRS doesn’t just collect money, though. It also helps enforce tax laws and provides resources for taxpayers so they can meet their tax responsibilities.

Read on to learn more detail about this, including:

•   What is the IRS? What is the IRS responsible for?

•   When do you need to interact with the IRS?

•   What are some ways to contact the IRS?

•   What are some tax-filing tips?

What Is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

Who is the IRS? As briefly noted earlier, the IRS is the government organization that manages the American tax system and enforces internal revenue laws.

The IRS also provides American taxpayers with the resources and services they need to understand their tax responsibilities. It also works with taxpayers to make sure they are complying with tax laws and meet their tax obligations. It can be hard to understand your taxes, but the IRS does provide many online resources that can help educate consumers.

What Is the IRS Responsible For?

So, what does the IRS do? These are some responsibilities they help American citizens with:

•   Applying for Employee Identification Numbers (EINs)

•   Understanding and executing tax preparation

•   Providing tax forms

•   Making tax payments

•   Requesting tax refunds.

Recommended: 41 Things to Do With a Tax Refund

History of the IRS

The IRS dates back to 1862 when, during the Civil War, President Lincoln and Congress worked together to create the position of commissioner of Internal Revenue. This was done to introduce income tax that could help pay for war expenses. That particular income tax was repealed just 10 years later, revived in 1894, and was then ruled unconstitutional just a year later.

Over the years, changes were made to the tax system. In the 1950s, the IRS was reorganized (formerly known as the Bureau of Internal Revenue). Almost five decades later, the Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 modernized the IRS, and, to a large extent, it became what we know today.

Recommended: Are Overdraft Fees Tax-Deductible?

When Might You Need to Interact With the IRS?

Interacting with the IRS is a regular occurrence for American taxpayers. These are some examples of times when people need to engage with the IRS.

Filing Taxes

One of the main functions of the IRS is providing a system for Americans to file their taxes. This can now be done online and is free to do. (It’s wise to avoid missing the tax-filing deadline so you won’t be liable for any penalties.)

Making Tax Payments

It’s also possible to make a variety of payments through the IRS, depending on the different types of taxes you may owe. This can be done in full, or the taxpayer can make partial payments as a part of an approved payment plan. The IRS can charge interest and penalties until the full balance is paid.

Making Tax Corrections

If someone needs to make corrections on a return they already filed, they can do so with the help of the IRS. They can do this by filing an amended return. They can use Form 1040-X, which is an amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Tips for Contacting the IRS

If someone needs help with their taxes, they have a few options for how they can contact the IRS for support.

By Phone

Monday through Friday, it’s possible to contact the IRS by phone. (Any residents of Hawaii or Alaska will want to follow Pacific time when planning their calls. Puerto Rico phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.)

Need help preparing for tax season? The type of tax support someone needs can impact which phone number is best to call:

•   Individuals

   800-829-1040

   7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
 

•   Businesses

   800-829-4933

   7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
 

•   Non-profit taxes

   877-829-5500

   8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time
 

•   Estate and gift taxes (Form 706/709)

   866-699-4083

   10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time
 

•   Excise taxes

   866-699-4096

   8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
 

•   Callers who are hearing impaired

   TTY/TDD 800-829-4059

In Person

It’s also possible to receive assistance in person if the taxpayer is able to visit one of the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Offices. The IRS has a Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator that makes it easy to find the closest office.

Tax-Filing Tips

Need to file taxes? These are some tax-filing tips that can make the process easier:

•   Get a head start. Whenever possible, it’s best to start preparing your taxes early. That way, if an issue arises, there is time to resolve it. Filing earlier can give the filer more time to find any missing information they realize they need during the filing process.

   Also, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get any refund you may be due, so you won’t waste time wondering, “Where is my tax refund?”

•   Keep things accurate. While mistakes do happen, whenever possible, it’s best to file an entirely accurate tax return to help avoid the risk of launching an IRS audit trigger. You may want to work with a professional tax preparer or use tax software to help with this.

•   Plan ahead for extensions. It’s possible to request a tax-filing extension to send in your materials the following October instead of April. However, it’s still necessary to make a good faith estimate about what is owed and pay it. Otherwise, there is a risk of penalties and interest.

   If someone is worried they will need to ask for an extension, it’s best to make that plan sooner rather than later so they can make their estimated payment on time.

💡 Quick Tip: Want a new checking account that offers more access to your money? With 55,000+ ATMs in the Allpoint network, you can get cash when and where you choose.

The Takeaway

Taxes are an unavoidable part of life. While few people like paying taxes and most people would rather not interact with the IRS, the IRS does provide a variety of resources. These tools can help make the process of paying taxes and receiving refunds as simple as possible.

Getting ready for tax season is an important way for consumers to stay on top of their financial life. Opening a new bank account is a great way to get ready to receive a tax refund if you’re expecting one.

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 can I pay my taxes to the IRS?

The IRS gives taxpayers a variety of options for how they can pay their taxes. You can do this via a transfer from your bank account, by using a debit card or credit card, or through a digital wallet such as PayPal. You can also pay by check, money order, or cashier’s check through the mail. You may pay by cash at certain retail partners and IRS locations.

Am I able to contact the IRS?

It is possible to contact the IRS by phone (there are different support lines designed for different types of tax issues). If someone lives near one of the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Offices, they also have the option to receive support in person.

What are some myths about the IRS?

Most myths surrounding the IRS are about how to learn what the date of a refund will be. For example, some people believe they can call the IRS to get their refund date or can order a tax transcript to achieve this, but neither is true. Other myths include that paying taxes is voluntary and that pets qualify as dependents; those are not true either.

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About the author

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Photo credit: iStock/Pgiam

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.

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.

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

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Bounced checks are sometimes referred to as rubber checks because, instead of going through, they “bounce” back to the payer’s bank unpaid. No money is transferred, and the person who was expecting to be paid doesn’t receive their funds. The payer will typically get hit with fees and could also face other negative consequences. The recipient of a bounced check may also get hit with a fee.

Understanding what happens when a check bounces, who gets charged, and how to manage the situation can help you navigate this common financial issue.

What Is a Bounced Check?

A bounced check, also known as a nonsufficient funds (NSF) check, is a check that cannot be processed typically because the payer’s checking account does not have enough funds to cover the payment. When a check is deposited, the recipient’s bank requests the funds from the payer’s bank. If the payer’s account lacks sufficient funds, the payer’s bank returns the check unpaid, causing it to bounce.

Here’s a look at some other reasons why a check might bounce.

•   Account closure: If the account has been closed before the check is deposited, it will bounce.

•   Incorrect information: Errors in writing the check, such as a mismatch between numbers and words for the check amount, can lead to a bounced check. That’s why it’s important to know how to properly fill out a check.

•   Stale date: A check can bounce if it’s not cashed or deposited within six months of the date the check was written.

•   Stop payment order: A stop payment order can be requested by the payer if they want to prevent it from being deposited. This might happen if they believe the check got lost or they no longer wish to pay for a service.

•   Fraudulent activity: Checks written on accounts that do not belong to the payer, or those involved in fraudulent activity, will also bounce.

What Fees Come With Bounced Checks?

Both the payer and the payee can incur fees when a check bounces. Here’s a look at the fees that can result and who gets charged.

Nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee: If you write a check you don’t have sufficient funds to cover, your bank will typically charge an NSF fee. The average NSF fee is around $20.

Merchant fee: If the bounced check was written to a business, that business may also add on some charges. Many states allow merchants to charge customers up to $40 for the work of handling a bad check.

Overdraft fee: In some cases, a bank covers the check amount despite insufficient funds. This is known as an overdraft. The check won’t bounce, but you’ll likely get hit with an overdraft fee, which can run around $27.

Late payment fees: If the bounced check was intended for a bill payment, such as a credit card bill, you may also get hit with a late payment fee from the biller.

Returned check fee: If you’re on the receiving end of a bounced check, your bank may charge you a returned check fee for processing a bounced check. In addition, you might assume the check cleared and end up spending money you don’t actually have. This can result in overdrafting your own account and fees.

What Happens if My Check Bounces?

You might accidentally end up bouncing a check if you write a check without looking into your account balance first, or if a check you wrote to someone doesn’t get cashed for a few months and you no longer have sufficient funds in your account to cover it.

When your check bounces, you will likely get hit with bank fees. But there are some other negative consequences that can follow as well. Here are some to keep in mind.

Outstanding Debt

When a check bounces, the payee doesn’t receive the promised funds. This means you still have an outstanding bill. For example, if your rent check bounces, the landlord doesn’t receive your payment. This means you have an outstanding debt to your landlord until you can pay the rent.

Potential Harm to Your Banking Reputation

Banks report consumer banking behavior to ChexSystems, an agency that collects and shares information about a person’s banking history with financial institutions. If you have a history of bounced checks (or other problems like unpaid fees and forced account closures), your ChexSystems report will reflect that. A blemished report could make it hard for you to open a new bank account in the future.

Risk of Account Closure

If you bounce enough checks, your bank could freeze or close your account. If you’re having trouble managing your checking account, it’s a good idea to reach out to a bank representative and explain your situation. The bank may be willing to work with you if they see you are actively trying to resolve the problem.

Recommended: 3 Reasons Why You Have a Frozen Bank Account

Legal Consequences

It’s illegal to knowingly write bad checks. If you write checks and you’re aware that you don’t have enough money to cover them, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony, depending on the amount and quantity of unpaid transactions.

What Should I Do if My Check Bounces?

If you discover that your check has bounced, it’s crucial to act quickly to mitigate the consequences. Here are key steps to follow.

1.    Contact the payee. You’ll want to reach out to the payee as quickly as possible, explain the situation, and express your intention to resolve the issue. This can help maintain goodwill and prevent further actions.

2.    Pay up quickly. Whether you add funds to your account and write a new check or find a different way to make the payment, making good on what you owe can help prevent the bounced check from turning into an outstanding debt. While a bounced check doesn’t get reported to the credit bureaus, if it leads to a missed or late payment, it could potentially impact your credit.

3.    Request a fee waiver. It can be worthwhile to ask your bank if they can waive the NSF fee, especially if it’s your first offense or due to an unexpected situation.

4.    Monitor your account. You’ll want to keep a close eye on your account balance and transactions to avoid future bounced checks.

What Should I Do if I Receive a Bounced Check?

If you receive a bounced check, you’ll want to contact the payer promptly. Inform them that the check has bounced and request immediate payment via an alternative method.

If the payer assures you that funds are now available, you can attempt to redeposit the check. If possible, you might opt to cash the check at the issuer’s bank so that if it bounces again, you won’t get hit with another NSF charge by your bank.

If you’re having trouble getting a response from the check issuer, you might next want to send them a “bad check” demand letter. This is a formal request for payment that you send to the issuer by certified mail. It’s a good idea to include as many details as possible in the letter.

If the payer continues to be unresponsive or unwilling to pay, you may need to take legal action. Typically this involves suing the check issuer for the money owed in small claims court.

Preventing a Check From Bouncing

Preventing bounced checks involves careful financial management and awareness. These safeguards can help.

•   Monitor your account. It’s important to regularly check your account balance and transactions to ensure you have sufficient funds. You can use your bank’s app or a budgeting app to keep track of exactly what’s going in and out of your account.

•   Set up alerts. Many banks offer account alerts via text or email for low balances or large transactions. Utilizing these alerts can automate the process of checking your balance and can help you stay informed.

•   Consider overdraft protection. This service can cover transactions when your account lacks sufficient funds, typically for a fee. Your bank might also allow you link your checking account to your savings account or line of credit at the same bank. When there’s not enough cash in your checking account to cover a transaction, money will automatically be transferred from the linked account. Before you use this option, though, you’ll want to check to see whether your bank charges a fee for the service.

•   Maintain a buffer balance. Though you might prefer to keep most of your cash in a high-yield savings account to benefit from the interest, it’s a good idea to keep a financial buffer in your checking account to cover unexpected expenses and avoid overdrafts.

•   Don’t accept payment by personal check. To avoid receiving a bad check, you may want to request payment by a cashier’s check, certified check, or money order, which come with more guarantees than a personal check.

Recommended: Avoiding Overdraft Fees: Top 10 Practical Tips

The Takeaway

Bounced checks can lead to expensive fees and even make it difficult to open new checking and savings accounts. However, you can avoid them with a little planning and attention to detail. Key measures include keeping a close eye on your account balance, setting up account alerts, and implementing safeguards like overdraft protection and linked accounts. If you’re in the market for a new checking account, you might also want to look for a bank that doesn’t charge overdraft fees.

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

Who gets charged for a bounced check?

Unfortunately, both the check writer and the recipient often have to pay a fee if a check bounces. The person who wrote the check may have to pay a nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee and potentially a merchant fee. The recipient of the bounced check may be charged a returned check fee.

Can you get in trouble for depositing a check that bounces?

Depositing a bounced check does not typically result in trouble for the depositor, but it can lead to inconvenience and fees. Your bank may charge a returned check fee for the failed deposit. If you repeatedly try to deposit known bad checks or are involved in fraudulent activities, however, you could face legal consequences.

How long does it take for a bad check to bounce?

The time it takes for a check to bounce can vary, but it generally takes a few days to a week. When a check is deposited, the payee’s bank will submit it to the payer’s bank for verification. If the payer’s bank identifies insufficient funds or other issues, the check will be returned unpaid. This process typically takes two to five business days, but it can take longer depending on the banks involved and the specific circumstances.

Do bounced checks affect my credit score?

Bounced checks do not directly impact your credit score, as they are not typically reported to credit bureaus. However, the consequences of a bounced check can indirectly affect your credit. If the bounced check leads to unpaid bills, collections, or legal action, these events can be reported to the consumer credit bureaus and negatively impact your credit.

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About the author

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Photo credit: iStock/nortonrsx

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.

*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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