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The average natural gas bill in the United States is $80 to $100 per month. Your monthly gas bills could vary significantly, depending on the time of year, where you live, the size and age of your home, and other factors.

Read on for a breakdown of what can cause your gas bill to go up and down from one month to the next, how to budget for those price changes, and how you might be able to lower your costs in the future.

How Much Does a Gas Bill Cost Per Month on Average?

The average cost of gas per month in the U.S. has hovered around $80 in recent years. Your household’s cost could be much lower or higher, depending on your location and its cost of living by state, the size and age of your home, the appliances you use, inflation, and the ever-fluctuating cost of natural gas. Your bill might be much higher, for example, than that of a friend who has the same size house in a state with a warmer climate. And it could be less than what your next door neighbor pays, if your home is smaller or more energy efficient.

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Why Is My Gas Bill Higher Than Usual?

If your gas bill seems higher than usual, it could be that your provider is charging a higher rate. (You can check that by comparing two or more months’ worth of gas bills, or credit card statements if that’s how you pay your bills.) It could also be that you’re simply using more gas because it’s colder outside. Or maybe you’ve been taking more hot showers or running the dishwasher, clothes dryer, or gas fireplace more often. Working from home is a common reason that utility bills are sometimes higher.

If you can’t come up with a reasonable answer for the cost increase, you may want to talk to your gas provider or check your statement to see if your usage is up. But be prepared: The calculations that go into determining your monthly gas bill can be complicated.

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Understanding the Monthly Cost of Gas

In the U.S., natural gas can be priced in a few different ways, including dollars per therm, dollars per British thermal unit (BTU), and dollars per cubic foot.

Here’s what you really need to know: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price residential customers pay for natural gas is determined by two major factors:

•   Commodity Cost: The actual cost of the gas.

•   Transmission and Distribution Costs: The costs involved with moving the natural gas from where it’s produced or stored to a local natural gas distribution utility, plus whatever it costs to deliver the gas to customers.

If you live in a state with easy access to residential gas (Alaska, Utah, Washington, Colorado), the monthly rate you pay may be lower than if your utility has to transport the gas a long distance to reach you (in say, Hawaii).

The price you ultimately pay for natural gas in your state, city, or subdivision also may be affected by state regulations, taxes and other charges, availability, seasonal consumer demand, and the amount of competition in your location. (By the way, there’s no relation between the cost of natural gas and the price of gasoline.)

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Average Gas Bill Based on Household Size

Knowing the natural gas rates in your area can help you understand why your bills might be higher or lower than you expected. But the size of your home and the number of people who live there can also influence your average monthly gas bill. Keeping these things in mind can help you predict your gas usage when you make a budget.

Prices can vary significantly by season, with costs rising if you need to stay warm in cold winter months. According to HomeGuide.com, monthly gas costs in winter can be $120 to $200 versus $35 to $50 in summer.

Here’s a rough estimate of what the average monthly cost of gas could be for various apartment size, according to ApartmentList.com. Apartment costs may well be less than the cost for gas for a house, given that a house is likely to be larger and have more appliances, among other factors.

Remember that your costs may be much different depending on how many gas appliances you have in your home, how warm you keep your home in the winter, what you keep the temperature set to on your water heater, and other factors.

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What Uses the Most Gas in a Home?

The top uses for natural gas in U.S. households are heating and water heating. But many homes also use gas for cooking, indoor or outdoor fireplace, clothes dryer, or heating a pool. (Worth noting: Replacing home appliances can lead to greater energy efficiency.)

How Can I Lower My Gas Bill?

Even if you earn the average salary in the U.S., it may be challenging to afford your gas bill at times.

There are several steps you can take to lower your natural gas bill. (You may be interested in lowering your car’s gas bill, too.)

Get a Home Energy Assessment

A professional home energy auditor looks at your past bills for information about your energy use, and inspects your home to pinpoint problem areas and offer money-saving suggestions. Your gas company may offer assessments to its customers, or you may be able to get help finding an energy audit program through your state or local government.

Balance Costs Across the Year

If your local utility offers a yearly budget plan, you may be able to spread out your costs so that your bill is roughly the same amount each month. This can keep bills from becoming overwhelming in months when you use more gas. Or you can use a money tracker app to determine your average monthly cost of gas and set aside the appropriate amount.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

When was the last time you even looked at your water heater? Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees can help you save money, prevent family members from accidentally scalding themselves, and protect your pipes. You can also purchase a special blanket or “jacket” to insulate your water heater and make it more efficient.

Look for Leaks

If your doors and windows are getting older, check whether cold air is coming in and warm air escaping. Clear plastic film or weather stripping may be all you need to fix the problem.

Lower the Thermostat

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re home during the winter, and turning it down a few degrees more when you’re away. If you keep pretty standard hours, a programmable thermostat can ensure the house is comfortable when you get home from school or work. And if you work from home, you can lower the temp when you go to bed, or pull on a sweater during the day.

One note: If you get hit with a super-high bill one month (say, due to a polar vortex triggering frigid temperatures), that may be a time to dip into your emergency fund. It’s there to help you cover unexpected expenses

Assistance Programs to Help with Your Gas Bill

If you’re struggling to pay your gas bill, you may be able to get some help from a federal, state, or local government assistance program or from a nonprofit agency. Here are a few options to consider:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), operated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was created to help low-income households pay high home energy bills. Each state has its own rules regarding who is eligible for help and when and how to apply. (Assistance isn’t made directly to households.) For more information, go to the LIHEAP website.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), operated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was created to help low-income households pay high home energy bills. Each state has its own rules regarding who is eligible for help and when and how to apply. (Assistance isn’t made directly to households.) For more information, go to the LIHEAP website or call 202-401-9351.

Local Utility Company Programs

Some utility companies offer limited bill-paying assistance programs on their own or working alongside state agencies or nonprofit organizations. Check your local gas company’s website to see if they offer help, or try giving them a call. Your gas company may take special circumstances into consideration when it comes to paying your bill.

SoCalGas, for example, offers past-due bill forgiveness, discounted rates, and extended payment dates for certain qualifying customers. The utility also works to provide one-time grants through their Gas Assistance Fund.

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The Takeaway

The average cost of gas per month for a house is $80 to $100. The location, size, and age of your home — and, of course, the time of year — can affect your gas bill from one month to the next. So can the number of people in your household and the appliances you use. The rate you pay each month for gas may also fluctuate based on factors over which you have no control. All those things combined can mean that budgeting for your monthly gas bill requires some careful oversight.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How much does the average person pay for gas each month?

The average household pays about $80 to $100 per month for natural gas. Your bill could vary significantly, however, based on location, home size, number of residents, your appliances, whether you work from home, and more.

How much should you budget for gas a month?

One way to determine how much to budget for gas each month is to track your spending, then calculate the average monthly amount based on past bills. You may want to budget an amount that’s a bit higher than in the past, just in case the winter is especially cold or gas rates go up. (If you don’t end up needing the extra funds, you can put the money toward your emergency fund or another bill.)

What’s the average price of natural gas in San Francisco?

According to UtilitiesLocal.com, residential natural gas prices in San Francisco rose slowly but significantly from September 2021 to September 2022. Rates increased by approximately 34% year over year.

Photo credit: iStock/DGLimages

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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

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

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

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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SORL-Q125-026

Maybe you’ve spent a serious amount of time watching HGTV and now have visions of turning your kitchen into a chef’s paradise. Or perhaps you have an entire Pinterest board full of super-deep soaking tubs that you’re dreaming about.

Either way, the home improvement bug has bitten you, and you’re not alone. A recent Harvard University housing report revealed that in the U.S., the expected amount spent on home improvement in 2025 was over $600 billion. For a bit more context, consider that Americans are planning to spend $24,000 on average on major home improvement projects in 2026. That’s a lot more than just buying a new bathroom sink.

While your home might be begging for some updates and improvements, not all of us have enough cash for remodeling stashed away in a savings account. For many people, realizing their home improvement goals means borrowing money. But how exactly?

Read on to learn about some of your options, including a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), and a home improvement loan. We’ll share the situations in which home equity loans, HELOCs, and home improvement loans work best so you can figure out which option is right for you.

What’s the Difference Between Home Equity Loans, HELOCs, and Home Improvement Loans?

If you’ve figured out how much a home renovation will cost and now need to fund the project, the loan options may sound a bit confusing because they all include the word “home”.

What’s more, you may hear the term “home equity loan” loosely applied to any funds borrowed to do home improvement work. However, there are different kinds of home equity loans you should know about, and one that doesn’t involve home equity at all.

So, before digging into the details of home improvement loans vs. home equity loans vs. HELOCs, consider the basics for each:

•   A home equity loan is a lump-sum payment that a lender gives you using the equity in your home to secure the loan. These loans often have a higher limit, lower interest rate, and longer repayment term than a home improvement loan.

•   A home equity line of credit is a revolving line of credit that’s backed by the equity in your home. It operates similarly to a credit card in that the amount you can obtain isn’t set, though you’ll have a limit on how much you can access.

•   A home improvement loan is a kind of lump-sum personal loan, and it isn’t backed by the equity you have in your home. It may have a higher interest rate and shorter repayment term than a home equity loan. What’s more, it may have a lower limit, making it well-suited for smaller projects.

Worth noting: If you use your home as collateral to borrow funds, you could lose your property if you don’t make payments on time. That’s a significant risk to your financial security and should be taken seriously.

Next, let’s look at how key loan features line up for these options.

How Much Can I Borrow?

The sky isn’t the limit when borrowing funds. This is how much you’ll likely be able to access:

•   With a home equity loan, you can typically borrow up to 85% of your home’s value, minus what’s owed on your mortgage. So if your home’s value is $300,000, 85% of that is $255,000. If you have a mortgage for $200,000, then $255,000 minus $200,000 leaves you with a potential loan of $55,000. You can do the math quickly with a home equity loan calculator.

•   When you apply for a HELOC, you can often access up to 90% of the equity you have in your home, though some lenders may go even higher. In that case, you are likely to pay a higher interest rate. In the scenario above, with a home valued at $300,000 and a mortgage of $200,000, that means you have $100,000 equity in your home. A loan for 90% of $100,000 would be $90,000. As with other lines of credit, your credit score and employment history will likely factor into the approval decision. To figure out what payments might be on a HELOC, you can use a HELOC repayment calculator.

•   With a home improvement loan, the amount you can borrow will depend on a variety of factors, including your credit score, but the typical range is between $1,000-$50,000 or sometimes even more.

What Can the Funds Be Used For?

Interestingly, some of these funds can be used for purposes other than home improvement costs. Here’s how they stack up:

•   With a home equity loan, you can use the funds for an amazing new kitchen with a professional-grade range, but you can also spend the money on debt consolidation or college tuition, for example.

•   With a HELOC, as with a home equity loan, you can use the money as you see fit. Redoing your patio? Sure. But you can also use the cash to open a business, pay for grad school, or knock out credit card debt.

•   With a home improvement loan, you’re generally required to use the funds for, as the name suggests, a home improvement project, such as adding a hot tub to your property. In some cases, you may be able to use the funds for non-home purposes. Your lender can tell you more.

Recommended: How to Find a Contractor for Home Renovations & Remodeling

How Will I Receive the Funds? How Long Will It Take to Get the Money?

Consider the different ways and timing you may encounter when getting money from these loan options:

•   With a home equity loan, you receive a lump sum payment of the funds borrowed, which can take 2-6 weeks, depending on various factors, including your lender.

•   With a HELOC, you open a line of credit, similar to a credit card. During what is known as the draw period (typically 10 years), you can withdraw funds via a special credit card or checkbook up to your limit. It typically takes 2-6 weeks from application to obtaining funds, but some lenders may be faster.

•   With a home improvement loan, you receive a lump sum of cash. These tend to be the quickest way to get cash: It may only take a day or so after approval for the funds to become available.

How Much Interest Will I Pay?

How much you pay to access funds for your project will vary. Let’s take a closer look:

•   With a home equity loan, you typically get a lower interest rate than some other loan types, since you’re using your home equity as collateral. These are typically fixed-rate loans, so you’ll know how much you’re paying every month. At the beginning of 2026, the average rate of a fixed, 15-year home equity loan was 8%.

•   With a HELOC, the line of credit will typically have a rate that varies with the prime rate, though some lenders offer fixed-rate options. HELOCs may have lower interest rates than personal and home equity loans, but you will need a high credit score to snag the lowest possible rate.

•   With home improvement loans, which are a kind of personal loan, rates vary widely. Currently, they may range anywhere from 7%-36%, depending on the lender and your qualifications, including your credit score. These loans are typically fixed-rate.

How Long Will I Have to Repay the Funds?

Repayment terms differ among these three options:

•   With home equity loans, you’ll agree to a term with your lender. Terms typically range from 5-30 years.

•   With a HELOC, you usually have a 10-year draw period, during which you may pay interest only. After that time, you may no longer withdraw funds and will move into the principal-plus-interest repayment period, which often runs 10-20 years.

•   With a home improvement loan, your repayment terms are typically shorter than with the other options and vary by lender. You may find terms of anywhere from 1-7 years or possibly longer.

Here’s a table that compares these features:

Which Home Improvement Loan Option Is Better?

Now that you’ve learned about the features of these loan options, here’s some guidance on which one is likely to be optimal based on your needs.

When Home Equity Loans Make Sense

Here are some scenarios in which a home equity loan may be a good choice:

•   If you have significant home equity and are looking to borrow a large amount, a home equity loan could be the right option to access a lump sum of cash.

•   If you want to have a long repayment period, the possibility of a 30-year term could be a good fit.

•   When you want to keep costs as low as possible, these loans may offer lower interest rates.

•   A home equity loan can be a wise move when you need cash for other purposes, such as debt consolidation or educational expenses.

•   Some interest payments may be tax-deductible only if the loan is used to buy, build, or substantially improve your home, which could be a benefit of this kind of loan.

When HELOCs Make Sense

A HELOC may be your best bet in the following situations:

•   You aren’t sure how much money you need and like the flexibility of a line of credit.

•   You want to keep your payments as low as possible in the near future. HELOCs can usually be an interest-only loan during the 10-year draw period of the arrangement.

•   You’re doing a renovation in stages and want to draw funds as needed versus all upfront.

•   You need cash for something other than just home renovation, such as to pay down credit card debt or fund tuition.

•   Depending on what you put the money toward, interest payments may be tax-deductible to a degree.

When Home Improvement Personal Loans Make Sense

Consider these upsides:

•   These personal loans tend to have a straightforward, fast application process and often have fewer fees, such as no origination fees.

•   Home improvement loans are usually approved more quickly than other kinds of home loans.

•   These loans can be a good way to borrow a small sum, such as $1,000 or $5,000, for a project you need to complete quickly (say, a bathroom without a functional shower).

•   Home improvement loans can be a good option for new homeowners who haven’t yet built up much equity in their home but need funds for renovation.

•   For those who are uncomfortable using their home as collateral, this kind of loan can be a smart move.

First-time homebuyers can

prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,

with as little as 3% down.

The Takeaway

Home improvement is popular because it makes daily life in your home, likely your biggest asset, more enjoyable and also boosts its value. If you’re ready to take on a renovation (or need to pay off the bills for a reno you already carried out), you have options for accessing funds.

Depending on your needs and personal situation, you might prefer a home equity loan, a HELOC, or a home improvement personal loan. Why not start by looking into a HELOC? A line of credit is a highly flexible way to borrow.

SoFi now offers flexible HELOC options to turn your home equity into cash. Access up to 85% of your home equity, or $350,000, to finance home improvements or consolidate debt. Competitive interest rates and repayment terms up to 20 years could result in lower monthly payments versus other loans. And the online application process is quick and convenient.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.

FAQ

Can a HELOC only be used for repairs or renovations?

You can use the funds you draw from a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for pretty much anything you can think of. But if you are hoping to take advantage of a tax deduction for the interest you pay on your HELOC, it will need to be used to buy, build, or substantially improve a home.

Is a HELOC a second mortgage?

Yes, if you are still paying off the mortgage on your home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that is secured by that property would be considered a second mortgage. The same is true of a home equity loan.

How long does it take to obtain funds with a HELOC?

It usually takes 2-6 weeks from application to accessing funds. Some lenders may be quicker to provide you with the funds.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

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

SOHE-Q126-088

The main difference between a soft vs. hard credit check is that each hard check can knock a few points off your credit score, whereas soft checks don’t affect your score. Both hard and soft checks pull the same financial data but for different purposes. Hard checks are typically done when you apply for a loan or credit card, and soft checks are conducted for most other purposes, such as prescreening for credit card offers.

It’s important for consumers to understand this difference because too many hard checks — also known as hard pulls and hard inquiries — can significantly lower your credit score. This can hurt your chances of getting the best offers on credit cards and loans. Keep reading to learn more about credit checks and how to prevent unnecessary hard checks of your credit file.

What Is a Soft Credit Inquiry?

A soft inquiry is when a person or company accesses your credit report as part of a background check. They will be able to look at:

•   The number and type of all your credit accounts

•   Credit card balances

•   Loan balances

•   Payment history for revolving credit (credit cards and home equity lines of credit)

•   Payment history for installment loans (auto loans, mortgages, student loans, and personal loans)

•   Accounts gone to collections

•   Tax liens and other public records

Soft inquiries are not used during loan or credit card applications, and do not require the consumer’s permission or involvement. Reasons for a soft check can include:

•   Employment pre-screening

•   Rental applications

•   Insurance evaluations

•   Prescreening for financial offers by mail

•   Loan prequalification

•   Checking your own credit file

•   When you’re shopping for personal loan interest rates or credit cards

Soft credit checks do not affect your credit score, no matter how often they take place. Some soft checks appear on your credit report, but not all — you may never find out they took place.

When they are listed, it might say that these inquiries do not affect your credit rating, and show the name of the requester and the date of the inquiry. Only you can see soft inquiries on your report.

Recommended: Does Applying for Credit Cards Hurt Your Credit Score?

What Is a Hard Credit Inquiry?

A hard credit inquiry typically takes place when you apply for credit, such as loans or credit cards, and give permission for the lender or creditor to pull your credit file. As with a soft credit pull, the lender will look at the financial information listed on your credit report.

Each hard pull may lower your credit score — but typically by less than five points, according to FICO® Score. All hard inquiries appear on your credit report. While they stay there for about two years, they stop affecting your credit score after 12 months.

Not all loans require a hard credit inquiry — but consider that a red flag. Some small local lenders may offer short-term, high-interest, unsecured personal loans. Borrowers must show proof of income via a recent paycheck, but no credit check is required. The risks of these “payday loans” are so great that many states have outlawed them.

Avoiding Hard Credit Inquiries

Consumers should carefully consider whether they really need new credit before applying for an account that requires a hard credit check.

For example, department stores and some chains like to entice you to apply for their store credit card by offering a generous discount on your purchase as you’re checking out. In that situation, ask yourself if it’s worth a credit score hit (albeit a small one).

Another way to minimize hard inquiries is to ask which type of credit check a company intends to run. If, for example, a cable company usually requires a hard credit inquiry to open an account, you might ask if a hard pull can be avoided. Other situations where there may be some flexibility include:

•   Rental applications

•   Leasing a car

•   New utility accounts

•   Requesting a higher credit limit on an existing account

Disputing Inaccurate Hard Inquiries

A good financial rule of thumb is to review your credit reports every year to check for common credit report errors and signs of identity theft. You can access your credit reports from the three consumer credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®) for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

To check for inaccurate hard inquiries, look for a section on your credit report with any of these labels:

•   Credit inquiries

•   Hard inquiries

•   Regular inquiries

•   Requests viewed by others

You can dispute hard inquiries and remove them from your credit reports under certain circumstances: if you didn’t apply for a new credit account, you didn’t give permission for the inquiry, or the inquiry was added by mistake.

That said, under federal law, certain organizations with a specific, legitimate purpose can access your credit file without written permission. They include:

•   Government agencies, usually in the context of licensing or benefits applications

•   Collection agencies

•   Insurance companies, when certain restrictions are met

•   Entities that have a court order, as in child support hearings

Even so, if you didn’t give permission for a hard credit pull, it’s worth filing a dispute to request that the credit check be removed from your report.

Consumers may dispute hard inquiries online through AnnualCreditReport.com or by writing to the individual credit reporting agencies.

Hard Credit Checks and Your Credit Scores

As mentioned, hard inquiries appear on your credit report, and each hard pull may lower your credit score by five points or less. Here we’ll go into a bit more detail.

Why Hard Inquiries Matter

Multiple hard inquiries within a short time frame can do significant damage to your credit score. It could potentially be enough to move you from the Good credit range down to Fair. Someone in a Fair credit range can pay substantially more over a lifetime in interest and fees than someone with a Good score or higher.

How Many Points Will a Hard Inquiry Cost You?

As noted above, each hard pull can lower your credit score by less than five points. One or two hard inquiries per year may not matter, especially if you’re not planning on applying for a loan.

If you’re rate shopping for a particular type of loan, such as a mortgage or auto loan, keep in mind that multiple hard credit checks within a specific period (often several weeks) for the same purpose are usually counted as one inquiry by credit scoring companies. However, this is not the case with hard pulls for credit card applications.

How Long Do Inquiries Stay on Your Credit?

Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for two years. While they’re on your credit report, they are visible to anyone who checks your credit. But their impact on your credit score typically lasts less than 12 months.

Soft inquiries may remain on your credit report for 1-2 years, but only you can see them.

The Takeaway

Soft credit inquiries do not affect a credit score, while hard credit inquiries may cost you a few points. In both cases, individuals or businesses pull information from your credit reports. Checking your own credit report counts as a soft pull, as do most other situations where the consumer hasn’t given written permission. Hard pulls are typically done only when you’re applying for a loan or a new credit account.

Many lenders allow you to prequalify for a loan without running a hard credit check. This allows you to shop rates without risking any impact to your credit.

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

FAQ

What is the difference between a soft and hard credit inquiry?

A soft inquiry happens when your credit is checked for background or pre qualification purposes and does not affect your score. A hard inquiry occurs when you apply for credit and may slightly lower your score.

Do soft credit checks affect your credit score?

Soft credit checks do not impact your credit score at all. They can happen frequently without any negative effect.

How long do hard inquiries stay on your credit report?

Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for about two years. Their impact on your credit score typically fades after 12 months.

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

SOPL-Q126-067

The amount of money you bring home with each paycheck plays an important role in your overall financial picture. While there are likely several dollar amounts that appear on your paycheck, two of the most important are your gross income and your net income.

Your gross income represents the total amount of money that your employer has paid you. If you are an hourly employee, it will be your hourly wages multiplied by the number of hours you worked. If you are salaried, then it is a proportional amount of your total annual salary.

Your net income is your take-home pay. In other words, it’s the value left after taxes, employee benefits, retirement plan contributions, and other deductions are taken from your gross income.

What Is Gross Income?

Your gross income is the total amount you earn before any deductions or taxes are taken out of your paycheck. If you are a salaried employee, your gross income will be the portion of your salary that corresponds to the time period represented on your paycheck. For example, if your salary is $52,000 and you are paid every two weeks, your gross income may be $2,000 per paycheck. If you are paid monthly, your gross monthly income may be $4,333.33. (The numbers may vary slightly depending on how exact pay periods are handled.)

If you are an hourly employee, your gross income depends on the total number of hours you work and your hourly wage. If you work 80 hours during a pay period and have an hourly wage of $15/hour, your gross income will be $1,200.

In some cases, an employee might be eligible for overtime pay, which could also be reflected in their paycheck. Whether you are a salaried or an hourly employee, any tips, bonuses, or one-time additions must also be added to your total gross income.

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

What Is Net Income?

Here’s the difference between gross income vs. net income: While your gross income represents the total amount you earn in a given pay period, your net income is the amount you’ll actually receive after taxes and deductions. Common payroll deductions may include:

•   Federal, state, and local taxes

•   Health insurance premiums

•   Retirement contributions, such as 401(k) plans

•   Wage garnishments

•   Charitable giving via workplace programs

The result is your net income, which may be sent to your bank account via direct deposit or given to you as a paper check.

Gross vs Net Income: What’s the Difference?

When comparing net and gross income, know this: Your gross income will always be equal to or more than your net income. If you don’t have any tax withholding or other deductions, your gross income and net income may be the same. But if money is withheld for taxes, insurance, retirement savings, or other common deductions, it will be subtracted from your gross income. The result is your net income and is also often referred to as take-home pay.

Why Do We Go by Gross Income?

When people compare earnings and salaries, they often focus on the gross amount rather than what they actually take home. This is because net income can vary greatly depending on a person’s situation, while gross income reflects the pay associated with a job or position and provides a more consistent basis for comparison across roles.

Consider two people who make the same salary. Their take-home pay may differ if:

•   One is married with children and has less tax withheld compared to a single person with no children,

•   One chooses to contribute 10% of their pay to a company-sponsored retirement plan, while the other does not

•   One is the account holder for family health insurance, resulting in higher deductions

Another reason that gross income is often a better comparison than net income is that the money withheld from your paycheck usually represents actual value you still receive. Money deducted for retirement savings is transferred to your 401(k) account, insurance premiums pay for medical or dental insurance, and taxes are paid to the government. These deductions serve an important and valuable purpose.

How Do Gross and Net Income Relate to Taxes?

It’s important to understand your taxes and how they relate to your gross and net income. Taxes, along with deductions, are amounts subtracted from your gross income to determine your net income. The more money withheld for taxes from your paycheck, the lower your net income will be. However, higher withholding may reduce the likelihood that you owe additional money to the federal or local government come tax season.

How Gross and Net Income Affect Your Finances

While your gross income can be a useful point of comparison in terms of how much you make, it’s your net income that directly affects your day-to-day budget and finances. When managing your money and deciding what to focus on, net income is often the figure to look at to understand how much money you have available to spend or save.

After all, it’s your net income that represents the money you actually receive each pay period. That amount can be a good starting point as you learn to spend wisely by budgeting.

You can then allocate funds to pay your living expenses, make discretionary purchases, pay off debt, and save towards future goals. A line item budget can help you balance your finances and meet your short-term and longer-term goals.

Recommended: 50/30/20 Monthly Budget Calculator

The Takeaway

Gross income and net income are two different points of reference for how much money you make. Your gross income represents the total wage or salary you earn during a particular pay period. Your net income is what remains after taxes and deductions are removed from your gross earnings. In other words, your net income is the money you actually take home and can use as a starting point for budgeting.

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

FAQ

How can I increase my net income?

Your net income largely depends on your gross income, so increasing your gross income could increase your net income. You might do this by finding a higher-paying job or by starting a side hustle. Another way to raise your net income is to lower the amount of taxes and deductions that are taken out by adjusting your tax withholding or decreasing other deductions, such as how much you contribute to retirement savings.

What are some budgeting tips to help me with my income?

One budgeting tip is to make sure you start with your net income and list out all of your expenses. Make sure that your total expenses are less than your total income (this may involve making some cuts) and create a plan to save at least some of the difference. You might want to research budget guidelines, such as the 50/30/20 rule, for inspiration.

Is gross income more important than net income?

Gross income and net income are both useful in different circumstances. Gross income can be used to compare salaries for different jobs and roles, while net income is more useful when budgeting.

Photo credit: iStock/Vasyl Faievych

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2026 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 5/28/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

¹SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

*Awards or rankings from Forbes are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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Online and mobile banking are now woven into many people’s daily lives. With just a few clicks or taps, you can check your balances, pay bills, and make other financial transactions from virtually anywhere, at any time. Nearly half of the respondents to SoFi’s April 2024 Banking Survey of 500 U.S. adults said they use online banking daily.

Banks are not only convenient, they also implement numerous security measures to help safeguard your accounts. With cyber thieves and hackers finding increasingly sophisticated ways to try to access your information, however, it’s also important to be aware of steps you can take on your own to help keep your financial and personal details safe. Here’s what you need to know.

Tips on Securing Your Bank Account From Hackers

These days, cyber thieves are getting increasingly savvy, even setting up fake bank websites and banking apps designed to steal your personal information and, in turn, the contents of your checking or savings account. In SoFi’s Banking Survey, 42% of people said they were very or somewhat concerned about the security of their online bank accounts. More specifically, the survey found that:

•   42% were concerned

•   29% were neutral

•   29% weren’t very or at all concerned

No matter your level of worry, it’s important to know that there are a few simple things you can do to help secure your accounts from the different types of bank fraud. Here are six easy strategies that can help you stay ahead of scammers and hackers and protect your hard-earned cash.

Recommended: Are Online Savings Accounts Safe?

1. Choose Trustworthy Financial Apps

Whether you’re using your bank’s mobile app or some other financial app (like a budgeting app), be sure to only download verified ones from a trusted platform, such as the App Store for iPhone or iOS users or the Google Play Store for Android users. Fraudulent activity can often occur through fake apps or those downloaded from unofficial sources.

Before downloading a third-party money management app, it’s also a good idea to look up online reviews of the providers from reliable sources, research the app’s security policies, and look for any past data breaches.

2. Choose Strong and Unique Passwords

It’s wise to choose a unique password for every bank account and avoid repeating any ones you use for other online accounts, even nonfinancial ones. That way, if a fraudster is able to uncover your Facebook password, they won’t be able to access your checking or savings account.

To create a secure password, try to combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You generally want to avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdates, kids’ names, or sequential numbers. To keep the login information for all of your accounts organized, consider using a physical or online password manager.

3. Use Multifactor Authentication

If possible, it’s a good idea to enable two- or multifactor authentication. This adds another layer of security by requiring one or more forms of verification in addition to a password, such as a PIN sent to your mobile device via email or SMS. This way, if hackers gain access to the login credentials for your savings account, for example, it may be difficult for them to log in without your second verification.

You may also want to take advantage of biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, if offered by your bank. Biometrics protect your account by using unique physical characteristics to verify your identity, making it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.

Recommended: Avoiding Mobile Deposit Scams, Fakes, and Hacks

4. Set Up Account Alerts

You can typically set up banking alerts via email, text, or your bank’s app to monitor unusual activity, such as large withdrawals, a profile/password update, a newly linked external account, or an unusual login attempt. This allows you to identify suspicious activity quickly and report any unusual or unauthorized transactions to your bank right away. You can then work with the bank to swiftly resolve the issue.

5. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams are ever more prevalent and sophisticated. These scams trick you into providing your personal and banking information that can then be used for fraudulent activity.

For example, you could receive an email, supposedly from your bank, informing you that there’s a problem with your account and asking you to click on a link that requires you to log in and update your information. The website you are led to may look exactly like your bank’s website. If you input your details, hackers will have access to your login information. Here are a few ways to avoid online bank scams:

•   If you receive a message that says it’s from your bank and asks you to click a link, don’t. Log in to your banking website or app and check your messages there to see what’s going on. You can also call your bank to ask if the message is legitimate.

•   Hover over the email sender’s address. You may be surprised to see that it does not match the email address of the entity that it’s pretending to be. If that’s the case, don’t click on anything and mark the email as spam.

•   Never download attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware designed to steal your login credentials.

6. Be Wary When Using Public Wifi

The public wifi at your favorite coffee shop or local library can help you stay connected when you’re out and about, but you can’t count on it to be entirely secure. While it’s generally fine to use public wifi for browsing the web, it’s best to avoid using it for any activities that require login information, such as signing in to your bank account. The open connection could potentially give cyber thieves a chance to grab your username and password as they move between you and your bank’s website.

To make public wifi more secure, consider putting a virtual private network (VPN) app on your device. A VPN encrypts your data as it passes to and from your device and acts as a protective pathway so that your data is not visible as it passes through a network.

The Takeaway

Online banking is generally safe and convenient, but it’s also important to take precautions to minimize the risk of getting hacked or scammed. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your bank account being compromised. These include using strong passwords and multifactor authentication, only downloading apps from reputable platforms, never clicking on links in communications that claim to come from your bank, and never logging into your bank account using public wifi.

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

FAQ

Can hackers steal money from a bank account?

Hackers may be able to steal money from a bank account if they gain access to your account credentials. They might be able to do this by using deceptive emails and websites to trick you into revealing your bank details or exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank’s security systems to access sensitive data.

Fortunately, banks implement numerous security measures to safeguard your accounts, and you can help keep your accounts safe by using strong passwords, enabling multifactor identification, and being wise to phishing scams.

Who pays if your bank account is hacked?

If your bank account is hacked and unauthorized transactions occur, the bank will likely reimburse the stolen funds, provided you report the incident quickly.

As soon as you see something suspicious, call the number on the back of your bank card and go through the fraud department’s recovery process.

Am I protected if my bank account is hacked?

Yes, you are usually protected if your bank account is hacked, as long as you let the bank know about the fraudulent transaction in a timely manner.

Generally, if you report an unauthorized bank transaction within 48 hours, your liability will be limited to no more than $50. However, if you wait months to report an incident, you might have difficulty recovering any of your lost funds.

Can someone hack your bank account with a routing number and an account number?

Access to your bank routing number and account number could potentially enable a hacker to make fraudulent payments, create checks for your account, and possibly shop online with retailers that only require bank account information.

However, a routing number and account number is typically not sufficient on its own for hackers to gain direct access to your bank account. Most banks employ multiple layers of security measures, including authentication protocols and monitoring systems, to prevent unauthorized access to customer accounts.

Photo credit: iStock/insjoy

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2026 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 5/28/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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.

*Awards or rankings from Forbes are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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