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In light of recent events, some bank customers may wonder how safe a checking account is in terms of stashing their cash.

Banks are far better for protecting your hard-earned cash than you keeping a wad of bills hidden somewhere in your home — mainly because the money you deposit in a bank is insured up to $250,000.

But there’s more to the story. So read on, and we’ll tell you in detail how banks make sure your money is well defended — and what you can do to help keep those dollars safe.

Is My Money Safer at a Bank?

It’s only natural to wonder where your money is safest, and keeping your cash on deposit at a bank is one of the safest things you can do. For one thing, carrying cash with you — or, worse, hiding it in your house — leaves you vulnerable to theft or loss (or some other unforeseen event).

In addition, banks are highly regulated and, as mentioned, deposits are insured. And as many people now know, the government is fully invested in protecting the cash of its citizens.

Why Your Money Is Safer in the Bank

Here are some of the protections your checking account may have:

•   FDIC insurance

•   NCUA insurance

•   Capital requirements

•   Protection from fires, floods, and thefts

Read on for a brief description of these protections.

FDIC Insurance

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects people who deposit money into FDIC-insured financial institutions against loss. This kind of insurance is backed by the federal government and depositors are automatically insured, generally up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured institution, per category. If your bank were to go out of business, you’re covered up to the cap.

NCUA Insurance

Maybe you’re the kind of person who prefers to keep your cash at a credit union. Don’t worry; it’s still safe. Congress created the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in 1970 to insure deposits of up to $250,000 at federally insured credit unions. The $250,000 is for each member, per insured credit union, per category. Basically, NCUA is an agency that provides coverage for credit union members that’s comparable to what FDIC does for bank customers.

Capital Requirements

Banks and other financial institutions that accept deposits must have enough liquid assets to cover their expenses while still being able to provide cash when depositors request withdrawals. Formulas to calculate capital requirements can be complicated, but know that they are in place and are protecting you.

A financial institution is required to have a risk-to-asset ratio of at least 4% to safeguard people who deposit funds into their institution.

Protections From Fires, Floods, and Thefts

Banks purchase banker blanket bonds, which protect the institution in case of fire, flood, robbery, embezzlement, earthquakes, and other causes of lost funds. As a result, even if the bank loses money, customers won’t lose their funds.

Advantages of Keeping Money in a Checking Account

Now, let’s pull back and take a big-picture look at why a checking account is such a sweet spot for protecting your money. Some of the pluses:

•   Your money is covered from loss when deposited in an FDIC-insured bank or an NCUA-insured credit union.

•   If your funds exceed the amount of these significant coverages ($250,000), then you can simply open accounts at another insured bank and be covered through those institutions.

•   Interest-bearing checking accounts (though not all checking accounts do pay interest) allow you to earn money simply by keeping it in the account.

•   You can easily use your deposited funds by writing a check, withdrawing money from the bank or by an ATM, or transferring it.

•   Checking accounts that come with debit cards make it simple to make purchases through a card reader in person or by entering data online. (Note: There are cons of using a debit card online, like less fraud and purchase protection.)

•   Mobile banking makes it easy to conduct financial transactions wherever you go. You may be wondering, Is mobile banking safe? The answer is yes, most of the time, but you do need to take some precautions to avoid potential hacking activity (more on that below).

•   You can have your paycheck automatically/directly deposited into your checking account. This eliminates a paper check that could get lost or stolen; plus, you don’t have to physically deposit it yourself on payday.

•   A checking account can provide a record of what you spent — and when and where — which is helpful with budgeting, at tax time, and more.

•   Some banks allow you to get paid up to two days early — meaning that your direct deposit is available 48 hours before it’s actually deposited.

Your Role in Protecting Your Money in the Bank

You’ve learned about how banks safeguard your deposits…but what about your role in protecting your money? Yes, even when your dinero is locked up tight at a bank, your actions can impact its security. Consider the following points:

•   If you have any reason to believe that fraudulent activity is occurring or has occurred with your checking account, contact your bank immediately as well as local law enforcement.

•   Create a unique password for your checking account; consider storing it in a secure password management system. Then regularly change your password.

•   Regularly check your balance and balance your statements. This way, you can spot suspicious-looking activity early and address any discrepancies. Identity theft is not unusual and a proactive approach is the best way to protect yourself.

•   Be especially careful when using public Wi-Fi at libraries, coffee shops, and the like. While they’re convenient for information gathering, when you’re conducting financial transactions on them, the open connection makes it easier for hackers to do bad things.

•   Keep your own computer up to date, installing appropriate software updates, malware blockers, and so forth.

•   Sign up for fraud alerts with your bank. Receiving real-time transaction info through texts, emails, or mobile apps allows you to quickly respond to any attempts at fraud.

•   Also, don’t share your banking information with anyone by phone or email. For example, if someone claims to be a representative from your financial institute, hang up. Then use the contact information you have for your bank and share what happened.

The Takeaway

So, how safe are checking accounts? At insured institutions, depositors enjoy deep levels of protection. Besides being safe, there are numerous advantages to having a checking account. Definitely a win-win versus hiding your bucks somewhere at home. But depositing your funds is just part of the bargain: Then you have to do your share and keep vigilant and make sure that fraudsters don’t get their fingers on your dough.

If you’re looking for a bank that protects your money and goes several steps further, apply for an online bank account with SoFi. Yes, we’ll watch your FDIC-protected funds like a hawk, but here’s what else. If you sign up for direct deposit with us, you’ll earn a competitive APY. Plus, you’ll pay no account fees, and you’ll be able to access your paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with  up to 3.75% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is your money safe in a checking account?

Yes, your money is safe in a checking account. Federally insured banks and credit unions automatically protect depositors like you for up to $250,000 per person, per insured institution, per account category. These financial institutions are even covered in case of fire, flood, and earthquakes, as well as when crimes, such as robbery and embezzlement, occur.

What are the risks of a checking account?

Checking accounts come with plenty of benefits and, at federally insured financial institutions, with solid protection against risk. That said, there are a couple of potential disadvantages to checking accounts. For example, not all of them pay interest (although some do). Some come with monthly fees (which can get pricey). And some financial institutions will require a minimum balance in your account.

There’s also some risk of criminal activity: If you ever suspect that someone has hacked into or otherwise fraudulently used your checking account, contact your bank and local law enforcement.

Can someone steal your checking account?

Physical checks and debit cards can be stolen, and your account could be hacked. So keep all personal data in a secure place and, if any items are lost, contact your financial institution immediately. If you believe your checks or debit card to be stolen, also inform your local law enforcement.

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Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 3/17/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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With the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently in the news, many people are wondering what the FDIC is, exactly, and what it does.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, is an independent agency of the U.S. government. In the unlikely event of a bank failure, it protects you and reimburses your deposits, typically up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per account ownership category.

People often take the FDIC guarantee for granted now, but it was created from a very real need and has kept many people and their money safe.

Here, you’ll learn more about this important aspect of banking, including:

•   What the FDIC is

•   What the FDIC does

•   How does the FDIC work

•   Which accounts are and are not eligible for FDIC protection

What Is the FDIC?

The FDIC is the shorthand way of referring to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. It is an independent agency created by Congress in 1933, after the Great Depression, when thousands of banks failed. The goal was to shore up confidence in the U.S. financial system and protect Americans from losing their cash if their bank failed.

In January 1934, the FDIC began insuring deposits, covering them up to $2,500. That number has increased through the years, of course, most recently with the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. President George W. Bush signed the act to temporarily raise FDIC insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor during the financial crisis. President Barack Obama made the coverage hike permanent in 2010 with the signing of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

It’s important to note how this insurance works: The standard coverage is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. Joint accounts may be covered up to $500,000.

Related: The Government Takes Decisive Action on Bank Closures

What Does the FDIC Do?

Since its creation, no depositor has lost any money from an FDIC-insured deposit. This means that, unlike your great-grandparents, you can put your money into an eligible financial institution, whether a savings vs. checking account or other qualifying account, and know it’s more secure than stuffing it under your mattress. (Yes, that used to be a thing for many savers.)

Also of note: Though it’s the customers’ money that’s covered by the FDIC, the agency is funded by premiums paid by the banks and from earnings on investments in U.S. Treasury securities. Customers do not pay for this insurance; they are automatically covered when they open an FDIC-insured account.

There are rules and limits you should know about, however, if you want to make the most of the FDIC’s coverage.

Types of Accounts Insured by the FDIC

The FDIC insures all deposit accounts at insured banks and savings associations up to the FDIC’s limits, including:

•   Checking accounts

•   Savings accounts

•   Money market accounts

•   Certificates of deposit (CDs)

•   Prepaid cards when the underlying funds are deposited in an insured bank (these funds are only insured in the instance of bank failure, not loss or theft)

•   Certain retirement savings accounts, but only when placed in certain types of investments and in accordance with all FDIC requirements.

   Deposit accounts, such as checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, can all be held in traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs and are eligible for FDIC insurance.

Recommended: Tips for Overcoming Bad Financial Decisions

How to Tell if Your Money Is FDIC-Insured

How can you tell for sure if your account is covered? While the FDIC insures deposits in most banks and savings associations, not all of them are protected. Every FDIC-insured depository institution must display an official sign at each teller window or teller station, so that’s an easy way to check if you bank at a brick-and-mortar location.

If you’re using an online bank or a mobile-first financial product, the company’s website should contain information about its coverage.

Or you can find out if your deposits are insured by using the FDIC BankFind tool .

Recommended: Comparing the Different Types of Deposit Accounts

Types of Accounts Not Insured by the FDIC

Now, here are the kinds of funds not covered by FDIC insurance. Money held in these ways, even if purchased from an insured financial institution, is not protected:

•   Stocks

•   Bonds

•   Annuities

•   Mutual funds

•   Municipal securities

•   Life insurance policies

•   The contents of a safety deposit box

This is an important point to note as you think about your financial security.

Also, you may wonder about the FDIC vs. NCUA in terms of protecting your finances. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), created by Congress in 1970, covers federally insured credit unions in much the same way as the FDIC covers banks, including deposits up to $250,000. If your funds are held at a credit union, you may want to make sure it has NCUA coverage. The FDIC will not be protecting you, but it’s likely the NCUA is.

How FDIC Insurance Works

Here’s more important intel if you’re wondering, How does the FDIC work?

The FDIC covers your holdings in certain accounts, as listed above. What amount of money is insured in a bank account? Usually, the limit is $250,000. It is calculated to cover both principal and interest earned by the depositor. If you have an account that has $200,000 in it and has accrued $20,000 in interest, you will be covered in the amount of $220,000.

As mentioned above, there is a standard $250,000 cap on FDIC insurance. If you have high net worth, this coverage may not be enough. As a result, you may want to keep in mind that by having money in excess of that amount in one bank or one account, you may be putting yourself at risk.

Because the $250,000 applies to each bank where you have an account, one way you may be able to increase the FDIC insurance coverage available to you is by using multiple banks.

Another option is to structure your accounts properly within a single bank. If you have any concerns about your coverage, it can be a good idea to discuss them with a representative at your bank.

What Happens if a Bank Fails?

If a bank were to fail, the FDIC would intervene in two ways:

•   The FDIC would pay depositors up to the insurance limit to cover their losses. So, if you had $10,500 in an insured account and the bank failed, you would be reimbursed for that amount. Typically, this happens within a few days after a bank closes.

•   The FDIC also takes responsibility for collecting the assets of the failed bank and settling its debts. As assets are sold, depositors who had more than the $250,000 limit in an insured account may receive payments on their claim.

How to Recover Your Money if a Bank Fails

Because of the FDIC safety net, you won’t likely see fearful customers lining up to get their money the way they did before deposit insurance was established.

Still, when a bank closes, it can cause depositors to worry and wonder how to get their money. Typically, there are one of two scenarios when a bank fails:

•   Most commonly, you would become a depositor at a healthy, FDIC-insured bank. You would have access to your insured funds at this new bank and could likely choose to keep your accounts there if you like.

•   If there is not a healthy, FDIC-insured bank that can step in quickly, the FDIC will likely pay the insured depositor by check within as little as a few days after the bank closes.

As for immediate next steps if you learn your bank is closing, the FDIC aims to post information as promptly as possible, or you can contact the agency at 877-ASK-FDIC or visit the FDIC Support Center website .

The Takeaway

Though it’s quite a rare occurrence, a bank can fail when it takes on too much risk or, as was the case recently, was exposed to interest rate risk. If your bank is covered by FDIC insurance you can receive reimbursement up to $250,000, meaning your funds aren’t lost for good. FDIC insurance covers checking, savings, money market accounts, CDs, and other deposit accounts.

The FDIC does not cover some of the other financial products or services offered by banks, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and securities.

Putting your money in a brick-and-mortar financial institution isn’t the only way to make sure it’s protected. SoFi Checking and Savings is a mobile-first online bank account that keeps your hard-earned dollars safe; all accounts receive FDIC insurance of up to $250,000 per member.

What’s more, we offer an array of great features that can make managing your money easier, such as spending and saving in one convenient place and using savings tools such as Vaults and Roundups. Plus, you’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and pay no account fees, both of which can help your money grow faster.

Want security, convenience, and no account fees? Bank smarter with SoFi. 

FAQ

How often does a bank fail?

Currently, banks fail very rarely. In the past two years, no banks failed in the United States. However, the FDIC was created in response to thousands of bank failures around the time of the Great Depression.

How does the FDIC differ from the NCUA?

FDIC insurance applies to qualifying accounts at banks. NCUA insurance covers qualifying accounts at credit unions.

How many banks are FDIC insured?

As of September 2022, the FDIC insured a total of 4,746 institutions. Of these, 4,157 were commercial banks, and 589 were savings institutions.

Are credit unions FDIC-insured?

Credit unions don’t qualify for FDIC insurance. Instead, they may be covered by the National Credit Union Administration, or NCUA, insurance.

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SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 3/17/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
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.
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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If you’re due a tax refund this year, you’re likely to be impatient to get your hands on the money. Perhaps you are planning on using it for a special purchase or a vacation. Or maybe you are eager to use it to pad out your emergency fund or pay down some debt.

Fortunately, the IRS says that if you file an electronic return and sign up for direct deposit, your funds can likely be with you in just one to three weeks. You should receive a check within about one month if you didn’t sign up for direct deposit. While refunds on paper returns usually take six to eight weeks after receipt of the return, there are currently delays reported with paper returns. It may take several months to get your refund.

That said, you may still be wondering where your refund is, whether it’s not quite due yet or whether you feel it should have arrived already.

Read on to learn more and manage your expectations or take steps, including:

•   How long does it take to get a federal tax refund?

•   When will I get my tax refund?

•   What impacts the time it takes to get a tax refund?

•   How can I check on where my tax refund is?

IRS Refund Schedule for 2022

For those who are curious about when exactly a refund should arrive, consider this information:

Federal Tax Refunds

In terms of when you will get your federal tax refund, here is a typical timeline after filing:

•   1 to 3 weeks for e-filing with direct deposit

•   6 months for paper filing with direct deposit

•   1 month for e-filing with the check sent by mail

•   6 months or longer for paper filing with the check sent by mail

The IRS cautions that paper returns are subject to processing delays for tax year 2022.

State Tax Refunds

When it comes to issuing refunds, each state handles things in their own way, on their own timeline, so it can be difficult to generalize.

Typically, a state tax refund will arrive within 30 days if your tax return was filed electronically. If you sent in a paper copy, then it will take up to 12 weeks or possibly longer to get that refund.

Tax Return Extension

Sometimes, a taxpayer will not be able to file their return by the Tax Day deadline. Perhaps they are missing important tax documents, are experiencing a family or personal emergency, or maybe they just procrastinated. Whatever the case, there is a mechanism in place that allows for an extension.

The IRS allows people to file for a six-month tax extension for submitting their return. However, the extension request, plus any taxes owed, are still due on that April deadline (the 15th or slightly later if it falls on a weekend or holiday).

If you are due a refund, it will be delayed if you submit your tax return late. Typically, refunds are issued within 90 days of filing a tax return after the deadline.

Form 4868

To request an extension, an individual should file IRS Form 4868 . The form captures basic information about the taxpayer, such as name, address, Social Security number (SSN), and how much you believe you owe.

Anyone, regardless of income, can submit this form electronically as part of the IRS’ Free File program.

How Long Does the IRS Take to Process Your Taxes?

The IRS says that it issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. That said, sometimes the processing of a return can take longer, even if a return was filed electronically. This year, there are delays being reported on processing paper returns.

If a return needs to be reviewed manually, it will likely take longer as well. Factors that can lead to a manual review include incorrect or missing information or identity theft situations. More detail is provided below.

Recommended: Steps to Prepare for Tax Season

Common Tax Refund Delays

If you’re wondering how long does it take to get a tax refund, know that there is not a single, specific timeframe for all taxpayers, and that delays can and do happen.

The IRS cautions visitors to its website not to expect their refund by a certain date. Though most taxpayers typically receive their refund within three weeks, and in even less time if they e-file and choose direct deposit, there are several reasons why a payment might be delayed. Some snags are inevitable, even when there isn’t a pandemic-related backlog of paper returns for IRS staffers to wade through, as there was in 2020.

Here are some issues that could cause a holdup:

Filing a Paper Return

Under normal circumstances, the IRS says, it can take six to eight weeks to process a paper Form 1040. Unlike returns that are filed electronically, paper returns must be manually entered into the IRS system. However, this year, the IRS is cautioning that there can be considerable delays of even six months for paper returns.

Tax returns are opened in the order they’re received, so if your refund is taking longer than expected, the date you sent your return could be a factor as well. The delivery option you choose for your refund also can affect how quickly you receive your funds.

According to the IRS, the fastest way to receive your refund is to combine the direct deposit method with an electronically filed tax return. But taxpayers who prefer a paper return also may be able to speed things up a bit by choosing direct deposit for their refund instead of a paper check.

Note: If you e-file, direct deposit is again your fastest path to any refund that’s due (typically one to three weeks), as noted above. If you e-file but request a paper check, that will take a bit longer, often closer to one month.

Providing Incorrect or Incomplete Information

Did you or your spouse forget to sign your return, or did you type in the wrong Social Security number? Returns with missing information or errors can cause extra work for the IRS, which could hold up a refund.

What’s more, the IRS is strengthening its screening process to help fight identity theft, so even the smallest mistake — such as using a different name than what’s on your Social Security card or misreporting what is W-2 income — could slow things down. If the information you provide is wrong or something is missing, you can expect the IRS to contact you for additional documentation or to correct the error.

Claiming Certain Tax Credits

If you’re claiming the additional child tax credit or the earned income tax credit, the IRS won’t issue your refund before mid-February. A federal law that took effect in 2017 gives the IRS extra time to review those returns, check employers and other information, and detect any possible fraud.

Filing an Amended Return

You may have to amend your return if you find you made an error or there’s a change that affects your income, your income tax bracket, and/or your deductions — and that could delay your refund by several weeks. According to the IRS, it can take up to 20 weeks to process an amended return — even if it was filed electronically.

You can check your return and refund status daily with the IRS’s Where’s My Amended Return tracking
tool .

Tax Fraud

A missing refund could be a sign that someone used your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name. If you suspect you may be the victim of tax fraud, the IRS lists several recommendations for what to do next on its Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft web page, and the agency advises potential victims to report their concerns to the Federal Trade Commission.

Existing Government Debt

If you have certain kinds of delinquent debt owed to the federal government, what is known as tax refund offset may occur. This means that an individual’s refund may be partially or completely withheld to satisfy the debt.

You will generally be notified if your refund is being reduced or withheld in this way, and you can dispute the payment with the agency that received it. And if there’s any money left after the offset, you’ll receive it by direct deposit or in a check, depending on what you requested on your tax return.

To ask questions about delinquent debt, you can contact the Treasury Department at 800-304-3107.

Your Refund Went AWOL

If you e-filed with third-party tax software or the IRS’s Free File system, you likely received confirmation that your return was received and accepted. If you don’t remember getting a confirmation notice, or if you’re concerned because you haven’t heard anything since then, you can check your status with the agency’s Where’s My Refund tool mentioned above.

If the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool says your refund check was mailed, but 28 days or more have passed and you haven’t seen it, you can file a claim online to receive a replacement. (The Where’s My Refund site will show you how.)

Even if you opted for direct deposit, it still could take a few days for the money to show up in your account. But if you think your refund has gone missing, you may want to call your bank about tracking the deposit, then move on to contacting your tax preparer or the IRS for help.

The IRS won’t accept responsibility if it sent a refund but you or your tax preparer wrote the wrong account number on your return. If the IRS notices an error or if your bank rejects the deposit and returns the money to the IRS, the IRS still may end up sending you a check (instead of using a direct deposit).

But if you entered an account or routing number that belongs to someone else and the financial institution accepted the deposit, you’ll probably have to work with a bank representative to recover the money. The IRS cannot compel the bank to return the refund.

Tracking Your Tax Refund Process

If you are eagerly awaiting your income tax refund, a wise move can be to track its status on the IRS website or through the IRS2GO app.

You can begin checking your refund’s progress within 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return. And, if everything goes smoothly, you can use the “Where’s My Refund” tracking tool daily to watch your tax return make progress.

To use the Where’s My Refund tracking tool, all you need is your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact dollar amount of your expected refund.

You may not get all the information you wanted about your refund, but it’s a start. If you can’t get enough intel there, your local IRS office may be able to help.

Tax Refund Mistakes

What about the scenario in which a tax refund arrives but it’s for less than you expected? Consider a couple of possibilities:

•   Your tax return could have contained an error, leading you to think you were due more money than you actually are.

•   A key example of this is that the American Rescue Plan tax benefits have either reverted or gone away for the 2022 tax year. This could mean your refund is lower than last year.

•   You might have had your refund lowered by the Treasury’s Offset Program mentioned above.

In the situation of your refund being less than anticipated, there is likely an explanation provided from the IRS as to why. If you are not satisfied, you can use the methods outlined above to contact the IRS and gain more insight.

Tips for Getting Your Tax Refund Faster

If you’re hoping to get your next refund faster, here are a few steps that might help:

Filing Electronically

As mentioned above, filing electronically vs. filing a paper return can speed up your refund. It can typically shave a week or two off of getting your money back via direct deposit and a month off the time for a refund check to be issued.

Choosing Direct Deposit

The IRS says refunds will generally be received by taxpayers sooner if they have e-filed and selected direct deposit. Even if you prefer mailing in a paper return, you can choose to have your refund deposited into your account.

Providing Accurate Information

Pay attention to every detail as you prepare your taxes. Don’t let a little mistake or an omission of data cause a long delay.

Filing Early

By filing as soon as possible during tax season, you’ll be able to position your return at the front of the line for processing. And by starting early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to research any tax help you may need along with tips that might apply to you, your business, and your family.

The Takeaway

Most tax refunds are issued within one to three weeks if you file electronically and opt for direct deposit of your refund. If you file a paper return or opt for a refund check to be mailed to you, it can lengthen the timeline. In any scenario, the IRS provides tools that can help you track your refund and know where your return is in terms of processing.

If you are due a refund and need a great place to deposit it, you may consider opening a bank account online, like SoFi Checking and Savings. With SoFi Checking and Savings, you’ll have easy access to your money with a large ATM network and your refund won’t be eaten up by fees while you decide how best to use it. That’s because we charge no account fees! Your money will also earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), which also can help it grow.

Better banking is here with up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

When will I get my tax refund for 2022?

Your tax refund arrival will depend on when you filed your return, how you filed it, and how you indicated you’d receive your tax refund. Typically, filing electronically with direct deposit is quickest, with the refund arriving in one to three weeks. If you file electronically with a paper check as the refund, that could take closer to three weeks or so. Paper returns are experiencing processing delays, according to the IRS, and refunds may take six months or longer.

What is the 2022 IRS tax refund schedule?

The 2022 tax year season began on January 23, 2023, and the deadline is April 18, 2023. Tax refunds are issued at varying speeds, depending on whether you file electronically or with a paper return, and whether you request your refund be direct-deposited or sent as a check. The fastest option is to file electronically and have the refund direct-deposited. This typically takes less than three weeks.

How long does it take to get your tax refund through direct deposit?

How long it takes to get your refund through direct deposit will vary depending on whether you filed an electronic or paper return. The majority of electronic returns are processed in three weeks or less, with direct deposit happening very soon thereafter. Paper returns, however, are experiencing processing delays and can take several months or longer, with refunds consequently taking at least that long to hit a taxpayer’s bank account.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 3/17/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
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.
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.
SOBK1222099

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Non-U.S. citizens spending time in America likely want a safe place to stash their cash and a hub for establishing their financial life in this country. One of the best ways to accomplish this can be opening a bank account. However, there can be some hurdles when a person is not a citizen. Fortunately, with a little research and legwork, it’s often possible to establish a relationship with one of many banks when arriving on U.S. soil.

This guide explores how non-U.S. citizens may open a bank account in the 50 states, including the answers to:

•   Can a foreigner open a bank account in the U.S.?

•   What kind of identification is needed to open a bank account?

•   How can a person get an ITIN for identification purposes?

•   What are alternatives to a U.S.-based bank account?

Can a Foreigner Open a US Bank Account?

It may be possible to open a U.S. bank account as a non-resident, though not all banks allow this. It’s wise to check with a specific financial institution to learn their policies, including what forms of identification will be required.

For example, a non-U.S. citizen might ask about the process of opening a checking account or what is needed to start a savings account. This can reveal what types of ID and other credentials are going to be necessary so either a complete application can be prepared or one can look elsewhere.

Recommended: What is a Savings Account and How Does it Work?

Typical Requirements for Opening a Bank Account

When a person is ready to open a bank account, even if they are a U.S. citizen, they will have a number of documentation requirements to open a bank account. According to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, financial institutions must verify the identity of someone who wants to open a bank account to the “extent reasonable and practical.”

How financial institutions choose to manage this process can vary, but here are typical requirements whether opening a bank account online or in person:

•   Contact information (name, address, phone number, email address).

•   Two forms of current government ID, such as a driver’s license and Social Security card.

•   If a person hasn’t used a Social Security card as a form of ID, the financial institution will likely still ask for a Social Security number (SSN).

•   A current bill (such as a water, electric, or other utility bill) to confirm one’s current address.

•   Minimum opening deposit (this is often $25, but may be as little as $1 or even zero).

It’s wise to check with the bank of choice (or a couple of financial institutions being considered) for more details.

Alternative Forms of Identification That Can Be Used

If a person is new to America, they may not have all of the documents mentioned above. Opening a bank account in a foreign country can therefore seem problematic. When applying for an account, however, it may be possible to submit alternative paperwork. Other options can include the following:

•   Instead of a driver’s license, a government-issued state ID or a U.S. military ID may be acceptable. All must be current/unexpired.

•   Other forms of secondary governmental IDs (besides a Social Security card) can include an original or certified birth certificate or a passport; a passport can also serve as a primary form of ID.

•   An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, if the applicant is not eligible for a Social Security number.

Next up: More about an ITIN, which can be a vital piece of identification for non-U.S. citizens, allowing them to bank in America.

What Is ITIN?

If a person pursues a bank account as an immigrant, they may wonder, “What is an ITIN?” It’s an important point to learn more about and can unlock financial services. ITIN stands for an “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number,” as noted above, and, according to the IRS, this serves as a tax processing identification number.

The IRS issues this nine-digit number to people who need to have an identification number in the United States but are not eligible to get a Social Security number. A person’s immigration status is not relevant when applying for an ITIN because resident and non-resident aliens may each need to have this number.

Worth noting: Getting an ITIN does not authorize a person to work in America. It is simply a number that is used for tax-reporting purposes.

How to Apply for an ITIN

If a person is not a U.S. citizen and wants to apply for an ITIN, they will have a few options. The IRS lists the steps for a couple of alternatives:

•   To apply by mail, provide IRS Form W-7 PDF File , proof of identity, tax return, and foreign status documents to the following address:

◦   IRS Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, PO Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342

◦   No return envelope is required for the documents to be returned. However, if a person wants their documents returned more quickly, they can include a prepaid express mail envelope or courier envelope.

•   If these original documents are needed within the next 14 weeks (which can be how long processing takes), a person may decide to apply in person at a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). Certified copies rather than the originals can be submitted.

◦   If the original documents haven’t been returned and 14 weeks have passed, an individual can call 800-908-9982 in the United States or 267-941-1000 outside the country for an update on their return.

•   Make an appointment at an official IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center . Multilingual operators are available.

Once an individual receives their ITIN, they can move ahead with opening a bank account.

Opening a Bank Account Without a SSN or ITIN

Some banks and credit unions are willing to accept other forms of identification rather than an SSN or ITIN. For example, they might use:

•   A passport number and documentation of the country that issued it.

•   An alien identification card number.

•   Another ID number issued by the government.

It can be a wise move to check in with a financial institution and see what their requirements are. By doing this, a person can likely identify the right spot to open a bank account as a foreigner, using the forms of identification that are accessible.

Can Undocumented Immigrants Open a Bank Account?

What if an individual is an undocumented immigrant who wants to open a bank account? There are financial institutions which will accept a person as a client without a Social Security number or ITIN.

Here is the documentation that will likely be needed:

•   Proof of name and date of birth. Acceptable documentation might be an unexpired passport, a domestic or foreign government-issued driver’s license, a birth certificate, or consular ID.

•   Proof of address. This might mean showing a driver’s license, a lease, or utility bill.

•   An identification number. Assuming a person doesn’t have an SSN or ITIN, an alien identification card number could be sufficient, or else a government-issued document (like a passport or foreign driver’s license) that proves one’s nationality or residence.

There could be other requirements, depending on the financial institution where an account is sought. However, the answer to “Can a non-U.S. citizen open a bank account?” (including those who are undocumented) is likely to be yes.

Benefits of Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account can be a vital step in establishing and maintaining one’s day-to-day financial life in the U.S. Here are some of the benefits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, lists numerous reasons why opening a bank account PDF File can be beneficial:

•   Safety: A bank account can keep money safe, and not only from theft. FDIC insurance keeps money secure even if a bank fails, though that is a very rare occurrence.

•   Convenience: A paycheck can be seamlessly direct-deposited into an account, eliminating the possibility of a lost or stolen paper check. Bills can easily be paid from a bank account, and, with a debit card (provided by many accounts), a person can easily swipe to pay for goods and services. With a bank account, it’s also possible to transfer money via P2P apps (or peer-to-peer apps), like Venmo and PayPal.

•   Accountability: With a bank account, an individual can track balances and transactions made and have a record of everything. They can set up alerts to stay informed about funds coming in and flowing out, as well as low balances. In addition, they can benefit from other services that the financial institution offers.

Depending on a person’s situation, they may want to open an individual account solo or bank with another person, which will provide some joint bank account benefits. In either case, if an individual is a new owner of a checking account, it’s important to learn how to balance bank accounts and keep on top of cash flow to avoid overdraft fees and the like.

Alternative Accounts for Non-US Citizens

What if a person is not a citizen and wants to open a bank account, but doesn’t have or can’t get one of the standard accounts? Here are some options:

•   They can see if a bank in their home country has a relationship with a bank in America. If a financial institution does have this kind of connection, it might pave the way to open an account at a U.S. bank.

•   A person might investigate an offshore account, which would be neither in their home country nor in the U.S. These accounts can have high minimum deposit and other requirements, but may suit some individuals.

•   Another route may be to open an account with a financial services company which will allow wages to be received and funds to be moved. Services such as Majority and Wise may provide options, though this may not deliver all the benefits sought from an online or traditional bank.

The Takeaway

Many banks allow non-U.S. citizens to enjoy the convenience and security of a checking or savings account. However, extra steps are likely involved when it comes to providing forms of ID. An ITIN can be helpful when opening a bank account as a non-U.S. citizen. This form of identification can be worthwhile in getting one’s financial life up and running in America.

SoFi online banking does not accept ITINs at this time, but for those with other required forms of ID, it can offer the right combination of a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and no account fees. Together, these can help money on deposit grow even faster. And with our Savings and Checking account, spending and saving happen in one convenient place.

Better banking is here with up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Can a non-resident open a bank account in the US?

The answer to “Can an immigrant open a bank account?” is often yes. Opening a bank account in the U.S. as a foreigner comes with added steps: Those who don’t qualify for an SSN, or Social Security number, must identify themselves in another way, such as with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, that is acceptable to the financial institution.

How do I open a non-resident bank account?

It’s wise to check with a financial institution of choice to see whether they offer accounts to non-citizens and their specific policies on how a non-resident can open a bank account in the U.S. Ask what forms of ID are needed; many banks will likely require an ITIN or an alternative document.

What identification is needed to open a bank account in the US?

Although specifics may vary by financial institution, in general, a bank will ask for contact information along with a document (say, a recent utility bill) that confirms the applicant’s address; two forms of a government-issued ID; Social Security number; and a minimum opening deposit. If someone isn’t eligible for a Social Security number, an ITIN may be an acceptable alternative. It may be possible to open an account with neither an SSN nor an ITIN; check with financial institutions under consideration for details.

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Photo credit: iStock/Nuthawut Somsuk

SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 3/17/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
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.
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.
SOBK0123035

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A budget can be a terrific tool to help you understand how much money you have flowing in and out every month. It provides the guidelines and guardrails you may need to avoid overspending and hit your savings goals.

No one likes to feel broke or in debt, and setting up a simple line item budget is a time-tested way to take control of your money. If you’re sick of running out of money before the end of the month or watching your credit card debt climb, this guide to line item budgeting can help.

Read on to learn:

•   What is a line item budget?

•   What are the pros and cons of a line item budget?

•   What are examples of a line item budget?

•   How do you set up a line item budget?

What Is a Line Item Budget?

Depending on where you look, you’ll find a variety of budgeting insight and advice. Some tout the benefits of the 50/30/20 rule and others swear by the envelope method. These different budgets can offer flexibility and provide a solid structure for your budget.

However, if you’re looking for specific insights, it could be worth starting with a different approach that offers more granular detail into your expenses and spending habits — a line item budget.

Essentially, line item budgets function by grouping related costs together and creating a clearly organized flow of funds. They also track both income and expenses, giving a more complete and accurate financial picture.

What Is Considered a Line Item?

A line item budget at its core is a list of expected income streams and pre-planned expenses expected over a specific period of time. A line item is simply one of the items on that list.

For example, a line item budget that calculates income from a salaried job and a rental property, plus expenses for a cell phone, car insurance, and a music subscription, would have a total of five line items. A line item budget can have as few or as many line items as needed, and they’re often categorized by type to help keep the budget organized.

It may be helpful to know a bit about how these budgets can work in business, as background for creating your own line item budget. Say a business is creating a new advertising campaign. They might consider:

•   Projected expenses: How much they think the cost of creating and executing their advertising materials will cost in the future.

•   Previous actual expenses: This will show how much in the past their costs actually were for such endeavors.

•   Present-year expenses: This would track the actual expenses being incurred as they create their ads. This could be done week by week or month by month.

In this way, one can track expenses over time and see how spending is trending.

In personal line item budgeting, you will be able to use this technique in a similar way. In addition to focusing on day-to-day spending, saving, and keeping expenses in line, you can also use this sort of household budget to plan for the future and to save.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Line Item Budget?

If you are considering implementing a line item budget, consider these upsides.

Allocating Expenses Is Simple

One of the biggest pros of using this kind of budget is the ease with which they can be created. With just a few clicks on a spreadsheet, you can establish a basic structure and begin to fill in the data that needs to be recorded. And as priorities change, the budget can be changed just as easily to meet those new needs.

Interpreting the Budget Is Easy

Another major advantage of the line item approach: Making a budget this way isn’t only easy to do, it’s also easy to understand. Creating a basic list of categorized income and expenses doesn’t require any specialized accounting degree to decipher. With your phone’s calculator function, you’re good to go.

Planning Your Future Finances

It provides an easy to read, at-a-glance view of what to expect from your expenses in a week’s, month’s or year’s time. And specific amounts are clearly displayed on each individual line. Those looking for budgeting for beginners tips may want to consider a line item budget for these two benefits.

What Are Some Downsides to Line Item Budgets?

Next, it’s worthwhile to recognize the possible drawbacks of line item budgets.

Best for Steady Earners

Line item budgeting usually relies on fixed and steady income and expenses for accuracy. It can work well for managing predictable finances, but if a budget contains line items that fluctuate significantly, it may not balance properly. This can lead to inaccurate calculations.

For instance, a business budget with a line item for income from a candle company may be accurate if the same number of candles is sold each month. However, if the candles are sold during the holiday at a discount, the income would not match the preset number on the line budget, and the final calculations would be incorrect.

Typically Rigid

Another disadvantage of line item budgets is that they are rigid. It’s not uncommon to change spending habits throughout the year to fit changing needs, but those changes aren’t automatically reflected in a line item budget.

Spending adjustments may require extensive budget rewrites in order to accurately capture a new spending plan. With a line budget, any time financial goals change, it requires reviewing and adjusting everything line-by-line in order to stay current.

Requiring Detail

Unlike a budget such as the 50/30/20 rule, in which a person wrangles three big financial buckets (or spending categories), a line item budget does require rigorous accounting of specific expenses. This can be challenging for some people.

Now, in chart form, here are the pros and cons of line item budgets:

Pros of Line Item Budgets	Cons of Line Item Budgets
Simple to manage	Requires detailed record-keeping
Easy to create	Rigid
Good for future planning	Best for steady earners

Budgeting: Is It Worth It?

Budgeting can seem tedious. After a long day (or week) at work, the last thing you may want to do is spend time in front of a screen, plugging in data and recording how much you’ve spent.

But tracking your money can be a powerful exercise. Here are some reasons why budgeting can be worthwhile:

•   Tracking your spending can give you direct visibility into your habits and when you understand where your money is going, you can feel empowered to make adjustments.

•   Budgeting can be part of a good money mindset. Instead of thinking of budgeting as a series of spending restrictions, you could think of it as a tool you can use. It’s a technique that can give you the freedom to spend money on what is most important to you.

•   Setting money goals can provide a structure to help you build out your budget and plan for the future. So, whether you’re saving for retirement, planning a wedding, or jetting off on a trip overseas, having and sticking to a well-crafted budget can help you get there.

•   It’s also worth noting that your budget is a living document. It’s okay to make changes. As you adjust your goals or experience or experience changes in your income or lifestyle, you can (and should) make adjustments and changes to fit your new needs. Your life isn’t stagnant, and your budget shouldn’t be either.

Recommended: The 10 Most Common Budgeting Mistakes

Using a Line Item Budget for Personal Finance

Typically, line item budgets are used by small businesses to track their earnings and expenses and compare them from year to year. They lend well to financial analysis, allowing business owners to easily target areas of their business where they may potentially reduce costs — and where there might be room to grow the company.

While businesses typically have different needs than households, creating a line item budget can be helpful in personal finances, too.

Just as they give small businesses insight into opportunities to grow the business or reduce expenses, line item budgets can help manage your personal expenses. Outlining each source of income and expense can reveal personal spending habits and opportunities to reduce one’s cash outflow.

The specific insights you gather from a line item budget, as well as the changes you make, will ultimately depend on your personal goals and overall financial situation.

Deciding What to Include in a Line Item Budget

Deciding to create a line item budget is just the first step. Next, consider which categories are most important for you to include. A personal budget is just that — personal.

Everyone’s financial situation is different, so this list is not the end-all-be-all solution, but here are a few high-level categories you may want to consider.

Bills and Utilities

This category is fairly self explanatory — after all, everyone’s got bills to pay, right? Things worth listing in this category might include water and electricity bills; cable, internet, or phone bills; or any other monthly bill you have on your expense list.

Debt

If you have student loan payments, credit card bills, or other recurring debt payments, include them in your budget. That’s an important area to track.

Education

If you are currently attending school or have kids, you’ll likely want to consider including things like tuition and fees, the cost of books and other supplies, and any other expenses directly related to education costs.

Entertainment

This one is a little broader and can be highly customized depending on personal spending habits. Do you have subscriptions to streaming services? Do you buy lots of books?

Tickets to the movies, museums, or a concert could also be included in this category. Depending on your hobbies and interests, you may find you can expand this with additional detail.

Fees

Think of all the fees charged to your accounts. Late fee on a delayed credit card payment? ATM fees? Add ՚em here. You could add HOA fees and others to this category as well. If you pay an annual fee to your credit card issuer, that goes here as well.

Food

Depending on your eating habits, you could split this up even further in a line item budget into categories like groceries, snacks, and dining out.

Home

Think of things like your rent or mortgage as well as expenses for maintenance and upkeep of your home.

Income

You’ll probably want to include all sources of income, not just your regular 9 to 5. If you’re budgeting as a couple, you can include income for both partners.

Add income earned from having a side hustle or from passive income opportunities, too.

Investments

Add your contributions to all investment accounts including a 401(k), IRA, 529 accounts, or other brokerage accounts.

Medical

Expenses for medications, health, dental, or vision insurance, and co-pays can all be included under this category.

Personal Care

Things like toiletries, vitamins, and beauty supplies would fit into this category. Hair cuts, trips to the nail salon, and massages could be included as well. If desired, you could also include the cost of other self-care practices, like a subscription to a meditation app, gym membership, or exercise classes.

Savings

Money that you put into an emergency fund, vacation fund, or other form of savings should be accounted for in your line item budget, too.

Services

Do you pay for any regular services? You could include things like dry cleaning services, the cost of having a housekeeper, or the fee you pay your babysitter for a night out.

Shopping

Heading to the mall? Shopping expenses like clothing, toys, and even gifts for others, could be added here.

Taxes

If you’re a full-time employee, be sure to note the taxes being taken out of your paycheck. If you are a freelancer or independent contractor, note quarterly taxes in your line item budget.

Transportation and Auto

This is a catch-all category for things like your monthly metro pass, gas, car insurance, auto loan payment, and general maintenance of your vehicle (if you own one).

Travel

Add all costs associated with trips you take here. Things like hotels or lodging, air travel, taxis, travel insurance, and tickets and admission for excursions and seeing the sights.

If you’re road-tripping, you could include the cost of gas, tolls, and other car-related expenses for the trip here too. Also worth including is the cost of food while on the road.

Putting Your Line-Item Budget Together

A list this long can seem overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and, if needed, break the work up over a few days. For instance:

•   On day one, gather all of the relevant documents (tax returns, paychecks, credit card statements, etc) and create the skeleton of your line item budget.

•   On day two you could aim to make it through recording your income and investments, and maybe half of your expenses.

•   On day three you could finish adding data and add any finishing touches or edits.

After creating this line-item budget, you should have a bird’s-eye view of your spending habits. Take a close look at the information, and decide if you are happy with what you see. Now is the time to be honest with yourself and make the changes you feel are necessary. Do you want more money to put towards savings or paying down debt? See how you might alter the numbers as they currently exist for the months ahead.

Want to make cuts to your monthly expenses? Now you know exactly how much money is being spent in each category and where you could stand to hold back. Some ideas to mull over:

•   Can you negotiate a less expensive car insurance fee? Experiment with meal planning to see if you can be intentional about your food spending and potentially cut your grocery bill.

•   Try adjusting the thermostat setting while you’re asleep or away from your home to cut your energy bill.

•   Getting hit with fees on late payments? You might want to add an alert to your calendar or a monthly notification to your phone to remind you when payments are due. Another possible option is to enroll in autopay so you never miss a payment.

Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score. So making payments on-time consistently could not only eliminate those pesky late fees from your budget but it could also potentially help improve your credit score in the long-term.

Recommended: 15 Causes of Overspending

Line Item Budget Example

A line item budget example can be as simple as using an Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheet. You could even make your own basic line item budget template, if you prefer.

At the top rows, income can be added, say, for a given month. Then, moving down the page, you can list out the various expenses you have.

That will allow you to see your income and cash that is flowing out. To the right of that column of numbers, you can have last month’s expenses, if you like. Some people find it helpful to put their projected income and spending vs. actual income and spending in the other vertical columns. Then they can assess if they are in debt or have excess funds.

You can customize the organization to best suit your needs.

Alternatives to a Line Item Budget

Though simple and intuitive in nature, line item budgets aren’t a perfect fit for everyone. However, there are many different budgeting methods to choose from to fit unique lifestyle needs. A few popular methods are:

50/30/20 Budget

Also known as a proportional budget, the 50/30/20 budget rule focuses on splitting income into three buckets — “needs,” “wants,” and savings. Instead of creating lists of expenditures, you instead commit to spending 50% of your income on things you need to spend on (housing, food, debt, and similar “musts”), 30% on things you want (dining out, travel, and so forth), and the remaining 20% is set aside for savings.

Because spending isn’t tracked on a granular level, spend tracking apps and services can be used to help avoid overspending in any one category.

Envelope Budgeting Method

The envelope method focuses on using physical envelopes and labeling each with a spending category such as food, bills, or entertainment. The envelopes are then filled with the maximum amount of money desired to be spent in each category, and spending throughout the month happens directly from those envelopes.

Once an envelope is empty, no more spending can be done in that category, unless taken from another. This method can be adapted to use a debit card vs. cash.

Zero-Based Budget

Similar to the line item budget, this approach takes account of all income and expenses. The difference is that with this budget, the goal is to make sure that every incoming dollar is allocated to either a saving or a spending purpose, and to leave nothing left over. Automating finances with services like automatic bill-pay and pre-scheduled bank transfers can help with managing this style of budgeting.

The Takeaway

Creating a line item budget can be useful when determining your spending habits. It’s a fairly simple, detailed, and well-organized way to track your earnings and spending, but it’s not always flexible. Also, if you don’t have your budget spreadsheet on hand, it could be more difficult to make changes or check-in while you’re busy living.

Enter SoFi’s Checking and Savings, an account that allows you to review your weekly spending in your dashboard within the SoFi app. With it, you can save, spend, and earn all in one convenient place, which can make staying on budget easier. What’s more, this online account pays a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) while charging no account fees, which can help your money grow faster.

Better banking is here with up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What is an example of a line item budget?

A line item budget is a simple, organized way of listing income and spending in detail so you can keep things in balance and see how you are tracking over time. It can be easily made with a basic spreadsheet template.

What is the difference between a line item budget and a program budget?

Line item budgets and program budgets are frequently used in business. Typically, a line item budget will list out individual budget expenses, item by item. In a program budget, however, the spending tends to be grouped into smaller budgets for specific activities or programs. For instance, in a program budget, all the costs related to advertising a new service could be kept together, to show the expenses required to meet that goal.

How do I create a line item budget in Excel?

One simple way to make a line item budget in Excel is to create vertical columns for each month. Starting at the top of each month, you could list various sources of income. Then below that, you could break out, line by line, all of your expenses, such as food, housing, utilities, entertainment, clothing, dining out, travel, transportation, and so on, going down the page.

This can allow you to tally your earning, spending, and saving. As time passes, each vertical column can represent a month of the year. Some people like to enter and compare projected earning, spending, and saving vs. actual; it’s up to you if that suits your needs.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 3/17/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
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