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It’s a chicken-and-egg scenario: You want to build credit, but most lenders won’t approve you for an account to help you build your score without a solid credit history. The good news is there are financial products available for those who are building their credit from scratch — a secured credit card being one of them.

Wondering how long does it take to build credit with a secured credit card? It depends on your situation. But if you’re worried about how fast a secured credit can build credit, we have some tips for how to get the most out of a secured card.

Recommended: Secured Credit Card vs. Unsecured Credit Card

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card is one that requires the cardholder to put down a deposit (basically, collateral) in order to open an account. The deposit typically acts as the credit limit. For example, if you make a $500 deposit when opening a secured credit card, the issuer grants you a $500 credit limit.

These types of credit cards are usually meant for those with no or limited credit history who need to build their credit history. Since these types of borrowers appear more risky — there’s no or limited evidence of their behavior as borrowers — secured credit cards reduce the risk for the lender.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

How Do Secured Credit Cards Work?

Secured credit cards require the cardholder to “secure” their debt by putting down a refundable deposit. The credit card issuer will use this amount as the credit limit. The card holder can then use the card as they would a more traditional credit card, which may be more in line with their idea of what a credit card is.

Cardholders can make purchases (and take out cash advances, depending on the terms of the card) up to the credit limit. Some secured credit cards even offer rewards, such as cash back or points toward travel.

At the end of each statement period, the issuer will send a credit card statement detailing all applicable transactions, the minimum amount due, and the payment due date. Your payment activity is typically reported to the credit bureaus — late payments could negatively impact your score.

Depending on your card issuer’s terms, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured credit card (where you don’t need to put down a deposit) and get your deposit refunded if you can consistently make on-time payments for a predetermined amount of time.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Building Credit From Scratch With a Secured Credit Card

When it comes to building credit from scratch with a secured credit card, you can typically do so in the following ways:

•   Establishing payment history: Getting a secured credit card means the issuer will report your payment activity to the credit bureaus, in addition to letting them know you opened an account. Since your payment history is one of the most important factors that determine your credit score, making on-time payments helps to establish that you’re a responsible borrower.

•   Maintaining a low credit utilization ratio: Your credit utilization is the percentage of the overall credit limit available to you on your revolving accounts (like a secured credit card) that you’re using. This is another major factor that’s used to calculate your credit score. A general rule of thumb is keeping your credit utilization at 30% or less. Meaning, if your credit limit is $400, don’t carry a balance of more than $120 on your card. A high credit utilization may signal to lenders that you’re not as responsible with debt, which could hurt your score.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Pros and Cons of Building Credit Using a Secured Credit Card

Trying to decide if a secured credit card is the right route to build credit? Here are the pros and cons to consider:

Pros	Cons
•   Typically easier approval than other types of credit cards •   Deposit is refundable •   May be able to upgrade to an unsecured card after evidence of responsible borrower behavior •   May offer rewards	•   Can carry high interest rates •   Can’t use deposit amount for as long as you have the card open •   May have to pay an annual fee •   Credit limits are usually lower

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Secured Credit Card

Using a secured credit card can be a great solution to establishing credit. While it’s hard to tell how fast a secured card will build credit, you can get the most out of using one by taking these suggestions into consideration.

Make On-Time Payments

Consistently paying your credit card bill on time will help you to establish a positive credit history. Late payments tend to come with late fees and penalties like additional interest, on top of negative remarks on your credit report.

Pay Your Balance in Full

While you’re only required to make the minimum payment, paying off your balance in full could lower your credit utilization ratio. Further, doing so will help you avoid paying interest on purchases.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Watch Your Credit Utilization

You can technically spend up to your credit limit, but doing so could negatively impact your score. Instead, keep track of your balance and aim to keep it as low as you can — ideally at 30% off your overall credit limit or less.

Keep in mind that the credit limit for secured credit cards is usually low. To avoid a high credit utilization ratio, you might consider using the card for smaller purchases like subscription services or your daily latte. That way, you’re less at risk of nearing your credit limit.

Monitor Your Credit

Checking your credit report can help you to determine whether your payment activity is being correctly reported to the credit bureaus. This is essential as you’re building your credit from scratch. If there are any errors, it’s best to get those fixed as soon as possible.

Request an Upgrade

A secured credit card can be one of the first steps to accessing other types of credit. It’s helpful to think of the next steps — like upgrading to an unsecured credit card — as you continue to use your current card. Doing so will usually require making on-time payments consistently, and asking your card issuer how getting an upgrade works. While some automatically do it, others may require you to formally submit a request.

Alternative Ways to Build Credit

If you feel like a secured credit card isn’t for you, here are some alternatives to consider to help you build credit:

•   Get your rent, cell phone, and/or utilities payments reported to the credit bureaus. There are many services available if your landlord doesn’t offer this as an option.

•   Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.

•   Take out a credit builder loan, where you can borrow a small amount for the purposes of establishing credit.

•   Get a cosigner on a personal loan so you can more easily qualify, and then handle repayment responsibly.

•   Consider retailer, gas, or student credit cards, which are generally easier to qualify for.

•   Take out a secured loan, like an auto loan.

The Takeaway

Using a secured credit card to build credit can take time. Exactly how long it takes to build credit with a secured credit card will depend on your financial behavior. Your best course of action is to continue to show your issuer that you’re a responsible user and monitor your credit regularly to see where you stand.

If you’re responsible with your secured credit card, you can someday upgrade to an unsecured credit card, like the SoFi Credit Card. These cards tend to offer higher credit limits and more generous perks. With the SoFi credit card, for instance, cardholders can earn generous cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases.

The SoFi Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. There are no spending categories or reward caps to worry about.¹

Take advantage of this offer by applying for a SoFi credit card today.

FAQ

How do the credit bureaus see unsecured vs secured credit cards?

The credit bureaus see both types of credit cards as a type of credit account. As such, there is virtually no difference in how your activity gets reported.

How often should I use my secured credit card to build credit?

It’s generally a good idea to use your secured card regularly so that more activity gets reported to the credit bureaus. To keep your credit card utilization low, however, consider using the card for smaller purchases.

What are the best ways to use a secured credit card to build my credit?

In most cases, the best ways to use a secured credit card are to make consistent on-time payments, attempt to pay off the balance in full each month (or at the very least, make the minimum payment required), and keep an eye on your credit usage.

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Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

¹Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on purchases. No rewards points will be earned with respect to reversed transactions, returned purchases, or other similar transactions. When you elect to redeem rewards points into your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, or SoFi Personal, Private Student, or Student Loan Refinance, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. For more details please visit the Rewards page. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

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 .

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.

The SoFi Credit Card 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.

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They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but did you know that you can also build credit with jewelry purchases? If you make your jewelry purchase using a payment plan or with a jewelry store credit card, then buying that watch, engagement ring, or diamond bracelet could help you build your credit score from scratch.

We’ll go through how to build credit by buying jewelry, including what options there are for buying jewelry on credit and what to consider before using a jewelry store credit card.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Options for Buying Jewelry on Credit

By purchasing jewelry on credit, it’s possible to build your credit score. Here are a couple of ways that you can do so.

Jewelry Store Financing

Most major jewelry stores offer payment plans, where you pay for your jewelry purchase in installments. You might be able to take advantage of a promotional offer, which could offer interest-free financing for six to 12 months.

While an installment plan can help you build credit, you could end up paying interest on your purchase even with a promotional offer. If you’re late on payments or don’t pay off your balance in time, expect to pay significantly more. Further, to qualify for financing through a retailer, you’ll need stellar credit, which is a tall order if you’re building credit from scratch.

Alternatively, some retailers might allow you to finance your purchase with a buy now, pay later (BNPL) plan. A type of installment plan, a BNPL plan requires you to make an initial payment upfront, then divides the remaining balance into equal installments. You’ll then get billed to your credit card until you’ve paid off the amount owed in full.

As an example of how this works, let’s say you’re planning to propose and agree to engagement ring financing under a BNPL plan. Many plans offer a “pay-in-four” model, where your purchase is divided into four installments, each of which is due every two weeks. If the engagement ring costs $5,500 — which is the average engagement ring cost — you would pay $1,375 initially, then $1,375 every two weeks over the course of six weeks. The pay-in-four setup means you likely wouldn’t owe interest, though longer term plans may charge an annual percentage rate (APR).

Recommended: What is a Charge Card?

Jewelry Store Credit Cards

If you’re building credit from scratch or have credit that’s poor or fair, then a retailer credit card from a jewelry store might be a solid route to take. Many jewelry store credit cards only require fair credit in order to open an account.

You can also try getting a credit card from a department store that sells jewelry. Typically, retailer credit cards are easier to get approved for when you have less-than-great credit. However, note that they also typically come with higher interest, low credit limits, and some constraints, such as only being able to use the card with the retailer.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Does Buying Jewelry Help Build Credit?

As mentioned, building credit with jewelry purchases is possible if you tap into a financing option that reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus. Options that do so include financing through a jewelry store, using a jewelry or retailer credit card, or signing up for a buy now, pay later (BNPL) plan.

Of course, for any of those options to help you with establishing credit, you’ll need to stay on top of making your payments on time and in full. Also make sure you’re adhering to other responsible credit behaviors, such as avoiding maxing out your credit limit if you opt for a jewelry store credit card.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

How Jewelry Store Credit Cards Can Impact Your Credit Score

When you use a jewelry store credit card, your payments are reported to the credit bureaus. If you’re using your card responsibly and making payments on time, that activity can help to build your credit score. On the flipside, if you fall behind on payments or miss a due date, your credit score could suffer.

Payment history isn’t the only factor that will impact your credit score though. Applying for the credit card will result in a hard inquiry, which usually temporarily lowers your credit score by a bit. And you’ll want to think twice about canceling your card after making your jewelry purchase and paying it off — doing so could affect the length of your credit history, another factor that helps determine your credit score.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

How Jewelry Stores Convince You to Finance

Retailers can earn money on interest charges from financing, and potentially get you to make a more expensive purchase than you otherwise would have if you didn’t finance. As such, they have good reason to persuade you to finance that stunning piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on.

Here are some tactics they might employ to get you to agree to a payment plan or use a retailer credit card:

•   Zero-interest promotional offers: By offering a no-interest promotional period on a payment plan or credit card, a jewelry store may lure you in.

•   In-store promotions: You might see a poster or flier while perusing the jewelry cases. This might motivate you to make your purchase now — as opposed to treating it as an item worth saving for — and therefore agreeing to financing.

•   Several financing options: The sales representative at the store might offer a few ways for you to finance that piece of jewelry, such as an installment plan, BNPL program, or by opening a jewelry store credit card.

Before agreeing to anything, make sure to ask questions to ensure you fully understand what you’d be getting into. You might even consider leaving the store and then coming back later, to give yourself time to think about your purchase and assess the financing options.

What to Ask Before Using a Jewelry Store Credit Card

If you’re considering opening a jewelry store credit card, here are some questions to ask yourself before submitting your application:

•   Can I afford to pay it off? While using a jewelry store credit card can help you build credit and make that large purchase affordable, do some simple math before moving ahead. Determine how long it will take to pay off the balance on the card and whether those payments realistically work within your current budget.

•   What’s the APR? If you’re using a credit card to cover your jewelry purchase, you might not be in a position to pay off your full balance when the due date hits. As such, you’ll want to be aware of the credit card’s annual percentage rate (APR) to determine how much interest will add to the total cost of your jewelry purchase.

•   Is there a promotional period? If you qualify for a no-interest promotional period, it’s important to know how long it will last and when the standard interest rate will kick in. Aim to pay off your purchase before that happens to avoid paying interest.

What to Avoid When Buying Jewelry With Credit

When financing jewelry to build credit, there are a few big things to keep in mind that can help you steer clear of financial trouble.

For starters, you’ll want to avoid putting too much on your card. Doing so can drive up your credit utilization ratio, which compares how much of your overall credit you’re using and plays a role in determining your credit score. For example, if you have one credit card with a credit limit of $1,000 and you’re buying a $600 piece of jewelry, that would push your credit utilization to 60%. It’s typically recommended to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.

Second, you’ll want to avoid opening a credit card with a promotional offer that’s too short for you to comfortably pay off your balance before it ends. If you’re still making payments when the standard interest rate kicks in, you could end up paying a lot in interest — and making your jewelry purchase that much more expensive.

You also want to be aware of whether you’re splurging on something that you might not have bought otherwise. While investing in precious metals might seem like a good move, putting something on credit creates the illusion that you can afford it. But in reality, the purchase could end up costing you even more in the long run, thanks to the addition of interest charges.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Other Ways to Build Credit

Besides buying jewelry to build credit, here are a few other ways that you can do so:

•   Get a secured card.

•   Take out a credit-builder loan.

•   Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.

•   Take out a personal loan.

•   Use an auto loan to finance your next car purchase.

•   Sign up to report your rent and utilities payments to the credit bureaus.

•   Open a credit card and then use it responsibly.

The Takeaway

If you’re curious about how to build credit with jewelry, consider financing your jewelry purchase by taking out a payment plan or by opening a jewelry store credit card. Before doing so, however, know that store payment plans usually require that you have strong or excellent credit.

Rest assured, buying jewelry isn’t the only way to build credit. Another option is to open a crest card that suits your spending habits and then use it responsibly. One option to consider is the SoFi Credit Card, which rewards on-time payments by lowering your APR when you make 12 monthly on-time payments of at least the minimum due. Plus, cardholders can earn generous cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases.

The SoFi Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. There are no spending categories or reward caps to worry about.¹

Take advantage of this offer by applying for a SoFi credit card today.

FAQ

Do you need good credit to finance jewelry?

If you’d like in-store financing for jewelry, such as an installment plan, then you typically need excellent credit. However, retail credit cards usually only require a fair credit score.

Are there jewelry stores that give credit?

Yes, major jewelry stores usually offer installment plans, and some might have a branded retail credit card that you can apply for.

Is it easy to get credit at jewelry stores?

Retail credit cards are usually easier to qualify for than other types of credit cards, even if you have fair credit. However, while they’re often easier to get approved for, they often come with higher APRs, low credit limits, and various restrictions.

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Photo credit: iStock/pixelfit

¹Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on purchases. No rewards points will be earned with respect to reversed transactions, returned purchases, or other similar transactions. When you elect to redeem rewards points into your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, or SoFi Personal, Private Student, or Student Loan Refinance, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. For more details please visit the Rewards page. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.

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.

The SoFi Credit Card 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.

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

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 .

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When a new baby arrives, there’s much to celebrate and so many milestones ahead. It’s not uncommon to want to help secure a child’s future by opening a savings account. That can start Junior off with a little nest egg and hopefully, in time, some good financial habits.

If you’re thinking you might like to open one of these accounts, read on to learn more. You’ll find out the full story on these topics and more:

•   Should you open a bank account for a baby?

•   How do you open a savings account for a newborn?

•   What are alternatives to a savings account for a newborn?

Why Open a Savings Account for a Baby?

There are actually some very good reasons to consider opening a bank account for a baby and start saving. You might be wondering why someone would open this kind of account for a newborn. After all, they don’t have any bills or expenses to pay so what would they need to have money in the bank for? Consider how opening an account and saving for a baby can have real benefits:

•   Time is on your side. Compounding interest can help you grow your baby’s savings account over time. The younger your child is when you start saving, the longer that money has to earn compound interest.

•   Plan for specific goals. Opening a savings account for a baby can make it easier to fund long-term goals. For example, you might want to set aside money to help them buy their first car or pay for college when the time comes.

•   Tax advantages. Savings accounts may not be earning a lot of interest right now. Still, the fact that babies usually don’t typically earn enough dough to pay taxes is a bonus.

•   Increase financial literacy. Teaching kids about saving from an early age can help them get into the habit. By opening a savings account for them when they’re young, you can help them learn the money skills they’ll need as adults.

Kids’ savings accounts can also be appealing because they tend to have low initial deposit requirements, low minimum-balance requirements, and low fees. So you don’t need a lot of money to start saving on behalf of your newborn — and you may not have to worry about paying a lot of fees to maintain the account as they grow.

How to Open a Savings Account for a Baby

Opening a bank account for a baby isn’t a complicated process. To open a savings account for a newborn, you’ll need the following:

•   Information about yourself

•   Information about your baby

•   Required documentation

•   Minimum initial deposit and funding details.

You should be able to open a savings account for a baby either at an online bank or a traditional bank or credit union. You’ll need to fill out the savings account application and provide the deposit via check, money order, cash or ACH transfer if you’re opening an account with an online bank. The minimum deposit may be as little as $1 or even $0, though some banks may require a larger deposit ($25 and up) to open a baby savings account.

Keep in mind that some banks may require you to have an account of your own before you can open a savings account for a child. That could influence where you decide to set up a savings account for a newborn.

Also look into any account maintenance fees that may be assessed monthly. You don’t want fees eating up the principal and interest in the account. Let’s look at this a little more closely next.

Can You Withdraw Money from Your Baby’s Savings Account?

Because a child cannot legally open or hold a bank account, an adult is a required presence. The parent or custodian who opens the account holds it jointly with the child and can indeed withdraw funds. It’s similar to a joint account that couples may have. However, there may be limits regarding whether your child can make withdrawals as they age and for how much.

If you were to open what’s called a custodial account (which becomes property of the child at adulthood; more on these accounts below), you may withdraw funds, but the intention is that they only be used for the kid’s benefit.

Types of Savings Account for Newborns

The best savings accounts for newborns are ones that allow you to save regularly, earn interest, and avoid high fees. You might look to your current bank first to open a savings account for the baby. Consider what type of features or benefits are offered. If you have to pay a monthly service fee, for example, you may be better off considering a savings account for a newborn at an online bank instead.

Online banks can offer the dual advantages of higher annual percentage yields, or APYs, on savings and lower fees. You won’t have branch banking access but that may not be important if you prefer to deposit money via mobile deposit or ACH transfer anyway. And once your child gets a little bigger, you can introduce them to the world of mobile banking and how to manage it on their own.

Also, consider how well a newborn savings account can grow with your kid’s needs. Some questions you might ask: Can you switch the account to a teen savings account or teen checking account down the line? Could you add a prepaid debit card for teens into the mix at some point? Asking these kinds of questions can help you pinpoint the best savings account for a newborn, based on your child’s needs now and in the future.

For some people, it can be a benefit to know that the bank has figured out ways to help accounts grow with their youngest customers and coach them along their journey to financial literacy.

Requirements for Opening a Savings Account for a Baby

The requirements for opening a bank account for a newborn are a little different from opening a bank account for yourself. That’s because the bank needs to be able to verify your identity as well as the baby’s.

Generally, the list of things you’ll be required to provide to open a savings account for baby include:

•   Your name and your baby’s name

•   Dates of birth for yourself and the baby

•   A copy of your government-issued photo ID

•   The baby’s birth certificate

•   Your address, phone number, email address, and Social Security number.

The bank may ask for the baby’s Social Security number though it’s possible you may not have this yet at the newborn stage. And if you don’t have a Social Security number of your own, you may have to provide a substitute federal ID such as your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Alternatives to Newborn Savings Accounts

A savings account at a bank or credit union isn’t the only way to set aside money for a newborn. While these accounts can earn interest, there are other types of savings you might use to fund different goals for your child. Here are some of the other options you might consider when saving money for a baby.

529 College Savings Accounts

Many parents — even brand-new ones! — wonder how to start saving for college. A 529 college savings account is a type of tax-advantaged plan that’s designed to help you save for education expenses. These accounts can be opened by the parent but anyone can make contributions, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, or family friends.

All 50 states offer at least one 529 plan. There are no annual limits on 529 plan contributions and you can open any state’s plan, regardless of which state you live in. Contributions are subject to annual gift tax exclusion limits, which are $17,000 for single filers and $34,000 for married couples filing jointly in 2023.

With a 529 plan, you’re investing money rather than saving it. You can invest the money you contribute in a variety of mutual funds, including index funds and target-date funds. This money grows tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, such as tuition and fees, books and room and board.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

There are other ways to save for a child’s college tuition. A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a type of custodial account that can be set up to save for education expenses. This account grows tax-deferred just like a 529 plan and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. But there are some key differences:

•   Annual contributions are capped at $2,000 and are not tax-deductible

•   Contributions must end once the child reaches age 18 (an exception is made for special-needs beneficiaries)

•   All funds must be distributed by the time the child reaches age 30.

If you leave money in a Coverdell ESA past the child’s 30th birthday, the IRS can impose a tax penalty. Any withdrawals of ESA funds that aren’t used for qualified education expenses are subject to income tax.

Custodial Accounts

Custodial accounts are savings accounts that allow minors to hold assets other than savings, such as stocks or other securities. You can set up a custodial account with a brokerage on behalf of your child. As the custodian, you maintain ownership of the account and its assets until your child reaches the age of majority, typically either 18 or 21. At that point, all the money in the account becomes theirs.

Opening a custodial account could make sense if you want to make irrevocable financial gifts to your kids. This could be one of the best strategies for building an investment plan for your child. The biggest drawback, however, is that once they turn 18 (or 21) you no longer have control over the account or how the money inside of it is used. For some parents, relinquishing that control can be hard, but remember: There’s lots of financial literacy that can be gained between your child’s birth and officially entering adulthood.

Let SoFi Show You How to Save

Helping your child be a smart, lifelong saver is a terrific goal. Saving money helps build wealth and finance your dreams. How are you doing on that front? One great place to open an online savings account is with SoFi Checking and Savings. Members with direct deposit can earn a competitive APY and pay no monthly account fees. So your money can really get growing.

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

Can I start a savings account for my baby?

Yes, opening a savings account for a baby is something you can do even if they’re still a newborn. Traditional banks, credit unions, and online banks can offer savings account options for babies and kids. You can also explore savings account alternatives, such as 529 college savings plans or custodial accounts.

What type of savings account should I open for my newborn?

The type of savings account you open for a baby can depend on your financial goals. If you just want to get them started saving early, a basic savings account might work best. On the other hand, you might consider creating an investment plan for your child that includes a 529 savings account if you’re interested in putting aside money for future college expenses.

What are the typical requirements for opening a bank account for a newborn baby?

You’ll likely need to provide your name, address, and phone number, plus your email address, Social Security number, and government-issued photo ID. You’ll probably be asked for the baby’s birth certificate and an opening deposit as well, which may be as little as $1 or even zero.

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Photo credit: iStock/michellegibson

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 deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government 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, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

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.

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

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

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.

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