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Credit references are documents that verify your credit history. They can come in the form of a credit check report, asset documentation, or character references.

A limited or poor credit history can potentially impact your approval when applying for a rental. If you have a spotty payment history, a low credit score, or little to no history, your chances of getting approved may go down. Landlords or property management companies can approve or deny rental applications based on these references.

If this description of a less than stellar reference fits you, don’t fret. There are ways to put your best foot forward with credit references in today’s competitive market.

Definition of a Credit Reference

Credit references paint a picture of your borrowing and payment habits and history. Property managers and landlords use it to help determine whether you’re likely to pay rent on time and in full.

Documents of financial agreements can be used as a credit reference. They come in the form of:

•   Credit reports

•   Character references

•   Asset documentation

•   Credit reference letters

In some cases, letters from personal lenders or documents from a car loan can be used. Be sure to clarify what the landlord needs when applying for an apartment. It’s also helpful to pull together the documents ahead of time, so you can pull together references for multiple apartments at once.


💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

When You Need Credit References

At the end of the day, landlords want to know if you’re able to pay rent. Getting an apartment rental is a business transaction between two strangers. Credit needed for an apartment plays a key role in rental applications.

Why Landlords Want Credit References

A credit reference is proof of your financial history. They detail how much debt you have, how timely your payments are, and your credit score, among other factors.

For instance, if your credit references show that you’ve been able to pay off your debts in full in a timely manner, a landlord will likely approve your rental forms.

Applicants with low credit scores or poor payment histories have lower chances of being approved.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

Types of Credit References

As mentioned, credit references come in different forms, like credit reports, character references, or formal letters from bank loan officers.

Credit Report

The most available type is a credit report. Three major credit bureaus provide credit reports: Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®. You can obtain a free credit report every 12 months to check your score and scan for errors. The credit scoring system known as FICO® can be used by all three.

Credit reports contain information like your credit history, current debt, bankruptcies and foreclosures. It can also include the age of your debt and how many credit inquiries you’ve had. Importantly, it’ll also contain your score; credit scores range from 300 to 850.

Landlords will look at this report to determine the financial risk of each applicant. Generally speaking, a credit score of 670 or higher is considered acceptable, though requirements may vary based on the lender or circumstances.

Another factor that can impact your credit score and report is the number of inquiries into your credit history. If there are a lot of inquiries, it may lower your score since it can be perceived that you may be struggling financially. Some rental applications will include a fee for running the credit check.

Bad or no credit may give a landlord pause — but it may be possible to strengthen your case.

Recommended: What is The Difference Between Transunion and Equifax?

Asset Documentation

Asset documentation is proof of income, liquid cash, or investments. It shows landlords that you are financially stable and able to handle unforeseen circumstances, like a job loss.

Your landlord may request a verification letter from your employer, pay stubs, or an offer letter to prove income. You may also have to provide documentation of your savings or investment funds like mutual funds or retirement plans. Reach out to your financial institution or brokerage to provide you with documents of your accounts.

The more assets you have, the stronger your application will be.

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car

Character and Credit Reference Letters

Credit reports and asset documentation only tell part of the story. A character or credit reference letter may give context to a spotty part of your credit history. Someone who you’ve had financial transactions with, such as an employer, previous landlord, or business partner, can write a letter confirming your character and values. For example, if you went through hardship, such as a medical illness, but still met your financial obligations, someone such as a prior landlord can vouch for you.

If you have bad credit, for example, an institution can demonstrate if you have taken courses, been given resources such as a debt payoff planner, or worked out a new payment plan to successfully pay off your debt. It demonstrates a commitment to improving personal finance.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a reference letter — many may be willing to write on your behalf. Remember, however, that these types of letters are not as concrete as credit and asset reports. They work better as supporting documentation.

Financier Support Letters

If you have troubled credit history, a financier support letter from a cosigner on a lease can help. These letters are typically for business owners who need to prove they have the capital to meet rent or buy.

For a lessee, a guarantor would write a letter with context on how they can support your rent if needed. This can be helpful if you have an adverse credit history. For business owners, the letters would be obtained from financial institutions or financial partners backing a business lease or purchase.

Credit Reference Examples

If a landlord requests written credit reference letters, have a list of people in mind who can type up a quick letter. You could also ask them to type up a generic letter that you can use across multiple applications, or you might offer to supply a draft of the letter for them to edit as they see fit. Sometimes a property management company or landlord will have their own template, so be sure to clarify which format is acceptable.

A credit reference letter can be brief. But it must include key details such as:

•   Reference full name and contact information

•   Length of relationship

•   Payment history

Additional details may be requested depending on what your landlord requests. Below is a sample template:

   Dear [Landlord Name]:

   I have known Ben as a tenant for three years. He paid rent ahead of time, was quiet, respectful, and took care of our property. Also, he ended his lease in search of a bigger space. He got his deposit returned in full, so he’s highly recommended as a tenant.

If you do not have a history of renting, you can ask a financial institution to vouch for you. Here’s an example letter:

   [ABC Bank] lent $30,000 to Tina Jones in 2014. She made her payments on time and paid off the loan ahead of schedule in 2017.

If you’re still short a reference, try an employer to vouch for your stability at your current job:

   Tim has been an employee of ACB Company for 3 years and has been promoted once. Her current salary is $92,000. She’s responsible and puts our clients’ interests first. She will make a great tenant.

How to Secure a Credit or Character Reference Letter

Before you send a mass email to all your contacts, confirm with your landlord what details are needed. If there’s a template letter to use, so much the better. Once details are confirmed, reach out to your contacts. Be sure to provide them with all the information they need to include in the letter.

There’s no formal process to request a letter from financial institutions. You can go in person to speak to a banker who can provide you a letter or you can contact your bank and ask how to obtain one.

How to Improve the Chances of Getting a Reference Letter

Asking with plenty of time vs. saying you need a letter tomorrow is obviously a good move. Also consider authorizing your institution to release personal information while you are actively applying for rentals. Not doing so could cause delays as the letter goes through the chain of command.

The Takeaway

Landlords want to see that you earn income and honor your debts. Credit references are formal documents that support your profile as a reliable tenant. They come in the form of records from credit bureaus and character reference letters from employers, among others.

If budgeting is not your strong suit and you want to build your financial profile, a money tracker app can help.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What do I put as a credit reference?

That depends. Ask your landlord what documents he or she requires for a reference. It can mean a credit report, bank statements, character reference — or all three.

Who counts as a credit reference?

A credit reference can be someone with whom you have a tenant-landlord or business relationship. It can be a representative at a bank who can give a formal written letter of loans or accounts you have with them. Or, if you have limited or no credit history, a reference can be a current or former employer who can highlight your reliability.

Why do I need a credit reference?

Most property management agencies or landlords require credit references in order to approve a tenant application. This gives them an idea of your financial history and whether you’ll pay rent on time.

Photo credit: iStock/damircudic

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

SORL-Q224-1911245-V1

One of the most important chores on any financial to-do list is to regularly review your credit reports for errors. If an error does appear, disputing it is a fairly simple process with a big potential payoff: It might help build your credit score.

Keep reading to learn how to dispute a credit report and win.

How to Get an Accurate Credit Report

Consumers can access their credit reports for free every 12 months from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. These credit reporting companies feature similar but not identical data, and any errors may appear on one or more reports.

There are three ways to request a report:

•  Online: AnnualCreditReport.com

•  Phone: (877) 322-8228

•  Mail: Download an Annual Credit Report Request form from the URL above, and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You can request all three reports at once or each one at different times without paying a fee. Helpful hint: By ordering one at a time and spacing out requests every four months, you can be fairly confident about catching major issues while they’re fresh and easier to dispute. For example, you might order the Experian report in February, the TransUnion one in June, and Equifax in October – all for free.

After your free annual access has ended, you can pay to check your credit reports as often as you like. Credit reporting companies can’t legally charge a consumer more than $13.50 for a report. It’s also possible to access credit reports through specialty consumer reporting companies, some of which charge a fee.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between Transunion and Equifax

Why It’s Important to Correct Mistakes in Your Credit Report

Credit reports generally make it easy to spot negative financial information like missed payments. However, take care to review your credit report for other incorrect data, however minor, such as former addresses and employers. Common credit report errors include inaccurate bank balances, duplicate account info, and false late payments.

In case of an error, take steps to have the mistake removed as soon as possible. Credit report errors can lead to a bad credit score, impact loan applications, or raise your interest rate. Bad marks on a credit report can also affect your employment options, insurance premiums, and ability to rent an apartment.

Recommended: Developing Good Financial Habits

How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Reports

To dispute an error on a credit report, you’ll need to contact each credit bureau that published the error. Mistakes can appear on one report only or all three. Each credit bureau has its own dispute process, so check the instructions on AnnualCreditReport.com or the individual credit bureau sites. You’ll likely need to fill out a dispute form and provide supporting documentation that helps prove an error was made.

If your dispute is accepted, follow up to make sure the credit bureau and the business that supplied the incorrect information update their records accordingly. If a mistake is easy to prove, start with the business that made the error. Be aware that credit bureaus and businesses cannot charge you to correct errors on your report.

In the case that a mistake on a credit report is due to identity theft, it’s important to report that to IdentityTheft.gov and get a personalized recovery plan.

Recommended: Guide to Building Credit With No Credit History

Example Letter for Disputing a Mistake on Your Credit Report

Usually, a dispute needs to be submitted in writing. If you submit a letter via the Post Office, send it certified mail with “return receipt requested.” That way you have proof that the credit bureau received the letter.

The following information should generally be included in a dispute letter:

Identifying Information

The date, consumer’s name, and their address all need to be included in the letter.

Each Item That Needs Disputing

Whether there is one error or many, each one should be outlined briefly and clearly. Identify each error, explain why the information is wrong, and supply the correct information if applicable. Then request to have the error corrected or removed.

Copy of the Credit Report

It can be helpful to enclose a copy of the credit report with the errors circled. Don’t send any original documentation with your letter. Make copies and keep the originals safe in case they are needed again.

Why Consider Credit Score Monitoring

To efficiently keep an eye on your credit reports, you may opt to use a credit monitoring service. These services will update account holders when certain credit updates appear, such as new accounts, hard inquiries, high credit card balances, or a missed payment.

Not only does credit monitoring make it easier for consumers to stay on top of their credit and work toward building their credit score, but it can help catch fraud and identity theft early.

How to Report Credit Scams

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a credit scam, report it to IdentityTheft.gov, a division of the Federal Trade Commission. They will provide a personalized recovery plan, walk you through the steps, track your progress, and even pre-fill forms and letters for you. Then, you should dispute any false information on your credit report.

The Takeaway

Disputing and correcting errors on your credit report is usually straightforward, as long as the mistake can be proven. Whenever possible, reach out directly to the business that reported the mistaken info. Then, follow the dispute instructions for each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Regularly review your credit reports annually to catch errors early, before they negatively affect your financial record – and your life.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Who always wins a credit dispute?

There is no one party or side that always “wins” a credit dispute. If the consumer can document that an error was made, they will likely win the dispute.

What reason should I put for disputing a credit report?

The reason for disputing an error on a credit report can be a typo, outdated information (more than seven years old), data that belongs to another consumer, or fraud, among other things. Include any supporting documentation you have to help strengthen your argument.

Does disputing a collection notice reset the clock?

No, but a dispute does pause the clock in regard to bill collectors. Once you dispute a debt in collections, the collections agency can’t contact you again until they have provided verification of the debt in writing to the consumer.

Photo credit: iStock/mediaphotos

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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.

SORL-Q224-1921134-V1

Claiming unclaimed money from a deceased relative can be fairly straightforward — or more complicated — depending on state inheritance laws and the amount of supporting evidence to back the claim.

When a person dies without a will or other legally binding document outlining the distribution of their financial assets, that money may become “unclaimed” after a designated period of time. Unclaimed money is often turned over to the state where that person lived. However, it is possible for relatives to claim that money through the appropriate channels.

What Happens to Unclaimed Money from Deceased Relatives?

When no direct heir is identified, unclaimed money and assets from a deceased relative go to the state government. How soon the money goes to the state after the person dies will vary according to that state’s inheritance laws.

Once unclaimed money ends up in the hands of the government, the state authority will try to identify any relatives that are entitled to claim the money. Typically, a description of the assets and the name of the deceased are posted to one or several public and searchable websites. Some examples of these websites are:

•  Unclaimed.org

•  MissingMoney.com

•  TreasuryDirect.gov

•  FDIC.gov and NCUA.gov

•  PBGC.gov

•  UnclaimedRetirementBenefits.com

•  ACLI.com

Can You Claim Unclaimed Money From a Deceased Relative?

If you believe you are entitled to an unclaimed financial asset of a deceased relative, you can file a claim with the state government or business that is holding it. If you are specifically named as a beneficiary in the deceased relative’s will, the claim process can be relatively smooth. If not, you may still be able to claim that money but it will require supporting documentation or potentially a decision from a presiding probate court judge to ultimately verify the claim.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will?

What Types of Financial Assets Can Be Claimed from Deceased Relatives?

Unclaimed money doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of cash; it can also include other assets of value such as:

•  Real estate

•  Forgotten bank accounts

•  Bonds

•  Stocks

•  Certificates of deposit

•  Annuities

•  Royalties

•  401(k)s and other retirement plans

•  Vehicles and other physical assets

Recommended: Unclaimed Money from Scholarships and Grants

What to Expect From the Unclaimed Money Process

If you’re planning to claim unclaimed money, the process will vary depending on the state you’re filing in and the asset in question. In some cases, you can file a claim online, provide proof of identity and any documented proof of ownership, and wait for your claim to be processed. Once the claim is approved, you receive the money. A budget planner can help you make the most of any unclaimed money you receive and also provide valuable financial insights.

In situations where the deceased did not have a will or an executor for the will, a probate court will typically appoint someone to oversee any ownership claims and asset transfers. If this is the case, you may have to wait longer or provide more documented proof in court before your claim is approved.

Once your claim is approved and you receive the money owed to you, you may be required to pay inheritance tax. Again, this depends on which state the deceased lived in. However, spouses are exempt from paying inheritance tax in every state.

The Takeaway

Claiming unclaimed money from a deceased relative is entirely possible. However, the complexity of the process will ultimately depend on the circumstances and location of the deceased. If you believe you’re entitled to claim unclaimed money from a deceased relative, leveraging an estate planning attorney or a financial advisor can help demystify the process and any specifics about your claim. Bottom line: It’s never too early to start thinking about your own estate planning needs and long-term financial goals.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

How do you know if a deceased loved one has left you money?

If a deceased relative has named you as a beneficiary in their will or another legally binding contract, the executor of that document or a probate court will likely reach out to inform you of any unclaimed money you are entitled to. If not, you can still check to see if you are entitled to money by searching one of the public online unclaimed-money databases or by reaching out to the deceased relative’s financial advisor or estate planner.

How do I find assets of a deceased person?

To find the assets of a deceased relative, try looking through their personal property, reach out to relatives and other friends with knowledge of their financial affairs, or inquire with the local probate court or state government agencies.

What happens when you inherit money?

Depending on where you inherit money, you may be required to pay inheritance tax. After that, you are free to do with the money as you please. However, it is often advisable to think hard about how to use that money to support your financial needs or long-term goals.

Photo credit: iStock/mdphoto16

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

SORL-Q224-1921044-V1

Salary vs. hourly pay are two ways that businesses classify workers, based on how and when their compensation is doled out. Hourly employees, as you might guess, are paid for every hour of work that they do. Salaried employees, on the other hand, receive a fixed amount of compensation in exchange for their labor, regardless of how long it takes.

There are pros and cons to each, both for employers and employees, and there are numerous rules and laws that can come into play as well. But it boils down to this: Hourly employees’ compensation is tied to the time worked, plus applicable overtime. Salaried employees get a fixed amount.

What Is An Hourly Rate?

An hourly rate is the set per-hour compensation a worker or employee earns in accordance with their employment contract. That hourly rate can be any number above the federal wage floor, or minimum wage, of $7.25 per hour.

The lowest that an hourly worker in the U.S. can earn is $2.13 per hour, as set by federal law, for workers who receive at least $30 per month in tips. No matter the amount, an hourly rate is how much an employee earns for one hour of work.

What Is a Salary Rate?

As mentioned, salaried employees earn a fixed amount regardless of how many hours they work. As such, a salary rate is what an employee would earn over a fixed amount of time, such as a traditional 40-hour workweek. Since we typically discuss salaries on a yearly basis (for example, Job X pays a salary of $50,000 per year), a salary rate could be $961.54 per week ($50,000 annual salary divided by 52 weeks in a year).

The big difference, when it comes to salaried workers, is that there is no potential to earn overtime for working more than the predetermined number of hours (usually 40) as specified by their employer and applicable laws.

If you want to find out what is a good entry-level salary, you can do some research into averages in your industry and geographic area to get an idea.

Recommended: The Highest Paying Jobs by State

Why Are Some Jobs Hourly and Others Salary?

Federal laws and regulations determine whether some jobs can be exempt from overtime pay rules — in other words, salaried. This is to protect some workers from being classified as salaried when they may end up working many more hours in a given week than the standard 40.

Depending on the state you live in, there may be additional rules that stipulate why a position may pay hourly vs. salary.

The Big Difference Between Salary vs Hourly Pay

Whether or not a worker earns overtime pay is the single biggest difference between a salaried employee and one who is paid hourly. Overtime pay is paid out at a rate of 1.5 times the normal hourly rate, which is commonly phrased as “time and a half.”

Another way to describe salary vs. hourly pay is “exempt” vs. “non-exempt.” “Exempt,” in this sense, means exempt from overtime wages. Non-exempt employees are owed overtime wages for working more than 40 hours per week.

There are situations in which an employer may end up paying a salaried employee more for working more than 40 hours per week, but it depends on the specific agreement or contract between the two parties.

Additionally, salaried jobs tend to be more administrative, “professional,” or “white collar,” and may offer more or better benefits than hourly jobs. That’s not always the case, but if you’re climbing the corporate ladder and become a salaried employee, you may notice that the entire compensation package is a bit beefier than packages for hourly workers.

Recommended: Salary Calculator: Hourly to Salary Conversion

Salary Pay

As noted above, salaried employees earn a fixed amount regardless of how long they work. There are some obvious pros and cons to salaried positions, too:

Pros of Salary Pay

The clearest advantage of a salaried position is that an employee will earn the same amount of money during a given time period no matter how long they work. So, if they end up working 30 hours in one week, they still get paid the same as they would have if they worked 40.

Also, as discussed, salaried jobs often have better benefits, such as employer-sponsored health insurance and paid vacation days. Salaried jobs can also be a bit more secure than hourly positions and may offer workers more opportunities for advancement.

Cons of Salary Pay

Salary pay can be double-edged: While you’ll be paid for 40 hours even if you work only 30, you’ll earn the same if you work 50 hours, too. There is no chance for overtime pay if you work more than a standard week. That can be a big drawback for some workers.

Similarly, depending on the specifics of the position, it may be harder to keep your personal and professional life separate. Salaried positions may provide more benefits and job security, but that comes at a cost of more demanding work that may encroach on your personal time.

Hourly Pay

Hourly workers earn their paycheck by the hour. That, like salaried positions, can have pros and cons as well:

Pros of Hourly Pay

It’s worth stating again: The biggest plus to an hourly job is that you are eligible to earn overtime pay. That doesn’t mean hourly workers always will get overtime — many employers go to great lengths to make sure that they don’t — but it’s a possibility. And that can help ensure that you’re not working 50- or 60-hour weeks, which may be more common for salaried employees.

Also, hourly workers may earn double their standard wages on certain days, like holidays. And depending on the industry, working overtime may be standard or expected. That can help push an hourly worker’s earnings above salaried workers’, in some circumstances.

Cons of Hourly Pay

A big disadvantage to hourly-paying jobs is that they can be less secure than salaried positions. Turnover can be high, for example, and if the economy takes a turn for the worse, hourly workers may see their hours reduced, or their positions furloughed or eliminated. Further, hourly jobs aren’t usually very flexible, and may not offer paid time off or sick days to workers, either.

Recommended: Average US Salary by State

The Takeaway

Salaried workers receive a fixed paycheck regardless of the number of hours worked, whereas hourly workers are paid based on the number of hours they clocked. The big differentiator between the two is that salaried workers are not eligible for overtime pay, which is 50% more than their standard hourly rate. Each type of employment has its pros and cons, but usually salaried positions are more secure.

Regardless of how you’re paid, it can be helpful to keep your finances in order by using a budget planner app, complete with a debt payoff planner to help you get ahead.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Is it better to be paid a salary or an hourly rate?

Generally, salaried positions are often seen as more prestigious and can offer more job security and benefits. Many workers feel it’s better to be paid a salary because one receives a predictable paycheck, but it ultimately depends on the position and the employee’s personal preferences.

What is the advantage of salary pay?

The biggest and most obvious advantage of salary pay is that you have a fixed paycheck coming your way no matter how much (or little) you worked during a given time period. Of course, that can be a disadvantage, too, if you regularly work more than 40 hours per week. It also may be easier to budget with a fixed, salaried income.

What are the budget challenges of being a salaried employee?

Salaried employees are, in a sense, on a fixed income; they’re earning the same amount all through the year, and can’t go for a bigger paycheck by working overtime. If they don’t receive a raise annually, they may see their effective pay decline due to inflation, which can end up straining their budgets.

Photo credit: iStock/.shock

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There’s nothing quite as indulgent as sitting back on your couch, remote control in hand, knowing that your favorite restaurant meal is about to show up at your doorstep. But food delivery can also, unfortunately, lead to racking up credit card debt.

One solution is to use a checking account to pay for food delivery services. Although not every platform allows you to pay directly from your bank account, there are often payment options that still let you tap the funds in your checking account. Learn more about the details below.

What Is Food Delivery?

Third-party food delivery services have revolutionized at-home dining. Gone are the days where pizza was the only option for ordering in. These days, you can get just about any meal your heart desires, all with the tap of a finger.

Third-party delivery platforms connect hungry diners with nearly endless restaurant options. The meals are typically delivered by gig-economy workers who earn income via these apps.

Some of the most popular food delivery services include:

•   Grubhub

•   Uber Eats

•   Postmates

•   DoorDash

There may be other food delivery services available in your area, including restaurants that still deliver directly. However, those options may or may not allow you to use your checking account as payment.

Using Checking Accounts for Payment

Not every food delivery service allows you to link directly to your banking details. You may have to do a bit of research to find a single food delivery that accepts a checking account. That said, most offer the opportunity to pay through a third-party service like PayPal, which in turn makes bank account payment possible.

As of May 2024, neither Grubhub nor DoorDash had an option to input your checking account details. Both do allow you to use a debit card, however, which works almost exactly like a checking account payment. Grubhub also offers PayPal, Venmo, and Amazon Pay linking, among others, while DoorDash links with PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay.

Postmates and Uber Eats both give users the option to input their bank account information, which means you can pay directly with your checking account.

Linking Bank Account to Delivery App

For the apps that do allow you to use a bank account, linking the account is usually fairly straightforward. Both Uber Eats and Postmates use a third-party platform called Link to securely connect your bank account to your food delivery app account using your regular login credentials. The data transferred is encrypted, and you can disconnect linked accounts at any time.

Some delivery services may allow you to manually link your bank account using details like the routing number and account number. In that case, you should always be sure you’re only providing your details to certified and secure parties. If you’re using a lesser-known food delivery app, do some research ahead of time to ensure it’s legit before you enter your banking details.

Recommended: Checking Account vs. Debit Card: What’s the Difference?

Benefits of Checking Account Payments

Why pay for your next plate of Pad Thai or other food delivery with your checking account? Consider the following benefits.

No Credit Card Fees for Merchants

While this one may not benefit you directly, you may be saving a small business some money. That can feel like something of a good deed. Although food delivery services have helped connect more restaurants to more at-home diners, they do usually charge the restaurant a commission fee, which can eat into already-slim profit margins.

Credit cards, too, often charge merchants a fee that can be as high as 3.5% per transaction. In short, by using your checking account, you may be offering more direct support to your favorite restaurants.

Easier to Budget Food Spending

Sometimes, the money we put on a credit card feels less than real, which is one reason it can be so easy to spiral into credit card debt. But when money is coming directly out of your checking account, it’s often a bit more tangible. Over time, using your checking account can therefore make it easier to track how much you’re really spending on food delivery each month — and stick to a budget for how much you should be spending.

May Qualify for Cash Back/Rewards

In some cases, delivery apps or your bank may offer cash back or rewards for payments made with a checking account (or debit card). Check with your bank, and review offers from the delivery apps you use for further details.

Recommended: Checking vs. Savings Accounts

Potential Risks and Drawbacks

Although there are many upsides to using a checking account to pay for your food delivery, there are some drawbacks to consider, too.

Overdraft Fees from Erroneous Charges

When you’re drawing directly from your bank account — as opposed to putting money on a credit card — you’re at more risk of overdrafting (spending more than you have in your account). Doing so can rack up pricy overdraft fees, and it’s possible even if you’re careful. Occasionally, for instance, a transaction goes through more than once, which is an error that can be easier to rectify with a credit card.

Less Fraud Protection vs Credit Cards

One good thing about credit cards: They often come with robust fraud protection and easy ways to dispute charges. In fact, many credit card issuers will actually stop a charge they feel is suspicious and prevent it from going through until they get confirmation from you that it’s legitimate. Checking account payments don’t generally have this technology, so that’s something to consider when you’re linking your account to a food delivery service.

Difficulty Disputing or Reversing Charges

As mentioned, no matter the reason for an erroneous or fraudulent charge, it can be more difficult to reverse it when it’s basically cash (as opposed to credit). You can check directly with your bank account to learn about their process for such reversals.

Tips for Safe Checking Account Use

If you are going to use your checking account to pay for your food deliveries (or anything else), follow these tips to help ensure you do so safely.

Monitor Transactions Closely

Regardless of whether you’re using it for food delivery payments, regularly checking your bank account is always a good idea. That way, you’ll see any fraudulent transactions and start the process of rectifying them quickly. Plus, you’ll simply know how much money you have at your disposal.

Adjust Spending Limits/Alerts

Some bank accounts offer built-in spending limits, or they alert you when your account gets below a certain dollar threshold. It can be easy to overdo it with food deliveries, so if you’re going to link your checking account, consider adjusting those limits and alerts accordingly.

Consider Using a Prepaid Card

If you’re trying to keep yourself to a specific budget but don’t want to link your checking account to your food delivery app — or use a credit card that you could easily rack up sky high — consider using a prepaid card instead. That way, you know exactly how much you will spend on food delivery (since amounts in excess of the prepaid limit won’t go through). What’s more, you won’t take on any of the risks associated with linking your bank account.

Alternatives To Checking Payments

As mentioned above, if the delivery service you’re using doesn’t allow you to link your bank account directly, you will likely be able to link a digital payment platform like PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, which can facilitate direct-from-bank transfers. And most apps will allow you to input a debit card in place of a credit card.

Of course, if you go the old-school way and order directly from a restaurant, you may still be able to pay with plain old cash.

The Takeaway

Ordering food delivery is a favorite convenience of the digital age, and you can enjoy it without using your credit card. It is often possible to link to a checking account or a debit card, which pulls money directly from your checking account, to pay for the food you’ve ordered. Or you might use a digital payment service, and link that to your checking account.

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

FAQ

Can I earn rewards with checking account payments?

It’s rare to find cash back rewards or other incentives linked to payments that come directly from a checking account. However, many debit cards do offer rewards. Using this kind of card is almost exactly like paying directly from your bank account. Check with the financial institution about any rewards available.

What if a delivery never arrives?

If your meal is marked “delivered” but you don’t find it, you should be able to get help from the food delivery service itself. Most apps offer a way to contact their customer support team right from the interface.

Do all food delivery apps accept checking?

Unfortunately, not all food delivery apps allow you to directly link your checking account. However, virtually all of them allow you to use a debit card instead of a credit card, which works almost exactly the same way. In addition, many of the apps allow you to link a third-party platform like Venmo or Cash App, which can facilitate bank account payments.

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer 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 Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% 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 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 a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% 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 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 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 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 Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

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