How Much Money Is Needed to Start a Bank Account?

How Much Money Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

Opening a checking and savings account, whether at an online bank, a brick-and-mortar one, or a credit union, can be a major step towards good money management. With an account set up, you’ll likely be able to receive your paycheck as a direct deposit, swipe a debit card to pay for purchases, and access tools to help you save towards some short-term goals.

But you may worry that you need a chunk of change to open an account. The truth is, though, that you may be able to start an account with zero cash deposited.

While each bank can set its own minimum deposits, some will let you open an account with a single dollar or even no money at all. Or you might encounter certain financial institutions or account types that require $100, $500, or more. You might even find that the account with the higher deposit minimum is the better fit for you.

To better understand minimum deposit and minimum balance requirements, read on.

Key Points

•   Opening a bank account can be a significant step towards effective money management.

•   Some banks allow opening an account with as little as $1 or even no money at all.

•   Online banks often have lower or no minimum deposit requirements due to the absence of physical branches.

•   Traditional brick-and-mortar banks might require a minimum deposit of $25 or more to open an account.

•   Credit unions typically offer minimum opening deposits ranging from zero to $25.

How Much Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

Let’s get down to the dollars and cents of this topic: How much money do you need to open a bank account?

Minimum Opening Deposit for Online Banks

When opening an online bank account, it’s typical to have low or $0 minimum initial deposits for a checking account. Because online banks don’t have to pay for physical locations, they typically are able to pass the savings along to their clients with lower or no minimum deposit requirements.

They may also offer other perks like an annual percentage yield (or APY) on a checking account or a higher APY than elsewhere on savings accounts.

Minimum Opening Deposit for Brick-and-Mortar Banks

If you were to open a bank account at a traditional bank (also known as a brick-and-mortar bank), on the other hand, you might need $25 or more for the initial deposit. And if you have two checking accounts at the same bank, it’s possible you might have to meet different initial deposits for each one.

Jumbo or premium accounts, which may be interest-bearing checking accounts and offer rewards, can also set the bar higher for how much money is required to get started. For example, a jumbo checking account might pay interest on balances of $1,000, $10,000, or more so you would need at least that much to open one.

Minimum Opening Deposit for Credit Unions

How much money do you need to open a checking account at a credit union? If you prefer to open a checking account at a credit union vs. a bank, you will likely find minimum opening deposits that range from zero to $25.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $3M of additional
FDIC insurance.


Can You Open a Bank Account With No Money?

You can probably open a bank account with no money. As mentioned above, you are most likely to find this kind of checking account offered at an online bank vs. a traditional bank.

Before you open this kind of account, though, it can be wise to make sure you understand the terms of the account, including the fine print. Factors to consider include what, if any, fees will be assessed, what balance you may need to maintain, and how and when you need to fund the account.

Recommended: What to Know If You’ve Been Denied a Checking Account

What Is a Minimum Initial Deposit?

A minimum initial deposit is the amount of money that a financial institution requires you to deposit in order to open an account. In some cases, this can be as little as $1 or even nothing at all; in other cases, it could be $100 or considerably higher.

What’s the Difference Between Minimum Initial Deposit vs. Minimum Balance Requirement?

When thinking about how much money you need to start a bank account, it’s important to understand the difference between your initial deposit and your ongoing balance requirement. If a deposit requirement is in place, that is separate from the minimum balance requirement that you may also need to meet to avoid a monthly service fee.

For example, you might need to deposit $100 to open your account. However, in order to avoid a $10 monthly maintenance fee, you may need to keep an average daily balance of $500 there.

A free checking account that doesn’t charge a monthly fee may not have a minimum balance requirement. Check with the bank up front so you are familiar with the terms and aren’t surprised by any fees being deducted.

The Takeaway

Checking and savings accounts can make your financial life easier, and you may be able to open an account with very little in terms of an initial deposit, even no money at all. When choosing a banking option, it’s important to consider the fees you might pay, the interest you could earn, and any minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements. Whenever possible, you want your bank to pay for the privilege of holding your money, not vice versa.

SoFi: Making Banking Better

If you’re interested in hassle-free online banking, consider opening a SoFi Checking and Savings account. You’ll earn a competitive APY, pay no account fees, receive a debit card with cashback rewards, and have access to a suite of financial tools that can help your savings grow.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How much is needed to open a checking account?

The amount of money needed to open a checking account can vary by bank. At some banks, it may be as low as $1 or even $0; at others, you might need to deposit $25, $50, or more to get started.

Can I open a checking account with no money?

It’s possible to open a checking account with no money if your bank allows you to fund your account later. For example, you may be able to open a bank account online with no money, connect an external bank account, then fund your new account with an initial deposit later.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/michellegibson

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.
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 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.

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Reasons Why You Would Put Money Into a Savings Account

6 Benefits of Having a Savings Account

Keeping all your cash in a checking account may seem like the simplest way to manage your money. But if that’s the only type of bank account you have, you’re missing out on all the benefits that come with a savings account.

No matter what your financial goals are or how much money you’re able to set aside, opening a savings account is probably a good idea. You typically don’t need a lot of money to open a savings account, and a high-yield savings account allows you to earn a competitive interest rate while still keeping your money safe and accessible.

Read on to learn why a savings account can be an important component in anyone’s financial toolkit.

Key Points

•   A savings account effectively separates savings from spending, helping individuals manage their finances and reach specific financial goals without impulsive expenditures.

•   Money held in a savings account is insured, providing protection up to $250,000 per depositor, which offers greater security than keeping cash at home.

•   Interest earned on savings accounts typically exceeds that of checking accounts, allowing account holders to grow their savings through competitive annual percentage yields.

•   Many savings accounts require a low initial deposit to open, making them accessible without significant financial commitment, especially with online banks often having no minimums.

•   Automating savings through recurring deposits enables individuals to consistently contribute to their savings goals, simplifying the process and encouraging financial discipline.

1. Separate Your Saving From Your Spending

A savings account is designed to hold money you don’t need right away. Maybe you’re looking to save up for a large upcoming expense, like a vacation, car, or downpayment on a home. Or, perhaps you want to build an emergency fund to provide backup for any unexpected bumps in the road (like a medical bill, car repair, or loss of income). A savings account can help you reach these goals by putting some distance between your savings and your daily spending needs.

Without a savings account, it can be all too easy for the money in your checking account to become an all-purpose fund where you spend more than you planned. If funds earmarked for future spending are stored in your savings account, you might think twice about delaying your future plans for an impulse purchase like new shoes or a fancy meal out.

You might even opt to open multiple savings accounts to help you organize your cash by goals. Maybe you have an emergency fund but are saving for a trip or new furniture. Savings accounts are typically easy to open and separating your money can help you monitor progress towards each goal.

💡 Quick Tip: Tired of paying pointless bank fees? When you open a bank account online you often avoid excess charges.

2. Your Money Is Insured

With investing, you could lose money, break even, or earn a return — there are no guarantees. If you open a savings account at a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) or a credit union insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), on the other hand, your money is guaranteed up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.

This means that even if the financial institution fails, your savings are protected up to that limit. You would either receive that money directly or, more likely, a new account would be opened for you at another bank with the same balance you had before.

Your money is generally safer in a savings account than under the mattress or in a piggy bank. If your stash of cash were stolen or destroyed in a fire or flood, you likely would not be able to get your money back.

3. You Earn Interest on Deposits

Savings accounts typically offer a higher annual percentage yield (APY) than checking accounts, which are designed for spending and not necessarily for accumulating large balances. This allows you to earn money on your money just by letting it sit in the bank.

While the average savings account APY is only 0.47%, some banks and credit unions offer much more than the average. The best savings account interest rates are now around 5.00%. If you put $10,000 into a savings account that pays 5.00% APY, you would earn about $500 in a year. An account paying just 0.40% APY, on the other hand, would earn about $40. The more you deposit, and the longer it stays in the account, the greater the difference in returns.

Generally, you can find the highest APYs and lowest fees at online-only banks. Without the added expenses of large branch networks, online banks are usually able to offer more favorable returns than national brick-and-mortar institutions.

Earn up to 3.80% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.

9x the national average savings account rate.

Up to $3M of additional FDIC insurance.

Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.


4. It Doesn’t Require a Large Initial Investment

Many investments, such as mutual funds, require a significant amount of money as an initial investment, sometimes thousands of dollars. Savings accounts, on the other hand, typically have a low bar for entry. Traditional brick-and-mortar banks often request an initial deposit, but it can be as low as $25 to $100. Many online-only banks have no minimum deposit requirements.

With some traditional savings accounts, you need to keep your average monthly balance above a certain threshold (such as $300 or $500) to earn a certain interest rate or to avoid monthly fees. Many online savings accounts, however, don’t charge monthly service fees, and don’t require that you keep a specific amount of money in the account to avoid fees or get a certain APY.

5. Your Money Is Accessible

Unlike investment accounts, most savings accounts (even online-online accounts) can be accessed any time at an ATM. Just insert your debit card, tap some buttons, and you can get your money in hand. With a traditional savings account, you can also get cash in person at a teller.

If you need more money in your checking account, you can simply go online or use your bank’s app to transfer money from your savings account to your checking account, even if the accounts are at two different banks.

This is why many people use a savings account for their emergency fund. When the unexpected happens, you can easily access the funds you need and immediately deal with the problem. There’s no waiting period or need to sell off investments to gain access to your money.

That said, savings accounts typically come with withdrawal limits, often six per month. If you exceed your bank’s monthly limit, you may get hit with a fee. These limits aren’t necessarily a bad thing, though. After all, savings accounts are designed for saving rather than spending.

6. You Can Put Saving on Auto Pilot

Finding extra cash to set aside each month isn’t always easy. A great way to make sure you’re working towards your near-term savings goals is to establish an automatic monthly deposit into a savings account. This can help you build up your savings without thinking about it.

You can automate saving by setting up a recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account on the same day each month (perhaps right after you get paid). Or, you might choose to automatically direct deposit a portion of each paycheck into savings, with the rest going to checking.

It’s fine to start small. Since the money will get added to your account every month without fail, putting just $50 or $100 a month into savings can add up to a significant sum over time.

If you’re married or in a domestic partnership, you might consider opening a joint savings account to help you work towards mutual goals. You can each set up an automatic deposit into that account, doubling your efforts.

💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more everyday? When you turn on Roundups, all of your debit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the next dollar and deposited into your online savings account.

Meet the new SoFi Plus!

Get access to higher APY, credit card cash back rewards, discounts, and more.

money management guide for beginners

The Takeaway

Opening a savings account is a good way to keep savings safe and easily accessible while earning a higher interest rate than checking accounts provide. This type of account can be a great choice for your emergency fund or to work towards short-term savings goals, like a vacation, home upgrade, or large purchase.

If you decide a savings account is what you need, shopping around to compare APYs, account fees, and features can help you choose the right savings account to meet your goals.

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


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/Povozniuk

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.
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 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.

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10 Questions to Ask Your Bank Before Opening an Account

10 Questions to Ask Your Bank Before Opening an Account

Having a bank account can provide a solid foundation for your financial life. It can make it easier to pay bills, track spending, and get paid if you’re enrolled in direct deposit. But how can you know you’re putting your money at a financial institution that’s the right fit for you?

If you’re interested in moving to a new bank or you’re opening a bank account for the first time, it’s important to do your research first. That starts with knowing what questions to consider when opening a checking account or savings account. Asking the right questions can make it easier to choose an account that fits your needs.

Read on to learn the key questions to ask, as well as the answers to look for, before you open a new bank account.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $3M of additional
FDIC insurance.


The Importance of Choosing a Reliable Bank

Where you choose to keep your money matters when it comes to things like convenience, benefits and features, and cost. Ideally, you want to choose a bank that:

•   Has a good reputation

•   Is fee-friendly or fee-free

•   Offers a good selection of products and services

Does that mean you have to choose a brick-and-mortar bank? Not necessarily. Online banks can be just as reliable as traditional banks or credit unions, and often charge fewer fees. The difference, however, is that online banks usually lack a physical presence.

It’s also important to choose a bank that’s going to keep your money safe. That means banks that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or credit unions that are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

These institutions insure deposits against the rare event that a bank or credit union fails. The primary difference between the FDIC vs. NCUA is where deposits are insured. Coverage limits extend up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership type, per financial institution.

10 Questions to Ask a Bank Before Opening an Account

Ready to get your new accounts set up? Here are 10 of the most important questions to ask a bank before opening an account.

1. What Are the Options for Accessing Accounts?

One of the most important questions to ask when opening a checking account or savings account centers on how you’ll be able to deposit or withdraw money. It’s a good idea to know what options you have, which may include:

•   Branch banking

•   Phone banking

•   Online and mobile banking

•   ATM access

If you’re opening an account at a traditional bank, you may ask a secondary question about where branches are located. With an online bank, you might want to review features like direct deposit, mobile check deposit, or whether you can deposit cash at an ATM.

2. What Is the Minimum Deposit to Open an Account?

It’s not unusual for banks to impose minimum deposit requirements for new and existing customers. So what is a minimum opening deposit? It’s just an amount of money that you’re required to deposit upfront as a condition of opening your account.

The amount of money needed to open a bank account typically varies from institution to institution. At online banks, the sum might be as low as $1 or even $0, while traditional banks might set the minimum at $25, $50, or more. Credit unions may require a $5 minimum to join and open a savings account, with a different minimum for checking accounts.

3. What Are the Fees for the Account?

One of the ways banks make money is by charging fees, so you’ll want to be clear on what you might pay to have your account upfront. Some of the most important fees to ask about include:

•   Monthly maintenance fees for checking and savings accounts

•   Overdraft fees and returned item fees

•   Check ordering fees

•   Paper statement fees

•   Excess withdrawal fees, if you’re opening a savings account (these may be triggered by more than six withdrawals per month)

•   Wire transfer fees

You may be able to find a copy of the bank’s fee schedule on its website. If not, you can ask the bank to provide you with a list of fees. That way, you can review them before opening an account.

Recommended: Overdraft Fees vs. Non-Sufficient Funds Fees (NSF): What’s the Difference?

4. Is Overdraft Protection Offered?

Overdraft occurs when your checking account balance ends up in negative territory. Your bank can charge an overdraft fee for each item that exceeds your balance. One option for avoiding overdraft fees is enrolling in the bank’s overdraft protection.

That feature allows you to link a savings account to your checking. Then, if you’re in danger of an overdraft, the bank can transfer money over for you. The bank might charge you a fee to transfer funds, but the fee is usually less than the typical overdraft fee.

5. How Large Is the ATM Network?

If you routinely visit the ATM for cash, then you’ll want to ask the bank how large its network is and where you can complete transactions fee-free. It’s also a good idea to ask what fees you might pay for using an out-of-network ATM; the fee typically runs between $2 and $3.50 per transaction. You may also want to check whether any of those fees might be refunded to you at the end of the statement cycle.

6. Are There Transaction Limits?

Here’s another in the list of what questions to ask when opening a bank account: What are the transaction limits? This will let you know how much money can move in and out of your account over a set time period. Some of the transaction limits you might want to ask about include:

•   Debit card purchases

•   Cash withdrawals at ATMs

•   Cash withdrawals at a teller

•   ACH transfers

•   Wire transfers

•   Deposits, including direct deposits, ATM deposits, or ACH deposits

Banks can impose daily, weekly, or monthly limits on different types of transactions so it’s helpful to know what they are beforehand. You don’t want to be stuck trying to withdraw cash or make a large purchase, for example, only to find that you’ve already exceeded the allowed limit.

7. Do Accounts Earn Interest?

Savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts typically earn interest. If you’re interested in one of these accounts, it’s important to look at the interest rate vs. APY to see how much you could earn. Also of course check other details such as minimum deposit and account fees to make sure you get the best deal for your situation.

This is also a wise question to ask when opening a checking account. While some banks offer interest checking, those accounts are more of an exception than the rule. But if you’re specifically looking for interest-bearing checking, then you’ll want to ask the bank if that account option is available. You may find the best high-interest checking accounts at online banks and credit unions.

Recommended: Different Ways to Earn More Interest on Your Money

8. What Documents Are Needed to Open an Account?

Banks ask for certain information when opening an account. Knowing what you’ll need can save time during the account opening process. A typical bank account opening checklist includes:

•   Personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address

•   Social Security number and birth date

•   Government-issued photo ID

•   Bank account information if you’re making your initial deposit via an ACH transfer.

What if you’re opening a bank account for someone else to use? For example, what if you’re setting up a checking account for your teen, but you’re listed as the account owner? In that case, the bank might ask for some information about your child, like their name and date of birth.

9. Are Accounts FDIC- or NCUA-Insured?

As mentioned, the FDIC and NCUA insure deposit accounts against losses in case a bank or credit union fails. While it’s rare to find a bank or credit union that isn’t insured, it’s still a good idea to double-check and make sure you’re protected. An easy way to tell if a financial institution is covered is to look for FDIC or NCUA signage at a branch or on its website.

10. What Other Banking Products and Services Are Offered?

When opening a bank account, consider what else the bank or credit union offers besides checking and savings. For example, you might be interested in:

•   Credit cards

•   Home loans

•   Auto loans

•   Student loans

•   Personal loans or lines of credit

•   Business loans

•   Retirement products

•   Investment accounts

•   Insurance

•   Wealth management services

Looking at the bigger picture can help you to find a bank that fits where you are in life currently and where your financial goals might take you down the line. If you know you may need one or more of these products in the not too distant future, it could be wise to open your account at a place where you can easily access these offerings.

The Takeaway

Setting up a new bank account shouldn’t be a headache. Knowing which questions to ask and answer can make the process easier and help you determine which financial institution best meets your needs. It’s also helpful to compare accounts from different banks to get an idea of what each one has to offer.

If you’re interested in banking online, you might consider opening an online bank account with SoFi. You’ll pay no account fees while earning a great APY on deposits, both of which can help your money grow faster. And it’s super convenient: You can quickly open an account online and then spend and save in one place with our Checking and Savings account.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How much money do you need to open a bank account?

The amount of money you need to open a bank account can depend on the bank. At online banks, for instance, you might be able to open an account with as little as $1 or even no money at all. Traditional banks, on the other hand, might require $25 or more for a minimum opening deposit.

Is there a fee for closing a bank account?

Banks can charge a fee for closing an account if it hasn’t been open very long. For instance, you might pay a fee if you open a new account and then close it within six months. If there’s an account closing fee, it should be included on the bank’s fee schedule, so check their details or contact customer service.

Are online banks better than traditional banks?

Online banks can offer some advantages that you don’t always get with traditional banks. For example, online banks may not charge any monthly maintenance fees for checking or savings accounts. Initial deposit requirements may be lower, and interest rates for deposit accounts might be higher. Traditional banks, however, can offer branch banking access, so that’s something to weigh in the balance when deciding where to open an account.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/Sakibul Hasan

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.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 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.


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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What Does Private Banking Offer?

What Does Private Banking Offer?

Private banking refers to a range of banking products and services that are offered to certain clients, typically individuals who have a high or ultra high net worth. When you open a private bank account, you can enjoy certain benefits, including access to a dedicated banker.

Whether private banking is something you need or want, however, can depend on your financial situation, qualifications, and goals. Here, you’ll learn more about private banking and whether it might be right for you, today or in the future.

Key Points

•   Private banking can offer personalized services for high net worth individuals including estate planning, business management, and charitable giving.

•   Significant assets, often between $100,000 to $10 million, are typically required to qualify.

•   Premium features include optimized interest rates, asset management, and dedicated bankers.

•   Standard banking offers lower minimum deposits but fewer personalized services.

•   Fees may apply, but private banking offers waivers for higher balances.

🛈 While SoFi doesn’t currently offer private banking, we do provide a full suite of personal banking products to help you get your money right.

What Is Private Banking?

Private banking describes a division of retail banking that caters to individuals who have significant assets. Again, that typically means high net worth individuals who have substantial disposable assets.

•  The private banking minimum requirements can be quite steep. For instance, you may need anywhere from $100,000 to $10 million to enroll in private banking, depending on the bank.

•  Banks, brokerages, and other financial institutions can offer private banking as a concierge service to people whose needs go beyond regular personal banking. As noted, you may need to meet minimum account-opening requirements in order to take advantage of private banking features.

•  Private banking is sometimes grouped together with wealth management, though they mean different things. While private banking can encompass a variety of banking services, wealth management deals largely with investing and financial planning.

•  A dedicated banker can help with your private bank account while a wealth management advisor might offer advice on retirement planning or estate planning.

How Does Private Banking Work?

The exact details of what’s included with private banking typically depends on the bank. Generally speaking, private banking is designed to provide a more personalized banking experience that’s focused on your financial goals, needs, and situation.

For example, some of the features and services you might have access to include:

•   Premium checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts

•   Foreign currency exchange services

•   Specialized financing

•   Real estate lending

•   Specialty services for people who work in specific industries

•   Interest rate discounts on loans

•   Enhanced interest rates on deposit accounts

•   Fee waivers

•   Investment advice, if your private banking service extends to wealth management

•   Estate, trust, and insurance planning

•   Business management services

•   Charitable giving services

•   Personalized customer service

In other words, you’re getting much more than just a checking and savings account when you sign up for private banking. However, all of that added value may come at a higher cost, as banks may charge more for things like monthly maintenance fees if you don’t maintain a certain minimum balance.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Achieve Financial Security

Private Bank vs Public Bank

The term “public bank” can refer to banks that are owned by government entities rather than shareholders. Public banks operate to serve or fulfill a mission that’s designed to benefit the greater good. For example, a public bank might operate in order to generate revenue that could be used to pay for public works projects like new roads or schools.

When you’re talking about private banking and how it compares to other forms of banking, it’s more appropriate to use standard or typical banking as the benchmark. This is the kind of banking you might use everyday. For example, you’re using standard traditional or online banking services when you open a checking account at a bank.

Private banking, as described above, typically offers more personalized service and a suite of offerings in addition to the usual checking and savings accounts.

Who Are They For?

Standard banking and private banking can meet very different needs. In terms of which one is the better option, it depends on your personal situation.

Standard banking is designed for people who:

•   Are looking for a safe, secure place to keep their money

•   Need basic money management tools, like checking and savings accounts, for their earned and passive income streams

•   Want to have access to their money through online and mobile banking, branches, or ATMs

•   Don’t necessarily need wealth or asset management services.

Meanwhile, private banking is suited for people who:

•   Need more than just a checking or savings account

•   Want to work one-on-one with a banker, financial advisor, or team of financial professionals

•   Have sufficient assets to qualify for opening a private bank account

•   Are interested in comprehensive financial planning services

The biggest distinction is the range of services offered. Private banking tends to be substantially more comprehensive in its approach to money management.

Banking Services

As discussed, private banking can span a much wider range of banking and financial management services. For instance, you might be able to meet with your private banker or wealth manager to open a new checking account, establish a trust, and create a plan for tax-efficient charitable giving.

With standard banking, you’re more often doing basic things like opening new accounts, applying for loans, or depositing funds.

Banking Access

Private banking and standard banking may both offer the same degree of access, in terms of depositing or withdrawing money or paying bills. You might be able to manage your accounts online, via mobile banking, at a branch, or an ATM. There may, however, be different limits on how much you can withdraw, spend, or deposit each day with traditional vs. private bank accounts.

Recommended: APY Interest Calculator

Banking Fees

Both traditional and private banks can charge fees. Some of the most common fees include monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, excess withdrawal fees for savings accounts, and returned payment fees. Opting for private banking doesn’t mean you’ll escape those fees, though some banks do offer fee waivers when you meet a higher minimum balance requirement.

Private vs Standard Banking: Pros and Cons

Both standard and private banking have advantages and disadvantages to consider before opening an account. Here are some of the main pros and cons of using private banking vs. standard banking.

Private Banking

Standard Banking

Pros Comprehensive banking services that can include wealth management, estate planning, and insurance planning

Private banking clients may have access to a dedicated banker, allowing for a more personalized banking experience

Private bank accounts can include premium features, such as optimized interest rates, fee waivers, and specialty banking services

Standard banking can offer a safe, secure way for people to manage the money that they spend and save

Standard banking is easily accessible for most people, with relatively low minimum-deposit requirements in most cases

You might be able to unlock added features, such as interest rate discounts for accounts in good standing

Cons Minimum investment requirements may be high

Banks may charge higher monthly maintenance fees if you fail to meet minimum balance requirements

Standard banking doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles

Standard banking can charge fees, though online banks may have low or no fees, offering a more attractive choice for some people

Many banks that offer standard banking services also offer private banking services. For example, some of the biggest banks that have both types of banking include:

•   Bank of America

•   Chase

•   Citi

•   U.S. Bank

•   Wells Fargo

These are all well-known names in the banking industry. While online banks seem not to have yet jumped into the private banking pool, it’s possible that as the online banking industry expands, you may see more premium products and features offered.

Recommended: Different Ways to Earn More Interest on Your Money

Private Banking Minimum Requirements

As mentioned, private banking is generally available only to people who can meet certain requirements. Financial institutions that offer private banking services may use net worth or liquid assets as the baseline for determining who can open an account. There may be additional minimum deposit requirements you’ll need to meet once you open your account.

Not all private banks state upfront the amount of money needed to be considered a private client. Typically, the figure is around $250,000 in banking assets. However, it can be more or less.

•   Chase offers private client banking to those with a daily average of $150,000 in Chase investments and accounts.

•   At Citi, Citigold private clients must keep at least $1,000,000 in eligible linked deposit, retirement and investment accounts.

While you can open traditional checking accounts or savings accounts online, that usually isn’t an option for private banking. Instead, you might be directed on the bank’s website to call or send a secure message to request an initial meeting with a private banker to discuss your eligibility. The banker may ask for information about your income, assets, and debt to determine whether you meet the net worth guidelines.

If you get the green light to open a private bank account, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate paperwork, which is no different from opening any other bank account. You’ll also need to make a minimum deposit. Depending on how much money you’re depositing, you may need to obtain an official check from your current bank or brokerage or arrange a wire transfer.

The Takeaway

Private banking isn’t necessarily right for everyone, and if you don’t currently have a high net worth, you may not need these services. However, it’s a good idea to understand what private banking involves if you’re focused on building wealth and eventually want to take your banking to the next level.

FAQ

How does private banking work?

Private banking is geared toward high net worth individuals. By keeping a certain amount of money on deposit or invested with a financial institution, private banking can offer additional products and services, such as wealth management, optimized interest rates, and other perks.

How much money do you need for private banking?

The amount of money you need to access private banking services will depend on a financial institution’s guidelines. For instance, at one bank, you might need $100,000 on deposit or invested; at another, you might need more than $1 million.

What are the downsides of private banking?

The downsides of private banking include needing considerable wealth to qualify, being restricted to using the financial institution’s products and services, and potentially paying high fees and commissions.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/mapodile

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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.


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

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Money Market Account vs. Savings Account

Savings Account vs Money Market Comparison

There are plenty of ways to stow your money for future use, and two popular options are savings accounts and money market accounts. These financial products have similarities, such as both being interest-earning, insured ways to stash cash for future needs. However, one may better suit your particular situation better than another.

If you’re wondering how to pick between a money market or savings account, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll get the intel you need, including:

•  What is a savings account?

•  What is a money market account?

•  What are the differences between a savings and a money market account?

•  When should you use a money market vs. a savings account?

•  What are the risks for savings and money market accounts?

What Is a Money Market Account?

A money market account is a type of deposit account offered by banks and credit unions. These accounts can also be referred to as money market deposit accounts, money market savings accounts, or by their acronym, MMAs.

So how does a money market account work?

•  Money market accounts allow you to deposit money and earn interest on those deposits.

•  The interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY) earned can depend on the bank and the terms of the account.

•  If you need to withdraw money from a money market account, you will probably find quite a lot of flexibility. You may be able to do it via ACH transfer, debit card, check, or ATM withdrawal.

While Federal Reserve rules limiting you to six withdrawals per month from a money market account have been suspended, banks can still impose withdrawal limits. If you exceed the allowed number of withdrawals, your bank can charge an excess withdrawal fee for each transaction over the limit. It can be wise to check with your bank about their policies.

Worth noting: If you are wondering about a money market account vs. a money market fund, know that the latter is a type of mutual fund. Since it’s an investment, it is neither insured by the FDIC nor is it backed by the U.S. government.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

What Is a Savings Account?

A savings account is also a deposit account that can be used to hold money you don’t plan to spend right away. Banks and credit unions can pay interest to savers, though there can be a significant difference in rates from one financial institution to the next. Online search tools will quickly and conveniently show you some options.

Can you spend money from a savings account? Technically, a savings account is meant for funds you’ll eventually spend. For example, you might open a savings account to hold money for an emergency fund or for a wedding you’re planning. But you typically can’t spend freely from a savings account the way you would a checking account.

Access may be somewhat limited. Savings accounts usually don’t come with a debit card, ATM card, or checks. If you need to take money from savings, you will probably either transfer funds using your financial institution’s website or an app, by phone, or by visiting a branch if your account is held at a traditional bank. And again, banks can limit the number of withdrawals you’re allowed to make per month.

3 Main Differences Between Money Market vs. Savings Account

Both money market and savings accounts are interest-bearing deposit account options. We’ve just noted another similarity: They can both be subject to monthly withdrawal limits. But now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between money market vs. savings accounts. This intel may help you decide which kind of account best suits your particular needs.

1. Access and Flexibility

A money market account can offer an advantage over a savings account when it comes to how you can access your money. Depending on the bank, your options for making deposits and withdrawals might include:

•  Debit card

•  ATM card

•  Paper checks

•  Electronic transfers

•  Remote deposit capture (for mobile check deposit)

•  Teller withdrawals/deposits

Access to a savings account, on the other hand, is usually limited to electronic, ATM, or teller transactions.

With online banks, ACH transfers to and from a linked account at an external bank, wire transfers, mobile check deposit, or mailed paper checks may be your only option for making deposits or withdrawals. Some online banks enable you to make withdrawals from certain ATM networks, however, which adds to their convenience.

2. Account Opening

A number of banks allow you to open both money market and savings accounts online — a nice convenience. However, there may be differences in the minimum deposit requirement. Generally, money market accounts tend to require a higher minimum deposit to open.

So instead of being able to open a new account with a minimal amount (even no money), which may be the case with a savings account, you might need $100, $1,000, or more instead. Again, how much cash you’ll need to open a money market account vs. savings acct can depend on the bank.

3. Interest and Fees

Money market accounts and savings accounts can also differ when it comes to the interest you can earn and the fees you might pay. If you put a regular savings account vs. money market account from an online bank side by side, for example, the regular savings account is more likely to offer a lower rate and APY, or annual percentage yield. In addition, it’s more likely to charge a monthly maintenance fee.

An online money market account, on the other hand, may have no monthly maintenance fee at all and may offer considerably higher interest rates vs. traditional banks.

Additionally, money market accounts often offer tiered rates, meaning the more you have on deposit, the higher the rate you may qualify for.

💡 Quick Tip: Most savings accounts only earn a fraction of a percentage in interest. Not at SoFi. Our high-yield savings account can help you make meaningful progress towards your financial goals.

Similarities Between Money Market and Savings Accounts

Here’s a closer look at ways in which savings and money market accounts are similar.

Earning Interest

Both money market accounts and savings accounts pay you interest. When you keep money at a financial institution, they use some of it for other aspects of their business, such as loans to other customers. For the privilege of using some of your funds this way, they pay you interest. Usually, this interest rate will vary with economic factors.

Being Insured

Money market and savings accounts are both likely to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or NCUA, the National Credit Union Administration. Typically, accounts are insured for $250,000 per depositor, per financial institution, per ownership category.

Offering Accessibility and Liquidity

Unlike time deposits (such as certificates of deposit, or CDs), savings and money market accounts allow you to withdraw funds at will vs. waiting for the maturation date. However, there may be limits on how many outbound transactions you can make per month, depending upon the institution.

When You Should Use a Savings Account

A savings account could be a good fit in several scenarios:

•  One good reason to use a savings account is if you want a safe place to set aside money for future expenses. Maybe you are gathering funds to landscape your yard next spring. Or perhaps you just want to be prepared and several months’ worth of living expenses stashed away in case of emergency (which is a very good idea).

•  You might opt for a savings account vs. money market account if you don’t necessarily need a debit card, ATM card, or checks to access funds.

•  Where you decide to open a savings account can depend on your needs and personal banking preferences. Online banks may appeal to you if you’re looking for long-term savings account options that pay the best interest rates and charge the fewest fees.

On the other hand, you might choose a regular savings account at a brick-and-mortar bank instead if you want to be able to get cash at a teller or drive-thru in a pinch. It’s your call.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $3M of additional
FDIC insurance.


When You Should Use a Money Market Account

Money market accounts definitely have their appeal, too. They are attractive if you need a low-risk option to put cash away for a rainy day or until you’re ready to spend it on a planned expense. For example, you might consider opening a money market account if you’re saving toward any of these goals:

•  Down payment on a home

•  New (or used) car

•  Vacation

•  Wedding

•  Education expenses

•  Home renovations or repairs

In any of those scenarios, a money market account could offer convenience if you need to write a check or use your debit card to pay for something. If you’re upgrading your kitchen, for example, you could write a check to your contractor from your money market account.

Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of savings vs. money market accounts:

Pros of Savings Accounts

Pros of Money Market Accounts

Cons of Savings Accounts

Cons of Money Market Accounts

InsuredInsuredMay be charged for excess withdrawalsMay be charged for excess withdrawals
Earns interestEarns interestLess accessMay have higher balance requirements
Secure way to saveSecure way to saveNo tax benefitsNo tax benefits
Easy access/withdrawalsMay have more fees

Potential Risks of Using a Money Market or Savings Account

Ready to take a look at the potential downsides of having a money market or savings account? In general, you don’t have too much to worry about. Money market accounts and savings accounts are both quite low-risk since these products can be FDIC-insured.

FDIC insurance applies in the rare event that a bank fails. In that case, as noted above, protection extends up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, per insured financial institution.

That said, there are some potential drawbacks to these accounts. Being aware of the risks is of course a good idea as you choose the best type of savings account.

Money Market Account

Here are some of the main risks associated with money market accounts:

•  Monthly maintenance fees may apply if your balance falls below the required minimum.

•  Interest rates are not fixed, so you’re not guaranteed to earn a higher APY.

•  Additional withdrawals from a money market account may trigger fees.

•  There aren’t tax benefits for saving this way.

Savings Account

Consider these risks before opening a savings account:

•  Interest rates may be well below what you could get with a money market account (though typically online banks offer a higher APY than traditional ones).

•  Accessing cash in an emergency may be difficult if you don’t have an ATM card and/or your money is at an online bank without an extensive ATM network.

•  You may be penalized for withdrawals over and above your limit.

•  You won’t enjoy tax benefits for saving with this kind of account.

Recommended: Ways to Earn Interest on Your Money

Opening a SoFi Savings Account

Money market accounts and savings accounts can both offer ways to earn interest on your money while safely stowing it away. Whether you’ll benefit more from a money market account vs. savings account can depend on how much you plan to keep in the account, the interest rate and APY you’re hoping to earn, and how you’d like to be able to access your money. Those fine points can make the difference between growing your money in a way that’s frustrating or fabulous.

On the topic of fabulous: Finding the right banking partner for your funds can enhance your money management.

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


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is a money market better than a savings account?

A money market account might be better than a savings account for people who want to be able to make purchases from the account using a debit card, write checks against their balances, or withdraw cash at an ATM. When comparing money market vs. savings accounts, it’s important to compare the accessibility, fees, interest rates, and other features.

Can you lose your money in a money market account?

Money market accounts are some of the safest places to keep your money. Even if your bank fails, which happens rarely, you’d still be protected by FDIC coverage up to the applicable limit.

Do you get taxed on money market accounts?

Interest earned in a money market account is considered to be taxable by the IRS. If your money market account earns interest for the year, your bank will send you a Form 1099-INT to report interest income. The bank will also send a copy of this form to the IRS on your behalf.

What is the downside of a money market account?

A money market account may have a higher opening deposit and ongoing minimum balance requirement vs. a savings account. Also, it may have limits on the number of withdrawals you can make.

Is a money market account safer than a savings account?

Both money market accounts and savings accounts are typically insured by either the FDIC or NCUA, depending on your financial institution, for $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, per insured institution.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci

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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.
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.

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