How Much Does a College Professor Make a Year?

There might be more lucrative professions than teaching, but if you’re considering becoming a college professor, you can earn a comfortable salary. The average national salary for a full-time college professor was $97,762 in 2022-23, according to the National Education Association’s 2024 report, Educator Pay in America. That’s a 4% increase over the 2021-22 school year and higher than the average pay for educators working in elementary, middle, and high schools.

However, pay varies depending on a number of factors, including your faculty rank, the type of institution where you work, and even the subject matter you teach. Whether you’re considering becoming a professor or just curious about professor salaries, read on for more information about how you might benefit financially from being a professor.

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What Do College Professors Do?

What exactly do college professors do all day? Their typical duties include:

Teaching

College professors teach courses related to their areas of expertise and interest, and grade assignments, papers, and exams. They develop a curriculum, select textbooks, and create assignments and lecture notes. They may also run labs or research spaces on campus and attend professional conferences and training.

Conducting Research

Many professors conduct research, which means they make contributions to their field in the form of designing studies, collecting data, and publishing in academic journals.

Advising Students

Professors often serve as advisors to their students, guiding them on course selection and their future careers. They may even serve as connections between former and current students.

Serving in Leadership Positions

Professors could be asked to serve on committees to benefit specific areas of the college or university. This might involve shaping policy and the curriculum of their respective area by sitting in on departmental meetings. They may also sit on the hiring committee for new faculty members.

Recruiting

In many cases, small colleges need their professors to meet with prospective students to “sell” the college. They also serve as community engagement and brand ambassadors and help familiarize students with their programs and teaching style.

As they gain seniority, professors might choose when they want to teach their classes. They may also have the advantage of choosing sabbatical leave, which refers to time off related to research or other academic activities.

How Much Do Starting College Professors Make a Year?

A typical entry-level professor makes around $38 per hour. However, not every educator is paid by the hour. For instance, if you’re a part-time adjunct professor, you might get paid based on the number of classes you teach. If you’re a full-time lecturer who can’t take advantage of the tenure track, then you may get paid an annual salary.

Tools like a budget planner app can help you make the most of your income.

Recommended: What Is a Good Entry-Level Salary?

What Is the Average Salary for a College Professor?

By and large, professors who work full time at a larger institution can make a decent salary. But you may be able to command even more money if you’re willing to relocate to a state where educators earn more. Below, we break down the average salary for college professors by state:

State Average Yearly Salary
Alabama $101,236
Alaska $71,412
Arizona $53,825
Arkansas $48,816
California $73,483
Colorado $77,512
Connecticut $73,104
Delaware $46,384
Florida $48,694
Georgia $45,153
Hawaii $109,872
Idaho $63,180
Illinois $61,537
Indiana $52,756
Iowa $67,356
Kansas $66,180
Kentucky $65,064
Louisiana $66,648
Maine $66,276
Maryland $104,111
Massachusetts $83,780
Michigan $45,564
Minnesota $47,528
Mississippi $62,976
Missouri $76,068
Montana $63,504
Nebraska $66,288
Nevada $68,400
New Hampshire $71,352
New Jersey $73,512
New Mexico $54,084
New York $59,411
North Carolina $77,242
North Dakota $68,439
Ohio $68,208
Oklahoma $42,846
Oregon $57,263
Pennsylvania $68,977
Rhode Island $69,072
South Carolina $59,806
South Dakota $65,040
Tennessee $55,034
Texas $59,294
Utah $66,000
Vermont $66,756
Virginia $88,641
Washington $58,595
West Virginia $63,972
Wisconsin $52,482
Wyoming $76,600

Source: Indeed.com

If you’re wondering how these salaries compare to other salaries in your state, it can be helpful to check out the highest-paying jobs by state.

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

College Professor Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

Not every institution releases information on the benefits and pay their faculty receives. But compensation surveys like the ones conducted by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) offer some details.

An analysis of those two surveys revealed that the most common benefits for professors include employer contributions to various types of retirement accounts and health insurance. Professors also often receive other compensation and fringe benefits, including:

•   College tuition reimbursement

•   Group life insurance

•   Workers’ compensation premiums

•   Parking on campus

•   Social Security contributions

•   Disability income protection

•   Unemployment insurance

•   Athletic event tickets and other nonsalaried benefits

Pros and Cons of College Professor Salary

Before you choose this career direction, it’s important to note the pros and cons of college professor salaries.

First, the pros:

•   Potential for a high salary: You have the potential to earn good pay as a professor. Although the figure varies depending on your position and institution, years of experience and expertise, you can earn a competitive salary and comfortable living. A money tracker app can help you monitor your spending so you can make the most of your earnings.

•   Perks: What other job allows you to attend football games for free or take in nationally recognized speakers and performers who come to campus? Whether you take advantage of these or other perks, you likely won’t find fringe benefits quite like those on a college campus.

•   Unions can work in your favor: Professors in unions receive higher pay on average, and those who work in the same state and belong to a union get paid about $5,000 more, according to the National Education Association. Professors who work in states without unions make, on average, $17,000 less.

•   Opportunity for tenure: College professors can sometimes maintain their roles permanently, meaning that they cannot be dismissed except under clearly outlined circumstances. After about seven years, you may achieve a guaranteed income and academic freedom.

Now, the cons:

•   Lack of job security: In a highly competitive field like academia, it may be difficult to find a permanent position. Some professionals can only find contract positions or cannot secure tenure track positions, since many colleges have moved away from that model.

•   Higher private sector salaries: Professors may find that the private sector offers higher salaries. Some professors may even pursue multiple roles to maximize their earnings.

•   Unsavory parts of the job: No job is perfect, but faculty jobs often require long hours, sometimes include unmotivated students, politics, and other professional challenges. Some individuals may not find the high potential pay worth the trade-off.

The Takeaway

Now that you know how much money a college professor makes, you can determine whether the job is the right fit for you. Becoming a faculty member can offer an incredibly rewarding career with excellent pay. However, be sure to learn about the qualifications for the type of job you’d like to pursue in academia, because you may have to follow a very specific career path to qualify. Some professionals in the private sector make the jump to teaching after a solid career in the same field they teach.

While you’re unlikely to find professor jobs on the list of jobs for introverts due the very public-facing nature of the profession, many people find a niche — and a lucrative career — in academia.

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

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can you make $100k a year as a college professor?

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a college professor. However, you’re unlikely to make that much as a first-year, adjunct, or part-time professor. Some experience and time in the field are typically required to qualify for that salary.

Do people like being a college professor?

Many people find that becoming a professor is very rewarding and consider teaching a calling rather than a job. Consider shadowing a college professor before you make the leap yourself. Interviewing a professor can also help you determine whether it’s for you. There are many other job responsibilities involved in the career besides teaching, some of which might not fit your preferences or personality.

Is it hard to get hired as a college professor?

It can seem hard to get hired as a college professor, especially for highly specialized fields in a competitive job market. You may need to follow a specific job path to become a tenure track professor, including achieving certain degrees, completing research or a postdoctoral fellowship, tackling professional development, gaining teaching experience, and more. You may also have to pass a final tenure review later on if you choose that path.


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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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Is $95K a Good Salary for a Single Person?

If you’re contemplating a job change or angling for a salary increase, you may have questions about whether a $95,000 salary will sustain you. Consider that the typical worker in the U.S. earns around $63,795 a year, according to the Social Security Administration. A $95,000 annual paycheck is nearly 49% higher than that.

Let’s see where you’d fall on the earnings spectrum compared to others in the U.S. and also explore ways to budget a $95,000 annual salary.

Is $95K a Good Salary?

While not quite a six-figure salary, $95K is generally considered a good income for a single person. But whether that amount works for you depends largely on where you live and your personal standards. For example, you may find that a $95,000 salary goes further in Des Moines than Honolulu, which has a higher cost of living.

No matter where you live, a budget planner app can help you set customized budgets and categorize spending, so you can make the most of your income.

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Recommended: Average Salary in the U.S.

Average Median Income in the US by State in 2024

As in real estate, location is an important factor when it comes to salaries. Wages for the same job can vary widely from one state to another, driven largely by differing costs of living.

Here’s a look at the median household income in each state, per U.S. Census Bureau data.

State

Median Household Income

Alabama $59,609
Alaska $86,370
Arizona $72,581
Arkansas $56,335
California $91,905
Colorado $87,598
Connecticut $90,213
Delaware $79,325
Florida $67,917
Georgia $71,355
Hawaii $94,814
Idaho $70,214
Illinois $78,433
Indiana $67,173
Iowa $70,571
Kansas $69,747
Kentucky $60,183
Louisiana $57,852
Maine $68,251
Maryland $98,461
Massachusetts $96,505
Michigan $68,505
Minnesota $84,313
Mississippi $52,985
Missouri $65,920
Montana $66,341
Nebraska $71,772
Nevada $71,646
New Hampshire $90,845
New Jersey $97,126
New Mexico $58,722
New York $81,386
North Carolina $66,186
North Dakota $73,959
Ohio $66,990
Oklahoma $61,364
Oregon $76,362
Pennsylvania $73,170
Rhode Island $81,370
South Carolina $63,623
South Dakota $69,457
Tennessee $64,035
Texas $73,035
Utah $86,833
Vermont $74,014
Virginia $87,249
Washington $90,325
West Virginia $55,217
Wisconsin $72,458
Wyoming $72,495

Recommended: Highest Paying Jobs by State

Average Cost of Living in the US by State in 2024

How much you pay for necessities like housing, transportation, health care, and food can impact just how far your $95,000 salary will go. When figuring out whether $95,000 is a good salary for a single person, it can help to look at how much people in different states are spending on housing, food, health care, and other basics. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) list of personal consumption expenditures, below, compiles this information.

State Personal Consumption Expenditure
Alabama $42,391
Alaska $59,179
Arizona $50,123
Arkansas $42,245
California $60,272
Colorado $59,371
Connecticut $60,413
Delaware $54,532
Florida $55,516
Georgia $47,406
Hawaii $54,655
Idaho $43,508
Illinois $54,341
Indiana $46,579
Iowa $45,455
Kansas $46,069
Kentucky $44,193
Louisiana $45,178
Maine $55,789
Maryland $52,651
Massachusetts $64,214
Michigan $49,482
Minnesota $52,849
Mississippi $39,678
Missouri $48,613
Montana $51,913
Nebraska $37,519
Nevada $49,522
New Hampshire $60,828
New Jersey $60,082
New Mexico $43,336
New York $58,571
North Carolina $47,834
North Dakota $52,631
Ohio $47,768
Oklahoma $42,046
Oregon $52,159
Pennsylvania $53,703
Rhode Island $52,820
South Carolina $46,220
South Dakota $48,997
Tennessee $46,280
Texas $49,082
Utah $48,189
Vermont $55,743
Virginia $52,057
Washington $56,567
West Virginia $44,460
Wisconsin $49,284
Wyoming $52,403

Recommended: Average Income by Age

How to Budget for a $95K Salary

No matter how much money you earn each year, it’s a smart idea to create a budget. One of the first steps you’ll want to take is to figure out how much money you have left after withholding for federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare. On average, the take-home pay on a $95,000 salary is around $74,991.50, though that doesn’t include state taxes.

Once you’ve determined your after-tax income, consider using the 50/30/20 rule for budgeting. This means 50% of your income goes toward needs, 30% goes toward “wants,” and 20% goes toward savings or debt repayment beyond your minimum amounts.

Let’s say, for example, you live in Massachusetts. Your $95,000 salary would break down to $5,757 per month due to taxes (based on a 27.3% average tax rate and 35% marginal tax rate). Using the 50/30/20 rule, you’d put the following amounts in the corresponding pockets:

•   50% needs: $2,878.50

•   30% wants: $1,727.10

•   20% savings or debt repayment: $1,151.40

After you have your budget in place, a tool like an online money tracker can help you monitor your spending as well as keep tabs on your credit score.

Maximizing a $95K Salary

Whether you’re earning $95,000 as an entry-level salary or after several years on the job, there are ways to make the most of your income. Here are some strategies to consider:

•   Build an emergency fund. Aim for a cushion of three to six months of living expenses.

•   Max out your retirement savings account — and make sure you’re taking advantage of a company match, if one is available.

•   Explore investing in securities that charge minimal fees.

•   Work on improving your credit score, which can boost your chances of getting competitive interest rates.

Quality of Life with a $95K Salary

While it’s a highly subjective measure, “quality of life” typically refers to a combination of personal preferences, including job satisfaction, family life, health, and safety. How well you can live on your salary often boils down to your expenses and how and where you choose to spend your money.

By and large, many people with $95,000 salaries find they can live quite comfortably. However, if you spend more than you earn or rely on credit to fund your lifestyle, you may find you have trouble making ends meet on your income.

Is $95,000 a Year Considered Rich?

The Charles Schwab Wealth Survey reported that a national sample of Americans between the ages of 21 to 75 believe you need to amass $2.2 million to be considered wealthy. However, according to the same survey, Americans who say they feel wealthy have less than that — around a $560,000 net worth.

Note that it’s possible to accumulate wealth if you’re earning $95,000 a year, though it may take some time. Common strategies include relying on investing and compound interest to increase net worth, saving money, and setting money aside in a company retirement plan.

Recommended: Net Worth Calculator By Age

Is $95K a Year Considered Middle Class?

Middle class is defined as income that is two-thirds to double the national median income. By that definition, a middle-class household makes between $47,189 and $141,568, and $95,000 is in that range.

However, that’s for the nation. When you drill down to the city and state level, you see that the income required to be middle class varies. For instance, to be considered middle class in San Francisco, you’ll need to earn between $91,126 and $151,877. In Washington, D.C., middle class is defined as income that falls between $67,815 and $113,024.

Example Jobs that Make About $95,000 a Year

Many career types fall into the $95,000 salary range, including jobs for introverts. Here are some examples of careers you can pursue, which require a range of degree levels from associate to graduate:

•   Financial Analyst: $99,890 per year

•   Industrial Engineer: $99,380 per year

•   Radiation Therapist: $98,300 per year

•   Occupational Therapist: $96,370 per year

•   Civil Engineer: $95,890 per year

•   Architect: $93,310 per year

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers an occupation finder in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, which you can sort by median pay over $80,000.

The Takeaway

Is $95k a good salary for a single person? By and large, yes, but your spending habits, budgeting skills, and local cost of living can all impact how far your money goes. With careful budgeting and saving, you can make the most of your income.

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

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can I live comfortably making $95K a year?

Generally speaking, many people can live comfortably making $95,000 per year. However, it depends on several factors, including where you live, how much you spend, and where you put your money. Those who live within a budget feel the most comfortable with that salary.

What can I afford with a $95K salary?

Let’s target one of the most expensive assets most people own: a home. You may wonder how much house you can afford without stretching yourself.

Experts often suggest the 28/36 rule, which means that you should spend no more than 28% of your gross income on housing and no more than 36% on all your debt, which might include housing, student loans, car payment, credit cards, etc.

For example, according to the 28/36 rule on a $95,000 salary, you should spend no more than $2,216 on housing per month.

How much is $95K a year hourly?

A $95,000 salary breaks down to $45.67 per hour. This per-hour figure might not help you budget or understand your overall income, but it’s interesting to analyze.

How much is $95K a year monthly?

You’ll bring in $7,916.67 per month with a $95,000 per-year salary. It’s important to note that this is the general breakdown for that salary — your state may charge more in taxes and you may actually make less.

How much is $95K a year daily?

You’ll earn $365.38 per day with a $95,000 salary. Similar to your hourly rate, you might find this number difficult to help you budget or for use in a net worth calculator by age, but it’s interesting to know.


Photo credit: iStock/JLco – Julia Amaral

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

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

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

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

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

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Creating an Investment Plan for Your Child

From saving for college to getting a leg up on retirement, creating an investment plan for your child just makes sense. Why? Because when your kids are young, time is on their side in a really big way and it’s only smart to take advantage of it.

In addition, there are several different avenues to consider when setting up an investment plan for your kids. Each one potentially can help set them up for a stronger financial future.

Why Invest for Your Child?

There’s a reason for the cliché, “Time is money.” The power of time combined with money may help generate growth over time.

The technical name for the advantageous combination of time + money is known as compound interest or compound growth. That means: when money earns a bit of interest or investment gains over time, that additional money also grows and the investment can slowly snowball.

Example of Compounding

Here is a simple example: If you invest $1,000, and it earns 5% per year, that’s $50 ($1,000 x 0.05 = $50). So at the end of one year you’d have $1,050.

That’s when the snowball slowly starts to grow: Now that $1,050 also earns 5%, which means the following year you’d have $1,152.50 ($1,050 x 0.05 = $52.50 + $1,050).

And that $1,152.50 would earn 5% the following year… and so on. You get the idea. It’s money earning more money.

That said, there are no guarantees any investment will grow. It’s also possible an investment can lose money. But given enough time, an investment plan you make for your child has time to recover if there are any losses or volatility over the years.

Benefits of Investing for Your Child Early On

There are other benefits to investing for your kids when they’re young. In addition to the potential snowball effect of compounding, you have the ability to set up different types of investment plans for your child to capture that potential long-term growth.

Each type of investment plan or savings account can help provide resources your child may need down the road.

•   You can fund a college or educational savings plan.

•   You can open an IRA for your child (individual retirement account).

•   You can set up a high-yield savings account, or certificate of deposit (CD).

Even small deposits in these accounts can benefit from potential growth over time, helping to secure your child’s financial future in more than one area. And what parent doesn’t want that?

Are Gifts to Children Taxed?

The IRS does have rules about how much money you can give away before you’re subject to something called the gift tax. But before you start worrying if you’ll have to pay a gift tax on the $100 bill you slipped into your niece’s graduation card, it’s important to know that the gift tax generally only affects large gifts.

This is because there is an “annual exclusion” for the gift tax, which means that gifts up to a certain amount are not subject to the gift tax. For 2024, it’s $18,000. If you and your spouse both give money to your child (or anyone), the annual exclusion is $36,000 in 2024.

That means if you’re married you can give financial gifts up to $36,000 in 2024, without needing to report that gift to the IRS and file a gift tax return.

Also, the recipient of the gift, in this case your child, will not owe any tax.

Are There Investment Plans for Children?

Yes, there are a number of investment plans parents can open for kids these days. Depending on your child’s age, you may want to open different accounts at different times. If you have a minor child or children, you would open custodial accounts that you hold in their name until they are legally able to take over the account.

Investing for Younger Kids

One way to seed your child’s investing plan is by opening a custodial brokerage account, established through the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).

While the assets belong to the minor child until they come of age (18 to 21, depending on the state), they’re managed by a custodian, often the parent. But opening and funding a custodial account can be a way to teach your child the basics of investing and money management.

There are no limits on how much money parents or other relatives can deposit in a custodial account, though contributions over $18,000 per year ($36,000 for married couples) would exceed the gift tax exclusion, and need to be reported to the IRS.

UGMA and UTMA custodial accounts have different rules than, say, 529 plans. Be sure to understand how these accounts work before setting one up.

Investing for Teens

Teenagers who are interested in learning more about money management as well as investing have a couple of options.

•   Some brokerages also offer accounts for minor teens. The money in the account is considered theirs, but these are custodial accounts and the teenager doesn’t take control of the account until they reach the age of majority in their state (either 18 or 21).

These accounts can be supervised by the custodian, who can help the child make trades and learn about investing in a hands-on environment.

•   If your teenager has earned income, from babysitting or lawn mowing, you can also set up a custodial Roth IRA for your child. (If a younger child has earned income, say, from work as a performer, they can also fund a Roth IRA.)

Opening a Roth IRA offers a number of potential benefits for kids: top of the list is that the money they save and invest within the IRA has years to grow, and can provide a tax-free income stream in retirement.

Recommended: Paying for College: A Parents’ Guide

Starting a 529 Savings Plan

Saving for a child’s college education is often top of mind when parents think about planning for their kids’ futures.

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan that encourages saving for education costs by offering a few key benefits. In some states you can deduct the amount you contribute to a 529 plan. But even if your state doesn’t allow the tax deduction, the money within a 529 plan grows tax free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax free.

That includes money used to pay for tuition, room and board, lab fees, textbooks, and more. Qualified withdrawals can be used to pay for elementary, secondary, and higher education expenses, as well as qualified loan repayments, and some apprenticeship expenses. (Withdrawals that are used for non-qualified expenses may be subject to taxes and a penalty.)

Though all 50 states sponsor 529 plans you’re not required to invest in the plan that’s offered in your home state — you can shop around to find the plan that’s the best fit for you. You and your child will be able to use the funds to pay for education-related expenses in whichever state they choose.

Recommended: Benefits of Using a 529 College Savings Plan

Other Ways to Invest for Education

Given the benefits of investing for your child’s education, there are additional options to consider.

Prepaid Tuition Plans

A prepaid tuition plan allows you to prepay tuition and fees at certain colleges and universities at today’s prices. Such plans are usually available only at public schools and for in-state students, but some can be converted for use at out-of-state or private colleges.

The main benefit of this plan is that you could save big on the price of college by prepaying before prices go up. One of the main disadvantages is that, with some exceptions, these funds only cover tuition costs (not room and board, for example).

Education Savings Plans

An education savings plan or ESA is similar to a 529 plan, in that the money saved grows tax free and can be withdrawn tax free to pay for qualified educational expenses for elementary, secondary, and higher education.

ESAs, however, come with income caps. Single filers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $110,000, and married couples filing jointly who have a MAGI over $220,000 cannot contribute to an ESA.
ESAs also come with contribution limits: You can only contribute up to $2,000 per year, per child, and ESA contributions are only allowed up to the beneficiary’s 18th birthday, unless they’re a special needs student.

And while many states offer a tax deduction for contributing to a 529 plan, that’s not the case with ESA contributions; they are not tax deductible at the federal or the state level.

Investing Your Education Funds

Once you make contributions to an educational account, you can invest your funds. You will likely have a range of investment options to choose from, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which vary from state to state.

Many plans also offer the equivalent of age-based target-date funds, which start out with a more aggressive allocation (e.g. more in stocks), and gradually dial back to become more conservative as college approaches.

Depending on your child’s level of interest, this could be an opportunity to have them learn more about the investing process.

Thinking Ahead to Retirement Accounts

It’s worth knowing that as soon as your child is working, you are able to open a custodial Roth IRA, as discussed above. The assets inside the IRA belong to your child, but you have control over investing them until they become an adult.

While it’s possible to open a custodial account for a traditional IRA, most minor children won’t reap the tax benefits of this type of IRA. Most children don’t need tax-deductible contributions to lower their taxable income.

For that reason, it may make more sense to set up a custodial Roth IRA for your child, assuming the child has earned income. A Roth can offer tax-free income in retirement, assuming the withdrawals are qualified.

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When to Choose a Savings Account for Your Child

Investing is a long-term proposition. Investing for long periods allows you to take advantage of compounding, and may help you ride out the volatility may occur in the stock market. But sometimes you want a safer place to keep some cash for your child — and that’s when opening a savings account is appropriate.

If you think you’ll need the money you’re saving for your child in the next three to five years, consider putting it in a high-yield savings account, which offers higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts.

You might also want to consider a certificate of deposit (CD), which also offers higher interest rates than traditional saving vehicles. The only catch with CDs is that in exchange for this higher interest rate, you essentially agree to keep your money in the CD for a set amount of time, from a few months to a few years.

While these savings vehicles don’t offer the same high rates of return you might find in the market, they are a less risky option and offer a steady rate of return.

The Takeaway

When considering your long-term goals for your child, having an investing plan might make sense. Whether you want to save for college, help your child get ahead on retirement, or just set up a savings account for your kids, now is the time to start. In fact, the sooner the better, as time can help money grow (just as it helps children grow!).

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


Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

FAQ

Can a child have an investment account?

A parent or other adult can open a custodial brokerage account for a minor child or a teenager. While the custodian manages the account, the funds belong to the child, who gains control over the account when they reach the age of majority in their state (18 or 21).

What is the best way to invest money for a child?

The best way is to get started sooner rather than later. Perhaps start with one goal — i.e. saving for college — and open a 529 plan. Or, if your child has earned income from a side job, you can open a custodial Roth IRA for them.

What is a good age to start investing as a kid?

When your child shows an interest in investing, or when they have a specific goal, whether that’s at age 7 or 17, that’s when you’ll have a willing participant. Ideally you want to invest when they’re younger, so time can work in your favor.


SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or by email customer service at [email protected]. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.
Shares of ETFs must be bought and sold at market price, which can vary significantly from the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investment returns are subject to market volatility and shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of an ETF will not protect against loss. An ETF may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.


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.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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

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How Do You Write a Check to Yourself?

How Do You Write a Check to Yourself?

Writing a check to yourself is one way to withdraw money from your bank account or transfer funds from one account to another. While there are other, more high-tech methods for making these transactions, writing a check to yourself is an easy option.

But it’s not the best choice for every situation. Sometimes, it’s more efficient to move funds electronically or visit an ATM to make a withdrawal. Here’s when writing a check to yourself makes sense, and how to do it.

Key Points

•   Writing a check to yourself is a way to transfer money between your own accounts.

•   Start by writing your name as the payee and the amount you want to transfer.

•   Sign the check on the signature line as the payer and write “For Deposit Only” on the back.

•   Deposit the check into your other account through a mobile banking app or at a bank branch.

•   Keep a record of the transaction for your own records and to reconcile your accounts.

How to Write a Check


If you don’t often use your checkbook, you may be wondering how to write a check. First, be sure to use a pen (that way, the information can’t be erased) and choose blue or black ink. Then, for every check you write, fill in each of the following details:

•  The date

•  Pay to the order of (the person or company the check is for)

•  The amount the check is for in numbers

•  The amount written out

•  Memo (this is optional—you can use it to note what the check is for—or leave it blank)

•  Your signature

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Recommended: Ordering Checks – A Complete Guide

How to Write a Check to Yourself


The only difference when you write a check to yourself, versus a check to someone else, is that you put your own name on the “Pay to the order of” line. Then, just like you do for every other check you write, you’ll add the date, the dollar amount written in numbers, the dollar amount written in words, an optional memo, and finally, your signature.

Be sure to record the amount the check is for in the check register that comes with your checks when you order them (you should keep this in your checkbook along with the checks themselves). In the register, write down the date, the check number, the name of the person the check is for and/or what it’s for, and the amount. This will help you balance your checkbook so you know how much money is in your account.

Why Would You Write a Check to Yourself?


Writing a check to yourself is the low-tech way of transferring money from one bank account to another, or withdrawing money from your bank account. Here is when it can make sense to write a check to yourself.

•  Making a transfer. If you’re closing one bank account and opening another, you can move funds by writing a check to yourself. You can also write yourself a check to deposit funds from one account into another at the same bank. Or, if you have accounts at different banks, you can transfer money by writing yourself a check from one bank and depositing it in the other.

•  Getting cash from your bank account. If you want to withdraw money from the bank, you can simply write yourself a check, take it to the teller at the bank, and cash it. Just be sure to endorse the check by signing it on the back.

Examples of When You Would Write a Check to Yourself

If you have money in different bank accounts and need to consolidate your funds in order to make a large purchase, you could write a check to yourself. For example, if you’re remodeling and need to transfer $20,000 from your home equity line of credit (in one institution) to your bank account (in a different institution), you can write a check to yourself to transfer the money.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity

When Writing a Check to Yourself Doesn’t Make Sense


Writing a check to yourself isn’t always the best, most efficient option for transferring funds or obtaining cash. Online banking, electronic transfers, and ATMs are typically faster and easier ways to get transactions done.

Transferring Money Within the Same Bank


If you have two accounts at the same bank and you want to move money from one account to the other, it’s much quicker and more convenient to transfer your money through online banking. Writing yourself a check to do this is a hassle.

Recommended: How Many Bank Accounts Should I Have?

Getting cash out of your account


If you need to withdraw cash from your account, using an ATM can be faster and easier. If you write a check to yourself, you will need to visit the bank and go through a teller in order to cash the check and get your money. Just make sure to use an ATM within your bank’s network to help avoid ATM fees.

Risks and Concerns of Writing a Check to Yourself


When writing a check to yourself, never make the check out to “Cash.” Instead, always put your own name on the “Pay to the order of” line. This helps protect you. Otherwise, if a check is made out to “Cash,” and the check is lost or stolen, anyone can cash it.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between Transunion and Equifax

Other Ways to Move Your Money


There are several other ways to move money that are more convenient than writing a check to yourself. This includes wire transfers, ACH transfers, electronic funds transfers, and electronic banking.

Wire Transfer

Often, when people use the term “wire transfer,” they’re referring to any electronic transfer of funds, but the technical definition involves an electronic transfer from one bank or credit union to another. To make a wire transfer, you’ll pay a fee, usually between $5 and $50, and need to provide the recipient’s bank account information.

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car

ACH or Electronic Fund Transfer

An ACH is an electronic funds transfer across banks and credit unions. If you have direct deposit for your paychecks, for instance, that money is transferred to your bank account through ACH (which stands for Automated Clearing House). You can use ACH to transfer money from an account at one bank to an account at another. The transaction is often free, but check with your bank to make sure.

Electronic Banking

Online banking will allow you to move your money from one account to another within the same bank. All you need to do is log into your online account and use the “transfer” feature.

The Takeaway


Writing a check to yourself is one way to transfer money or obtain cash, but there are many methods for doing these things that are often more convenient, such as online banking or electronic transfers. Exploring all the options can help you decide what makes the most sense for you.

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

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can you legally write a check to yourself?

Yes, it is legal to write a check to yourself, as long as you’re not writing the check for more money than you have in the bank. It would be illegal to write a check for more funds than you have and then try to cash it.

Can I write a large check to myself?

Yes, you can write a large check to yourself if you have enough funds in your account to cover the amount. Never write checks for more money than you have in your bank account.

Can you write your own check and cash it?

Yes, you can write your own check and cash it at your bank or at any other location that offers this service.


Photo credit: iStock/GOCMEN

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

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

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

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Money Market vs Capital Market: What's the Difference?

Money Market vs Capital Market: What’s the Difference?

The money market is where short-term debt and lending takes place; the capital market is designed for long-term assets, such as stocks and bonds. The former is considered a safer place to park one’s money; the latter is seen as riskier but potentially more rewarding. While the money market and the capital market are both aspects of the larger global financial system, they serve different goals for investors.

Understanding the difference between money market and capital market matters plays a role in understanding the market as a whole. Whether you hold assets that are part of the money market vs. capital market can influence your investment outcomes and degree of risk exposure.

What Is the Money Market?

The money market is where short-term financial instruments, i.e. securities with a holding period of one year or less, are traded. Examples of money market instruments include:

•   Bankers acceptances. Bankers acceptances are a form of payment that’s guaranteed by the bank and is commonly used to finance international transactions involving goods and services.

•   Certificates of deposit (CDs). Certificate of deposit accounts are time deposits that pay interest over a set maturity term.

•   Commercial paper. Commercial paper includes short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by financial and non-financial corporations.

•   Treasury bills (T-bills). Treasury bills are a type of short-term debt that’s issued by the federal government. Investors who purchase T-bills can earn interest on their money over a set maturity term.

These types of money market instruments can be traded among banks, financial institutions, and brokers. Trades can take place over the counter, meaning the underlying securities are not listed on a trading exchange like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the Nasdaq.

You may be familiar with the term “money market” if you’ve ever had a money market account. These are separate from the larger money market that is part of the global economy. As far as how a money market account works goes, these bank accounts allow you to deposit money and earn interest. You may be able to write checks from the account or use a debit card to make purchases or withdrawals.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure mobile banking app.

How Does the Money Market Work?

The money market effectively works as a short-term lending and borrowing system for its various participants. Those who invest in the money market benefit by either gaining access to funds or by earning interest on their investments. Treasury bills are an example of the money market at work.

When you buy a T-bill, you’re essentially agreeing to lend the federal government your money for a certain amount of time. T-bills mature in one year or less from their issue date. The government gets the use of your money for a period of time. Once the T-bill matures, you get your money back with interest.

What Is the Capital Market?

The capital market is the segment of the financial market that’s reserved for trading of long-term debt instruments. Participants in the capital market can use it to raise capital by issuing shares of stock, bonds, and other long-term securities. Those who invest in these debt instruments are also part of the capital market.

The capital market can be further segmented into the primary and secondary market. Here’s how they compare:

•   Primary market. The primary market is where new issuances of stocks and bonds are first offered to investors. An initial public offering or IPO is an example of a primary market transaction.

•   Secondary market. The secondary market is where securities that have already been issued are traded between investors. The entity that issued the stocks or bonds is not necessarily involved in this transaction.

As an investor, you can benefit from participating in the capital market by buying and selling stocks. If your stocks go up in value, you could sell them for a capital gain. You can also derive current income from stocks that pay out dividends.

Recommended: What Is an Emerging Market?

How Does the Capital Market Work?

The capital market works by allowing companies and other entities to raise capital. Publicly-traded stocks, bonds, and other securities are traded on stock exchanges. Generally speaking, the capital market is well-organized. Companies that issue stocks are interested in raising capital for the long-term, which can be used to fund growth and expansion projects or simply to meet operating needs.

In terms of the difference between capital and money market investments, it usually boils down to three things: liquidity, duration, and risk. While the money market is focused on the short-term, the capital market is a longer term play. Capital markets can deliver higher returns, though investors may assume greater risk.

Understanding the capital market is important because of how it correlates to economic movements as a whole. The capital market helps to create stability by allowing companies to raise capital, which can be used to fund expansion and create jobs.

Differences Between Money Markets and Capital Markets

When comparing the money market vs. capital market, there are several things that separate one from the other. Knowing what the key differences are can help to deepen your understanding of money markets and capital markets.

Purpose

Perhaps the most significant difference between the money market and capital market is what each one is designed to do. The money market is for short-term borrowing and lending. Businesses use the money market to meet their near-term credit needs. Funds are relatively safe, but typically won’t see tremendous growth.

The capital market is also designed to help businesses and companies meet credit needs. The emphasis, however, is on mid- to long-term needs instead. Capital markets are riskier, but they may earn greater returns over time than the money market.

Length of Securities

The money market is where you’ll find short-term securities, typically with a maturity period of one year or less, being traded. In the capital market, maturity periods are usually not fixed, meaning there’s no specified time frame. Companies can use the capital market to fund long-term goals, with or without a deadline.

Financial Instruments

As mentioned, the kind of financial instruments that are traded in the short-term money market include bankers acceptances, commercial paper, and Treasury bills. The capital market is the domain of stocks, bonds, and other long-term securities.

Nature of Market

The structure and organization of the money market is usually informal and loosely organized. Again, securities may be traded over-the-counter rather than through a stock exchange. With the capital market, trading takes place primarily through exchanges. This market is more organized and formalized overall.

Securities Risk

Risk is an important consideration when deciding on the best potential places to put your money. Since the money market tends to be shorter term in nature, the risk associated with the financial instruments traded there is usually lower. The capital market, on the other hand, may entail higher risk to investors.

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of how easy it is to convert an asset to cash. One notable difference between capital and money market investments is that the money market tends to offer greater liquidity. That means if you need to sell an investment quickly, you’ll have a better chance of converting it to cash in the money market.

Length of Credit Requirements

The money market is designed to meet the short-term credit requirements of businesses. A company that needs temporary funding for a project that’s expected to take less than a year to complete, for example, may turn to the money market. The capital market, on the other hand, is designed to cover a company’s long-term credit requirements with regard to capital access.

Return on Investment

Return on investment or ROI is another important consideration when deciding where to invest. When you invest in the money market, you’re getting greater liquidity with less risk but that can translate to lower returns. The capital market can entail more risk, but you may be rewarded with higher returns.

Timeframe on Redemption

Money market investments do not require you to hold onto them for years at a time. Instead, the holding period and timeframe to redemption is likely one year or less. With capital market investments, there is typically no set time frame. You can hold onto investments for as long as they continue to meet your needs.

Relevance to Economy

The money market and capital market play an important role in the larger financial market. Without them, businesses would not be able to get the short- and long-term funding they need.

Here are some of the key differences between money markets and capital markets with regard to their economic impacts:

•   The money market allows companies to realize short-term goals.

•   Money market investments allow investors to earn returns with lower risk.

•   Capital markets help to provide economic stability and growth.

•   Investors can use the capital market to build wealth.

Money Market

Capital Market

Offers companies access to short-term funding and capital, keeping money moving through the economy.Provides stability by allowing companies access to long-term funding and capital.
Investors can try to use interest earned from money market investments to preserve wealth.Investors can try to use returns earned from capital market investments to grow wealth.
Money market investments are typically less volatile, so they’re less likely to negatively impact the financial market or the investor.Capital market investments tend to be more volatile, so they offer greater risk and reward potential.

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Deciding Which Market to Invest In

Deciding whether to invest in the money market or capital market can depend on several things, including your:

•   Investment goals and objectives

•   Risk tolerance

•   Preferred investment style

If you’re looking for investments that are highly liquid and offer a modest rate of return with minimal risk, then you may turn to the money market. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with a greater degree of risk in exchange for the possibility of earning higher returns, you might lean toward the capital market instead.

You could, of course, diversify by investing in both the money market and capital market. Doing so may allow you to balance higher-risk investments with lower ones while creating a portfolio mix that will attempt to produce the kind of returns you seek.

Alternatives to Money and Capital Markets

Aside from the money and capital markets, there are other places you can keep money that you don’t necessarily plan to spend right away. They include the different types of deposit accounts you can open at banks and credit unions. Specifically, you may opt to keep some of your savings in a certificate of deposit account, high-yield checking account, or traditional savings account. Here’s a closer look:

High-Yield Checking Accounts

Checking accounts are designed to hold money that you plan to use to pay bills or make purchases. Most checking accounts don’t pay interest but there are a handful of high-yield checking accounts that do.

With these accounts, you can earn interest on your checking balance. The interest rate and APY (annual percentage yield) you earn can vary by bank. Some banks also offer rewards on purchases with high-yield checking accounts. When looking for an interest-checking account, be sure to consider any fees you might pay or minimum balance requirements you’ll need to meet.

Traditional Savings Accounts

A savings account can be another secure place to keep your money and earn interest as part of the bargain. The different types of savings accounts include regular savings accounts offered at banks, credit union savings accounts, and high-yield savings accounts from online banks.

Of those options, an online savings account typically has the highest interest rates and the lowest fees. The trade-off is that you won’t have branch banking access, which may or may not matter to you.

The Takeaway

There are lots of reasons why people do not invest their money. A lack of understanding about the difference between money market vs. capital market investments can be one of them. Once you understand that the money market typically involves short-term, lower-risk debt instruments, while the capital market likely revolves around longer-term ones with higher risk and reward, you will be on your way to better knowing how the global financial market works.

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


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What are the similarities between a money market and capital market?

Both the money market and the capital market are intended to make it easier for businesses and companies to gain access to capital. The main differences between money markets and capital markets are liquidity, duration, and the types of financial instruments that are traded. Both also represent ways that consumers can potentially grow their money by investing.

How is a money market and capital market interrelated?

The capital market and the money market are both part of the larger financial market. The money market works to ensure that businesses are able to reach their near-term credit needs while the capital market helps companies raise capital over longer time frames.

Why do businesses use the money markets?

Businesses use the money market to satisfy short-term credit and capital needs. Short-term debt instruments can be traded in the money market to provide businesses with funding temporarily as well as to maintain liquid cash flow.


Photo credit: iStock/AndreyPopov

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

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

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

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://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.


*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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