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According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing close to $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, a 30% jump over the previous year. Many of people’s losses were the result of various types of bank account fraud.

Crooks are getting ever more sophisticated in the ways they steal money from financial institutions or their account holders. There are few things as upsetting as seeing your bank account emptied or your credit card used for thousands of dollars in purchases by a scammer.

So if you have a financial life, you’ll want to be on alert and do what you can to protect yourself and your hard-earned money. Here, we’ll help you by sharing:

•   What bank fraud is

•   Types of bank fraud

•   How banks respond to fraud

•   Penalties for bank fraud

•   How to avoid bank fraud

What Is Bank Fraud?

Bank fraud is the use of deceptive, often illegal means to steal money, assets, or other property owned or held by a financial institution. It also entails stealing money from people just like you, who keep money on deposit or use other financial products at banks.

Bank fraud also includes being defrauded of money by criminals who pose as employees of a financial institution.

Bank fraud is different from bank robbery; with fraud, thieves use schemes or deception to snag funds illegally, versus perpetrating outright theft.

Types of Bank Fraud

Unfortunately, bank fraud comes in many varieties, all the better to fool financial institutions and consumers. The law provides a broad definition of bank fraud, and several of these actions can be considered for federal prosecution.

Let’s take a look at the six most common types of fraud in banks. Money scams are all too common today; knowledge can help protect you and your funds.

1. Forgery

Forgery includes all forms of using a false signature or other details on financial documents. This includes when a person changes the name, signature, or other information on a check, including the amount (think adding a zero — or two or three). Forgery is also the term used for filling out a blank check or printing fraudulent checks with another person’s account number or a number for a non-existent account.

2. Fraudulent Loans

It is a crime when someone uses a false identity to obtain a loan. This can happen when, say, identity thieves take out loans using victims’ personal and financial information. Another type of fraudulent loan: When a person takes out a loan with the intention of filing for bankruptcy soon thereafter. This can happen when a dishonest business person works with a complicit bank officer to get a loan. The borrower then declares bankruptcy, often leaving the bank on the hook for the money borrowed.

Fraudulent loans also occur when someone falsifies answers on a personal or business loan application, usually in an effort to improve their chances of qualifying for the loan. An individual may try to hide a blemished credit history, for example, or a business may use accounting fraud to paint a more positive financial picture. As you might guess, this is criminal activity and can leave the lending bank in a bad situation.

3. Bank Impersonation and Internet Bank Fraud

When a person or group of people set up a fake financial institution, that’s known as bank impersonation. When such thieves hack into your account and steal money, whether by impersonation or otherwise, that’s internet bank fraud. Typically, this kind of crime is usually committed by creating a website designed to lure people into depositing funds.

Fake websites like this can also trick you into downloading computer viruses that can steal your personal information. These details are then used to rob you of your hard-earned money

Many phishing schemes also come under the umbrella of bank impersonation or internet bank fraud. In these crimes, consumers receive forged emails impersonating an online bank; they then direct the unwitting recipient to a forged website that looks like a legitimate bank site. From there, the bogus site will ask the user to update personal information. That information can be used for identity theft and other crimes.

4. Stolen Checks

Stealing checks is a crime that plays out just as it sounds. Someone at, say, the post office, a company’s payroll department, or anybody else with access to checks may steal those checks. From there, they can open a false bank account, write checks (depleting the account holder’s cash), and deposit them. The cash is then available for them to use as they desire.

5. Money Laundering

This term is used to describe the process criminals use to hide an illegal (or “dirty”) source of income — say from illegal drug smuggling or gambling operations — through a complex series of transfers. These transactions are designed to make the “dirty” money look legitimate, or “clean,” hence the term money laundering. A bit of trivia: Many people believe the term money laundering comes from gangster Al Capone’s habit of using his chain of laundromats to “launder” his illegal cash. This tale however probably isn’t true.

Now, here’s how the crime of money laundering can work: Often the “dirty” money is first deposited into a bank through a restaurant or other legitimate business. Let’s say that business actually did $1,000 worth of sales in a single day but they say they did $2,000. They then deposit the “real” $1,000 they earned plus the same amount of “dirty” money.

Next, to avoid taxes and detection, the money is distributed to other legitimate businesses or complicit companies, or is otherwise subjected to bookkeeping trickery. Multiple transactions can make the money hard to trace, and so it becomes “clean” enough to be used as the fraudster likes.

Banks may unwittingly or possibly complicitly play a role in many stages of money laundering, which is a severe form of fraud.

6. Credit Card Fraud

This term covers a slew of crimes; it refers to all fraudulent payments made with a credit or debit card. The bogus payments may be used to purchase goods and services, to withdraw funds from the account, or to make payments to another account controlled by a criminal. Fraud may happen by stealing the actual credit or debit card or by illegally obtaining the cardholder’s account and personal information.

The latter has become more common as online shopping and bill paying has soared, since there is no longer a need to have a physical card to make purchases. This is why you can still be in possession of your plastic, but be having all sorts of false charges turn up on your statement. As long as criminals can obtain enough personal information about an individual, they can use that information to open new credit card accounts or tamper with existing accounts.

Fortunately, thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act, your liability should be capped at $50.

How Do Banks Recover Money That Was Fraudulently Taken?

When bank security personnel notice unusual transactions or a customer reports suspicious account activity, banks will typically conduct an investigation. Their goal: To confirm whether fraud exists and, if so, to uncover its details and take legal action against the perpetrators. Once a bank has determined fraud has taken place, most banks will refund stolen funds to customers. This happens as long as it is clear the customer is not an accessory to the crime or was not negligent with account security. In addition, you may want to report the crime to the authorities so they can work on finding and prosecuting those who stole your money. Some banks may require this, in fact, as a step towards catching the criminals.

What to do if you, the consumer, is defrauded of funds? Contact your financial institution’s fraud department and share what has happened. The representative will walk you through the steps required. Remember, the more quickly you alert your bank to any issues or report identity theft, the more likely you are not to lose any money.

Prosecuting fraud is complicated, time-consuming, and unfortunately sometimes impossible. As a result, many banks put extensive efforts into technological security solutions. These card fraud protection measures can help identify fraud quickly to avoid large losses as well as ward off many types of criminal activity in the first place.

Penalties for Bank Fraud

Bank fraud is a serious crime with serious penalties. How serious depends on how much money was stolen and what type of illegal activity was used to steal the money. It must also be proven that a person charged with bank fraud willfully and knowingly committed the crime. A money laundering conviction could result in:

•   A fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever amount is greater.

•   A sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

When bank fraud of other sorts is involved, the penalties can be worse still, according to the FDIC :

•   A fine up to one million dollars

•   A prison sentence of as long as 30 years

How to Avoid Bank Fraud

There are several steps you can take to avoid having money stolen from your accounts in a bank fraud scheme. Here are some of the most important.

•   Check your account activity regularly. With online banking, this is easy to do. It’s a good idea to log in at least once a week so you evaluate your bank accounts and your debit card and credit card histories. Report any unexpected or suspicious transactions. While you’re at it, why not make sure your bank offers debit card fraud protection, too? It’s important to secure that aspect of your banking.

•   Keep your PIN and passwords secret. Do not give them to anyone and never write them down in an email or text message that could be easily intercepted. Avoid using public wifi networks for any banking, from checking your balance to paying bills. You could be leaving yourself vulnerable.

•   Use a strong password for online banking. And everything else for that matter. Remember to use numbers, capital letters and symbols. Change passwords regularly, and please: Don’t reuse passwords.

•   Beware phishing schemes. Do not give out your account information over the phone or through email. Anyone legitimate would not be asking for account information by either means. Don’t click links embedded in emails either; they could lead to a fraudulent website posing as your bank. If you receive an email that looks as if it is legitimately from your bank, it’s still better to visit your bank’s website and proceed from any message you receive there.

•   Keep your computer protected. Use anti-virus protection software, firewalls, and spyware blockers to protect your electronic information. Make sure you keep your computer updated with the most recent security upgrades.

The Takeaway

Bank fraud is a criminal activity that can leave you with a big mess to clean up: It can put you at risk for losing money and facing identity theft. Understanding the different types of bank fraud is one important step; knowing how to secure your personal financial information is another one. These moves can help protect you from being a victim.

When you open a bank account with SoFi, we work overtime to protect your money. Sign up for our Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, and you’ll earn a competitive APY. What’s more, you won’t pay any of the usual charges like account, monthly, and minimum balance fees.

Bank better and smarter with SoFi.

FAQ

How does bank fraud happen?

Bank fraud happens when criminals use deceptive means to steal money, assets, or property owned or held by a financial institution, including banks. It is also considered bank fraud when thieves steal money from customer accounts by posing as a bank or other financial institution or by using personal financial information obtained through identity theft.

How do banks recover money from a scammer?

It is challenging for banks to recover money from a scammer. They can seek to unravel who committed the crime and, with the help of law enforcement, prosecute those individuals. Because this is often so difficult, though, banks also are implementing new, technologically advanced ways of preventing and detecting fraud. This allows them to better protect their account holders.

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Photo credit: iStock/Damir Khabirov

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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.

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 article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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.

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When it comes to maintaining a strong financial plan and healthy financial behaviors, our brains can sometimes work against us. Behavioral biases, mental traps, and neural wirings can all get in the way of setting and meeting financial goals.

Consider recency bias, which is the tendency for people to look to recent events to make decisions about the future. Just because a stock has skyrocketed recently, that doesn’t mean its upward trajectory will last forever. In fact, jumping into the market during a rally could mean you end up buying when prices are high, right before investors bail and prices fall.

Another mental tendency to consider: ego depletion. It’s the idea that people can only exert their willpower for a limited time, and after that, it’s harder to practice self-control. If you have an important financial decision to make, it may make sense to wait until you are no longer feeling depleted.

Here’s a closer look into the ego depletion theory, what it could mean for your finances, and how to overcome it.

What Is Ego Depletion?

The concept of ego depletion hinges on the idea that our willpower reserves are finite, and when we exert self-control for too long, we use up those reserves. Once those are depleted, it is harder to exert self-control, and we’re more likely to make poor decisions.

The term was coined by American social psychologist Roy Baumeister in the late 1990s, though the idea of ego depletion has become popular in recent years. This may be in part because it makes sense intuitively. For example, the experience of eating a healthy breakfast and lunch only to get home from work and eat a bag of chips for dinner is pretty easy to relate to.

However, not everyone agrees with the concept of ego depletion. Some scientists report a lack of consistent data to support the idea. Instead, they have found that motivation is not finite. Rather, it can be subjective, and there are ways to increase it. That can be a good thing as you begin to set long-term financial goals.

Causes of Ego Depletion

There are a variety of factors that may play a role in ego depletion.

•   Low blood sugar. If you haven’t eaten and your blood sugar has dropped, it may be more difficult to exert willpower.

•   Emotional distress. Temptations may be harder to resist if you’re experiencing a state of mental anguish.

•   Unfamiliar tasks. If you are doing something for the first time, you may need to exert more mental energy, which can lead to ego depletion.

•   Lack of choice. If you are forced to do a task not of your choosing, you may be more likely to become depleted.

•   Illusory fatigue. If you think that a task will be mentally tiring, you may experience ego depletion faster. In other words, ego depletion happens more often when you expect it to. If you think a task won’t tax you too much, you may be able to exert more self-control.

•   Cognitive dissonance. Situations in which you do or say something that contradicts your beliefs can tire you out and diminish your self-control.

•   Variable heart rate. Those who experience variable heart rate have been found to have less self-control.

The Effect of Ego Depletion on Your Finances

If tasks that require self-control weaken your willpower, you may be less likely to make good decisions when you experience ego fatigue. When it comes to your finances, for instance, you may be more likely to spend money on things that you can’t afford.

Ego depletion could also mean you’re less equipped to make important decisions, such as how to invest your money. For example, if the market is experiencing a downturn, you may find yourself more prone to panicking and potentially pulling out your money. But in doing so, you’ll lock in losses and potentially miss out on a subsequent upswing.

Ego depletion could also mean you miss important deadlines, such as deadlines for funding your 401(k) or IRAs, or tax deadlines.

Recommended: Key Terms to Improve Your Financial Literacy

How to Overcome Ego Depletion

Luckily, there are ways to overcome ego depletion and improve your money mindset.

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep makes self-control difficult. Sleep counteracts fatigue and helps reset your willpower reserves, so practice good sleep hygiene. Go to bed at a consistent time. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, relaxing, and dark. Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed.

Manage Stress

Managing stress can help you address the causes of ego depletion as well as its effects. Consider strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, eating healthy, and consistent exercise.

Set Goals

Clear financial objectives and the steps you need to reach them can help overcome ego depletion. Consider using SMART goals, or goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. With these in place, you’ll know what you need to do to accomplish your objectives, and you’ll also be less likely to make moves that stray from your plan.

Plan for the Long Term

Long-term financial plans take your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon into consideration. They are built to account for the natural cycles of volatility. With a long-term plan to refer to, you may be less likely to make rash decisions in the short term, such as panic selling when markets are down or buying when market prices are peaking and may be nearing a fall.

Recommended: Guide to Money Affirmations

Tools to Help Your Reach Your Goals

There are a variety of tools out there that can help you set and meet your goals and make financial freedom a reality. It’s worth shopping around to find the ones that work best for you and you’re more likely to stick with.

One to consider: a spending app, which can help you set up a budget, categorize and track spending, make bill payments on time, and track your credit score.

The Takeaway

The idea of ego depletion centers around the idea that when we exert self-control for too long, we use up our willpower reserves and are more likely to make poor decisions. Learning the causes of ego depletion is a first step in helping you head off rash financial decisions that may work against you. If you recognize that your willpower is fading, take a breather. And when in doubt, refer back to your long-term financial goals and plan.

If you’re looking to build your long-term financial plan, a money tracker app can help. The SoFi app connects all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see all of your balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score monitoring. Plus, you can get other valuable financial insights.

Stay up to date on your finances by seeing exactly how your money comes and goes.

FAQ

What is the cause of ego depletion?

Ego depletion can be caused by a number of factors, such as emotional distress, fatigue, low blood sugar, or unfamiliar tasks.

What is an example of ego depletion?

An example of ego depletion might be spending the day hard at work and then coming home, sitting on the couch, and turning on the television instead of pursuing other healthier activities, such as going to the gym.

How do you deal with ego depletion?

There are a number of strategies to combat ego depletion, such as getting enough rest, managing stress, and setting and sticking to long-term goals.

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Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

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

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Waiting around an airport isn’t most people’s idea of fun. But perhaps you’ve noticed the swanky entrances to hidden airport lounges, or heard about them from a friend.

Private airport lounges offer a comfortable refuge from the crowded waiting areas by the gates. They’re a place to recharge (yourself and your devices), have a glass of wine, and sample upscale prepared foods that are a major improvement over that bag of chips from the vending machine.

These facilities are typically only accessible via a pricey plane ticket or membership. Here, you can learn ways to enjoy luxury airport lounges, for a fee or possibly even for free.

How Do Airport Lounges Work?

There are several types of airport lounges, and they vary from basic to luxurious. The no-frills lounges simply have snacks and drinks, while the most lavish will feature such complimentary perks as a full buffet, table-service restaurant, open bar, and even showers. The seats are way more comfortable than what you find in the standard waiting area, and you may have your choice of reading materials and streaming shows.

Not only can this help fill the time before your flight, but it can save money on food in the airport or onboard your flight, which can be one way families can afford to travel.

If you are traveling with pets, you may find a lounge that allows you to hang out with little Bailey in less crowded conditions than the main terminal. This can be more comfortable for you and your furbaby.

There are a few main types of lounges:

•   The original airport lounges were run by the airlines, and several major carriers still offer lounges at the airports they use as hubs. In the U.S., American, Delta, and United offer large lounge networks, while Alaska Airlines has a much smaller network. Some foreign carriers also offer lounges at major international gateways, such as New York’s JFK and Los Angeles.

•   Another type of airport lounge is the contract lounge. These are third-party facilities that are open to those who have membership with an affiliated network. These lounges are also used for business and first class passengers of airlines that don’t have their own branded lounge. In the U.S., the most common lounge network is Priority Pass Select, which offers members access to over 1,300 lounges around the world. There are numerous travel rewards credit cards that offer a Priority Pass Select membership.

•   You’ll also see lounges that are branded with the name of a credit card issuer, for use by its premium cardholders. The American Express Centurion lounges are the largest credit card lounge network. Capital One and Chase are also in the process of constructing their own branded lounge network. These lounges tend to be the most luxurious.

•   Finally, there are USO lounges that are available to U.S. Armed Forces active duty, Reserve, and Guard service members, as well as their families.

How to Access Airport Lounges for Free

With most lounge networks, the easiest way to gain entry is to purchase a membership or a day pass. However, there are some ways to access airport lounges without forking over cash.

Open a Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card

There are several travel credit cards that offer the perk of airport lounge access. For example:

•   The American Express Platinum Card offers lounge membership with the Delta SkyClubs, Priority Pass Select, and American Express Centurion lounges.

•   The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a Priority Pass Select membership.

•   The premium airline credit cards from American, Delta, and United each offer membership to their branded lounges.

When you’re deciding about which credit card rewards are most valuable to you, consider whether luxury airport lounge access is an important factor.

Recommended: How Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work?

Trade in Miles or Use Credits

Another way to enter fancy lounges for free is to redeem airline miles for a membership (you might also be able to redeem credit card miles vs. cash back to gain access). For example, you can redeem 85,000 United miles for a United Club membership, rather than paying the $650 annual fee. Since you are receiving less than one cent in value per mile redeemed, this is considered a poor use of your miles, but no judgment. If it works for you, go for it!

Fly in Business Class or International First Class

When you have a ticket in business class or in international first class, nearly every airline will give you a pass to an airport lounge. It could be a lounge branded by that airline, especially in their main hubs. But if you are traveling from a city with little service on that airline, you’ll likely get a pass to a contract lounge.

Befriend a Business or First Class Passenger

One of the great things about flying in international business or first class is that you will often receive a lounge pass that includes guest access. So if you are flying in economy class but have a friend or colleague with a business class ticket, he or she may be able to “guest” you into the lounge. Likewise, many Priority Pass Select memberships come with access for two guests. If you have a friend or family member with lounge access, you could possibly enter as a guest.

Claim Free Access for Active Military

If you’re an active duty member of the U.S. military, then you may have free access to some lounges. For example, both United and American offer free access to active duty military personnel and their families. However, they may require that you be in uniform and traveling on orders.

Recommended: Do You Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car?

Access Airport Lounges for a Fee

If you’re unable to access an airport lounge for free, you might consider paying for it. Here are some ways to do just that:

Buying an Airport Lounge Pass

Airport lounge memberships are available for sale, either through an airline that brands the lounge, or through a network such as Priority Pass Select. Memberships generally start at a few hundred a year, but discounts are available for those with elite status in the airline’s frequent flier program. If you’re saving up for a few upcoming flights, you might also consider stashing away the price of a lounge pass where you keep a travel fund.

Buy a Day Pass

Many lounges (but not all) offer day passes that can cost $50 per person or more. The Lounge Buddy app also sells discounted access to certain airport lounges. Depending on your situation — how much time you have to fill before your flight, whether you’re hungry or thirsty, whether you need a quiet place to work — this might be a good buy.

Upgrade Your Ticket

If you are on an international flight and are seated in business or first class, then you’ll already have access to the lounges. But rather than pay full price for these tickets, you may be able to book a less pricey class of service and then buy up to business class at check in, perhaps for just a few hundred dollars. Doing so will also result in a pass to the airport lounge.

The Takeaway

When you have to spend time in an airport waiting for your flight, the lounge can be a comfortable place to do it, with comfortable seating, free food and drinks, and other amenities that can make killing time feel luxurious. While it can be expensive to buy membership to a lounge, you may be able to access a luxury airport lounge for free, especially if you have the right credit card. Or you might be able to buy your way in for a modest fee by purchasing a day pass or trying another smart-traveler tactic.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Is it worth it to pay for airport lounge access?

If you’re taking a short trip and you want to arrive at the airport as close to departure as possible, then there’s no reason to pay for airport lounge access. But if you have a long layover in the middle of a trip or a long flight ahead, then lounge access can be worth paying for. Also, under certain circumstances, such as needing to finish a work deliverable before your flight, a luxury airport lounge is a much more comfortable place to work.

Which airport lounges are the best?

International first class lounges, where available, are often the most luxurious. The American Express Centurion lounges are also known to feature gourmet food and drinks. Some Priority Pass Select lounges have well-regarded food options, while others are pretty basic. Domestic airline lounges can be pretty spartan.

Which credit card is best for airport lounge access?

The decision of which credit card is best for airport lounge access will depend on personal preference but two options are well-known. The American Express Platinum Card offers access to Delta SkyClubs, Priority Pass Select, and American Express Centurion lounges. The Sapphire Reserve Card offers a Priority Pass Select membership that also includes credits at select airport restaurants.

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Photo credit: iStock/andresr

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.

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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For some travelers, shopping for souvenirs is a vacation highlight. Whether along a street of indie boutiques in a big city or at a craft market by the beach, hunting for items that you won’t find back home can be a thrill. What’s more, every time you use or wear your purchases — or spot a friend with something you gifted them — can trigger happy memories of the place you explored.

Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to come home with overpriced trinkets that you quickly tire of or even regret. Being more thoughtful about the types of souvenirs you bring home from your vacation can make your trip more memorable and save you some money. While the “best” souvenirs will depend on your own specific likes, interests, and budget, these tips can help you shop smarter.

How Much Should You Spend on Souvenirs?

Just as with any other part of your finances, you will want to have a budget for your travel souvenirs. Without one, you’re likely to end up spending more than you intend.

But how much to spend on souvenirs? The exact amount depends on what’s important to you.

•   One strategy is to decide beforehand what kind of souvenirs you want to bring back from your trip. Let’s say you’re heading to California and are excited to visit a certain clothing shop you’ve been following on social media. You may want to designate the cost of a typical, say, shirt or pair of pants in your budget.

•   If you’ve already maxed out your budget on plane tickets and a boutique hotel, however, you may want to allocate just $20 or so for a little something to remind you of your trip. (Note: Don’t fool yourself with book now, pay later travel plans; you definitely need to account for those charges you will owe and not overspend when traveling.)

•   Another thing to keep in mind is budgeting for children’s souvenirs. One way that families can afford to travel is by keeping the overall souvenir budget low. Souvenirs may be even more meaningful for kids than parents, so one strategy is to give each child a set budget beforehand if they are old enough to do basic math. That way, instead of having them constantly asking for souvenirs during their trip, they know that they have a specific budget and can plan accordingly.

What Are the Most Popular Souvenirs?

Here is a list of some of the most popular souvenirs that travelers bring home from their vacation. While they tend to be mass-produced (and have no real connection to the location where you buy them), they also make inexpensive gifts for friends and coworkers:

•   Fridge magnets

•   Shot glasses

•   Christmas ornaments

•   Postcards

•   T-shirts or other clothing

•   Photo frames

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your souvenir budget a little further, consider using credit card rewards as a way to help pay for these small gifts.

Meaningful Souvenirs You Won’t Regret

Because there’s such a wide variety among travel souvenirs, you want to make sure to get ones that will be meaningful. While the exact definition of “meaningful” will vary for each person, here are a few items to consider:

•   Postcards: These can be a great option, especially if you write a meaningful memory on it and mail it to yourself. You can frame it when you get home. Another plus: Postcards are super lightweight and easily packed.

•   Handcrafted items: If you’re saving money on hotels by staying somewhere local, you may have extra money to buy, say, a small carved wooden box from Costa Rica.
Artwork: Continuing with local inspiration, another possibility is local artwork. Just make sure you have a reliable way to get it back home.

•   Foreign currency & coins: When you’re traveling internationally, consider keeping a small amount of foreign currency or coins as a memento of your trip.

•   Something practical: Another option to consider is something practical like a locally printed beach towel or tote bag. Not only will it bring back great memories, it’s also something you can regularly use.

•   Photos: Just don’t let them sit in your hard drive: Print them out to give as gifts or display at home. Consider a local photo frame to show off some of your best shots.

Recommended: Where to Keep a Travel Fund

Souvenirs to Avoid

Here are a few souvenirs that you’ll want to avoid:

•   Shells, coral, wildlife, and animals: While seashells and coral might seem like great souvenirs from a beach vacation, it’s not eco-friendly to remove these items from the local habitat. Many locations even have laws about removing such natural wonders from the beach.

And even though you may encounter many adorable stray dogs or cats while traveling, remind yourself of what a big commitment it can be to own a pet (and then potentially travel with a pet).

•   Coffee mugs: Mugs are generally fragile and not locally made. Plus, how many coffee mugs do you really need?

•   Food and alcohol: While eating and drinking locally can be a great way to get into the vacation spirit, bringing home food or drink runs the risk of your souvenirs getting seized by customs.

•   Things you can buy cheaper at home: Do some research before you buy — if you can buy it cheaper online, it’s probably not a great souvenir.

•   Key rings: This is similar to the coffee mug problem. Sure, they’re cute and widely available, but how many do you need?

Tips for Souvenir Shopping

Here’s some advice to help increase the odds that you souvenir-shop for items you’ll treasure for years to come:

•   Research your destination’s signature products before you leave. If you’re heading to Venice, you might want to bring back a small glass pendant from Murano (the nearby “Glass Island”), where you can watch artisans at work; this has been a local tradition for centuries.

•   Set a souvenir budget and decide before you go what you want to bring back as a souvenir. This can help prevent you from overspending and blowing your budget in the moment.

•   Think small, and look for products that are locally and ethically sourced.

•   Another idea is to pick a theme for your souvenirs (inexpensive bracelets or bumper stickers), or use a travel credit card or cash back rewards credit card for your purchases that can reward you for spending.

Recommended: How Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work?

The Takeaway

For many people, bringing home souvenirs is one of the best parts of a trip. While the perfect souvenir will be different for each person, there are a few things that you can do to get meaningful mementos without breaking the bank. Make a plan and set your budget beforehand, and look for items that are specific to the area, ethically sourced, and perhaps handmade. Chances are, you don’t need another coffee mug, but a locally crafted item might be just the thing to remind you of your travels.

SoFi Travel is a new service offered exclusively to SoFi members. Earn 2x rewards when booking with your SoFi Mastercard or debit card. Then apply those rewards to your next trip when you book through our travel portal. SoFi makes planning a getaway fast, easy, and convenient — perfect for people on the move.

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Photo credit: iStock/ArtMarie

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

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You have likely heard of credit unions and how they can be an option to banks. But what exactly are they? In a nutshell, credit unions operate differently than banks (clients are actually shareholders), they may be smaller and offer more personalized service, and they can sometimes pay better interest rates.

If you are trying to figure out the kind of financial institution that suits you best, you may wonder, “How do credit unions compare to banks?” Here, you’ll learn some of the key ways credit unions vs. banks stack up, including:

•   What is a credit union?

•   What are the pros and cons of banks?

•   What are the pros and cons of credit unions?

What Is a Credit Union?

Credit unions are financial institutions like banks, and they offer products you’d expect such as checking and savings accounts, loans, debit cards, checks, money orders, and more. They can provide apps and online access, just as banks do. Credit unions may charge fewer fees, often with no minimum or a very low minimum deposit to open an account.

One difference between a credit union and a bank is that credit unions are run as co-ops, meaning each member has a stake in the business. Just like buying stock in a company, you own a small piece of the credit union when you join.

Here are some more features of credit unions:

•   These organizations are typically smaller than big banks and specific to certain locations, while offering similar services.

•   As nonprofits, credit unions are usually designed to serve their members, generally paying higher overall interest rates on deposits and with lower fees and penalties.

Typically, credit unions serve people only within their geographic area, and you need to be a member. Some credit unions have specific requirements for membership, but most make it easy to meet the qualifications, such as:

•   Where you work, or your industry

•   Where you live

•   Where you attend school or worship

•   Which organizations you are a member of.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Banks

If you currently bank with a large financial institution with a well-known name, you might be hesitant to switch banks and, in particular, move your accounts to a smaller, seemingly less popular credit union. Here are some of the upsides and downsides of keeping your money at a traditional bank.

Pros of Banks

Consider these benefits:

•   One of the biggest overall benefits of choosing a traditional bank might be that they generally offer a larger array of financial products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and more. They can be your one-stop shopping for many financial needs.

•   They often have extensive networks of brick-and-mortar branches, possibly both nationally and internationally.

•   They usually have large ATM networks as well.

•   Traditional banks are likely to be insured by FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), adding a layer of security in the very rare event of a bank failure.

•   Bigger banks can be quicker to adopt new technology, such as launching mobile check deposit.

Cons of Banks

In terms of the downsides:

•   Traditional banks may not offer as high interest rates as online banks or credit unions do.

•   Similarly, traditional banks vs. online banks and credit unions often charge higher fees.

•   A big bank may not provide as specialized, personalized services as credit unions do. Credit unions may provide ATM fee reimbursement, financial literacy seminars, and other perks.

•   Most credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, or NCUA, vs. FDIC, which helps protect funds in the event of a financial institution failing.

Pros and Cons of Credit Unions

Now, take a look at the upsides and downsides of credit unions.

Pros of Credit Unions

On the plus side, credit unions can offer the following:

•   Credit unions offer many of the same services as traditional banks, satisfying a range of client needs.

•   They typically offer higher interest rates on deposit accounts because profits go back to the members.

•   The fees are often lower than at big banks, both on deposit accounts and other financial products. For instance, credit union vs. bank mortgages may have less costly fees.

•   Credit unions are typically known for personalized service and may offer financial literacy classes and more to support their members.

Cons of Credit Unions

Now, some of the minuses:

•   Membership is required. It’s possible that a person may not qualify to become a member/shareholder.

•   Credit unions are typically local or regional; there may not be many options in a given area. Shared branch credit unions may, however, offer greater reach.

•   They may not offer the kind of 24/7 accessibility and extensive customer service options as traditional banks.

•   While many services are offered, they may not have all the bells and whistles that a traditional bank offers, such as peer-to-peer payment platforms (say, Zelle) or a state-of-the-art app.

Recommended: Do Credit Unions Help You Build Your Credit Score?

Credit Union vs. Bank

Here’s a comparison of how credit unions vs. banks stack up.

Business Model and Pricing

Banks are for-profit enterprises while credit unions are not. Typically, banks may charge higher fees and interest rates to borrow money. They may have higher minimum deposit requirements as well and lower annual percentage yields (APYs) on deposit accounts.

Membership Requirements

Banks are open to all who can apply for and be approved for services. Credit unions, however, have requirements to join and become a shareholder. They might cater to members of the military or employees in a certain industry. Or they might simply charge a small fee. But there will be some requirement to be met.

Services

Banks are known for having a full array of services: various kinds of accounts, loans, and other financial products. Credit unions usually have diverse offerings but may not offer quite the breadth as they tend to be smaller institutions.

Customer Care

Credit unions may have the edge here; they are known for personalized attention and coaching to help members gain financial literacy and reach their money goals. A large traditional bank may not be able to take such interest in each client.

Accessibility

Traditional banks may offer many physical branches, 24/7 customer service, and a national and even international network of locations and ATMs. Credit unions are likely smaller and local, with more limited access.

Technology Tools

Larger traditional banks tend to be more advanced in terms of technological innovation than credit unions. They may have state-of-the-art websites, apps, and services like peer-to-peer payment platforms.

Here’s how these bank vs. credit union differences look in chart form:

Traditional Banks	Credit Unions
A for-profit business that may charge higher fees and interest rates on loans; lower APYs on deposits	A non-profit that puts profits to work for members and usually offers lower fees and interest rates on loans, plus higher APYs on deposits
No membership requirements beyond perhaps initial deposits	May need to meet certain location, employment, or other membership requirements
Full array of financial products and services	Basic array of financial products and services
May not offer intensive personalized attention	Known for personalized customer care and financial literacy coaching
Likely to have 24/7 access and a national or global network of branches and ATMs	May not have 24/7 access to services or a network of branches
Advanced technology, including apps and P2P services	Less technologically advanced

Finding the Right Credit Union

If you think a credit union may be the right fit for you but are unsure where to start, you could ask your co-workers or neighbors if they use one and if they like it. Since a credit union is a local financial institution, word-of-mouth can make for valuable research.

You could also search in your geographic area making sure to check the eligibility requirements, and nationally, if you’re able to use a different local branch as part of the network. Then, joining is just like opening up any other bank account if you meet the membership credentials. Additionally, a credit union account allows you to do most tasks online or over the phone.

Opening a Bank Account

You may decide that a bank vs. a credit union better meets your needs. If so and you are shopping for a new place to deposit your funds, your decision may come down to finding one with easy access, low fees, and a competitive APY.

Traditional banks may charge ATM and overdraft fees — as do credit unions. And although both often provide overdraft protection by pulling from a savings account, there is also the risk that you’ll be charged a fee.

If you are looking to try a new financial institution, consider SoFi Checking and Savings, which is an account that allows you to save, spend and earn, all in one place. It has no account fees and offers a competitive APY. Plus, you’ll receive free access to 55,000+ ATMs worldwide and you can send money right from the app to almost anyone with our P2P transfers.

Bank smarter with SoFi Checking and Savings!

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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.

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