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Sure, a budget is an important tool to help you balance your income and your spending, keep your savings on track, and help you avoid debt. But, like many good things, it sometimes goes off the rails. A person might start a budget with the best of intentions but then find it hard to stick to it. Or they might encounter an emergency expense and have a hard time getting back in the groove.

Here, you’ll learn what the common pitfalls are and how to avoid these most common budgeting mistakes so your financial life can thrive.

10 Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

Here are 10 of the most common budget mistakes people make. Get familiar with them and try not to fall into their traps.

1. Not Having a Budget

Some people make the budget error of…not having a budget at all. Maybe it seems too hard, too time-consuming, or too boring; you’d rather be watching a hot new streaming series or playing with your dog.

Nevertheless, if you don’t create and follow a budget, you’re missing out on major benefits:

•   You may not save enough for your future

•   You may feel stressed about reaching your long-term goals

•   You might spend beyond your means, which could land you in debt and strain on your financial resources.

Recommended: Common Financial Mistakes First-Time Parents Make

2. Not Tracking Spending

Tracking your spending can be one of the more tedious tasks required for budgeting, but it’s also an incredible, truth-revealing tool. How else would you know when you are above or below your limits? You risk blowing past your limit by overspending in some categories, meaning you’ll have less (or none) for other categories. For example, overspend on eating out, and you might have less to put toward your retirement savings. Fortunately, there are an array of expense-tracking apps (many are free) that can help simplify this process.

3. Not Having Emergency Savings

Experts recommend that you save three to six months’ worth of expenses in a dedicated emergency fund. This is money you can draw on in case of emergency medical expenses and car repairs, for instance. It also provides a cash cushion should you lose your job, giving you time to get back on your feet without going into debt.

Not having an emergency fund can torpedo your budget, requiring you to draw money from other categories to cover unexpected expenses, or requiring you to take on debt.

If you don’t have a rainy day fund yet, it may be wise to set up automatic deductions monthly. Even as little as $25 can begin building a buffer. Keep your emergency cash in a separate savings account so you aren’t tempted to touch it. And if you need to dip into the account, be sure to budget additional savings until you are able to replenish it.

4. Not Considering Cheaper Alternatives

Budgeting doesn’t necessarily mean giving things up. Sometimes it can mean looking for cheaper alternatives. For example, you could swap out a pricey gym membership for one at a more budget-friendly alternative. Instead of renewing the same car insurance you’ve always had, you could shop around online for a better deal. You might even call your credit card issuer to request a lower interest rate or try to negotiate a medical bill. All of these options can free up cash in your budget that can go toward meeting other goals.

5. Thinking That You Cannot Have Fun While on a Budget

One of the reasons people don’t budget is it can feel like a real slog and a buzzkill. They assume that in order to budget successfully, they have to give up doing things they like. However, that’s not necessarily true. While a budget ensures that your necessary expenses are taken care of first, it can also provide discretionary funds that can be used however you want, from going to see a movie to booking a weekend getaway.

You may also consider making budgeting more fun by rewarding yourself when you meet certain goals. For example, you may want to treat yourself when you pay off a credit card. Just be sure you’ve already earmarked funds to pay for your reward.

6. Saving for Too Many Things Simultaneously

Another budgeting mistake involves trying to save for too many things at once. In this situation, it’s easy to stretch yourself thin. You might start to feel like you’re spinning your wheels and are unable to follow your budget.

A solution can be to narrow your focus. To prioritize your savings, first consider wants versus needs. For example, you may want to drill down on a single need, like creating an important emergency savings fund, rather than upgrading your mobile phone (which is a want, after all). Once your need is taken care of, then you can consider allocating funds for a want. Delaying gratification a bit can be a valuable tool when successfully managing your money.

7. Not Adjusting Varying Expenses Every Month

Some expenses, like rent and utility bills, are relatively fixed. Others, like how much you spend on groceries can vary from month to month. If you don’t compensate for that fluctuation, you may be making a budget mistake.

If you notice you are suddenly spending more each month in a certain category, be sure to adjust your budget accordingly, or look for ways to cut back on spending in that category. To protect yourself in times of high inflation, it can be especially important to monitor this. Your food, gas, and heating expenses may well run high for a while.

8. Not Taking Into Account One-Time Expenses

One-time expenses can be real budget busters if you don’t plan for them ahead of time. Estimate the cost of the expense, and spread out your savings over a couple of months.

For example, if you plan to attend a wedding that will cost $800, you could start saving $200 a month four months in advance so you don’t end up footing the bill all at once. Or let’s say you know you’ll be needing a set of new tires soon (currently averaging about $764 installed); start stashing away cash in advance so you don’t get hit with a major bill that sends your budget spiraling. Another category many budgeters overlook is gifts; birthday and holiday presents aren’t free, so remember to set aside funds to afford them without a hiccup.

9. Having an Unrealistic Budget

It’s easy to be optimistic and have the best intentions when you create your budget, but make sure it’s something you can realistically stick to. Otherwise, you may have a budget mistake on your hands.

You may be overly optimistic, for instance, if you allocate 20% of your take-home pay towards retirement savings. If you oversave in one area, like retirement savings, it can mean that you’ll incur credit card debt that’s hard to pay off to buy groceries. Be honest with yourself about how much you spend and how much you can save.

10. Having the Wrong Budget Method for You

There is no one-size-fits all budgeting strategy. As we mentioned above, there are a number of strategies you can use to help you build and stick to your budget. The best one is the one that works for you. Just because a budget strategy sounds good when you first learn about it or your best friend swears by it doesn’t mean it will work for you. It’s a budgeting error to cling to a system that isn’t working. If the technique you are using isn’t working, acknowledge that, and try something else.

The Takeaway

Now you know what is a common mistake made in budgeting; ten of them, in fact. By avoiding these pitfalls, you give yourself a better chance of sticking to your budget and meeting your financial goals. What’s more, you’re far less likely to be derailed by debt, whose interest payments can eat into your ability to save and manage your money.

Setting up the right bank accounts can also benefit your budget. Open a bank account online with SoFi and set up direct deposit, and you’ll be rewarded twice. Your money will earn a competitive APY, and you won’t pay any account fees. That’s a win-win that could help your money grow faster.

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

FAQ

What are some pitfalls of budgeting?

Budgeting pitfalls that can derail your financial goals include failing to have a budget, not tracking your expenses, forgetting to account for varying monthly expenses, and not building up an emergency fund.

What is improper budgeting?

Improper budgeting can occur if your budget is incomplete, if it’s overly ambitious (not recognizing how much you actually spend), or if you don’t update it with new sources of income or expenses.

Why do people fail in budgeting?

Your budget may fail for a variety of reasons, such as trying to achieve too ambitious or too many goals at once; not tracking your expenses; and sticking with a budgeting strategy that doesn’t fit your needs. If the latter is the case, try multiple strategies to find the one that suits you best.

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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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A standby letter of credit (also known as an SLOC or SBLC) is a legal document, typically used in international trade, that acts as a safety net for a deal. It communicates that a bank will guarantee payment if, for example, their customer fails to send funds to a seller for goods or services provided.

Generally, SOLCs are important when the buyer and seller haven’t been acquainted and haven’t yet established a sense of trust. These documents can help a seller secure a contract with a new client. This is especially helpful when they are competing with larger, more established sellers.

Read on to learn more, including:

•   What is a standby letter of credit?

•   How does a standby letter of credit work?

•   What are the different types of SOLCs available?

•   What are the pros and cons of standby letters of credit?

•   How can you obtain a standby letter of credit?

What Is a Standby Letter of Credit?

An SLOC (or SBLC; the terms are used interchangeably) is an irrevocable commitment by an issuing bank that it will make payment to a designated beneficiary if the bank’s client defaults on a deal. To phrase it a bit differently, these commitments ensure the payment of a specific amount if one party does not make good on a business agreement. For example, a seller might ship goods to a buyer, but the buyer fails to pay within a specified number of days. In such cases, the bank will intervene and compensate the seller if certain conditions are met.

However, the conditions can be very specific, and failure to meet them can result in the seller not being compensated. For example, issues with shipping or with the product itself could result in denial of payment.

These letters of credit are common in international trade when buyers and sellers aren’t familiar with one another. When entities from two different countries do a deal, the laws and regulations involved may differ. This can add a layer of uncertainty to whether the deal will go through smoothly. An SLOC can help the seller feel more confident they will be paid.

An SBLC acts as a safety net or insurance policy for the seller. If all goes well with the transaction, they won’t have to make use of it. Only if there are issues with the sale will the SBLC be needed, but that bank guarantee adds a level of confidence.

Recommended: Why Are My Credit Scores Different?

How a Standby Letter of Credit Works

Now that you know the meaning of SBLC, here’s how it actually functions. When a buyer and seller are entering into a large contract, an SLOC might be created, especially if the buyer and seller don’t know one another. The buyer might create one to help secure a contract or the seller might ask the buyer to obtain a letter.

In either case, the buyer goes to a bank and requests an SLOC. The bank will then perform underwriting to verify the buyer’s creditworthiness. The bank might also ask the buyer for collateral if they have bad credit (this is an example of why bad credit is a big deal). The amount of collateral will depend on a variety of factors, including the level of risk, the size of the deal, and the strength of the business.

Once the process is complete, the buyer receives the SLOC. The bank will charge a fee, typically between 1% and 10% of value per year while the contract is in effect. Once the transaction project is complete, the SBLC is no longer valid, and the bank will no longer charge a fee.

However, if the buyer defaults on the agreement for any reason, the seller must provide all documentation listed in the SBLC to the buyer’s bank, informing them that the buyer has not held up their end of the arrangement. The bank will then reimburse the seller and later collect payment from the buyer, plus interest.

A deal can fail to be completed for many reasons, such as bankruptcy, lack of cash flow, or dishonesty on the part of the buyer. If the bank determines the buyer has violated the terms of the SLOC, it will then make payment to the seller.

Types of Standby Letters of Credit

There are two types of standby letters of credit: financial SBLCs and performance SBLCs.

Financial SBLC

A financial SBLC guarantees payment for goods or services provided. The SBLC guarantees that the buyer’s bank will pay the seller if the buyer doesn’t pay within the timeframe outlined in the letter. If the bank does need to step in and make payment, it will later collect payment from the buyer, plus interest.

Performance SBLC

A performance SBLC is less common but usually guarantees the completion of a project. In this case, a person or company agrees to complete a project within a specified timeframe. Thus, a performance SBLC would reimburse the party paying for the project if it isn’t completed in time or if the client otherwise feels the project was not completed to satisfaction.

Recommended: Do Personal Loans Affect Your Credit Score?

Standby Letter of Credit Example

The most common use of SBLCs is to guarantee payment when a seller ships goods, typically internationally, to a buyer. For instance, a buyer might secure a contract to purchase a large shipment of corn from overseas. The seller, never having done business with the buyer before, might ask the purchaser to obtain an SBLC to ensure they are paid for the shipment. Even if the purchaser has taken credit-building steps, this is a new relationship between the two businesses, and trust hasn’t yet been established.

The SBLC indicates that the buyer will remit payment within 30 days of receiving the shipment. Thanks to shipment tracking, the seller can see that the buyer has received the shipment of corn. However, 30 days have passed, and the buyer hasn’t paid.

The seller can then go to the buyer’s bank, which issued to SBLC, and provide the necessary documentation about this deal and lack of payment. If the bank agrees that the buyer hasn’t held up their end of the agreement, the bank will then pay the seller for the corn. The bank would then collect payment and additional charges from the buyer.

Advantages of a Standby Letter of Credit

SLOCs have a few advantages worth noting:

•   Guarantee of payment The main benefit of SLOCs is they guarantee payment for the seller. Even if the buyer can’t pay, the seller can ask the buyer’s bank to reimburse them.

•   Helps buyers land contracts A seller might hesitate to ship goods to a buyer they don’t know and trust, even if credit monitoring reveals they seem like a good bet. There’s still an element of risk. The SLOC can make a seller more confident about doing a deal since they will be more likely to get paid.

Disadvantages of a Standby Letter of Credit

There are disadvantages to SLOCs, too. These include:

•   Increased costs The bank that guarantees the SLOC will charge the buyer a fee for every year the contract is in effect. And if the bank has to pay the seller, they will charge the buyer principal plus interest.

•   Not always a guarantee Although SLOCs guarantee sellers will be paid, there can be many hurdles involved before payment is issued. For example, shipping delays or problems with the product itself can lead to denial of reimbursement.

How to Obtain a Standby Letter of Credit

Obtaining a standby letter of credit is generally the responsibility of the buyer. Their bank will reimburse the seller in the event they don’t pay promptly. The bank will also have to determine how creditworthy the client is and decide if collateral is required. (One of the benefits of good credit can be not having to put up collateral in situations like this one.)

To issue the letter, the buyer might work with either a domestic or international trade division of a bank, depending on the deal’s particulars. At this point, it’s also wise for the buyer to have an attorney on-site to review the terms of the agreement.

A seller can ask that the buyer obtain an SLOC as part of the contract. All parties should have legal experts involved to ensure the accuracy and conditions of the agreement.

Recommended: Do Credit Scores Update Often?

The Takeaway

Standby letters of credit (SLOCs) are useful legal documents for both buyers and sellers doing business, especially if they are working on an international deal. These letters can act as a safety net, saying that if a buyer doesn’t complete a deal, their bank will step in and make payment. For sellers, these letters can help increase confidence that they will be paid for goods or services. For buyers, they can be helpful in securing new contracts.

Not all banking involves international business deals, however. If you are looking for a reliable bank for your daily needs, one that can help your money grow faster in your personal accounts, why not consider banking with SoFi? When you open our Checking and Savings with direct deposit, you’ll earn a terrific APY, plus there are no pesky account fees to worry about either.

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

FAQ

What does standby mean in letter of credit?

A letter of credit is a legal document that provides a safety net for a financial deal. “Standby” in this context refers to the fact that these letters are only implemented (and funds then issued) by the bank if the buyer fails to pay. If the buyer pays within the expected timeframe, no action is taken. The letter of credit has stayed on standby status.

What is the difference between a letter of credit and a standby letter of credit?

The difference between a letter of credit and a standby letter of credit is what each of them promises. A letter of credit is a guarantee from a bank that the buyer will pay. On the other hand, a standby letter of credit is a guarantee from the bank that they will pay if the buyer fails to do so.

Can SBLC be used as collateral?

The SBLC itself is not usually considered collateral. However, a bank may require the buyer to provide collateral before issuing an SBLC if the bank feels the buyer’s creditworthiness is not up to par.

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Photo credit: iStock/BartekSzewczyk

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.

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Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Imagine if you went to the bank to withdraw money and were told none was available. That frightening scenario is one of the main reasons why financial institutions must have bank reserves. These reserves are a percentage of its total deposits set aside to fulfill withdrawal requests.

These funds comply with regulations and can also provide a layer of trust for account holders. They guarantee that there is always a certain amount of cash on deposit, so the scenario mentioned above doesn’t happen. No one wants to ever withdraw some cash and be left empty-handed.

As a consumer with a bank account, it can be important to understand the role bank reserves play in the financial system and the economy. Read on to learn:

•   What is a bank reserve?

•   How do bank reserves work?

•   How were banking reserves developed?

•   What are the different types of bank reserves?

•   How much money do banks need to keep in reserve?

What Are Bank Reserves?

Bank reserves are the minimum deposits held by a financial institution. The central bank of each country decides what these minimum amounts must be. For example, in the United States, the Federal Reserve determines all bank reserve requirements for U.S. financial institutions. In India, as you might guess, the Reserve Bank of India determines the bank reserves for that country’s financial institutions.

The bank reserve requirements are in place to ensure the financial institution has enough cash to meet financial obligations such as consumer withdrawals. It also ensures that financial institutions can weather historical market volatility (that is, economic ups and downs).

Bank reserve requirements are typically a percentage of the total bank deposit amounts determined by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Financial institutions can hold their cash reserves in a vault on their property, with the regional Federal Reserve Bank, or a combination of both. This way, the financial insulation will have enough accessible funds to support their operational needs while letting the remaining reserves earn interest at a Federal Reserve Bank.

How Do Bank Reserves Work?

Now that you know what reserves are, you’re likely wondering how these reserves work. Simply put, they guarantee that a certain amount of cash is kept in a financial institution’s vault.

Suppose you need to withdraw $5,000 to purchase a new car. You understand savings account withdrawal limits at your bank and the amount you need is within the guidelines, so you head to your local branch. When you arrive, you’re told they don’t have enough money in their vault to meet your request. This is what life could be like without bank reserves. The thought of not being able to withdraw your own money might be upsetting, worrisome, and deeply inconvenient. To prevent this kind of situation is exactly why banks must have a certain percentage of cash on hand.

In addition to ensuring consumers have access to their money, bank reserves also can aid in energizing the economy, so it keeps running. For example, suppose a bank has $10 million in deposits, and the Federal Reserve requires 3% liquidity. In this case, the bank will need to keep $300,000 in its vault, but it can lend the remaining $9.7 million to other consumers via loans or mortgages. Consumers can use this money to buy homes and cars or even send their children to college. The interest on those loans is a way that the bank earns money and stays in business.

Bank reserves are vital in helping the economy control money supply, interest rates, and the implementation of what is known as monetary policy. When the reserve requirements change, it says a lot about the economy’s direction. For example, when reserve requirements are low, banks have more opportunity to lend since more capital is at their disposal. Thus, when the money supply is plentiful, interest rates decrease. Conversely, when reserve requirements are high, less money circulates, and interest rates rise.

During inflationary periods, the Federal Reserve may increase reserved requirements to ensure the economy doesn’t combust. Essentially, by decreasing the money supply and increasing interest rates, it can slow down the rate of investments.

Recommended: Understanding Fractional Reserve Banking

Types of Bank Reserves

There are two types of bank reserves: required reserves and excess reserves. The required reserves are the percentage of deposits the institution must have in cash holdings and deposit balances to abide by the regulations of the Federal Reserve. Excess reserves are the amount over the required reserve amount that the institution holds.

Excess reserves can provide a larger safety net for the financial institution and enhance liquidity. It can also contribute to a higher credit rating for institutions. On the other hand, excess reserves can also result in losing the opportunity to invest the funds to yield higher returns. In other words, since the extra money is sitting in cash, it will not generate the same returns it might yield by lending or investing in the market.

Recommended: What Is Quantitative Easing?

History of Bank Reserves

Reserve requirements first came about in 1863 during the passing of the National Bank Act. This act intended to create a national banking system and currency so money could flow easily throughout the country. At this time, banks had to hold at least 25% reserves of both loans and deposits. Bank reserves were necessary to ensure financial institutions had liquidity and money could continue circulating freely throughout the nation.

But despite the efforts to establish a robust banking system, banking troubles continued. Finally, after the panic of 1907, the government intervened. In 1913, Congress passed the Federal Reserve Act to address banking turmoil. The central bank was created to balance competing interests and foster a healthy banking system.

Initially, the Federal Reserve acted as a last resort and a liquidity grantor when the banks faced trouble. During the 1920s, the Federal Reserve’s role expanded to playing a proactive role in the economy by influencing the credit conditions of the nation.

After the Great Depression, a landmark in the history of U.S. recessions and depressions, the Banking Act of 1935 was passed to reform the structure of the Federal Reserve once again. As part of this act, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) was born to oversee all monetary policy.

How the 2008 Crisis Impacted Bank Reserves

Prior to the global financial crisis of 2008, financial institutions didn’t earn interest on excess reserves held at a Federal Reserve Bank.

However, after October 2008, the Federal Reserve was granted the right to pay interest to banks with excess reserves. This encourages banks to keep more of their reserves. The Board of Governors establishes the interest on reserve balances (IORB rate). As of June 2022, the IORB was 1.65%.

Then, after the recession subsided in 2009, the Federal Reserve turned its attention to reform to avoid similar economic disasters in the future.

Recommended: Federal Reserve Interest Rates, Explained

How Much Money Do Banks Need to Keep in Reserve?

During the pandemic, reserve requirements dropped to 0%. This reduced requirement is intended to encourage banks to lend more and stimulate the economy. Thus, it would help needy families whose finances were impacted by COVID-19.

Prior to this revision, banks with between $16.9 to $127.5 million in deposits were required to have 3% in reserves, whereas banks over this amount had to have at least 10% in bank reserves.

Recommended: Investing During a Recession

What Is Liquidity Cover Ratio (LCR)?

Bank reserve requirements aside, financial institutions want to ensure they have enough liquidity to satisfy the short-term financial obligations if an economic crisis occurs. This way, they know they will be able to weather a crisis and not face complete bankruptcy. Therefore, financial institutions use the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) to prevent financial devastation resulting from a crisis.

The LCR helps financial institutions decide how much money they should have based on their assets and liabilities. To calculate the LCR, banks use the following formula:

(Liquid Assets / Total Cash Outflows) X 100 = LCR

Liquid assets can include cash and liquid assets that convert to cash within five business days. Cash flows include interbank loans, deposits, and 90-day maturity bonds.

The minimum LCR should be 100% or 1:1, though this can be hard to achieve. If the LCR is noticeably lower than this amount, the bank may have liquidity concerns and put the bank’s assets at risk.

The Takeaway

Financial institutions must have a certain amount of cash on hand, referred to as bank reserves. These assets are usually kept in a vault on the bank’s property or with a regional Federal Reserve Bank. These cash reserves ensure financial institutions can support consumer withdrawals and withstand a financial crisis.

Bank reserves build confidence. So can a bank that puts its customers’ needs first. That’s what SoFi does, helping its account holders grow their money faster. When you open a new bank account with direct deposit, you’ll earn an amazing APY and pay no account fees at all. With SoFi’s Checking and Savings, you’ll spend, save, and earn interest in one place, so it’s super convenient, too.

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

FAQ

Are bank reserves assets or liabilities?

Bank reserves are considered an asset since they’re an item the bank owns. Other bank assets can include loans and securities.

How are bank reserves calculated?

Bank reserve requirements are calculated as a percentage of the institution’s deposits. So, if the reserve requirement is 3% for banks with $10 million in deposits, the bank would have to hold $300,000 in its reserves.

Where do banks keep their reserves?

Financial institutions usually keep a certain amount of their cash reserves in a vault to meet operational needs. The remaining amount may be kept at Federal Reserve Banks so the balance can generate interest.

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Photo credit: iStock/Diy13

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.

SOBK0522004

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Sometimes life throws a few curveballs your way. When those curveballs include unexpected expenses—hello, car repairs and medical bills—it can be hard to keep a budget on track. This can lead to paying some bills late (or not at all), which isn’t fun for anyone involved. The business expecting the money is upset. And it can mean you wind up paying more in interest while having your credit score decline.

Here’s helpful advice if you find yourself dealing with late payments. You’ll learn:

•   Why people fall behind on bills

•   Tips for how to catch up on bills

•   What to do once you are caught up on bills.

Why People Fall Behind on Their Bills

Before we talk about how to get caught up on bills, let’s look at some common reasons people fall behind on bills. Knowing the typical pitfalls can make it easier to avoid them in the future and stay on track financially.

A Loss Of Income

Many things can happen in a typical person’s work life to send their income drifting downward. Sometimes an employee doesn’t get as many shifts as they thought they would. Other times they’re laid off and lose all of their income. Maybe they quit their job and have a gap between when they start a new one. Seasonal employment can come to an end. Tips can fall short.

The point being, there are many reasons why someone may lose part or all of their income. It’s hard to pay bills when unemployed or even underemployed. If the income loss was unexpected, the situation can be even tougher.

Medical Emergencies

Healthcare expenses can get so costly that you may receive medical bills that you can’t afford. All it may take is one MRI that isn’t covered by insurance, and you may have a significant amount of debt that can be hard to manage. When the expense is an emergency (perhaps major surgery, a hospital stay, or ongoing treatment), the bill can be staggering. What’s more, a medical emergency may cause a person to lose income if they have to take time off work.

Family Emergencies

•   What types of family emergencies can make it harder to pay bills?

•   A child gets sick, and mom or dad has to skip their shift to stay home and take care of them.

•   Grandma breaks a hip and her son needs to travel across the country to take care of her.

•   A family member passes away, and someone must cover the funeral expenses.

•   A pet (they’re family too, after all) gets injured and requires expensive surgery.

Those are just a few examples of family emergencies that can cause financial strain. It’s easy to see how throwing money at a problem can make it hard to pay bills.

Auto Accidents

From small inconveniences like hitting a curb to major accidents, car repairs can certainly be expensive. Even if you have adequate auto insurance, those deductibles and related expenses can add up fast.

Car accidents can set up a chain reaction in terms of bills going unpaid. Many consumers need to prioritize auto bills as they require transportation to get to work. When those unexpected bills get paid first, a person can fall behind on other monthly expenses.

Household Emergencies

If your roof springs a leak during the rainy season or your air conditioning quits during a heat wave, you are stuck with a big expense you didn’t see coming. When you spend money to remedy this kind of problem, other bills may fall by the wayside. It may become harder to, say, pay your student loan when a home repair is suddenly required.

Spending Too Much

Sometimes, people simply overspend. Their expenses are higher than their earnings. For example, maybe you were invited to a destination wedding, really wanted to go, and ran up a lot of debt flying to Hawaii for the celebration. Or maybe you were thinking about a new car and went ahead and splurged on one after seeing an ad. It happens! But the aftermath of these major expenses can leave a person struggling to stay current on their monthly expenses.

Tips for Getting Caught up on Bills

As you’ve just read, there are many reasons why people can fall behind on their bills. But once you are dealing with overdue debt, you don’t have to just stay stuck there. So let’s look at tactics for getting caught up on bills and boosting financial health.

Making a List

First things first: It helps to spend a bit of time developing ways to organize your bills. Gather all your bills, and make a list of which ones are overdue, from most overdue to least. This way, it’s easy to see the total amount owed and which fires need to be put out most urgently.

Sometimes, people want to hide from stressful situations like this, but confronting your debt and missed due dates can ultimately be a positive thing. This organizational step can give you the knowledge you need plus a sense of control when you’re behind on bills.

Paying Priority Bills

Now that you have a list of bills ordered by importance, it’s a good idea to start identifying and paying priority bills first. If they all have the same due dates or are all overdue, then you might begin with the bills that have the highest interest rates first (like credit card or loan payments) or the bills that charge the largest late fees. The more interest that accrues, the harder it can be to catch up on bills.

The exception, however, is any overdue bills that relate to necessities, like rent or utilities, taxes, car loans, and child support. Those types of bills need to be taken care of first to keep everyone living in the home safe.

Negotiating Bills

When you’re behind on bills, you may have more wiggle room than you think. You may be able to work out a lower interest rate with your credit card issuer or you might be able to adjust a loan repayment schedule a bit. Or if you’re facing major medical expenses, you could investigate how to negotiate doctor bills with your provider to make them more affordable. The point is, communicating with the entity you owe money to and negotiating may lighten your load.

Creating a Budget

Once you know how much you owe, you can create a budget to help play catch-up. After paying off the bills with high interest rates in full, you might then total up the remaining bills and set a goal for how fast they want to pay them off. You’ll need to look at how much after-tax money you have every month and how much your “musts” (food, shelter, utilities, medical care) cost. The money that’s left typically goes towards debt, savings, and discretionary spending.

You may have to re-allocate a bit to pay off debt. Perhaps you can’t save as aggressively as you would like for a down payment on a house and need to focus on clearing up your bills. Or maybe you need to delay travel plans for a while to free up some cash to take care of your remaining debt.

Side Hustles or Second Jobs

If you are struggling to keep up with bills that are overdue, you might consider the potential benefits of a side hustle or second job. These options can be especially helpful if you have overdue bills with high interest rates that threaten to make your debt snowball. The faster you pay those bills down, the less interest you will pay. You can always take a break from the extra work when the overdue bills are gone.

It’s worth noting that sometimes these steps aren’t enough. If you are feeling overwhelmed by debt, you may need to consolidate high-interest debt (say, by finding a balance transfer credit card that gives you a no- or low-interest rate for a while so you can catch up). Another option is to take out a personal loan at a lower rate than the debt you owe, so you are swapping more expensive debt for less expensive debt. Or you might want to talk to a credit counselor at a non-profit organization like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or NFCC.

When You Are Caught Up

Once you pay off your overdue bills, consider how to move forward. There are steps you can take to avoid falling behind again in the future.

Following Your Budget

Re-evaluate your budget. Focus on paying down your debt; you might be able to budget for extra debt payments each month. This doesn’t necessarily mean a full additional payment. Look into how automatic bill payments work, and see if you can, say, put an extra $100 or more towards a loan’s principal every month to pay it down more quickly.

Saving for an Emergency Fund

So, why is saving for an emergency fund a financial priority? When someone has an emergency fund, if, say, a job loss or unexpected bill arises, they have some extra cash. They don’t need to turn to credit cards or loans. Having at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses can be a welcome relief if you encounter a rainy-day situation.

Paying on Time

Prioritizing on-time payments is a wise move once you no longer have late bills. It’s a very important step that contributes to your financial well-being. You might want to explore how bill pay works and set up automatic payments to make sure you hit your due dates.

Not only can paying bills on time make it possible to avoid extra interest payments and fees, but it helps improve your credit score. Prompt bill-paying is the single biggest contributor to that three-digit number that can impact the mortgage rates you qualify for and more.

Tracking Spending

Tracking expenses can make it easier to see where money is going and to adjust a budget accordingly. It also makes spending more conscious and makes it harder to accidentally overspend. Some people like to log this sort of information in a journal or on a spreadsheet; others use one of the many apps available. The latter can even cluster your spending by category to show you trends in how you use your cash.

Bank Accounts That May Help You Save and Budget

If you want to save on banking fees, you may find an online bank or a credit union that suits your needs. Credit unions are not-for-profit so they tend to charge their members fewer and lower fees. They may well offer them higher interest rates on savings accounts too, which makes it easier to spend less and save more. Online banks are also usually able to offer these perks since they save so much money by not having expensive bricks-and-mortar banking locations.

What’s more, these kinds of financial institutions may offer educational tools and/or apps that help enhance your money savvy and build your skills.

Banking With SoFi

There are a lot of reasons why people fall behind on their bills. Fortunately, with a little planning and wise budgeting, it is possible to play catch-up. After that, use your newly honed money skills to put an action plan in place to avoid future debt traps.

The bank you partner with can also impact your financial status. At SoFi, we make banking easy and can help your money grow faster. Open a new bank account with direct deposit, and your Checking and Savings will earn a competitive APY while you pay absolutely no account fees.

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

FAQ

Should I pay all my bills at once?

Paying all your bills at once, if possible, can help you stay on top of your expenses and may help improve your credit score. This step can streamline the process and help make sure nothing slips through the cracks. That said, there’s nothing wrong with spacing bills out throughout the month to make it easier to afford them as long as they’re paid before their due dates.

What to do when you can’t catch up on bills?

Make a list of all bills due, prioritizing the ones that are for necessities (housing, for instance) and those with the highest interest rates. Then budget for how to pay them off. You might have to slow down saving towards a certain goal (a vacation, the down payment for a home) or consider taking on a side hustle or second job in order to get caught up.

What bills should I prioritize?

It’s a good idea to prioritize any bills relating to necessities, such as housing and utilities. Then it’s helpful to move onto bills with high interest rates and fees that can mount and make the bills even more difficult to pay off.

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Photo credit: iStock/Ratana21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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If you want to avoid dealing with native currency or carrying traveler’s checks or cash when traveling abroad, look no further than an international credit card. Having such a card in your wallet that you can use both at home and abroad can make for smoother trips overseas.

Let’s take a closer look at what an international credit card is, their main features, and how to get an international credit card that’s right for you.

What Is an International Credit Card?

An international credit card is a credit card that you can use outside of the United States to make purchases and at an ATM. The major networks that issue international credit cards include Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

However, having an international credit card doesn’t mean you can use it anywhere in the world. The countries where you can use a certain card depends on the network. For instance, Mastercard’s international cards can be used in over 210 countries, whereas Visa’s global network spans over 200 countries to date.

Features of International Credit Cards

Besides the fact that you can use the card overseas, let’s look at some of the other features an international credit card may have:

International Chip and Pin

International credit cards feature an international chip and pin. Chip cards, or EMV cards (which stands for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa), add an extra layer of security to transactions.

With the chip and pin feature of international credit cards, you “dip” your card into the reader, then insert your PIN. This differs from in the U.S., where EMV cards come with chip-and-signature technology, which means you insert your chip, then input your signature. Chip-and-pin is the standard everywhere else and, as such, this is what international credit cards offer.

Welcome Offer

An international credit card might have a welcome offer, which features an attractive introductory bonus. Typically, with how credit cards work, you’ll need to spend a certain amount on the card within the first few months of opening your account in order to earn the bonus. The amount you’ll need to spend, the time frame in which you’ll need to do it, and the number of bonus rewards points you can earn will vary by card.

Travel Perks

Some international credit cards come with attractive travel perks, such as trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, and lost luggage insurance. They might also feature access to exclusive airport lounges around the world.

To qualify for an international credit card with some of these luxury perks, however, you’ll usually need to have a good or even excellent credit score (meaning 670 or above).

Rewards Points

While many credit cards come with the ability to scoop up rewards points, international credit cards might offer a higher rewards rate for travel-related purchases. This might include hotel stays, car rentals, dining out, and booked flights. For example, you might get 5x points on these travel-related purchases, whereas other purchases earn 1x points.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees

An international credit card might come with a foreign transaction fee, which is a fee that applies when you make a payment with your card in another country. This fee is typically 3% of the total cost of the purchase, and it is charged in U.S. dollars. For example, if your total purchase came to $50, then the foreign transaction fee would be $1.50, for a grand total of $51.50.

If you’re not careful, foreign transaction fees can easily take a bite into your travel budget. Some international cards might not charge foreign transaction fees, which can put money back into your pocket and help you avoid credit card debt that’s hard to get rid of.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card

How to Get an International Credit Card

To get an international credit card, follow these steps:

1.    Do your homework to see which cards are most attractive to you. Which have the best perks, lowest fees, and most enticing rewards?

2.    You’ll also want to see which cards you can qualify for. By checking your credit score, you can better determine which cards you might get approved for.

3.    Apply for a credit card. The process of how to apply for a credit card is similar whether or not it’s an international credit card. You’ll usually need to provide basic personal and financial information, such as your Social Security number and details on your income.

4.    Once your application is submitted, the credit card issuer will do a hard pull of your card to determine your creditworthiness, which helps inform whether your limit will be above or below the average credit card limit. Be aware that a hard pull will likely result in a temporary ding to your credit.

5.    Find out if you’re approved. If you are, you can expect to receive your new card in the mail in seven to 10 business days. Your card will have a unique account number as well as the CVV number on a credit card.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit

How to Choose the Best International Credit Card

What’s the best international credit card for you will depend on a handful of factors. Specifically, you’ll want to consider:

•   Where you’ll be traveling. Are you planning on using your card on business trips and frequent certain countries for work? If so, there are certain countries or parts of the world where an international credit card may be more widely accepted. Additionally, different cards may be accepted in different locations.

•   Rates and fees. Look to see what the APR on a credit card will be. If you plan on keeping a balance out of necessity, it’s particularly important that you have a good APR for a credit card. The lower the APR, the less you’ll pay in interest when you carry a balance. Also take a look at any other fees that may apply with the card, such as annual fees, late fees, cash advance fees, and, of course, foreign transaction fees.

•   Perks and rewards. Not all credit cards are equal when it comes to the perks and rewards they offer. It’s easy to be dazzled by attractive travel-related perks, but make sure they’re ones you’ll actually use. Also look at the earn rate for different categories, and see if the categories with the higher earn rates are in line with your spending habits.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Pros and Cons of Using an International Credit Card

International credit cards have pros and cons, both of which are important to weigh.

Pros of Using an International Credit Card	Cons of Using an International Credit Card
Less hassle when traveling	Fees
Opportunity to earn rewards	Might not be accepted everywhere
Travel perks	Need to plan ahead to maximize perks

Pros of International Credit Cards

•   Less hassle when traveling: Perhaps the top advantage of using an international credit card is that you won’t need to fuss with native currency or carrying around cash or traveler’s checks. Plus, if something were to go amiss, you have the usual credit card protections in place, which could allow you to dispute a credit card charge or request a credit card chargeback.

•   Opportunity to earn rewards: Many international credit cards allow you to earn rewards for your everyday spending. Plus, some may offer higher rates of rewards for travel-related spending, which could be a big benefit for frequent travelers.

•   Travel perks: As mentioned before, international credit cards can come with a host of travel-related parks. For instance, international credit cards may offer trip cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, and free upgrades on hotels and flight bookings, to name a few.

Cons of International Credit Cards

•   Fees: Some international cards have high annual fees, though these may translate to more attractive perks. You’ll also want to look out for foreign transaction fees, as these can quickly add to your costs when traveling.

•   Might not be accepted everywhere: Not all retailers within a country may accept payments with an international credit card. Some retailers might still only accept the local currency or certain payment methods. Additionally, international credit cards’ networks may not include particular countries.

•   Need to plan ahead to maximize perks: While international credit cards might come with some nice travel benefits and perks, it can take a bit of work and planning to make the most of them. For instance, if you want to rake in the bonus offer, you’ll need to plan for some big-ticket purchases to put on your card within the first few months of opening it. Or, if a card features a travel credit that expires each year, the clock is ticking to use that benefit. This all could incentivize you to overspend, leaving you in a scenario where it’s hard to pay off more than the credit card minimum payment.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

The Takeaway

Having an international credit card in tow while traveling overseas can eliminate the hassle of dealing with foreign currency or carrying cash. When looking for a good that suits your needs, it’s important to weigh the perks against the downsides, particularly the fees involved.

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.

FAQs

Can I use my credit card internationally?

Yes, with an international credit card, you’ll be able to use your card outside of the U.S. Exactly which countries you can use your card in will depend on the network. For instance, MasterCard’s global network includes more than 210 countries, while Visa’s network includes over 200. International cards are also available in the Discover and Amex networks, but with a more limited number of countries.

Should I withdraw cash with my international credit card?

While withdrawing cash from an international credit card is an option, note that doing so often comes at a cost. On top of the foreign transaction fee, which hovers at around 3%, there’s also a fee that applies to cash advances. Plus, cash advances tend to have a higher APR, and interest will start accruing immediately, as there’s no grace period on cash advances.

How can I find out which countries accept a given card?

Check the credit card network’s international use network to determine which countries you can use your card in. You can find this on the credit card network’s website.

Do I have to pay fees annually for an international credit card?

Some international credit cards do have an annual fee. Do your homework ahead of time to see what the annual fee is, and if the perks will offset the costs. Other costs you want to check include foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees, and late fees.

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Photo credit: iStock/Drazen_

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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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