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Most states require licensed drivers to carry auto liability insurance — and for good reason. Liability coverage helps pay for the damages to other people involved in a car accident if it’s determined you were responsible.

State law may leave it up to the individual to decide if they want to carry the kind of insurance that will help pay to repair their own wrecked car or injured body. But in most cases, drivers won’t have an option when it comes to liability coverage.

Since your automobile could cause physical or material harm to others, you’ll generally be expected to carry enough insurance to cover those potential costs or, in some states, provide proof of financial responsibility.

What Is Liability Car Insurance?

If you’re found at fault — or “liable” — for an accident, liability insurance helps pay the other driver’s expenses.

There are several other types of car insurance coverage available to drivers, so it’s easy to get them confused. Collision coverage, for example, pays to repair damage to your own car after an accident. And comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car that’s caused by other factors, such as hail, a fire, or theft.

Auto liability insurance is all about the other guy. It’s not there to cover your costs or the costs of anyone who was riding in your car when the accident occurred.

Recommended: How Much Auto Insurance Do I Really Need?

What Costs Does Liability Insurance Cover?

In general, there are two types of liability insurance offered on most standard policies:

Bodily Injury

This type of liability coverage protects the at-fault driver by paying for the other person’s emergency and continuing medical expenses related to the accident. It also might cover loss of income or funeral costs, or legal fees if there’s a lawsuit.

Property Damage

Property damage liability coverage helps pay for repairs to the other person’s car or other property (their home, a business, a fence, a bicycle, etc.) when the policyholder causes an accident.

Are There Limits on What an Insurer Will Pay?

Yes. The amount an insurer will pay for a claim depends on the coverage limits a policyholder chooses. Note that the amount of coverage you’re required to carry varies from state to state, and you might choose to purchase a higher level of coverage than your state mandates.

Coverage caps are usually broken down into three categories:

Bodily Injury Liability Limit Per Person

This is the maximum amount an insurer will pay out for each individual who is injured in a car accident (other than the at-fault driver who is the policyholder).

Bodily Injury Liability Limit Per Accident

This is the maximum amount an insurer will pay overall for medical expenses if multiple people are hurt in an accident. Again, it does not include medical costs for the at-fault policyholder.

Property Damage Liability Limit

This is the maximum amount an insurer will pay to repair any damage a policyholder caused to another person’s property. Any amount over that limit will likely be the responsibility of the policyholder.

How Much Liability Insurance Should a Driver Have?

You cannot buy less than the minimum amount of liability insurance your state legally requires. But some states require significantly less coverage than others.

For example, the minimum liability insurance requirements in California are $30,000 for injury/death to one person, $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $15,000 for damage to property.

But the minimum requirements in Maine are more than twice those amounts: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. (A combined single limit of $125,000 will also satisfy the minimum limit requirement in Maine.)

General recommendations from the insurance industry suggest consumers purchase at least $100,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $300,000 per accident.

Keep in mind that when you’re shopping, you may not be able to choose standalone limits for each category of liability coverage. Most insurers set their coverage limits as part of a package, and you may have to make your purchase from those pre-established plans.

For example, a 25/50/10 policy would set the bodily injury limit per person at $25,000, the bodily injury limit per accident at $50,000, and the property damage limit at $10,000. Any costs that exceed those set amounts would be the responsibility of the policyholder.

Some people also consider purchasing an “umbrella” policy that would cover any excess costs if liability limits are exhausted. This type of policy can help protect you from large liability claims or judgments if you’re sued. And your umbrella policy may cover you as well as other members of your family or household.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a claim after a private passenger car accident in 2022 was $26,501 for bodily injury and $6,551 in property damage. But a claim could go much higher, if there are multiple victims, for example, or if there are serious injuries or someone is killed.

Recommended: How to Lower Car Insurance

What’s the Difference Between Full Coverage and Liability Only?

An auto insurance policy that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage is sometimes called “full coverage,” because it covers both your costs and the costs of others involved in an accident.

Most states require liability coverage. But if your car is paid off, your state may not require collision (which helps to repair or replace a car that’s damaged in an accident) or comprehensive (which pays if the car is stolen or damaged by fire, vandalism or some other non-collision scenario).

And if your car isn’t worth much, you might decide to forgo one or both when purchasing car insurance. If your car is financed, however, the lender could require full coverage even if the state doesn’t.

Some states also may require other types of coverage:

•   Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage can help cover your medical expenses if you’re in an accident with a driver who has little or no insurance.

•   Uninsured motorist property damage coverage can help repair damage to your car if you are hit by an uninsured motorist.

•   Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and/or Medical Payments (MedPay) can offer protection if you or your passengers are hurt or killed in an accident.

Do You Need Liability Coverage If You Live in a No-Fault State?

A dozen states have instituted “no-fault” laws for drivers. Coverage rules and limits may vary from state to state, so you should be clear on the specifics of what your state requires.

Generally, when you live in a no-fault state and you’re in a car accident, everyone involved files a bodily injury claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. Still, every no-fault state requires some level of liability coverage.

Drivers in no-fault states also typically must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance included in their car insurance policy to cover their own potential medical bills and expenses. PIP plans cover medical expenses for the car’s driver and passengers, which can include hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation, and other injury-related costs.

PIP insurance doesn’t replace bodily liability coverage in every state, and it doesn’t cover property damages. Your insurance company pays for repairs to your car if you have collision coverage. Or you may have to make a property damage claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

What If You Have an Accident in Another State?

Ready for a road trip? If you have an accident, your liability insurance may increase to match the minimum limits in whatever state you’re in, and in Canada. But you may want to check with your insurance company if you like to travel, especially if you have a bare-bones policy.

What’s Covered If Someone Else Is Driving Your Car?

The short answer is that the auto insurance covering the vehicle, not the person driving, is usually considered the primary insurance. So if you let someone else drive your car and that person causes an accident, your insurance company probably would be responsible for paying the claim.

Your liability coverage wouldn’t pay the medical bills of the person driving your car or the repairs to your car, although those costs may be covered by other parts of your policy. But it likely would be your liability insurance that pays for the driver of the other car’s medical bills and property damage.

Again, state laws may affect who is responsible in this situation, so it can help to know the rules before letting someone else drive your car.

How Much Does Liability Coverage Cost?

The price you’ll pay for liability coverage could be based on several factors, including how much you buy and where you live. Your age may also play a factor — younger drivers may pay more for coverage, for instance. You can do a little online shopping to search the best rates for your area.

But a better question might be, “How much will it cost to bump up my liability insurance beyond the state-mandated minimums?” Getting twice as much coverage won’t necessarily cost twice as much. If the price fits your budget, you may want to consider carrying more coverage than the law requires.

Upping coverage might increase your comfort level, considering the expenses that might be involved in a major accident, even if you have insurance. The extra coverage may cost more, but if you’re a safe driver you may qualify for better rates. You can research car insurance online and compare quotes to find one that fits your budget.

The extra coverage may cost more, but if you’re a safe driver you may qualify for better rates.

The Takeaway

If you’re held responsible for a car accident, liability insurance will help pay the expenses of the others involved. Most states mandate this coverage, including “no-fault” states. But the amount of coverage you must carry may vary from state to state, so when you’re researching automobile insurance, it can be useful to know your state’s rules. Shopping around for insurance in your area can help you figure out how much coverage you really need and what your premium might be.

When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered trademark of Experian.
SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC. (“”SoFi””) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through the SoFi-Experian partnership.


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.

SOPRO-Q225-028

If you’re an 18-year-old with no credit history, you can get a loan, but your choices may be more limited. You may have to tap into alternative options and sources, such as loans with a cosigner.

That’s because lenders like to lend to people with a history of borrowing and on-time payments. Oftentimes, young people just starting out have no credit history. This means they have no credit accounts in their name or haven’t used credit for a long period of time and the information has been removed from their credit history. Without credit, it can be difficult to access loans or credit cards, rent an apartment or buy a house, and obtain certain subscriptions.

Let’s take a closer look at loans for 18-year-olds.

Benefits of Loans for 18-Year-Olds

Two important benefits of getting a loan as an 18-year-old include gaining access to funds and building up credit history.

Access to Funds

The obvious benefit of getting loans as a young person is that you will have access to the money you need. Depending on the type of loan you get, you may be able to use the funds for a variety of purposes, including:

•   Education

•   Purchasing big-ticket items, such as a car

•   Personal expenses, such as medical or wedding expenses

Build Up Your Credit History

Loans allow you to start building up your credit history, which can help you meet goals such as:

•   Getting a cellphone

•   Accessing utilities in your name

•   Qualifying for a credit card

•   Getting good rates on insurance, a mortgage, or auto loan

Plus, establishing a strong record of borrowing and repayment can position you well for future borrowing.

💡 Quick Tip: Need help covering the cost of a wedding, honeymoon, or new baby? A SoFi personal loan can help you fund major life events — without the high interest rates of credit cards.

Cons of Loans for 18-Year-Olds

While there are benefits to getting a loan when you’re 18, there are downsides to consider as well. Let’s take a closer look at a few.

Limited Loan Amounts

You may not be able to borrow a large loan amount when you’re young and just starting out. For example, if you want to purchase a $500,000 home as an 18-year-old and have no credit history, you’ll likely have difficulty qualifying for this type of loan.

Potentially High Rates

It’s possible to get a loan with no credit as a young person, but lenders may charge a higher interest rate than if you had an established credit history.

Why is that the case? Lenders try to assess your risk level when you apply for anything from a personal loan to a credit card. If they can’t see evidence that you have successfully made loan payments, they may not grant you a loan or they may compensate for that risk by charging you a higher interest rate.

Some lenders consider other aspects of your profile beyond credit history, including whether you can comfortably afford your payments.

Risk of Getting Into Debt

According to a consumer debt study conducted by Experian, Generation Z (those aged 18-26) had a non-mortgage debt average of $15,105 in 2023. This includes credit cards, auto debt, personal loans, or student loans.

While carrying any level of debt can be stressful, there are also financial implications to consider. For starters, if you don’t pay off your balance in a timely way, interest can start to build. Credit cards tend to carry higher interest rates than home or auto loans. This means wiping out credit card debt could take a long time if you only pay the minimum amount.

Then there are potential penalties to be mindful of, such as late fees. You may also face collection costs if you don’t pay your bills, which will remain on your credit report and potentially impact your credit score for years.

Recommended: Why Do People Choose a Joint Personal Loan?

Is a Co-Signer Required When Applying for Loans as an 18-Year-Old?

Not all lenders require a cosigner, so be sure to ask if you’ll need one. In most cases, a loan without a cosigner will likely have a lower loan amount and a higher interest rate.

What exactly is a cosigner? Simply put, it’s a person who agrees to take responsibility for a loan alongside the primary borrower. If one person fails to make payments, it will affect the other person’s credit score.

Applying for a loan with a co-borrower or cosigner can be a quick way to get accepted for a loan.

Understanding Your Loan Status

Like many financial processes, applying for a loan involves multiple steps. Before you begin, you can use a personal loan calculator to estimate your potential monthly payments and understand how different loan amounts and terms could fit into your budget. Here’s a general idea of what’s involved:

•   Pre-approval: Pre-approval means that your lender takes a look at your qualifications (including a soft credit check). A soft credit check is an inquiry of your credit report.

•   Application: In this part of the process, you submit a formal application, and your lender will verify your information.

•   Conditional approval: You may also get conditional approval for your loan, which means the lender may likely approve you to get a loan as long as you meet all the requirements.

•   Approval or denial: Finally, you’ll either get approved or denied for the loan.

Your lender should be clear with you at every step of the application process.

Recommended: How to Get Approved for a Personal Loan

Private Lender Loan Requirements for 18-Year-Olds

There are no hard-and-fast requirements that encompass private lender requirements. However, lenders generally look at an applicant’s credit score, debt, and income.

Credit Score

There’s no universally set minimum credit score requirement for a loan because rules can vary by lender. It’s worth noting that low-to-no-credit borrowers may be able to access a loan.

Debt and Income

Lenders will check to see how much debt you have and calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which ideally should be less than 36%. To figure out your DTI, lenders add up your debts and divide that amount by your gross income.

Lenders will also look at your income to ensure you can make monthly payments on your loan. This can include income from your job, a spouse’s income, self-employment, public assistance, investments, alimony, financial aid for school, insurance payments, and an allowance from family members.

Tips for Getting Loans as an 18-Year-Old

If you’re ready to get a loan as a young person, you can take steps to help boost your odds of getting approved.

Show Your Savings

Show the lender what you’ve saved in your accounts, which may include:

•   High-yield savings accounts

•   Certificates of deposit (CDs)

•   Money market account

•   Checking or savings accounts

•   Treasuries

•   Bonds, stocks, real estate, and other investments

Demonstrating savings can help you show that you can repay your loan.

Show Proof of Income

Lenders will likely require you to provide proof of income so they can see how you’ll pay for your loan. But remember, this doesn’t mean just the money you earn from a job. Consider other types of income you receive. For instance, you may not initially think of alimony as a source of income, but a lender might.

Apply for a Lower Amount

Lenders may deny your loan if you choose to borrow more money than you can realistically repay. So if you’re young and have no credit history, you may be able to increase your chances of getting a loan if you apply for a lower amount. You may also want to consider this strategy if you’re denied for a loan and want to reapply.

💡 Quick Tip: Just as there are no free lunches, there are no guaranteed loans. So beware lenders who advertise them. If they are legitimate, they need to know your creditworthiness before offering you a loan.

The Takeaway

While most 18-year-olds don’t have a large income or lengthy credit history, that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a personal loan. Just remember that funding choices may be more restricted, and you might not qualify for a large amount. If you’re having trouble getting approved, you may want to consider asking someone to cosign the loan, showing proof of income and savings, or applying for less money.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

Are there loans for 18-year-olds without a job?

You can get a loan without a job. However, you’ll need to show a lender that you have some form of consistent income, such as through investments, alimony, financial aid, or another source of cash flow.

Are there loans for 18-year-olds without credit?

Yes, loans do exist for 18-year-olds with no credit history. But note that even if you qualify for a loan without credit, it may be a lower amount than you could qualify for if you had a lengthy credit history. You may also not be able to get a low interest rate.

Can I get a loan as an 18-year-old?

Yes, 18-year-olds can get a loan. Your age matters less than your credit history and credit score — or the availability of a cosigner. Keep in mind that you may have trouble getting a loan if you don’t meet a lender’s qualifications. Contact a lender to learn more about your options.

How can I build credit as an 18-year-old?

If you want to start building credit, it may be worth exploring a secured credit card. Similar to a debit card, this type of credit card requires you to put down a cash deposit to insure any purchases you make. For example, putting down a $1,000 deposit, and that becomes your starting credit line on your card.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/SeventyFour

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL1023021

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

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.

SORL-Q224-1906905-V1

The role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in protecting depositors’ bank accounts is important for everyone to understand.

Most banks are insured by the FDIC, but not all. Moreover, there are usually limits on how much can be covered in an individual person’s accounts and what kind of financial products are eligible for this insurance at all.

Read on to learn the policies and practices of the FDIC and how you can find out the status of your bank.

What FDIC Insurance Means

Having FDIC insurance means that the money you keep in your bank account is safe, up to certain limits, in the rare event that the bank goes out of business. The FDIC was created in 1933 in response to the many banks that went belly up during the Great Depression. The goal was to rebuild public trust in the U.S. banking systems by protecting deposits. And it has done just that: Since its inception, no depositor has lost a penny of insured funds as a result of a failure.

So what exactly does FDIC insurance cover? Typically, it covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category, including principal and any accrued interest through the date of an insured bank’s closing. “Ownership category” refers to how you own the account, such as an individual account, joint account, trust account, or corporate account. If you open a bank account in just your name, that’s a single account. So if you have a savings account and checking account at the same bank and both are individual accounts, you have $250,000 in coverage across both accounts. If one of those accounts is a joint account, however, you have $500,000 in total coverage (the co-owner of your joint account also has $250,000 in coverage).

Some banks also offer expanded FDIC coverage by partnering with a network of banks to insure deposits.

What FDIC Insurance Does and Does Not Cover

These deposit accounts are generally covered by FDIC insurance up to the $250,000 limit:

•   Checking accounts

•   Savings accounts

•   Money market accounts

•   Certificates of deposit (CDs)

Important to note: The FDIC does not insure the money you invest in the following products, even if they were purchased from an FDIC-insured bank:

•   Stocks

•   Bonds

•   Mutual fund shares

•   Life insurance policies

•   Annuities

•   Municipal securities

•   Safe deposit boxes or their contents

•   U.S. Treasury bills, bonds, or notes (these are backed by the U.S. government)

How to Learn if Your Bank Is FDIC-Insured

One simple way to find out if your bank is insured by the FDIC, is to use the FDIC’s BankFind Tool. Bankfind also provides detailed information about every FDIC-insured institution, including its branch locations, official website, and current operating status.

Another way to find out if your bank is FDIC-insured is to look for the FDIC insurance logo on the bank’s website or an FDIC sign displayed in a local branch. Alternatively, you can ask a bank representative in person or by phone, or call the FDIC at 1-877-275-3342 and have an agent check if your bank is insured.

Recovering the Money if Your Bank Is FDIC-Insured

For insured deposits — those within the deposit insurance limits — the FDIC almost always pays depositors within a few business days of a closing, usually the next business day. They typically provide payment either by giving each depositor a new account at another insured bank in an amount equal to the insured balance of their account at the failed bank or by issuing a check for that amount. Note: the FDIC does not guarantee that if the funds move to a new bank, they will earn the same interest rate.

There are some situations where the payment process may take longer, according to the FDIC. These include deposits that both exceed $250,000 and are linked to trust documents, as well as accounts established by a third-party broker on behalf of other individuals.

Recommended: How to Keep Your Bank Account Safe Online

Understanding How the FDIC Works

You may wonder where the FDIC gets the money to cover lost accounts after a bank fails.

The FDIC says it receives no Congressional appropriations. It is primarily funded by premiums that banks and savings associations pay for deposit insurance coverage. The FDIC also makes money through investing in assets like treasury bonds.

In addition to protecting your deposits, the FDIC also directly supervises and examines more than 5,000 banks and savings associations for “safety and soundness.” Banks can be chartered by the states or by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Banks chartered by states also have the choice of whether to join the Federal Reserve System. The FDIC is the primary federal regulator of banks that are chartered by the states that do not join the Federal Reserve System.

The FDIC also examines banks for compliance with consumer protection laws, including the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Recommended: How Are Financial Institutions Governed?

The Takeaway

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created by Congress in 1933 to maintain confidence in the American banking system and protect consumers if a financial institution fails. Most U.S. banks are covered by FDIC insurance, but the coverage typically only applies to accounts of $250,000 or less. Checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit are covered. Should an insured bank fail, the FDIC will restore those funds up to the limit within a short time.

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.

FAQ

What is the FDIC?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency, created in 1933, with a mission to maintain confidence in the nation’s financial system. To keep that system stable, the FDIC insures deposits; examines and supervises financial institutions for safety, soundness, and consumer protection; and resolves failed banks by selling their assets and settling their debts.

Is there a limit on how much the FDIC will insure?

Yes, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. This means if you have multiple accounts at the same bank under different ownership categories (such as individual, joint, or corporate accounts), each category can be insured up to $250,000. However, if your combined balances in one category exceed the limit at a single bank, the excess is generally not insured.

To increase coverage, consider spreading funds across different FDIC-insured banks or ownership categories. Some banks also offer expanded FDIC coverage by partnering with a network of banks to insure deposits.

Am I supposed to take out FDIC insurance on my bank account?

No, depositors do not need to apply for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance. When you open a deposit account (like a checking or savings account) at an FDIC-insured bank, your funds are automatically protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category (such as an individual or joint account). Just make sure the bank is FDIC-insured and you’re covered — no separate application or fee is required for the insurance.

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SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

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 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, 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 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY 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, 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 members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% 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 members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible 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 an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% 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 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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

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