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You probably know how easily you can tap to pay for items when shopping and click to send a friend money for your share of dinner. Why can’t most of your financial transactions be that easy?

They can be. You can be freed from much of the usual day-to-day account activity by automating your finances. Doing so can eliminate your wondering whether you have paid bills on time, allocated the right amount to savings, and more.

Automating your finances can be a smart money move that saves you on late fees and reduces financial stress. It may also help you establish and stick to a budget, as well as get on a path to growing your wealth.

Deciding where and when to automate personal finances need not be complicated. Here’s a guide sharing what it means to automate your finances, the different ways you can put your money management on autopilot, and tips for making the process super simple.

What Does It Mean to Automate Your Finances?

Automating your finances means you use today’s technology to preschedule and preapprove transfers of your funds. It’s a “set it and forget it” way to pay bills, move money from checking to savings, and even enrich your retirement account.

The beauty of doing so means you can avoid late fees (which many of us, no matter how responsible we are, get hit with sooner or later). You may also become more organized and free your mind to ponder better things. Worrying about when bills are due is so last decade, after all!

Check out our Money Management Guide.

This article is from SoFi’s guide on how to manage your money, where you can learn basic money management tips and strategies.

What Kind of Accounts Can You Automate?

If you’re wondering what kind of accounts you can automate, you’ll probably like this answer: Almost any kind. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:

Automating payments can spare you late fees and overdraft charges. It can also help you streamline the process of staying active and accountable on your accounts (a great way to avoid winding up with credit charge offs).

It may also help keep your credit score from being impacted by missed payments. In fact, payment history contributes 35% to your FICO® score.^[1] You want to protect those digits.

(BTW, it’s a good idea to scan for common credit report errors on an annual basis, just to make sure nothing is amiss.)

💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open a bank account online.

Different Ways to Automate Your Finances

When it comes to the set-up of automating personal finances, there are a few different techniques to try. Here, you’ll learn some of the most popular options so you can decide what’s right for you, whether it’s one method or a combination.

Option 1: Sign Up for Automatic Payments With Your Creditor

Here’s how this works: Say your wifi provider or landlord of your rental apartment gives you an automatic bill payment option.

•   Through their payment portal, you’ll set up an autopay schedule, connecting the service provider to your bank account. On the agreed-upon date (say, rent is due by the 7th of every month so you select to pay on the 6th), they will automatically deduct the amount from your checking.

•   In some cases, you may be assessed a fee for this privilege; it varies with the provider.

•   When you opt into this kind of plan, you may be given the opportunity to have the payment charged to a credit card or deducted from an account other than your bank account. Look carefully, though; you may wind up paying additional fees for this.

Recommended: Guide to Automated Credit Card Payments

Option 2: Set Up Bill Pay With Your Bank

You may find that some creditors don’t offer you the kind of convenience described above, but your bank may swoop in and help you pay automatically. Many major banks will issue payments on your behalf to a creditor or service provider, which can make your life infinitely easier. No more writing checks every month and digging around for stamps. Here are the steps to take:

•   Check with your bank about what they offer. Typically, they will need the name, account number, and potentially the address of the business you are paying.

•   You’ll also need to assess how long this process will take every month; it may not be instantaneous. You’ll want to make sure the money arrives on time and you are not charged any late fees so your credit score doesn’t suffer.

•   Then you’ll sign up for the series of payments to be handled by your bank.

Option 3: Set Up Direct Deposit With Your Employer (if You Have the Option)

An excellent way to automate and fund your personal finances is to set up direct deposit of your paycheck (the vast majority of salaried workers are paid this way). You’ll know your salary is getting sent to your bank account and when it hits. Some pointers:

Option 4: Set Up Automatic Retirement Contributions

It’s all too easy to think, “I’ll get around to saving for retirement…someday.” Perhaps that’s why the American households had a median balance of only $87,000 in retirement accounts, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent survey.^[2] That’s probably not enough if your dream is moving to Hawaii at age 65 and spending your days with your toes in the sand.

That’s why learning how to automate your finances for retirement savings can be such a helpful practice. Many experts suggest depositing at least 15% of your pretax income into your retirement plan every paycheck. Some tips:

If you’re self-employed, you may be able to automate your savings with recurring transfers into such vehicles as a solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA as you save for your future.^[3]

Option 5: Put Your Savings on Autopilot

Your non-retirement savings are another important account to automate. Again, if your salary hits your checking account, you may feel rich and go spend more than you should. By automating your savings and funneling money from your paycheck straight into an account, you may avoid going on shopping sprees.

This can be a very effective tool. In one study by financial psychologist Brad Klontz, people who visualized their goals and set up automatic withdrawals enjoyed a 73% increase in their savings after just one month.^[4]

Into what kind of account can you direct those funds? That’s up to you. Perhaps you want to have a few separate accounts that feed different goals. You might have one account for a down payment fund, one for vacation savings, and one for your child’s educational expenses. You can direct how much and how often you want each transfer to be.

Of course, there are options about where exactly you keep your savings. Some possibilities to consider:

Option 6: Set Up Regular Contributions to Your Emergency Fund

Your emergency fund is another type of savings that can benefit from automated infusions of money. An emergency fund is a stockpile of easily accessed cash that can tide you over when unexpected circumstances hit. Perhaps you get a major car repair or medical bill or are laid off from your job. An emergency fund can let you pay bills without accessing a high-interest line of credit (say, ringing up too much debt on your credit card).

In terms of emergency funds, keep the following in mind:

Option 7: Sign Up for Automated Investing With Your Brokerage

If you currently have an investment portfolio or are planning on starting one, that’s another task that can be made simpler by technology. Automated investing can allow you to achieve consistency with minimal effort, which can help you build your net worth over time.

Some examples:

Tips to Successfully Automate Your Finances

Now that you have a good grounding in the benefits and how-to’s of automating personal finances, consider these strategies for success:

Create a Budget Based on the Balance You Get Paid

Look at where your money stands after you deduct your retirement and savings amounts. With the remaining funds, you can plan out ways to budget. There are various techniques out there, like the 50-30-20 budget rule, among others. Do an online search and see what resonates with you.

A budget will guide your saving and spending and can reveal how you are doing in terms of setting financial goals and meeting them on other fronts, such as a vacation fund or a retirement account.

It will help you handle good vs. bad debt more effectively. All are terrific ways to avoid excessive debt and build wealth.

Be Aware of All Your Bill Due Dates

As you automate your finances, do pay careful attention to the due dates on your bills. Who wants to see their hard-earned cash get drained by late fees?

Review Your Bank Account and Bank Statements Often to Stay on Top of Your Transactions

One of the pleasures of automating your finances is that you are freed from thinking and worrying about your money and your bills on a regular basis. However, daily life involves all kinds of money blips, from treating your bestie to a fancy birthday dinner to (ugh) having fraudulent charges appear on your credit card bill.

So do review your bank account and other statements regularly to make sure everything is as it should be and that your balance isn’t too low. Check in with your accounts often. Should you check your bank account every day? Not necessarily. A couple of times a week can be a good cadence.

Increase Your Contributions When It Makes Sense

While you’re checking your finances and bank balances, don’t overlook whether it’s time to increase your contributions to help meet your savings goals. If you’ve gotten a raise or paid off a student loan, you may have funds available to save more.

Or you might find that a chunk of change has accumulated in your checking account which could do more for your finances if used elsewhere. There are times when you may want to increase your transfers to reflect your positive financial status.

The Takeaway

Automating your finances can be a great way to take control of your money and make bill paying and saving so much more convenient. That kind of organization can let you breathe easier when it comes to managing your money and be more successful in meeting your financial goals.

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

FAQ

How often should I review and adjust my automated finances?

You should review your finances and automated transactions regularly to monitor your payments and balance, which for some people may mean a couple of times weekly; for others, it might be every other week. Also, it’s wise to check in when you have significant changes in your life, whether you’ve gotten a raise, took out a mortgage, or moved to an area with a higher cost of living. You may want to recalibrate your automated transfers.

Is it safe to automate my finances?

By and large, it is safe to automate your finances. You should, however, check in regularly to make sure you are not overdrafting or getting close to it, and also to keep in touch with your money. It’s possible that a glitch could delay a payment and, unfortunately, it’s important to be aware of any potential signs of fraud when conducting any type of financial transaction.

What are the best tools or apps to use for automating my finances?

There are an array of tools and apps for automating your finances. A good place to start may be with your very own financial institution. They may have automated savings and investing products, roundup apps, and other tools to help you make the most of your money and grow your wealth.

Can I still make manual payments even if I have automatic payments set up?

In many cases, you will still be able to make a manual payment even if you have automated payments set up. This could occur when you have an additional bill for an account that is set on autopay, or when you have a credit and want to pay a lower amount. Check with your creditor or the financial institution handling the transfer for details on how to do this smoothly.

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

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

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

¹SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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SOBNK-Q225-093

It’s not uncommon to hit a moment in your financial life when you could use some cash ASAP. Whether due to an unexpected major expense or getting laid off, you may need a chunk of change to make ends meet. To help out, here’s a list of 23 ways to get some money flowing your way ASAP. Some are online methods, others are in-person, but all can help you out when you are in a pinch.

Read on to see which of these ideas may suit you, plus tips on staying safe as you go after those additional funds.

When You Need Quick Cash

Many people hit a time when they could really use some additional cash. Perhaps you moved to a new town and need to put down a security deposit on a rental as well as pay your movers. Or you are a freelancer, and one of your clients is slow to pay. Or perhaps you had to charge a big car repair, and now your credit card bill is due.

Whatever the reason, if you need to get money fast and don’t want to break out your high-interest plastic to see you through, don’t panic. There can be an array of ways to bring in cash quickly. Some are online (taking marketing surveys), some are in person (dog walking), but there is likely to be at least a couple that suit your preferences and your situation.

Online vs Offline Money-Making Opportunities

As you look into ideas for how to get money fast, one key consideration is whether you want to do so online or offline. Perhaps both ways suit you, but many people have a preference.

If you have a job, are caring for dependents, or otherwise are under time constraints, you may prefer to squeeze in your money-making activities here and there. Online opportunities may suit you well, since some are available 24/7 and can be a convenient way to get cash into your bank account. For example, you could upload items you want to sell on eBay at any hour.

For others, offline work is more suitable. If, say, you are a brilliant guitar player and have a knack for sharing your skills, music lessons could be a good path, and you might find doing these in person more rewarding than via Zoom. Or holding a yard sale and selling off unwanted stuff could bring in a good amount of cash quickly.

Fast Ways to Make Money Online

To help you scope out opportunities, consider this list of online ways to make quick cash.

1. Take Online Surveys and Market Research

From the privacy of your home, at your convenience, you could be earning small amounts of money (which can add up) by taking online surveys, watching videos, or even sharing your search history. These typically help marketers gain insight into consumer behavior and opinions Some places to sign up: Branded Surveys, Inbox Dollars, and Survey Junkie sites.

2. Sign Up for Freelancing Platforms

Do you have a skill to share…and sell? You might be able to offer your writing, social media, web design, translation, or other talents on a platform like Upwork, and get paid for freelance gigs. This can be an especially good way to make money even with no job.

3. Sell Products on E-Commerce Websites

If you are artsy or craftsy, you might try posting your work for sale online. Whether you make necklaces, take great nature photos, or knit beautiful baby sweaters, Etsy is a popular option. Just keep in mind that e-commerce websites typically have posting fees and then take a cut of your sales.

4. Offer Online Tutoring and Courses

You might be able to make quick cash by teaching online. Did you score in the top percentile on a standardized test? Are you pretty much fluent in French, or can you make bake-off-worthy cakes? You might be able to do remote tutoring or offer a class online. The key to bringing in quick cash here will be marketing your services well, so do online research upfront about how to bring an audience your way.

5. Try Affiliate Marketing

Do you love social media and have a strong presence, whether as a gamer, sharer of clothing hauls, or a guide to neighborhood businesses? If so, you could make quick cash via affiliate marketing. This means that you earn a commission on every visit, sale, or sign-up that you generate for a brand or merchant. You can learn more at affiliate marketing sites such as SemRush.

6. Find Unclaimed Money

Did you know that unclaimed funds, whether from forgotten-about bank accounts or insurance benefit checks that were never cashed, can wind up with the state government and sit, waiting to be claimed? It may be a bit of a longshot, but it can’t hurt to check out this unclaimed funds website and see if there is any cash in your name that you might collect.

If so, you might put that money in a high-yield savings account to earn some interest as you figure out the best use for it.

7. Claim App Referrals

You may be used to those “Refer a friend and get $25!” offers online. If the shoe fits, as they say, wear it! For instance, if a buddy signs up for a PayPal account at your recommendation, you could benefit with a small chunk of change heading your way as a thank you.

8. Open a Bank Account

The personal finance business can be competitive these days, and some banks will offer you a tidy sum to open a checking account with them. This is among the more common bank bonuses, and while amounts will vary, you could earn a quick $300 this way. These offers are often at online vs. traditional banks. Just be sure to read the fine print before you sign up to make sure that there aren’t fees or minimum balances that would be challenging for you.

9. Sell Unused Gift Cards

Here’s a slightly weird way to make money. Do you have a gift card or two, maybe sent by a well-intentioned relative, sitting unused? Perhaps you never go to the coffee chain the card is for, or you don’t have a branch of the store nearby. You might recoup some of the card’s value by selling it on a site like CardCash or GiftCash.

10. Get Paid Sooner

Need more ideas for how to make quick cash? This one doesn’t exactly bring in more money but can give you access to your earnings sooner. Some financial institutions will make your paycheck available up to 48 hours early when you sign up with direct deposit. Again, this isn’t a sum beyond what you earn, but it can let you, for instance, pay bills on time when you otherwise couldn’t.

11. Work as a Virtual Assistant

In this age of automation, many jobs can be done remotely as long as you have computer and wifi access. That includes being someone’s assistant and helping with tasks like scheduling, correspondence, and travel arrangements. Look for listings on sites like FlexJobs and LinkedIn.

Fast Ways to Make Money Offline

Need more inspiration on how to make quick cash? There are plenty of ways to do so in the real world instead of online. Here is an assortment of ideas for getting some money into your bank account, where it’s needed most.

12. Do Local Odd Jobs and Gigs

Are there any services, whether one-off or ongoing, that you could offer? You might be able to help a senior with shopping, do yard work, assist someone with cleaning out their basement before they move, or set up for a party. Take a look at sites like Fiverr, Craigslist, or Nextdoor, as well as locations like community bulletin boards at cafes and other locations.

13. Sell Unused or Unwanted Items

Your junk could be someone else’s treasure that they might be willing to pay for. You could have a yard sale or visit one of the many places to sell your stuff. Items that could be sale-worthy include good condition electronics, cookware, clothing, sports equipment, housewares, home decor, your vinyl collection, and more.

14. Pet-sit or Walk Dogs

Here’s another idea for how to make quick cash, and it’s perfect for animal lovers: Do some pet sitting or dog walking. Using a well-known social networking site or a pet sitting site could help get attention and build the business; you might also try posting flyers in your neighborhood offering dog-walking services. Cash payments can make this a good gig for those who don’t want to wait for their money.

15. Tutor or Share Skills

As mentioned above, if you have a skill or talent (from speaking great Spanish to coding), you could tutor or offer instruction. Local schools and community centers could be a good place to market your skills; think about what credentials you can tout to show prospective students that you have the know-how.

16. Recycle for Cash

In this era of eco-consciousness, there are plenty of opportunities to recycle for cash. This can be as simple as gathering your own and your neighbors’ unwanted cans and bottles and redeeming them, or you might get scrap metal via Craigslist or Freecycle and then sell it to a scrap yard. And who knew? You might even earn quick cash via recycling cardboard at BoxCycle.

17. Take Care of Children or Elders

Could you do some babysitting, childcare, or eldercare to bring in cash? You’re likely to have some warm and fuzzy feelings too after doing gigs like these and helping others. Caregivers may have to go through an in-depth vetting process to sign up with an agency like Care.com, so be prepared to answer lots of questions (Do you have experience? What would you do in an emergency? Will you cook and clean?) and provide background information and ID.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator

18. Pawn Items of Value

Say you have an urgent car repair bill and unfortunately haven’t got enough saved in an emergency fund. You could get cash quick by pawning an item (think jewelry, wristwatches, electronics, and musical instruments). This means you take it to a pawn shop, get cash, and if you come back and repay the loan in a certain time frame, you retake possession of the item. If you don’t, the pawn shop can sell it. This practice could benefit you when you need money fast.

19. Rent Out Extra Space

You’ve probably heard about the sharing economy, which can allow people to monetize their unused space. For instance, if you live in a popular area and have an extra bedroom, you might rent it out on Airbnb to people visiting your town for a few nights. You may even be able to rent out your unused parking space on Spacer. You might even make enough money to pad out your emergency fund a bit.

20. Deliver Food

It’s a sign of the times: Food delivery, from groceries to restaurant meals to bubble teas, is on the rise. You might be able to make some fast money by doing this kind of delivery via a service like DoorDash, UberEats, InstaCart, and GrubHub, among others. This can be a good way to use your free time to bring in some cash when you need it quickly.

21. Drive Rideshare

Similarly, if you have access to a car, you could drive a rideshare for a company like Uber or Lyft. Whether ferrying people to the airport, work, or out to dinner, it can be a good way to monetize your free time.

22. Flip Free Items

Are you handy? Here’s a way to get some money flowing your way: You could snag items from Freecycle, Craigslist, Nextdoor, or even the curb, and refurbish and sell them as a low-cost side hustle. Maybe someone is getting rid of an old coffee table or nightstand that’s in rough shape. You could refinish or paint it and sell it at a profit. Yes, it takes a bit of time to do this work, but the opportunity to bring in perhaps a couple of hundred dollars for your effort is real.

23. Cash In Your Coins

Here’s an easy idea for making quick cash: Look around your house for that coin jar that many people have shoved in a closet or on a windowsill. If you have a stash of quarters somewhere, you might be surprised by how much it can add up to. Getting it to the bank or a retailer that offers coin counting and redemption services could bring you a good infusion of cash.

Combining Online and Offline Opportunities

Now that you’ve read this list, you can begin to think about which ideas spark the most interest or best suit your situation. When you want to make quick cash, you don’t have to try just one method.

Feel free to mix up online and offline techniques to make money fast. You might drive a rideshare on Sundays and tutor via Zoom twice a week. It’s all about what works best for you.

Balancing Your Time

One thing to remember as you work to bring in extra cash is that it is possible to overdo it. Whether you have a job and/or a family or are unemployed and single (or anything in between), remember that you do need downtime and rest. Don’t overschedule yourself with odd jobs and other money-making tasks. You need to balance your time. And if you are sleep-deprived and exhausted, you can’t do a good job making money anyway!

Tips for Staying Safe While Making Quick Cash

A word or two of warning as you look for ways to make quick cash: There are occasionally scams and dangerous situations out there. Be savvy as you move ahead.

Avoiding Scams

If an opportunity to make money sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are quite a number of employment scams out there, so be vigilant. Work-from-home scams and overpayment scams are common; check out Fraud.org’s site
to learn more and protect yourself.

When selling items, also proceed with caution. There are also fraudsters using overpayment and money order trickery to get something for nothing.

Managing Personal Information

If you are applying for gig work, be cautious about to whom you send your personal information (such as your Social Security number and banking details). Do your research and vet the recipient of this info; otherwise, you might be dealing with a scammer who is trying to commit identity theft.

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The Takeaway

Many people encounter a moment when they could really use some cash quickly. Happily, there are many ways to get money flowing your way, both online and offline. From dog walking to selling your unwanted stuff, from tutoring to taking surveys on your laptop, there are likely several options that can suit your needs.

And once you make that extra moolah, make sure it’s working hard for you and earning you some interest, thanks to a good banking partner.

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

FAQ

How to make $1,000 immediately?

Some ways to make quick cash include selling unneeded items you own, driving a rideshare or doing food delivery, taking a part-time job, and renting out unused space, whether a room in your home or a parking spot.

How can you make $100 in a day?

Among the ways to make $100 in a day are selling items you don’t need (a stereo or tablet that’s just taking up space), doing rideshare or food delivery, tutoring online in a subject you’re very knowledgeable about or skilled in, and being a virtual assistant.

Can you earn $100 a day on Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is a platform on which you can earn cash for doing online activities, such as taking surveys, shopping online, and playing games. While it may be possible to earn that much depending on current offers, it may be a higher amount than you can achieve in a single day.

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

You are probably used to tapping and swiping your debit card as you go through your day, whether to grab a salad for lunch or pay for a new bottle of shampoo. Debit cards are welcome at most of the places where you can use a credit card, and that includes online retailers as well. This can be a welcome payment option when you’re shopping online, as it can help with budgeting (you can only spend what’s in your bank account) and allow you to avoid those credit card interest charges.

However, paying online by debit card isn’t exactly the same as using a credit card, and it’s important to understand the impact, both positive (avoiding a hefty credit card interest rate) and negative (you may not earn rewards nor have robust fraud protection).

Here, you’ll learn how to use your debit card safely and wisely when purchasing online.

Can You Use A Debit Card Online?

Generally, if a website accepts a credit card for online purchases, it also will accept a debit card.

You may not see debit cards listed specifically as a payment option on a merchant’s website. But if the front of your debit card has a credit network logo (such as Visa or Mastercard) and the business accepts credit cards from that network, you should be able to use it.

To use a debit card for an online purchase, you’ll want to click “debit/credit card” (if available) or “credit card” as the payment method and then enter your debit card’s account number, expiration date, and three-digit security code (CCV) to make the purchase.

Unlike debit purchases you make in-person, you generally won’t need to provide your PIN when purchasing something online. The reason is that the transaction will be treated as a “credit” transaction, which means that the transaction is pending (i.e., waiting to be authorized, cleared, and settled).

That said, you won’t be borrowing money to make the purchase. The money will be deducted from your checking account around two to four days later.

Before an online debit transaction clears, you may see a difference between your checking account’s “current” balance, which includes only deposits and deductions that have actually cleared, and your “available” balance, which includes authorized transactions that haven’t yet cleared.

What Are Some Pros to Using a Debit Card Online?

There are a few advantages to using a debit card as opposed to a credit card for online purchases that consumers may want to consider. These include:

Reducing Credit Card Debt

Using a debit card to make online purchases may help reduce credit card use (and debt).

When you shop with a credit card vs. a debit card, you’re borrowing money you’ll have to pay back later. If you don’t pay the debt back within a designated period of time, the lender is going to charge interest. And, if you only pay only the minimum required to carry your balance each month, that debt could grow into a hard-to-get-rid-of burden.

Sign-up bonuses, discounts, unlimited cash-back offers, and travel points can make it tempting to use a credit card for every purchase. But you need to be careful about paying off those purchases on time, or you could end up spending more on interest payments than you receive in rewards.

When you use a debit card, you can’t spend more than you have in your bank account at the moment. And because there’s no debt, there’s no interest to worry about.

Some Debit Cards Come with Rewards

While rewards and perks for spending are mostly associated with credit cards, many debit cards are now offering rewards programs as well, including cash back, points, or miles every time you swipe your card.

Recommended: Different Types of Debit Cards

Lower Fees

Debit cards typically don’t have any associated fees unless you opt into overdraft protection, spend more than you have in your account, and incur an overdraft charge.

By contrast, using a credit card often involves fees. Credit cards may come with an annual fee, over-limit fees (if a purchase pushes their account balance over their credit limit), and late payment fees, in addition to monthly interest on the card’s outstanding balance.

There is also typically no fee for withdrawing cash using your debit card at your bank’s ATM. If you use a credit card to get cash, on the other hand, you may incur a significant cash advance fee. You may also have to pay interest on the advance amount, which often starts accruing the day of the advance, not at the end of the statement period as with regular charges.

Is There a Downside to Using a Debit Card Online?

There are some advantages to using a credit card over a debit card. Here are a couple of things to consider when making the choice to use a debit card online.

Using a Debit Card Online Won’t Build Your Credit History

Have you ever heard someone complain that they couldn’t get a loan or credit card because they’ve never borrowed money? They thought they were being financially responsible, but the bank didn’t want to risk lending money to someone who didn’t have a history of making payments on a loan or line of credit.

That catch-22 extends to purchases made with a debit card. Even though your goal may be to stay fiscally responsible by making only debit (i.e., cash) purchases to avoid debt, you’re not helping your FICO® score, which represents how responsible you are with borrowed money.

And even though you may have marked the “credit” payment option when paying online, the money is still coming directly from your account, so it won’t directly impact your score.

Less Fraud Protection

You may have heard that it isn’t as safe to use a debit card online because federal laws don’t offer the same consumer protections that credit cards get.

It’s true that there is a difference.

Credit card use is covered by the Fair Credit Billing Act which provides a set procedure for settling “billing errors,” including unauthorized charges. If someone uses your stolen credit card account number to make online purchases, you generally aren’t responsible for those charges and can dispute them.

Debit card use is protected by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which also gives consumers the right to challenge fraudulent debit card charges. Your liability depends on how quickly you report the problem, though, so you need to act relatively fast to get that federal protection.^[1]

If someone makes unauthorized charges with your debit card number and you didn’t lose your card, you aren’t liable for those transactions as long as you report the charges within 60 days of receiving your statement.

You also could have zero liability if your card was lost or stolen and you report it before any unauthorized charges occur. If you report the lost or stolen card after it’s been used, the amount you owe will be determined by how quickly you report the loss. Within two days, your liability will be no more than $50; within 60 days, no more than $500.

However, if you wait more than 60 calendar days after you receive your statement to make a report, and the thief goes on a shopping spree, you could be liable for all the unauthorized transactions made after the 60-day period.

Some debit card issuers now offer “zero liability” protections that go beyond what federal laws provide. If your debit card is backed by Visa or Mastercard, for example, you may find you have the same protections they offer their credit card users. (You may want to check with your financial institution to verify this coverage.)

Less Purchase Protection

Many credit cards offer purchase or damage protection, which means that if the item you buy is damaged or stolen within a specified period of time, you can get your money refunded. Credit cards may also offer extended warranties on electronic purchases, as well as travel perks, such as rental car insurance.

Debit cards are less likely to offer these perks.

How to Use Your Debit Card Safely Online

To protect your banking information while shopping online with your debit card, you may want to follow these simple precautions.

The Takeaway

Debit cards can be used online for most purchases and can be a great way to manage your spending.

Debit cards generally don’t come with the annual fee and other fees found with some credit cards. Plus, they don’t allow you to rack up debt because you aren’t offered a credit limit that’s higher than your checking account balance.

However, credit cards often come with more perks and purchase protections than debit cards. And, responsible use of a credit card can be a good way to build your credit profile, which can help open up financial opportunities in the future.

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

FAQ

Can I purchase online using a debit card?

Yes, you can purchase online using a debit card. Most online retailers accept debit cards for transactions, just like credit cards. You’ll need to enter your debit card number, expiration date, and security code, just like with a credit card. Make sure that your card is activated and linked to a bank account with sufficient funds to complete the transaction.

Why can’t I use my debit card for online purchases?

While debit cards are generally accepted for online purchases, there are a few reasons why your transaction might be declined. These include: insufficient funds (not having enough money in your checking account to cover the cost of the purchase), incorrect information (e.g., a mistake entering your card details), suspicious activity (your bank may flag a transaction that seems unusual), an expired or inactive card, and exceeding your daily purchase limit.

Is it okay to use a debit card online?

Using a debit card online is generally okay, but it comes with some risks. Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account, so unauthorized transactions can quickly deplete your funds. And debit cards generally offer fewer consumer protections compared to credit cards. To use your debit card safely online, ensure the website is secure (look for HTTPS and a padlock icon) and always use a secure, private network.

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

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

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

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

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOBNK-Q225-085

Many people are sidestepping cash lately. According to a March 2024 Forbes Advisor survey, a full 70% of U.S. adults use card payments most often, and only 21% always have some cash on hand.^[1]

But does that mean everyone should forego cash once and for all? Not necessarily. In fact, some financial experts say that a cash-only system may be a wise money move in certain situations.

An exclusively cash lifestyle may help you follow your budget, sidestep overspending, and avoid the high cost of overdraft, interest, and other fees that can be incurred when you pay by check, debit, and/or credit card.

But going all-cash has its downsides, too. It may not be convenient or as secure as other ways of paying.

To figure out what’s right for you, read on.

Pros of Cash-Only Living

Spending money the old-fashioned way — by regularly withdrawing cash from your checking account and keeping it in your wallet — can offer some significant perks. Here are some benefits that come with paying with cash for all your transactions.

Using Cash-Only Can Help You Budget — and Save

When spending is invisible, it can be all too easy for people to forget that real money is actually going out the door — and all too easy to get in over their heads.

Using a cash-only payment system, even if it’s just for a month or two, can be a great way to see exactly how much you’re spending each day and week, and help you learn how to live within your monthly budget. With cash accounting, you only take out the amount you’ve allotted to spend for a certain period of time. When you’re out of bills, you’re done.

And if you use the envelope system (more on that below), you’ll be able to set aside specific amounts for all of your spending categories, such as rent, food, and entertainment. You can then only use the cash you’ve withdrawn for those expenses, which can keep you from spending outside of those pre-set limits.

Cash-Only Living Can Help You Maintain Privacy and Security

Every debit or credit card transaction leaves a digital paper trail, and enables companies to know exactly what you buy, when you buy, and precisely how much you spend.

A more troubling concern can be the potential for data leaks of your personal and credit card information, which can result in identity theft. If someone steals your identity, they could potentially empty your accounts and obtain new credit cards and credit lines in your name.

Using a cash-only payment system reduces the odds of a breach.

Cash-Only Living Can Help You Save on Interest and Fees

Credit cards often come with annual, as well as late payment fees.

And some stores and service providers, especially small and local businesses, may charge an extra fee to take a credit card payment, since they have to pay for the transaction.

In addition, if you don’t pay your credit card balance in full, you’re likely to end up paying exponentially more, thanks to high credit card interest rates. As of May 2025, the average annual percentage rate (APR) for credit cards is 28.63%.

Cons of Using Only Cash

Using cash-only can also come with risks and disadvantages. Here are some of the drawbacks.

Cash Living Can Come With Costs

Some ATMs charge fees for withdrawing cash, which can be troublesome if you find yourself suddenly out of money and need to use an ATM outside of your own bank’s network.

By using credit cards instead of depending on ATMs, you may be able to avoid those costs.

Recommended: How to Avoid ATM Charges

Cash Living Can Have Security Concerns of Its Own

Keeping cash on your person or in your home comes with vulnerability. You could be a victim of theft, you could lose some money, or the cash stashed in your home could be destroyed by a flood or fire. While not highly likely, it can happen.

A lost or stolen credit card, on the other hand, can be reported and you can often successfully dispute any instances of fraudulent charges.

You Fail to Build Up a Credit History

There’s something ironic about the way lenders look at credit history: If you haven’t borrowed much in the past, lenders may be reluctant to lend to you now.

Opening a credit card account is one way you can build up a credit history (other forms of credit, such as student or car loans, count as well).

A strong credit score is based in part on the average age of your accounts (the older the better), as well as a history of paying your bills on time, and how much debt you have in relation to the amount of credit available to you.

Your credit score is an important factor if you’d like to take out a loan in the future, such as an auto loan or home mortgage. If you pay for everything exclusively in cash and never use credit (which is often hard to pull off), you may have trouble showing that you have the credit history to qualify.

Tips for Living a Cash-Only or a Cash-Mostly Life

If you decide to switch to an all, or largely, cash life, here are some strategies to help make the shift as seamless as possible.

Choosing Which Categories to Switch to Cash

Certain payments and bills, such as a mortgage or your student loan, need to be paid digitally or by check.

But you may want to switch groceries, entertainment, clothing, and eating out to cash-only to keep better tabs on the outflow.

Cutting Back on Debit/Credit Card and Check Use

For your cash-only categories, it may be a good idea to stop using your credit card (and even your debit card and checkbook) to pay for anything in those categories. That way, you can really track your cash.

Setting up a System for Tracking Cash Flow

To keep cash for different categories separate, you might consider using the envelope budget method.

With this system, you set a certain amount of cash to spend in each budget category. These pools of money are kept separate in different envelopes. To keep track of the flow, you can put receipts in the same envelopes as you spend.

The goal is to make the cash last all month. Once the envelope is empty, you’ll either be done for the month or will need to take cash out of a different envelope, potentially short-changing another category.

Recommended: 7 Different Budgeting Methods

Establishing a Time to Take Out Cash

Whether it’s a certain day each week or month, you’ll want to make sure that you go to the ATM on a regular basis to get the full amount of cash that you’ll need until the next ATM trip. Ideally, you want to take your cash out of your checking and not your savings account, especially if you’re earning competitive interest in a high-yield savings account.

Planning Shopping Trips in Advance

It’s generally better not to carry a load of cash around, so you may want to know ahead of time what errands you’ll be running, and how much you’ll need for each outing.

As a bonus, this can also curb impulse purchases.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking to fix or improve your everyday spending habits, nothing works quite like a cash-only lifestyle.

By forcing you to stick to pre-set spending limits (and actually see where your money is going), this approach can help you keep your monthly spending within your budget.

While cash-only living can take away from efforts to build credit and can have some security issues, this method of spending can also help you save on credit card fees and interest.

Whether you opt for an all-cash or partly-cash lifestyle, you’ll want to choose a bank that provides easy access to your funds, while also paying a competitive return on your balance.

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

FAQ

Is using cash-only a good idea?

Using cash-only can be beneficial for budgeting and avoiding debt, as it provides a tangible sense of spending. However, it can be impractical, especially for large purchases or online transactions. Cash also doesn’t offer the same level of security as cards, since you generally can’t get cash back if it’s lost or stolen. Additionally, paying cash-only limits your ability to build a credit history, which is important for major financial activities like renting an apartment or getting a loan.

Is it illegal to have over $10,000 in cash?

It is not illegal to have over $10,000 in cash. However, if you deposit or make a payment of more than $10,000 in cash, financial institutions and businesses are required to report it to the government. And if you are traveling with an excess of $10,000, you must report it to a Customs and Border Protection officer when you enter or exit the U.S.
As long as the cash is legally obtained and reported when necessary, there are no legal issues with possessing it.

Can you live off only cash?

Living off only cash is possible but challenging. It can work for everyday expenses like groceries and dining out, but it’s impractical for larger transactions, such as rent, utilities, and online purchases. Cash also doesn’t build a credit history, which can affect your ability to secure loans or rent an apartment. Additionally, carrying large amounts of cash can be unsafe and inconvenient, especially for travel or emergencies.

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOBNK-Q225-075

There are multiple ways to get cash into your bank account, where it’s secure and might even earn some interest. You could go old school and deposit bills in person or take advantage of all the mobile transactions available.

Here’s help knowing all the different ways you can deposit money into your bank account, along with how-tos. Equipped with this knowledge, you can be even more ready to get your hard-earned dollars socked away.

6 Ways to Deposit Cash in a Local Bank Account

Wondering how to put cash into your local bank account? We can help. There are numerous ways you can do this, including:

Here, we’ll take a closer look at each, and, a bit later, how to use ATMs to deposit cash.

1. Using Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is by far the simplest and easiest way to get cash into your bank account. All you have to do is visit your bank branch, fill out a deposit slip, hand the slip and your money to the teller, and be on your way.

If the bank is closed or you want to avoid standing in a long line indoors, you can deposit cash at an ATM. You likely won’t need to fill out a deposit slip at the ATM because the computer can read the check or count the cash and then electronically credit the account associated with the ATM card.

Be sure, however, that you know your financial institution’s policies when you make a deposit at an ATM. Unlike an in-person deposit where your money is typically available immediately, your funds may not be available right away with an ATM deposit (especially if it’s not your bank’s ATM). Also, some ATM’s don’t accept cash deposits. So inquire before you make your deposit.

2. Deposit Cash Using an Account Transfer

Perhaps you have more than one account at your bank (there are often incentives to do so, which many people take advantage of). It can be quite convenient to move money via a bank transfer between accounts.

You might complete a one-time transfer at the bank or online to transfer money from savings to checking to cover a large, unexpected expense. Or perhaps you want to set up recurring automatic transfers on payday to whisk 10% of your salary into savings. Or, say you’ve accumulated a chunk of change in one account and want to open a certificate of deposit (CD) to lock in your interest rate. An account transfer could make that happen, too.

3. External Transfer

Maybe you don’t want to keep all your eggs in one basket, so you have more than one financial institution where you keep your money. No worries if you want to move money between accounts as part of managing your banking. Some financial institutions allow you to link accounts held elsewhere.

The how-to’s: Complete what’s necessary to link the accounts (this can involve just inputting an account’s routing and account number), and you can easily transfer money between them.

Recommended: How to Manage Your Money

4. Wire Transfer

How else to put cash into a bank account? Wire transfers may sound old-fashioned, but they are still an effective way to send money to someone else’s bank account. Say someone needs to send you money, but you don’t bank with the same financial institution. They can do a wire transfer from their bank to yours using providers like Western Union.

Wire transfers are fast, and the money arrives pretty much immediately. The downside is that you have to share your bank account information, which can give you cause for concern if you don’t know the person you’re dealing with.

Also, wire transfers charge the sender a fee, which may vary on factors such as whether you’re sending/receiving domestically or internationally. The person sending you the funds could want to deduct the fee from the money they are sending your way. And banks may charge fees related to wire transfers as well, so again, do a little research first to avoid any surprises.

5. Peer-to-Peer Transfer

Money-transfer apps or platforms like PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo can be convenient ways to move money around, whether that means a friend paying you back for their share of the dinner tab or someone who employs you as a gig worker sending you your fee. The way these platforms work is that you can receive money either directly into your account or into the money-transfer app and then transfer it to your bank account.

Worth noting: Sometimes you may pay a fee for an instantaneous transfer versus one that takes a day or two. There can be other costs and transaction limits involved as well, so familiarize yourself with the specifics of the platform you are thinking of using.

6. Depositing Cash at Your Bank Branch

One last way to put cash in your bank account. If you bank at a traditional financial institution with brick-and-mortar branches, you could take your money in person and fork it over. Typically, this involves handing the cash to a teller with a deposit slip.

While many people who are paid in cash may use this method, it is of course important to be cautious when en route to the bank with a pocket full of bills. If you lose the money or are robbed, that money would be gone.

4 Ways to Deposit Cash in an Online Bank Account

If your accounts are at an online bank, you may wonder how best to deposit your cash. After all, there isn’t a brick-and-mortar branch to stroll into, and no one wants to mail cash. But don’t worry; you likely have plenty of options.

One is to find an in-network ATM. Find out what network of ATMs your online bank is part of, and you can then deposit cash in one of those ATMs. Be sure to keep your receipt until the money surfaces in your account so you’re sure everything went through properly.

That’s not always convenient, though, so consider some other options:

1. Using a Mobile Deposit

You can deposit your checks remotely. It’s super simple and you don’t have to leave home, which is one of the benefits of mobile deposits. All you need to do is take a picture of the front and the back of the check and deposit it via your bank’s mobile app.

2. ACH Transfer

You can also get money deposited directly into your account by what are known as ACH (or Automated Clearing House) transfers. These can be set up to go into your account on a recurring basis, too. For example, you can have your HR department deposit your paychecks into your account, and you can do the same with government benefits if you enroll in the program to get your money this way. Once you know how to set up direct deposit, it might just be a game-changer for you.

3. Depositing Cash Using a Prepaid Card

There’s another option if your online bank account isn’t part of an ATM network: a prepaid debit card that’s linked to your account. With a prepaid card, you can load money on it in a variety of ways. For example, you can go to participating retailers to deposit cash. Then you could transfer the money from the prepaid debit card to your linked online bank account.

But of course, there can be a downside. You may be charged fees to get the card, deposit cash, or withdraw funds. Do the math. If you don’t need to do it frequently, it might be worth it. But if you have to do this often, the additional costs might be a deal-breaker. Shop around for a card that suits your needs.

4. Using a Money Order to Deposit Cash

If all else fails, you could go retro and buy a money order. You get one from the post office or businesses like Western Union. You’ll likely pay less than $5, though the fee depends on the amount of the money order. You can mail the money order to your online bank. Just double-check that the bank accepts money orders for deposits.

5. Transferring From Another Bank Account

Another option is to transfer funds from another bank account. Whether you keep multiple bank accounts at one financial institution or divide them between different banks, you can send money from one account to an online account simply. You can likely use the transfer feature in your bank’s app, add the necessary bank account and routing number, and get the money heading where you want it.

Can You Deposit Cash in an ATM?

Yes, you often can. Many ATMs accept cash, though a few do not. Check with your bank or look carefully at the ATM you are planning to use to see whether a cash deposit is an option.

Using a Deposit Slip for an ATM

Like many other bits of paperwork, deposit slips are used less often than in the past when banking. Most ATMs do not require deposit slips. The computer that’s part of the ATM can verify and count the bills without the need for you to provide extra paperwork stating the amount.

Of course, you’ll want to double-check that where you are making your deposit has a machine that doesn’t require a deposit slip before you put your cash in. There may still be some devices out there that still require a deposit slip and envelope.

Funds May Not Be Available Immediately

If you deposit cash into your bank’s ATM, the money is typically available almost immediately. This is a change from the past, when a teller had to receive and then verify the deposit before funds were made available. This typically took one of two days.

Also keep in mind that many banks don’t allow you to deposit cash into an out-of-network ATM. If they do, there might be a fee involved as well as a delay in funds availability. It’s wise to check such details before you attempt to put some bills into this kind of machine.

When Does a Deposit Typically Appear in Your Account?

Every financial institution has its own rules about how long cash takes to clear or how long a direct deposit takes. Know, however, that federal law establishes the maximum length of time a bank or credit union can make you wait.

Cash, as you might guess, tends to clear most quickly. If deposited in person to your checking or savings account, it may become available the same day or the next day. If you deposit it to an ATM in your bank’s network, it could take until the second business day to clear; if you use an out-of-network ATM that accepts cash from those who aren’t account holders, that can take five business days.

The typical time period for checks and money orders to clear is between two and five days. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), generally, these are the guidelines:

Here are a few nice exceptions involving in-person deposits at your bank. You should be able to access the full amount on the next business day if you deposit:

The amount of time a bank or credit union holds funds you deposit by check is sometimes referred to as a “deposit hold” or “check hold.” Some banks or credit unions may make funds available more quickly than the law requires, and some may expedite funds for a fee.

If you need the money from a particular check, you can ask the teller or a customer service representative when the funds will become available. A receipt showing your deposit does not mean that the money is available for you to use.

Knowing these timeframes can be very helpful as you stay on top of your money and work to make sure you know your approximate balance and don’t bounce any checks.

Recommended: When All Your Money Goes to Bills

The Takeaway

There are many options in terms of depositing cash into your bank account, whether you use a traditional or online bank. You’ll find options from going to a brick-and-mortar branch to using an ATM to mobile and ACH deposits and more. The timeframes for all of these deposits will vary, so check your bank’s policies.

You’ll want to be sure you don’t draw on your funds before they are fully available. It’s an important move to keep your account in good standing and avoid the fees many banks charge for overdrafts.

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

FAQ

Can you deposit cash into someone else’s bank account?

Typically, you can deposit cash into someone else’s bank account if you know the name on their account and their account number and if you go into a branch with the cash.

When does the money I deposit get reflected in my account?

A deposit can reflect in your account almost immediately (especially if it’s cash) or take a day or two to show up in your account. Also, the timing of funds availability for withdrawal or transfer can vary depending on the size and form of the deposit (such as whether you deposited a money order in person at a branch or deposited cash into an out-of-network ATM).

How do you deposit large amounts of cash?

You can use any of the standard methods: as cash (though do be cautious), by transfer, by check, and with other techniques. But also know that a financial institution must report any cash transaction involving a deposit or withdrawal of over $10,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Is there a fee to deposit cash at a bank?

Most banks do not charge a fee to deposit cash at a bank. However, some banks may assess a fee if you deposit the funds into an out-of-network ATM.

Can you deposit cash without going to the bank?

Depending on your bank, you may be able to deposit your cash into an out-of-network ATM. You might have to pay a fee to do so.

Photo credit: iStock/JoeLena

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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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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