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A senior citizen checking account is a type of bank account specifically designed for individuals who are typically aged 55 or older. These accounts often offer benefits such as higher interest rates, lower fees, and additional perks tailored to the needs of seniors, such as discounts on travel or entertainment.

Is it worth getting a senior checking account vs. a regular checking account? Sometimes — but not always. Here’s what you need to know.

How Does a Senior Checking Account Work?

A senior checking account works in the same way as a regular checking account. The only difference is that it may offer benefits and features customized for adults above a certain age, which might be 50, 55, or 62, depending on the bank or credit union. Senior checking accounts are more commonly offered by smaller regional banks or credit unions than by large national banks.

Like a standard checking account, senior checking accounts offer a place to safely store your money and manage day-to-day spending. They typically come with paper checks plus a debit card you can use for purchases or cash withdrawals. Checking accounts may also offer features like overdraft protection and direct deposit.

Recommended: 7 Tips for Managing a Checking Account

What Is the Difference Between a Senior Checking Account and a Normal Checking Account?

Overall, a senior checking account serves the same purpose as a regular checking account. However, a senior checking account may have certain age requirements and can come with unique benefits and senior discounts designed to appeal to older adults. Some of these benefits may include:

•   Free checks

•   No monthly service charges or low minimum balance requirement to waive monthly service fees

•   24/7 access to customer service by phone

•   Interest on checking account balances

•   A certain number of out-of-network ATM fees waived

•   Discounts on safe deposit boxes

•   Free services such as notary, cashier’s checks, money orders, and wire transfers

•   Special interest rates on certificates of deposit (CDs) or loans

•   Rewards points for using your debit card

These types of perks make it easier for senior citizens to manage their financial life.

Pros of a Senior Checking Account

A senior checking account generally offers all the benefits of traditional checking, plus some extras. Here’s a look at some of the advantages of opening a senior checking account.

•   Unique perks: Eligible account holders can often enjoy special perks like free checks, waived monthly service charges and transaction fees, and discounted banking services.

•   Earn interest: It’s not guaranteed everywhere, but some senior checking accounts allow account holders to earn interest on their deposits.

•   Security: Like regular checking accounts, funds stored in a senior checking account (up to a certain amount) are safe and secure, thanks to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insurance,

•   Accessibility: As with any checking account, it’s easy to access your money from a senior checking account when you need it. You can usually make withdrawals in a variety of different ways, including at a branch with a teller, using a debit card at an ATM, writing a check, and making an online bank transfer.

•   Debit card: Typically, senior checking accounts come with debit cards which make it easy to pay for purchases without having cash on hand.

•   Direct deposits: Instead of waiting for paper checks in the mail, checking account holders can set up convenient direct deposits.

Cons of a Senior Checking Account

There are also disadvantages associated with senior checking accounts. Here are some to mull over.

•   Age requirements: Senior checking accounts often have age requirements. Depending on the bank or credit union, you may need to be 50-plus, 55-plus, or 62-plus.

•   Minimal interest: Some senior checking accounts offer interest. However, annual percentage yields (APYs) are generally low. You can likely get a significantly better return on your money by storing it in a high-yield savings account.

•   Minimum balance: Some senior checking accounts may require you to keep a minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees or earn interest.

•   May not be better than a regular account: Many of the promoted perks of a senior checking account may also be available with a standard checking account.

•   Fees: While senior checking accounts tend to charge fewer or lower fees, they can come with account management fees, overdraft fees, and other fees

•   May get better perks with a regular checking account: If you keep a large balance in your checking account, you may be better off with a premium checking account, which could offer more perks and services than a senior checking account.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Senior Citizen Checking Account

Before opening a senior checking account, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind.

•   Convenience: Does the bank or credit union have enough branches and ATMs? Is their website easy to use? Do the bank’s customer service options fit your preferences?

•   Special services and features: Compare a few different senior citizen checking account options. What perks do they offer? Do these services and features matter to you? A free safety deposit box and a special rate on a CD won’t be useful if you don’t plan to use those products.

•   Minimum balance requirements: Does the account have a minimum balance requirement? Will this threshold be easy to meet? If not, you might end up paying a monthly maintenance charge.

•   Fees: Senior citizen checking accounts tend to have fewer fees than typical checking accounts. Still, it’s worth comparing the different fees each account charges. Consider overdraft fees, ATM fees, nonsufficient funds fees, as well as fees for services you may use, such as money orders or wire transfers.

Is a Senior Checking Account Worth It Over a Normal Checking Account?

It depends. Since there are numerous banking choices these days, including traditional banks and credit unions and online-only institutions, it generally pays to shop around and compare benefits and perks of different checking accounts.

As you shop around, keep an eye out for minimum balance requirements and monthly (and any other) fees. If a senior checking account will actually save you money, it could be worth it. If you could do better with a regular checking account, then you may want to skip the senior account.

How Can I Apply for a Senior Citizen Checking Account?

The process of opening a checking account for senior citizens is generally the same as opening a regular checking account. Here’s a look at the steps that are typically involved.

1.    Complete the application. You can generally do this either online or in person at a branch and will need all your basic information (including a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number).

2.    Designate beneficiaries. Once your application is approved, you can choose a beneficiary for your account.

3.    Deposit funds. If an opening deposit is required, you can typically do this by transferring funds from another account (either at the same or a different bank) or using a check, cash, or a debit card.

If you plan to close your other checking account, you’ll want to wait until all outstanding payments and deposits going in or coming out of that account have cleared. Also be sure to change any online bill payments and direct deposits from your prior checking account to your new checking account.

Recommended: How To Switch Banks in 3 Easy Steps

The Takeaway

Senior checking accounts generally come with benefits tailored to older adults, such as lower fees, higher interest rates, and additional perks like free checks or discounts on services.

If you’re over a certain age, prefer traditional banking services, and value these benefits, a senior checking account could be worth it. However, if you’re looking to switch your bank account, it’s wise to compare the features and fees of different accounts to determine which one offers the best value. Depending on your needs and goals, you might find that a checking account with no age requirements is a better fit.

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

FAQ

What is senior banking?

Senior banking refers to banking services and accounts specifically designed for older individuals, typically aged 55 or older. These accounts often come with features and benefits tailored to the needs of seniors, such as lower fees, higher interest rates, and additional perks like free checks or discounts on services. Senior banking may also include financial planning and retirement services to help seniors manage their finances more effectively.

What is the age restriction for senior checking accounts?

Depending on the bank or credit union, the age restriction for a senior checking account may be age 50, 55, or 62.

What is the age limit for a senior citizen bank account?

The age limit for a senior bank account can vary depending on the financial institution. In general, senior bank accounts are available to individuals who are aged 55 or older. However, some banks may offer senior accounts to individuals as young as 50, while others may set the age limit at 62 or older. It’s best to check with the specific bank or credit union to determine the age requirements for their senior banking products.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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Retirement goals — whether they include traveling or relocating to a desired area — are achievable if you can plan for the expenses that need to be covered during those years.

However, not all Americans know what to expect regarding living expenses during their retirement. They may not know how to budget for ordinary costs in retirement, like housing and transportation, or make the most out of retirement income. Here’s a look at typical retirement expenses so individuals can get a handle on how much they’re likely to spend, and how much they need to budget for retirement, and how that might inform their strategies for padding their retirement and investment accounts.

This article is part of SoFi’s Retirement Planning Guide, our coverage of all the steps you need to create a successful retirement plan.

Average Monthly Cost of Retirement Expenses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2023 Consumer Expenditures report, Americans age 65 and over spent $60,087 on average during 2023, while those aged 65 to 74 spent $65,149, and those 75 and over spent $53,031.

Looking at those figures by month, a retiree aged 65 and over spent just above $5,000 on average each month, while those aged 65 to 74 spent about $5,400 per month, and those 77 and over spent close to $4,400 per month.

Retirees generally spent less than the average American in 2023, which was $77,280 (or about $6,440 a month). Retirees also spent less than people nearing retirement, those aged 55 to 64, who spent an average of $83,379 that year (just under $7,000 a month).

💡 Recommended: Average Retirement Savings by Age

5 Common Retirement Expenses by Category

The typical budget for retirees needs to cover expenses for a retirement that could stretch over two or three decades. Drilling down to specific categories can help retirement savers determine benchmarks for their own budget.

1. Housing

Housing expenses, such as mortgage payments, insurance, and maintenance costs, are among the highest costs retirees face.

In 2023, Americans over the age of 65 spent an average of $21,445 on housing. Those between the ages of 65 and 74 spent an average of $22,216, and those 75 and over spent $20,370.

These expenses can vary dramatically by location and housing type. For example, housing costs are typically much higher in a coastal California community than in a real estate market in a state with relatively low property taxes, such as Wyoming, South Carolina, or Colorado. This might be a factor to consider when weighing the best states to retire in.

2. Transportation

Many retirees want an action-packed retirement full of entertainment, socializing, visiting family, and traveling the country. That means that transportation costs can be a significant factor in retirement expenses, especially early in retirement.

Americans over 65 spent an average of $9,033 on transportation during 2023, and that figure was $10,899 for those between 65 and 74. For those 75 and over, the average was $6,448.

Retirees who don’t own a car may still need to factor the cost of public transportation into their annual retirement costs. Buses, subways, and other public transportation sources cost older generations hundreds of dollars per year.

3. Healthcare

Americans’ healthcare costs — including health insurance, medical services, medical supplies, and prescription drugs — increase as they grow older. With age comes aching joints, injuries from falling, and sometimes chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s. Americans spent an average of $4,976 on healthcare annually between 2016 and 2020, but this is one area where retirees spend more than their younger peers.

Americans’ health care costs — including health insurance, medical services, medical supplies, and prescription drugs — increase as they grow older. With age comes aching joints, injuries from falling, and sometimes chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s.

Americans over 65 spent a tad more than $8,000 annually, on average, on health care during 2023. Those between 65 and 74 spent an average of $7,942, and those 75 and over spent $8,145.

Costs vary from person to person depending on their genetics, injuries, and lifestyle choices. For example, if heart disease runs in the family or you are a smoker, you may want to save extra for retirement health care costs. If you have a high deductible health insurance plan, consider saving with a health savings account (HSA), which offers tax-advantaged savings to cover health care costs.

4. Food

When it comes to food expenses, Americans spent $7,714, on average, for those 65 and older, $8,566 for those between 65 and 74, and $6,508 for those 75 and over in 2023.

An individual’s food costs will vary depending on their diet and habits. For example, people who buy organic vegetables will likely spend more on produce than people who don’t. There’s also a good chance that eating at home more frequently will cost less than eating out five times per week.

5. Entertainment

Having fun isn’t just for the young. In 2023, Americans over age 65 spent an average of $2,898 annually on entertainment, which could include fees and admissions to places like museums, theater performances, and movies. Entertainment expenses also include hobbies and pet costs. Those between 65 and 74 spent an average of $3,447, and those 75 and over spent $2,131.

What Is the Most Costly Retirement Expense?

Of all of the expenses in retirement, the most expensive is generally housing. While of course exact retirement costs will vary from individual to individual depending on their situation, the average cost of housing even far exceeds costs like health care.

There are steps retirees can take to potentially reduce this expense though. For instance, they may aim to pay off their mortgage before they retire. Or, they could consider moving to a less costly state with lower taxes.

What Are Some Unexpected Retirement Expenses?

Even a well-laid retirement plan can leave someone open to surprise. Some unexpected retirement expenses that retirees might want to factor into their retirement planning include:

•   Uncovered health care costs: Health care might not cover anything, and to get total coverage, it might be necessary to get multiple plans under Medicare. However, it’s important to weigh the cost of that over any out-of-pocket costs. Of course, it’s hard to predict the future and because of that, it can be challenging to get the math just right.

•   Long-term care: This retirement expense can be steep, and the costs involved continue to rise. Especially for retirees who don’t have family to turn to for assistance, this can constitute a significant portion of a retirement budget. In-home care aids may cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, and a private room in a nursing home facility could easily run more than $100,000 per year.

•   Unanticipated housing costs: Retirees’ budgets might also get thrown off by housing costs they didn’t factor into their calculations. For instance, while a retiree may have noted the cost of their monthly mortgage payments, they may not have taken into account potential home repairs and maintenance, or needed additions, like a wheelchair-accessible ramp.

What Will You Spend Less on in Retirement?

We’ve talked a lot about the costs of retirement, but there are some areas where you’ll spend less in this stage of life. One place you’ll shell out less is on insurance (due to Medicare) and taxes (less income to be taxed) — though that’ll depend on each individual’s specific situation.

Other areas where costs might be lower in retirement include on pets and pet supplies; alcohol and tobacco; clothing; and, if you’re giving up your rush-hour commute, transportation.

5 Steps to Set Up a Retirement Budget

Once you have an idea of potential retirement expenses, you can start to save and comprehensively budget for them. Since every retirement looks different, there’s no average retirement budget — a good monthly retirement income for a couple will be different than for a single person. Nonetheless, these are the steps to create a budget that may work for you.

Step 1. Contribute to a Retirement Account

You may already have retirement savings in your company-sponsored 401(k) or a similar retirement plan. But those who don’t have access to a 401(k) or want to increase their savings can also save in an individual retirement account like a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA. These accounts can provide tax-advantaged ways to start retirement with adequate savings to build a budget.

💡 Recommended: Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Key Differences and How to Choose

Step 2: Make a List of Expected Monthly Expenses

Most expenses can fit into one of three categories: fixed, variable, and one-time. Fixed expenses are payments that occur regularly and stay the same from month to month, like mortgage/rent payments, property taxes, and car payments.

Variable expenses change from month to month, depending on personal usage and price fluctuations. Standard variable costs include utility bills and groceries. Likewise, any entertainment expenses, medical expenses, pet care, and personal care expenses may be variable.

One-time or non-recurring expenses are costs that don’t occur regularly. These might include a new roof, a vacation, or a wedding. You may want to set aside money in an emergency fund for unexpected expenses (like that new roof) and have other funds earmarked for non-essential, one-time expenses (like a wedding or vacation).

To get an idea of your various expenses, gather payment information from bank statements, credit card statements, receipts, and bills. Take a look at what you spend now, then deduct expenses you won’t have at retirement (perhaps you’ll eliminate a car payment or pay off your mortgage). Then you can tally what’s left to get an estimate of your projected expenses and build a line-item budget.

Step 3: Estimate Retirement Income

To get a sense of your potential retirement income, look at projected monthly withdrawals from Social Security, retirement accounts, pensions, real estate investments (like a rental property), and any savings or part-time income. Total them up to figure out what your monthly income will be.

Step 4: Compare Expected Expenses to Expected Income

Ideally, your expected income will be larger than your projected expenses. If this is not the case, you can remedy this issue by reducing costs or increasing income.

To reduce expenses, you may consider downsizing your home or going from owning two cars to one. You may also consider streamlining entertainment expenses as a better way to cut costs.

To increase income, you may consider taking on a part-time job when you retire or look to passive income sources to boost the money that you have to spend during retirement.

Step 5: Figure Out When You Can Retire

Once you know how much money you may need in retirement and how long you’ll need to save to get there, you can plan a realistic timeline for when you can retire.

Keep in mind that the plan will likely change over time as you get closer to retirement, depending on how much you’re able to save and how your retirement goals change. Along the way, it could be necessary to boost your retirement savings if you decide you want to retire sooner than later, or you find you’re not quite on-track for your planned age.

The Takeaway

Budgeting for retirement can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step allows you to create a plan for a retirement you’ll enjoy. It’s helpful to know the average monthly costs and to know in which major categories retirees regularly spend. You might be surprised by where you need to budget more, or where costs might be lower than expected.

Ready to start saving to cover your retirement expenses? Consider an investment account with SoFi Invest®. Investors can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds, and even fractional shares. SoFi members also have access to SoFi Financial Planners, who can provide personalized insights and financial advice so members can make the most of their retirement savings.

Prepare for your retirement with an individual retirement account (IRA). It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. Whether you prefer a hands-on self-directed IRA through SoFi Securities or an automated robo IRA with SoFi Wealth, you can build a portfolio to help support your long-term goals while gaining access to tax-advantaged savings strategies.

FAQ

What are common expenses in retirement?

Common expenses in retirement include housing, health care, transportation, food, and entertainment. Of course, where you spend — and how much you spend in each category — will vary from retiree to retiree.

What is a reasonable retirement budget?

This depends on a person’s anticipated expenses and the lifestyle they’d like to lead in retirement. That said, the average American over the age of 65 spent just over $60,000 during 2023.

Which is the biggest expense for most retirees?

The largest cost in retirement is generally housing. In 2023, Americans over the age of 65 spent an average of $21,445 on housing.