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Accidents happen; they’re simply a part of life. And one of the hiccups that can occur is a direct deposit going to a bank account that is closed. Maybe the account holder shut it or the financial institution did, but either way, the money may seem to be lost in the ether. Not a good feeling!

If you’re in this situation or worried about it occurring, relax. The money isn’t going to vanish into a black hole. The issue can usually be resolved, and there are several ways to track and reclaim the funds.

What Is a Closed Account?

A closed account refers to a deactivated or terminated account; in other words, it’s no longer open and available for deposits and withdrawals. The account holder, a custodian or the account, or the banking institution can usually close an account.

Why might a bank close an account? This can be what happens when your bank account is negative and you fail to replenish it and/or pay overdraft fees. Or perhaps the bank has seen activity they don’t think is legitimate, among other reasons.

Once this happens, it’s generally not possible to deposit funds by direct deposit or otherwise into the account.
(We’ll walk through exceptions to this rule shortly.) Often the term “closed account” refers to a checking or savings account, but it can also refer to a derivative trading, auto loan, brokerage, or credit card account.

💡 Quick Tip: Consumers spend more than they realize on bank fees every year. With an online checking account with no fees from SoFi you won’t pay an account fee, and you even get overdraft coverage for up to $50 with qualifying direct deposits.

What Can Happen to a Direct Deposit if It Is Sent to a Closed Account?

Sometimes, you may have gone to the trouble of setting up direct deposit in the past, but then the account later winds up closed. You might wonder what happens if a direct deposit is sent to a closed account.

Most banks have a standard process they follow when misdirected money is received. Let’s look at a few different situations that can play out.

Direct Deposit Will Be Returned to the Sender

In many cases when someone tries to send money to a closed account, the bank will simply return the funds to the sender or decline the transaction. It can take about five to 10 days for funds to be returned to the sender. This timeline can speed up if the account holder to whom the deposit was intended is in good standing with the bank.

Bank Can Possibly Hold Funds

If a deposit is issued to a closed account, the bank may choose to hold onto the funds and may give the account holder time to reopen a closed bank account. Reopening a closed account, however, is only possible in a couple of scenarios. It’s not a sure thing.

Sometimes, a situation arises with what is known as a dormant account. This means there hasn’t been any activity over a period of time except for interest accruing. You may be able to get the account fully up and running again by contacting your financial institution.

In other cases, you might be able to reopen an account that is frozen. In the case of a frozen account, you may not be able to withdraw funds due to the financial institution’s decision (perhaps there is activity that doesn’t seem legitimate) or a court order (that is, a judgment against you). In some of these scenarios, you may be able to fix a frozen account by talking with your bank, or you may need legal assistance.

Banks may be more willing to work with customers if this is the first time a situation like this (meaning a dormant or frozen account) has happened. If a deposit was intended for you and you are able to reopen your account, this issue can resolve quickly—possibly within 24 hours.

Bank May Issue a Paper Check

Some banks choose to issue a paper check to the individual who owns the closed account. Other times, the company or individual with whom you set up direct deposit may get their funds back from the bank and then may make the payment via a paper check.

When Does a Bank Return a Direct Deposit to the Sender?

If a bank receives a direct deposit for a closed account or for a faulty account number, they may choose to return the direct deposit to the sender or to simply decline the transaction.

Can a Direct Deposit Reopen a Closed Account?

Occasionally, a direct deposit being sent to a closed account can trigger its reopening. A bank may choose to give a customer the chance to reopen their account. They might hold onto the funds until the account is reopened so they can complete the direct deposit.

This happens very much on a case-by-case, bank-by-bank decision. Communication with your financial institution can be very important in this situation. Next, you’ll learn more about how this works.

Recommended: How Long Does a Direct Deposit Take to Go Through?

What Can I Do if My Direct Deposit Was Sent to a Closed Account?

If a direct deposit was sent into a closed account, the best thing to do is to contact the bank the funds were sent to. This can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Every bank has its own processes for handling situations like this. Yours can help you understand what the best next steps may be.

The bank may or may not play a role in getting the funds to you. In some cases, you may need to deal directly with the payor. But in either case, your financial institution should be able to give you guidance.

Also, remember that while it can be stressful when a direct deposit goes to a closed account, the money won’t be lost. You should be able to get your funds back.

Avoiding a Misdirected Direct Deposit

To avoid having a direct deposit sent to a closed account, it’s best to get ahead of the issue. These are some steps you can take to help avoid a misdirected direct deposit.

•   Double-check account numbers on direct deposit forms. Whenever filling out a new direct deposit form, it’s a good idea to double (if not triple) check the account numbers on the form. Likewise, if you are expecting a recurring direct deposit to a closed bank account, it’s important to get it redirected to a current open account and carefully check that the digits are correct.

•   Cancel direct deposits before canceling a bank account. To help avoid any issues with direct deposits, it’s a good idea to cancel or alter any direct deposits before closing a bank account. Then, you can make sure payments are heading to a bank account that can receive the funds. That way, any issues can be resolved before the account closes so the money doesn’t get stuck in limbo.

Recommended: Are You Bad with Money? Here’s How to Get Better

Banking With SoFi

Not happy with your current bank? Why not open a bank account online with SoFi Checking and Savings? We’ll help you bank better. When you open an account with direct deposit, you’ll earn a competitive APY and you won’t pay any account fees. What’s more, qualifying accounts can have direct deposit paid up to two days earlier — among many more perks!

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

FAQ

Can a direct deposit go into a closed account?

What happens if a direct deposit goes to a closed account? There are several outcomes that vary bank to bank. In some cases, the financial institution may hold onto the funds and let the customer reopen their account to claim the money; it might send the funds back to the payer or decline the transaction; or it may choose to issue a paper check to the payee.

How long does it take for a payment to bounce back from a closed account?

If an individual or business issues a direct deposit to a closed account, the bank may choose to either decline the transaction or send the funds back to the payer. If they choose to send the funds back to the payer, it typically takes anywhere from five to 10 days for them to get their money back.

What happens to money refunded to a closed bank account?

A few different scenarios can happen if money is refunded to a closed bank account. The bank to simply decline the transaction or to send the funds back to the payer. Other options include issuing a paper check to the payee or possibly holding onto the funds and giving the payee the option to reopen their closed account.

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Photo credit: iStock/MissTuni

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. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOBK0622012

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In most parts of the country, a $100,000 salary is considered good; maybe even very, very good. It can be more than enough for an individual or even a small family to live comfortably. With $100,000 a year, a person could cover typical expenses, pay down debt, build their savings, contribute toward retirement, invest, and still have enough money for entertainment, hobbies, and vacations.

But there can certainly be exceptions to whether $100K a year is good, as well as ways to make that salary go even farther than it might otherwise.

Factors to Determine if a $100,000 Salary Is Good

Is $100K a good salary? In almost every case, yes. It’s well above the poverty line as well as the American median income for both individuals and smaller families. Even in the face of rising inflation, a $100,000 annual income can typically afford a comfortable lifestyle and financial stability.

Here are some factors to determine if $100,000 is a good salary:

•   Location: While $100K can cover expenses in most places across the U.S., it won’t stretch as far in places with a higher cost of living. In some of the most expensive cities in the U.S., a $100K salary might mean spending a significantly higher percentage of your income on housing. For instance, in the summer of 2022, the average rent in Manhattan hit $5,000 a month.

•   Taxes: As an individual, $100K a year puts you in the 24% federal income tax bracket. That means that you’d only bring home $76,000 after federal taxes — even less depending on state, city, and school district taxes. Married individuals bringing in $100,000 total are taxed slightly lower (22%), meaning $78,000 after Uncle Sam’s cut at the federal level.

•   Family size: A $100K a year salary can yield comfortable living for most individuals, but the larger a family becomes, the harder it is to make that money stretch. Additional children or other dependents may result in higher grocery bills, utility usage, school costs, and doctor visits.

How Does a $100,000 Salary Compare to the American Median Income?

The American median household income is roughly $67,500, per the latest published U.S. Census results. More recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median weekly income for a full-time worker is $1,037, which translates to a $54,000 median annual salary.

Either way, a $100,000 salary is almost double the American median income. If you live in what’s known as a DINK household (dual income, no kids) and your domestic partner also brings home a sizable paycheck, you are sitting even higher above that median household income.

Recommended: Typical Bills for One Person Per Month

What Percentage of Americans Make Over $100,000 Annually?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 15.3% of American households pull in more than $100,000 annually. However, a “household” might consist of two or more salaries totaling $100,000.

$100,000 Salary Breakdown

So is making $100K a year good? It’s almost surely easier than living on $20K a year. Let’s look at how it breaks down into monthly, weekly, and even daily pay:

•   Monthly income: $8,333.33

•   Biweekly paycheck: $3,846.15

•   Weekly income: $1,923.08

•   Daily income: $384.62 based on 260 working days per year.

Keep in mind that this salary breakdown uses pre-tax income. Actual paychecks will likely be lower after taxes and any health insurance premiums and retirement contributions are deducted.

Can You Live Individually on a $100,000 Income?

It is indeed possible to live individually on a $100,000 income. At that salary, many individuals will be able to cover not only basic living expenses but also discretionary expenses, like dining out and traveling.

Individuals making $100K annually often have enough disposable income to pay down debt, contribute to retirement, work toward multiple savings goals (like home ownership and vacations), and even invest.

How Much Rent Can You Afford Living on a $100,000 Income?

The conventional advice on how much of your income to spend on housing is no more than 30%. While economists may need to reevaluate that number given current inflation and soaring housing prices, that would mean an individual could afford $30,000 in rent costs each year, or roughly $2,500 a month, on $100K a year.

However, at $100,000 a year, an individual could consider buying a home instead. A $100K salary might make it easier to save for a down payment and keep up with maintenance expenses, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

Best Places to Live on a $100,000 Salary

At $100,000 a year, an individual or small family can likely live in most locations. In fact, $100,000 is higher than the annual median income ($65,290) of America’s most expensive city, Los Angeles.

That said, if you want to make your dollars stretch as far as possible, consider what U.S. News has deemed the five cheapest cities to live in 2022:

•   Hickory, North Carolina

•   Green Bay, Wisconsin

•   Huntsville, Alabama

•   Quad Cities (Davenport-Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline-Rock Island, Illinois)

•   Fort Wayne, Indiana

Recommended: Cost of Living by State

Worst Places to Live on a $100,000 Salary

A $100,000 salary can typically afford at least basic living expenses even in America’s most expensive cities. However, living in such places can make it harder to build your savings and invest toward your future.

If you want to live comfortably on $100,000 a year, it may be wise to avoid what have been deemed America’s most expensive cities in 2022:

•   Los Angeles, California

•   Miami, Florida

•   San Diego, California

•   Salinas, California

•   Santa Barbara, California

Is a $100,000 Salary Considered Rich?

Many people may consider a $100,000 salary to be rich. However, “rich” is a relative term with a vague definition, meaning an abundance of wealth and assets. Much of it depends on where you live and how you use the income (spending vs. saving vs. investing).

Also, consider how personal circumstances can differ. If you earn $100K a year and your spouse doesn’t work outside the home and you are supporting three children as well as a relative with medical needs, that high salary may not stretch as far. Add some student loans, a jumbo mortgage, and car payments to the picture, and you realize a person earning $100,000 a year might not qualify as rich in most people’s estimation. They may be barely making ends meet.

Tips for Living off a $100,000 Budget

How can you make the most of a $100,000 salary? Here are a few tips for living off a $100,000 budget:

Getting on a Budget

No matter your salary, it’s a good idea to design a monthly budget. At a minimum, keep track of your monthly expenses vs. your monthly income. After you have accounted for all your mandatory expenses, like your mortgage and your groceries, you can calculate what you have left for discretionary expenses (the “wants” in life), savings, debt repayment, and investments.

Saving Your Money

It’s a good idea to have emergency savings at the very least; being able to cover three to six months’ of expenses without any income flowing in is ideal.

Beyond an emergency savings, you may want to allocate money in your budget each month to other savings goals, including a house or car down payment, wedding, vacation, or home renovations. Having a high-interest savings account with automatic savings features can help you get to your goal faster.

Recommended: How to Save Money From Your Salary

Getting Out of Debt

Paying down debt can be a good use of funds when you have room in your budget, especially if you have particularly high-interest credit card debt. You can weigh options like the debt avalanche vs. debt snowball method when you have multiple sources of debt or even consider a credit card debt consolidation loan.

Creating a Retirement Plan

If you’re wondering “When should I start saving for retirement?” many financial experts would likely say the answer is “yesterday.” The sooner you start saving, the sooner your money can grow via compound interest.

If your employer offers a 401(k) match and you can afford to funnel a percentage of your paycheck into a retirement account, it’s often a wise idea to opt in. But employer-sponsored 401(k) accounts aren’t your only retirement option. Depending on your situation, it may be a good idea to take advantage of a rollover or traditional IRA and other retirement strategies.

Investing Your Money

Investing isn’t only for retirement. If you are earning $100K a year and have extra money after having built up emergency savings and wiped out your debt, you might benefit from investing in the stock market or even real estate.

Learning how to invest can be intimidating; if you’re not sure where to start, it can be a good idea to work with a trusted investment broker.

The Takeaway

For most individuals and small families, the answer to “Is $100,000 a good salary?” is a resounding “yes.” Cost of living and family size can affect how far $100,000 will go, but generally speaking, you can live comfortably on $100,000 a year.

Are you hoping to make the most of your salary? Consider a bank account from SoFi Banking. When opened with direct deposit, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no monthly account fees, which can help your money grow faster. Plus, eligible SoFi accounts provide paycheck access up to two days early. You enjoy other rewards, like cash back on local purchases and no-fee overdraft coverage.

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

FAQ

What jobs pay over $100,000?

Many jobs pay over $100,000 a year in various fields. These jobs include doctors, lawyers, software engineers, business leaders, pharmacists, psychologists, IT managers, finance managers, and many others. Those in creative fields, from writers to hair stylists, can earn that salary, too.

Is making $100,000 a year common?

Making $100,000 a year is not common in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 15.3% of American households make more than $100,000.

Can you live comfortably on $100K a year?

Most people can live comfortably on $100K a year. If you live in an area with a high cost of living and/or have a large family or very high expenses and/or debt, it may be more difficult to live comfortably on $100K a year. In either case, it is usually not challenging to afford basic living expenses.

What is considered wealthy in the U.S.?

Americans said in one survey that they believe it takes a net worth of $2.2 million to be considered “wealthy.” When calculating net worth, you’ll factor in more than just income; it also includes assets (like a house and retirement account), less any debts and liabilities.

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Photo credit: iStock/Inside Creative House

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. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOBK0822011

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Most of us have some dreams for our financial future, whether that means buying a home, starting a business, sending a kid to college with a minimum of student loans, or retiring by age 50, or perhaps even all of the above.

Your vision of your future is undoubtedly unique, but one thing all these dreams have in common: They usually are free, and they don’t unfold without planning and effort.

Whether you’re dreaming big of owning multiple homes and taking luxurious vacations or are more focused on simply getting out of credit card debt, achieving financial security can be one way to make it a reality.

What is the definition of financial security? It means you can meet your financial obligations, feel secure about your financial future, and you are able to enjoy life rather than dealing with a major dose of money stress.

Here, you’ll learn more about financial security and some simple steps that can help get you on the path to achieving it.

What Is Financial Security?

One definition of financial security is being able to pay the bills (without having to check account balances first) and not being worried that you’ll run out of money down the road. It’s also a sense of knowledge and control when it comes to your personal finances.

This can include a huge range of lifestyles and aspirations. For some people, it’s all about the numbers — how much they own, the size of their portfolio, or their net worth. But for others, it could mean accumulating a nest egg so they can travel the planet with all their earthly possessions in a backpack and work odd jobs wherever they land until they make enough money for a ticket to their next destination.

Why Financial Security Matters

Financial security matters for several reasons. One, these can be uncertain times. Think about how much life changed during the pandemic and how thin some people were stretched financially. Consider how health emergencies and job layoffs can crop up unexpectedly. When you have financial security, you are likely better able to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Also, having financial security means you have a plan and are preparing for what’s ahead. That’s a valuable thing in and of itself. It means you are paying attention to your earnings, spending, and saving. You’re in the driver’s seat and can course-correct when needed.


💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Open a bank account online so you can manage bills, deposits, transfers — all from one convenient app.

7 Ways to Achieve Financial Security

For those who haven’t received a huge inheritance or won the lottery, achieving financial security is likely to involve lots of hard work, determination, and a DIY attitude.

Why? One reason is because the safety nets intended to protect Americans in retirement are starting to unravel. The Social Security trust fund is on the way toward depletion sometime after 2034, and recipients might only receive a portion of the benefits they were expecting. That’s only a decade or so away.

The good news is, it’s never too late to get in the game. And achieving financial security may even help achieve emotional wellness at the same time. Win-win!

Here are a few smart strategies that could help with laying out a financial security plan.

1. Setting Goals

Financial goal-setting can be like jumping ahead to the last chapter of a book. It starts with the endgame, such as paying for kids’ college, traveling, or upgrading a home or vehicle.

From there, “reading” goes backward by breaking those goals into bite-size steps until the arrival at Chapter 1 — an overview of the current situation and a plan to meet those long-term goals.

Short-term financial goals could include things like paying off high-interest debt, eliminating student loans, optimizing a credit score, or growing an emergency fund.

Once those are achieved, money could be shifted into longer-term planning, such as retirement (perhaps even retiring early), buying or upgrading a home, paying off a mortgage, or investing.

No matter how long it takes, checking something off a goal list can be a huge feeling of accomplishment, as well as motivation to start the next chapter.

2. Creating a Goals-Based Budget

As a good witch from the North once said, “It’s always best to start at the beginning.” And when outlining a plan for financial security, that can mean taking a refresher course on personal finance basics.

Getting reacquainted with simple concepts like avoiding credit cards, paying bills on time, and creating a budget could be a good way to help focus on a plan that’s all about individual goals.

It could also help kickstart a habit of tracking cash flow, because creating a budget that curbs spending or pumps up savings isn’t likely to work if where the money is going remains a mystery.

And remember that joy of checking off boxes? Every time money that used to be spent instead goes toward a savings goal, it could trigger that same feeling of accomplishment.

3. Keeping Your Money Safe

How else to achieve financial security? Keep your money safe. This strategy isn’t about stashing cash under the mattress. In 21st-century terms, keeping money safe is more about making decisions that will protect an investment.

•   You’ll likely want to keep your money at a financial institution that’s insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or NCUA, the National Credit Union Administration.

•   Tactics like diversifying a portfolio to include some low-risk investments, cash-based savings investments, or even commodities, can help keep that portfolio steady if the market has a bad day.

•   Keeping your money safe could also involve keeping finances organized so it’s obvious what money is where, knowing the penalties and late fees on each account, when bills are due, and how much interest is being earned.

•   Since much of today’s money management is done online, keeping money safe can also mean protecting identity, passwords, and offline financial documents.

4. Getting Out of Debt

If those monthly high-interest credit-card payments didn’t exist, where would that money go instead? Paying off debt could free up a potentially big chunk of money to put toward those big dreams.

Creating a debt-payoff strategy can take just as much time and effort as creating a financial wellness plan, but if one is dependent on the other, it’s an essential step.

Two popular methods include:

•   The debt snowball, which calls for paying off the lowest balance first and then applying that entire amount to the next-lowest balance (on top of the minimum).

•   The debt avalanche, which is similar but focuses on the highest-interest debt first.

Other solutions for dealing with debt include looking into zero- or low-interest balance transfer offers for credit cards, which can give your breathing room (often 18 months) to pay off what you owe without those steep interest charges. Or you might look into debt consolidation with a personal loan, which could give you a lower monthly payment, or you might meet with a low- or no-cost debt counselor for guidance.

Recommended: Steps to Financial Freedom

5. Saving

Having money in the bank, whether for short- or long-term goals, is an important part of financial security. Some pointers:

•   Keeping money in a high-interest savings account for short-term use can be a good way to put your cash to work earning you some money. Typically, online banks vs. traditional ones offer the best rates.

•   Aim to build an emergency fund equal to three to six months’ salary, which would tide you over if you had a major medical bill or car repair or got laid off. You might decide that a high-interest savings account is the safest place to keep the funds. (It can also provide the easiest access to money in a pinch.)

•   Consider automating your finances and paying yourself first. This can mean setting up recurring transfers from checking right after you are paid into your savings account. You don’t see the money in checking, so you’re not tempted to spend it, and your savings account can grow.


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

6. Investing

To achieve financial security by saving for the longer term, there’s goals-based investing. This is different from traditional portfolio investing in that, instead of focusing on which assets will give the best returns over a period of time, the strategy is adapted to meet individual needs.

An investment strategy to save for a down payment, for example, is different both financially and psychologically from saving for retirement in 15 years or more.

You can also determine your risk tolerance based on the timeline of your goal as well as other factors.

7. Managing Your Expenses

A key aspect of how to achieve financial security can be understanding where your money goes and keeping close tabs on it. Your budget will help with that.

However, to really ensure that you meet future goals, you may want to avoid these two scenarios:

•   One is lifestyle creep. This means that as you earn more, you spend more, so your future goals don’t get well funded. For instance, if you change jobs and get a $10,000 raise (congratulations!) and promptly move to a pricier new home and lease a luxury car, you could wind up spending more than you actually receive after taxes. So you want to carefully balance rewarding yourself for a job well done and achieving the aspirations that represent financial security to you.

•   Another issue can be FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. This is when we succumb to social pressure. In the case of finances, it could be that all your friends have every streaming service known to humankind, and you feel compelled to sign up too. Who wants to miss out on discussions about the latest hit? Or you might see that all your coworkers are traveling to Europe, and you decide to book an expensive trip too. Doing so could throw your savings plan off for a long time to come.

Holding your ground, managing your budget, and remembering your most important goals can keep you on track to achieve financial security.

Opening a SoFi Savings Account

The “How to Achieve Financial Security” list can be long and varied, but as the old saying goes, there are two ways to make money: You work for it or make it work for you. If you’re ready to make your money work harder, it may be time to review your banking partner.

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

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

FAQ

What is an example of financial security?

Financial security means being able to afford your lifestyle, not carry too much (bad) debt, and being able to save for your future.

How do you start financial security?

There are several important steps towards financial security. These can include goal setting, budgeting, starting a savings plan, and investing for long-term growth.

What are financial security issues?

Issues that can hinder your pursuit of financial security include not setting goals (or not doing so soon enough), not managing debt well, and not saving for short-term and long-term goals. One example would be not saving for retirement.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

SOBK0523018

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Many people are aware of the number of data breaches and scams today and want to feel reassured that they are protected from identity theft and other forms of credit card fraud.

If you are among their ranks, you might benefit from a credit freeze, which is typically free, or credit lock, which may involve a fee. Both of these processes block access to your credit file. This can prevent credit checks that may be the first step in unauthorized applications for a new loan or credit card.

It can be a wise idea to apply for a credit lock or credit freeze at one or all three of the major credit bureaus if you are dealing with a data breach or identity theft.

Learn the pros and cons of a credit freeze vs. lock here, as well as when what’s known as a fraud alert might provide the right level of protection.

What Does a Credit Freeze Do?

A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) is a free tool that allows you to block all access to your credit report and makes it tougher for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

That’s because nearly all creditors want to see your credit report before they approve an account and extend credit to you.

If they can’t access your credit report, it’s unlikely that you will get approved. That works in your favor when someone other than you is trying to open an account in your name and perhaps commit identity theft.

Fortunately, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), freezing your credit will not harm your credit score, nor will it impair your ability to get your free annual credit report.

A credit freeze also won’t limit your ability to open new accounts. However, because credit freezes prevent lenders from checking your credit, you will need to lift the freeze temporarily before applying for a loan or credit account, and then place the freeze again when you are done accessing your account.

In addition, freezing your credit won’t hurt your ability to apply for a job, rent an apartment, or, say, buy insurance for your family. According to the FTC, the freeze doesn’t apply to those actions.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that a freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts.

For that reason, you will still need to stay on top of your finances and monitor all of your bank, credit card, and insurance transactions carefully for fraudulent transactions.

You may also want to be aware that, even with a freeze, certain entities will still have access to your credit report.

These include your existing creditors, debt collectors acting on their behalf, and government agencies who need to have access in response to a court order.


💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Open a bank account online so you can manage bills, deposits, transfers — all from one convenient app.

How to Freeze Your Credit On Your Own

Putting a freeze in place simply requires contacting each of the nationwide credit bureaus, which include:

•   Equifax
•   Experian
•   TransUnion

You will need to supply your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, along with some other personal information.

After receiving your freeze request, the credit bureaus will give you a PIN (personal identification number) or password. You’ll want to keep this in a safe place since you will need it whenever you choose to lift the freeze.

By law, credit bureaus must activate a credit freeze within 24 hours of receiving a request by phone or online, and they must lift a freeze within one hour of receiving a request to do so accompanied by your PIN or password.

Your freeze will remain in place until you temporarily lift or completely remove it (more on how to do that below). In some states, a freeze lasts indefinitely; in others, up to seven years.

How to Lock Your Credit Report

If you’re wondering about a credit freeze vs. a credit lock, here’s more intel. Like a credit freeze, a credit lock blocks access to your credit report but won’t harm your credit score.

Like a freeze, to be fully protected, you must place locks with all three credit reporting agencies. However, it may offer lesser legal protection if you do encounter an issue.

With locks, however, there’s no PIN, and usually, there is no delay of up to 24 hours when locking your credit file, nor a delay of up to an hour for unlocking it.

With a credit lock, you can activate and disable it instantly via a smartphone app or secure website.

Locking your credit involves enrolling in one (or all) of the programs offered by the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, (Lock & Alert), Experian (CreditWorks), and TransUnion (TrueIdentity).

There is often a monthly fee involved in enrolling in one of these services. Credit locks, however, often come with additional services, such as monthly access to credit reports from all three bureaus, alerts when there’s new credit activity on your accounts at any of the three bureaus, identity theft insurance, and fraud resolution assistance.

Credit bureaus typically require you to provide proof of identity when you set up a credit lock. You can submit the necessary documents electronically or mail in hard copies.

The security benefits of a credit lock are the same as those for a credit freeze, and the limitations on access to your credit are the same as well–criminals won’t be able to access your credit file.

By the same token, new lenders whom you are legitimately working with to apply for loans or credit won’t be able to either unless you temporarily lift the block.

Unlike credit freezes, credit locks are not regulated by state law but are instead governed by a contract between you and the credit bureau.

Recommended: Guide to Blocked Credit Cards

How To Remove a Credit Freeze or a Credit Lock

If you want to lift or remove a freeze, you’ll need to call the credit bureau or visit the credit freeze page on its website, then use the PIN code or password you set up when you activated your credit freeze.

If you are lifting a freeze because you are applying for credit and you can find out which credit bureau the lender will contact for your credit file, you may be able to lift the freeze only at that particular credit bureau. Otherwise, you need to make the request with all three credit bureaus.

When you call or go online, you’ll likely have the option to thaw your credit temporarily (in which case, you will likely be issued a single-use PIN or password that you can provide to a creditor to access your frozen credit file), or to lift the freeze permanently.

Removing a credit lock, on the other hand, is typically just a matter of turning off a virtual switch online or in an app provided by the credit bureau.

When access to your credit file is no longer required, you can simply turn the switch back on.


💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more each month? Grow your personal savings by opening an online savings account. SoFi offers high-interest savings accounts with no account fees. Open your savings account today!

How Is a Credit Freeze or Lock Different from a Fraud Alert?

Now that you’ve learned about a credit lock vs. freeze, there’s another scenario to consider. If you are worried about catching credit card fraud and/or identity theft but haven’t yet become a victim, you might consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report, which is less severe than a credit freeze or lock.

Unlike a freeze or lock, which shuts down access to your credit information, a fraud alert allows lenders to see your credit file, but it requires verification of your identity before any credit application is processed or any new account is opened in your name.

For example, if you have a phone number in your credit file, the business must call you to verify whether you are the person making the credit request.

A fraud alert can make it harder for an identity thief to open more accounts in your name, and can be a good idea if your wallet, Social Security card, or other personal, financial or account information is ever lost or stolen.

To place a fraud alert you simply need to contact one of the credit bureaus. It will then put the alert on your credit report and tell the other two credit bureaus to do so.

A fraud alert is free, and the alert stays on your report for one year. It’s a good idea to mark your calendar, so you can then place a new fraud alert.

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, credit bureaus often offer a free extended fraud alert that lasts for seven years.

Recommended: Types of Bank Fraud to Look Out For

The Takeaway

A credit freeze vs. a credit lock can each provide a layer of protection if you’re an identity theft victim or you have good reason to believe someone with criminal intent has accessed your information. Credit freezes and credit locks both restrict access to your credit reports. But you can turn a credit lock on and off instantly while adding or lifting a credit freeze requires making a request to the credit bureau.

Another key difference is that credit freezes are free, while credit locks are typically offered as part of paid services from the three national credit bureaus.

Whatever form of fraud protection you choose, it’s still important to stay on top of and regularly check all of your financial accounts.

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

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

FAQ

Can I freeze my credit for free?

Yes, you can freeze your credit for free by contacting each of the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

What’s the difference between a credit freeze vs. credit lock?

A credit freeze limits access to your credit reports, is free, and must be filed with each of the three credit bureaus. A credit lock can be a paid service, can be instantly turned on and off, and may in some cases provide a lesser degree of legal protection.

How long does a credit freeze vs. credit lock last?

A credit freeze lasts until you remove it or up to seven years in some states. A credit lock lasts as long as you subscribe to the service providing it.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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

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A cash deposit of more than $10,000 into your bank account requires special handling. The IRS requires banks and businesses to file Form 8300, the Currency Transaction Report, if they receive cash payments over $10,000. Depositing more than $10,000 will not result in immediate questioning from authorities, however. The report is done simply to help prevent fraud and money laundering. You have nothing to lose sleep over so long as you are not doing anything illegal.

Are Financial Institutions Required to Report Large Deposits?

Banks and credit unions are required to report when a customer deposits cash over $10k. Maximum deposit limits vary by bank, but in this case, anything above $10,000 (even a penny more) is the amount to know. The Bank Secrecy Act dictates that financial institutions create a paper trail of financial activity that could be suspicious. The reasoning is that law enforcement authorities can better control money laundering activities and tax evasion by having a record of these larger deposits. Other malicious activities like terrorism, drug trading, and broad financial crimes might be prevented.

Do I Have to Report Large Deposits?

You might have to report large deposits if you own a business. (Performing a small direct deposit typically does not need to be reported.) The IRS rules also apply to financial activities performed by a business or individual. You must complete IRS Form 8300 to report any transaction or even a series of related transactions that total $10,000.

About that “series of related transactions” part: Transactions are considered related when they take place within 24 hours or if the person or business simply suspects they are related.

What Is IRS Form 8300?

IRS Form 8300 is used to help regulators prevent financial crime. The form is separate from other banking guidelines like funds availability rules. It is sent to the IRS and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The form is used to report cash payments over $10,000 received in a trade or business.

On IRS Form 8300 , you must identify the individual from whom the cash was received and the person on whose behalf the transaction was conducted. In addition, you need to include a description of the transaction and method of payment. Additional disclosure of information may spell out the business that received the cash and whether multiple parties were involved.

What Happens When Deposits Are Reported?

A paper trail of potentially suspicious deposits is created after Form 8300 is transmitted to the IRS. Depositing cash at an ATM or with a bank teller, so long as it is below the $10K threshold, will usually not be reported. Law enforcement agencies can use the paper trail for future investigations if conditions warrant it.

To understand this in a bit more detail, know that first, when a cash deposit of more than $10,000 is reported, you are identified through your Social Security number (SSN) and other personal information. FinCEN is now tracking you, but once again, it is nothing to be concerned about if you are following the law.

What Is the Bank Secrecy Act?

The Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, mentioned above, may sound somewhat intimidating. What it actually does is require that banks keep records of each customer who deposits more than $10,000 in cash at one time in a single account. The paper trail is sent to various law enforcement groups to track where the money moves to. The Bank Secrecy Act includes civil and criminal penalties for entities not complying with the requirements. Moreover, the 2001 Patriot Act made the Bank Secrecy Act broader; it can now better detect activity related to terrorism. Again, this is nothing to be concerned about as long as you aren’t engaged in any illegal activities like bank fraud.

Reporting the Deposit

Here is the answer to “What happens if I deposit more than $10,000?” There are several steps involved in reporting a cash deposit over $10,000, whether that’s made to a standard or premium checking account or a savings account. There is likely nothing to be concerned about if you are just going about your daily business and not involved in illegal activity.

Banks Must Verify ID and Other Important Information

The Currency Transaction Report is used to verify a depositor’s information. The SSN, name, and address are provided to the FinCEN.

Banks Will Review All Cash Transactions

Financial institutions go through all their channels when a suspicious deposit over $10,000 is made. A series of several smaller amounts that sum to a deposit of more than $10,000 is also treated as a large deposit. Cash put into an account at a teller window or through an ATM can be linked and considered a structured deposit (more on that below). These are much more serious potential events than everyday banking activities, such as making a small cash deposit or ATM withdrawal.

Banks Will Determine If You Are Structuring Deposits

Structuring a deposit is when an individual splits up several deposits so that a single deposit of more than $10,000 cash does not happen. Someone might do this to avoid the bank having to file Form 8300 to the IRS and resulting in a paper trail. This suspicious activity raises red flags as it suggests someone is intentionally trying to fly under the regulators’ radar. If a bank determines someone is structuring, then that activity might face additional scrutiny.

All Information Will Go Into a Currency Transaction Report

The personal information and deposit details mentioned earlier go into a Currency Transaction Report within 15 days of the transaction being considered. Reports are kept on file at the bank for five years, too. Once again, however, most people need not be too concerned with this, provided your banking is legal. Rather, it may be better to focus on account basics, like savings account withdrawal fees, not the ramifications of pernicious illegal activity, as long as they are following all the laws.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

You may wonder what happens if an individual tries to skirt the protocols described above. Here are details:

•   Civil penalties for not filing Form 8300 include fines of $250 per return. If this is considered to be intentional disregard, the fine can be the greater of $25,000 or the amount of cash received in the transaction up to $100,000.

•   Criminal penalties for not filing Form 8300 or filing a fraudulent form include a monetary fine of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for businesses. Prison sentences of five years are also a possible penalty for non-compliance.

Are There Any Exemptions to Consider?

A bank can file for an exemption if one of its business customers routinely deposits over $10k. It’s important to know that some businesses cannot get an exemption. For example, law firms, pawn dealers, accounting firms, and trade unions are some corporation types for which the IRS will not grant an exemption.

The Takeaway

You don’t have anything to worry about if you deposit more than $10,000 in cash, assuming you are doing nothing wrong. A large deposit is simply reported by a bank to regulators to track possible suspicious activity. Businesses must also file IRS Form 8300, a Currency Transaction Report, within a specific time frame after a $10,000 cash payment. Structuring deposits (breaking up funds into smaller amounts for deposit, so as to avoid filing a form 8300) is another no-no. Since there are significant penalties for attempting to skirt the law, it’s wise to not attempt such moves.

If you’re looking for financial peace of mind, here’s another angle: See what SoFi offers. When you open an online bank account with direct deposit, your Checking and Savings can earn a competitive APY. Plus, you won’t pay any account or overdraft fees.

SoFi: We help your money earn more money.

FAQ

How much money can I deposit in the bank without being reported?

A deposit over $10k is the amount to consider; amounts under that threshold may not have to be reported. There’s a catch, though: If a customer makes several small cash payments or deposits within a 12-month window, filing Form 8300 might have to be done should the payments or deposits exceed $10,000. These are known as “structured” deposits and can raise red flags if not reported.

How often can you deposit $10,000?

You can deposit more than $10,000 whenever you’d like, but just be aware that the receiving financial institution is required to report those funds to the IRS. If you are a business owner and depositing over $10k in cash is a frequent practice, the bank can file an exemption after the first large deposit to avoid filling out future reports to the IRS.

How do you explain a large deposit?

Depositing over $10k only results in an IRS form being filed by the bank. You often won’t have to do anything to explain it unless you are suspected of fraud or money laundering. While many individuals wonder, “What happens if I deposit $10,000 or more?” the authorities are not going to arrive at your doorstep the next day. The money is deposited like any other amount would be.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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

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