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You probably know how easily you can tap to pay for items when shopping and click to send a friend money for your share of dinner. Why can’t most of your financial transactions be that easy?

They can be. You can be freed from much of the usual day-to-day account activity by automating your finances. Doing so can eliminate your wondering whether you have paid bills on time, allocated the right amount to savings, and more.

Automating your finances can be a smart money move that saves you on late fees and reduces financial stress. It may also help you establish and stick to a budget, as well as get on a path to growing your wealth.

Deciding where and when to automate personal finances need not be complicated. Here’s a guide sharing what it means to automate your finances, the different ways you can put your money management on autopilot, and tips for making the process super simple.

What Does It Mean to Automate Your Finances?

Automating your finances means you use today’s technology to preschedule and preapprove transfers of your funds. It’s a “set it and forget it” way to pay bills, move money from checking to savings, and even enrich your retirement account.

The beauty of doing so means you can avoid late fees (which many of us, no matter how responsible we are, get hit with sooner or later). You may also become more organized and free your mind to ponder better things. Worrying about when bills are due is so last decade, after all!

Check out our Money Management Guide.

This article is from SoFi’s guide on how to manage your money, where you can learn basic money management tips and strategies.

What Kind of Accounts Can You Automate?

If you’re wondering what kind of accounts you can automate, you’ll probably like this answer: Almost any kind. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:

Automating payments can spare you late fees and overdraft charges. It can also help you streamline the process of staying active and accountable on your accounts (a great way to avoid winding up with credit charge offs).

It may also help keep your credit score from being impacted by missed payments. In fact, payment history contributes 35% to your FICO® score.^[1] You want to protect those digits.

(BTW, it’s a good idea to scan for common credit report errors on an annual basis, just to make sure nothing is amiss.)

💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open a bank account online.

Different Ways to Automate Your Finances

When it comes to the set-up of automating personal finances, there are a few different techniques to try. Here, you’ll learn some of the most popular options so you can decide what’s right for you, whether it’s one method or a combination.

Option 1: Sign Up for Automatic Payments With Your Creditor

Here’s how this works: Say your wifi provider or landlord of your rental apartment gives you an automatic bill payment option.

•   Through their payment portal, you’ll set up an autopay schedule, connecting the service provider to your bank account. On the agreed-upon date (say, rent is due by the 7th of every month so you select to pay on the 6th), they will automatically deduct the amount from your checking.

•   In some cases, you may be assessed a fee for this privilege; it varies with the provider.

•   When you opt into this kind of plan, you may be given the opportunity to have the payment charged to a credit card or deducted from an account other than your bank account. Look carefully, though; you may wind up paying additional fees for this.

Recommended: Guide to Automated Credit Card Payments

Option 2: Set Up Bill Pay With Your Bank

You may find that some creditors don’t offer you the kind of convenience described above, but your bank may swoop in and help you pay automatically. Many major banks will issue payments on your behalf to a creditor or service provider, which can make your life infinitely easier. No more writing checks every month and digging around for stamps. Here are the steps to take:

•   Check with your bank about what they offer. Typically, they will need the name, account number, and potentially the address of the business you are paying.

•   You’ll also need to assess how long this process will take every month; it may not be instantaneous. You’ll want to make sure the money arrives on time and you are not charged any late fees so your credit score doesn’t suffer.

•   Then you’ll sign up for the series of payments to be handled by your bank.

Option 3: Set Up Direct Deposit With Your Employer (if You Have the Option)

An excellent way to automate and fund your personal finances is to set up direct deposit of your paycheck (the vast majority of salaried workers are paid this way). You’ll know your salary is getting sent to your bank account and when it hits. Some pointers:

Option 4: Set Up Automatic Retirement Contributions

It’s all too easy to think, “I’ll get around to saving for retirement…someday.” Perhaps that’s why the American households had a median balance of only $87,000 in retirement accounts, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent survey.^[2] That’s probably not enough if your dream is moving to Hawaii at age 65 and spending your days with your toes in the sand.

That’s why learning how to automate your finances for retirement savings can be such a helpful practice. Many experts suggest depositing at least 15% of your pretax income into your retirement plan every paycheck. Some tips:

If you’re self-employed, you may be able to automate your savings with recurring transfers into such vehicles as a solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA as you save for your future.^[3]

Option 5: Put Your Savings on Autopilot

Your non-retirement savings are another important account to automate. Again, if your salary hits your checking account, you may feel rich and go spend more than you should. By automating your savings and funneling money from your paycheck straight into an account, you may avoid going on shopping sprees.

This can be a very effective tool. In one study by financial psychologist Brad Klontz, people who visualized their goals and set up automatic withdrawals enjoyed a 73% increase in their savings after just one month.^[4]

Into what kind of account can you direct those funds? That’s up to you. Perhaps you want to have a few separate accounts that feed different goals. You might have one account for a down payment fund, one for vacation savings, and one for your child’s educational expenses. You can direct how much and how often you want each transfer to be.

Of course, there are options about where exactly you keep your savings. Some possibilities to consider:

Option 6: Set Up Regular Contributions to Your Emergency Fund

Your emergency fund is another type of savings that can benefit from automated infusions of money. An emergency fund is a stockpile of easily accessed cash that can tide you over when unexpected circumstances hit. Perhaps you get a major car repair or medical bill or are laid off from your job. An emergency fund can let you pay bills without accessing a high-interest line of credit (say, ringing up too much debt on your credit card).

In terms of emergency funds, keep the following in mind:

Option 7: Sign Up for Automated Investing With Your Brokerage

If you currently have an investment portfolio or are planning on starting one, that’s another task that can be made simpler by technology. Automated investing can allow you to achieve consistency with minimal effort, which can help you build your net worth over time.

Some examples:

Tips to Successfully Automate Your Finances

Now that you have a good grounding in the benefits and how-to’s of automating personal finances, consider these strategies for success:

Create a Budget Based on the Balance You Get Paid

Look at where your money stands after you deduct your retirement and savings amounts. With the remaining funds, you can plan out ways to budget. There are various techniques out there, like the 50-30-20 budget rule, among others. Do an online search and see what resonates with you.

A budget will guide your saving and spending and can reveal how you are doing in terms of setting financial goals and meeting them on other fronts, such as a vacation fund or a retirement account.

It will help you handle good vs. bad debt more effectively. All are terrific ways to avoid excessive debt and build wealth.

Be Aware of All Your Bill Due Dates

As you automate your finances, do pay careful attention to the due dates on your bills. Who wants to see their hard-earned cash get drained by late fees?

Review Your Bank Account and Bank Statements Often to Stay on Top of Your Transactions

One of the pleasures of automating your finances is that you are freed from thinking and worrying about your money and your bills on a regular basis. However, daily life involves all kinds of money blips, from treating your bestie to a fancy birthday dinner to (ugh) having fraudulent charges appear on your credit card bill.

So do review your bank account and other statements regularly to make sure everything is as it should be and that your balance isn’t too low. Check in with your accounts often. Should you check your bank account every day? Not necessarily. A couple of times a week can be a good cadence.

Increase Your Contributions When It Makes Sense

While you’re checking your finances and bank balances, don’t overlook whether it’s time to increase your contributions to help meet your savings goals. If you’ve gotten a raise or paid off a student loan, you may have funds available to save more.

Or you might find that a chunk of change has accumulated in your checking account which could do more for your finances if used elsewhere. There are times when you may want to increase your transfers to reflect your positive financial status.

The Takeaway

Automating your finances can be a great way to take control of your money and make bill paying and saving so much more convenient. That kind of organization can let you breathe easier when it comes to managing your money and be more successful in meeting your financial goals.

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

FAQ

How often should I review and adjust my automated finances?

You should review your finances and automated transactions regularly to monitor your payments and balance, which for some people may mean a couple of times weekly; for others, it might be every other week. Also, it’s wise to check in when you have significant changes in your life, whether you’ve gotten a raise, took out a mortgage, or moved to an area with a higher cost of living. You may want to recalibrate your automated transfers.

Is it safe to automate my finances?

By and large, it is safe to automate your finances. You should, however, check in regularly to make sure you are not overdrafting or getting close to it, and also to keep in touch with your money. It’s possible that a glitch could delay a payment and, unfortunately, it’s important to be aware of any potential signs of fraud when conducting any type of financial transaction.

What are the best tools or apps to use for automating my finances?

There are an array of tools and apps for automating your finances. A good place to start may be with your very own financial institution. They may have automated savings and investing products, roundup apps, and other tools to help you make the most of your money and grow your wealth.

Can I still make manual payments even if I have automatic payments set up?

In many cases, you will still be able to make a manual payment even if you have automated payments set up. This could occur when you have an additional bill for an account that is set on autopay, or when you have a credit and want to pay a lower amount. Check with your creditor or the financial institution handling the transfer for details on how to do this smoothly.

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

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. 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 a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

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.

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.

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 .

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

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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

SOBNK-Q225-093

There are multiple ways to get cash into your bank account, where it’s secure and might even earn some interest. You could go old school and deposit bills in person or take advantage of all the mobile transactions available.

Here’s help knowing all the different ways you can deposit money into your bank account, along with how-tos. Equipped with this knowledge, you can be even more ready to get your hard-earned dollars socked away.

6 Ways to Deposit Cash in a Local Bank Account

Wondering how to put cash into your local bank account? We can help. There are numerous ways you can do this, including:

Here, we’ll take a closer look at each, and, a bit later, how to use ATMs to deposit cash.

1. Using Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is by far the simplest and easiest way to get cash into your bank account. All you have to do is visit your bank branch, fill out a deposit slip, hand the slip and your money to the teller, and be on your way.

If the bank is closed or you want to avoid standing in a long line indoors, you can deposit cash at an ATM. You likely won’t need to fill out a deposit slip at the ATM because the computer can read the check or count the cash and then electronically credit the account associated with the ATM card.

Be sure, however, that you know your financial institution’s policies when you make a deposit at an ATM. Unlike an in-person deposit where your money is typically available immediately, your funds may not be available right away with an ATM deposit (especially if it’s not your bank’s ATM). Also, some ATM’s don’t accept cash deposits. So inquire before you make your deposit.

2. Deposit Cash Using an Account Transfer

Perhaps you have more than one account at your bank (there are often incentives to do so, which many people take advantage of). It can be quite convenient to move money via a bank transfer between accounts.

You might complete a one-time transfer at the bank or online to transfer money from savings to checking to cover a large, unexpected expense. Or perhaps you want to set up recurring automatic transfers on payday to whisk 10% of your salary into savings. Or, say you’ve accumulated a chunk of change in one account and want to open a certificate of deposit (CD) to lock in your interest rate. An account transfer could make that happen, too.

3. External Transfer

Maybe you don’t want to keep all your eggs in one basket, so you have more than one financial institution where you keep your money. No worries if you want to move money between accounts as part of managing your banking. Some financial institutions allow you to link accounts held elsewhere.

The how-to’s: Complete what’s necessary to link the accounts (this can involve just inputting an account’s routing and account number), and you can easily transfer money between them.

Recommended: How to Manage Your Money

4. Wire Transfer

How else to put cash into a bank account? Wire transfers may sound old-fashioned, but they are still an effective way to send money to someone else’s bank account. Say someone needs to send you money, but you don’t bank with the same financial institution. They can do a wire transfer from their bank to yours using providers like Western Union.

Wire transfers are fast, and the money arrives pretty much immediately. The downside is that you have to share your bank account information, which can give you cause for concern if you don’t know the person you’re dealing with.

Also, wire transfers charge the sender a fee, which may vary on factors such as whether you’re sending/receiving domestically or internationally. The person sending you the funds could want to deduct the fee from the money they are sending your way. And banks may charge fees related to wire transfers as well, so again, do a little research first to avoid any surprises.

5. Peer-to-Peer Transfer

Money-transfer apps or platforms like PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo can be convenient ways to move money around, whether that means a friend paying you back for their share of the dinner tab or someone who employs you as a gig worker sending you your fee. The way these platforms work is that you can receive money either directly into your account or into the money-transfer app and then transfer it to your bank account.

Worth noting: Sometimes you may pay a fee for an instantaneous transfer versus one that takes a day or two. There can be other costs and transaction limits involved as well, so familiarize yourself with the specifics of the platform you are thinking of using.

6. Depositing Cash at Your Bank Branch

One last way to put cash in your bank account. If you bank at a traditional financial institution with brick-and-mortar branches, you could take your money in person and fork it over. Typically, this involves handing the cash to a teller with a deposit slip.

While many people who are paid in cash may use this method, it is of course important to be cautious when en route to the bank with a pocket full of bills. If you lose the money or are robbed, that money would be gone.

4 Ways to Deposit Cash in an Online Bank Account

If your accounts are at an online bank, you may wonder how best to deposit your cash. After all, there isn’t a brick-and-mortar branch to stroll into, and no one wants to mail cash. But don’t worry; you likely have plenty of options.

One is to find an in-network ATM. Find out what network of ATMs your online bank is part of, and you can then deposit cash in one of those ATMs. Be sure to keep your receipt until the money surfaces in your account so you’re sure everything went through properly.

That’s not always convenient, though, so consider some other options:

1. Using a Mobile Deposit

You can deposit your checks remotely. It’s super simple and you don’t have to leave home, which is one of the benefits of mobile deposits. All you need to do is take a picture of the front and the back of the check and deposit it via your bank’s mobile app.

2. ACH Transfer

You can also get money deposited directly into your account by what are known as ACH (or Automated Clearing House) transfers. These can be set up to go into your account on a recurring basis, too. For example, you can have your HR department deposit your paychecks into your account, and you can do the same with government benefits if you enroll in the program to get your money this way. Once you know how to set up direct deposit, it might just be a game-changer for you.

3. Depositing Cash Using a Prepaid Card

There’s another option if your online bank account isn’t part of an ATM network: a prepaid debit card that’s linked to your account. With a prepaid card, you can load money on it in a variety of ways. For example, you can go to participating retailers to deposit cash. Then you could transfer the money from the prepaid debit card to your linked online bank account.

But of course, there can be a downside. You may be charged fees to get the card, deposit cash, or withdraw funds. Do the math. If you don’t need to do it frequently, it might be worth it. But if you have to do this often, the additional costs might be a deal-breaker. Shop around for a card that suits your needs.

4. Using a Money Order to Deposit Cash

If all else fails, you could go retro and buy a money order. You get one from the post office or businesses like Western Union. You’ll likely pay less than $5, though the fee depends on the amount of the money order. You can mail the money order to your online bank. Just double-check that the bank accepts money orders for deposits.

5. Transferring From Another Bank Account

Another option is to transfer funds from another bank account. Whether you keep multiple bank accounts at one financial institution or divide them between different banks, you can send money from one account to an online account simply. You can likely use the transfer feature in your bank’s app, add the necessary bank account and routing number, and get the money heading where you want it.

Can You Deposit Cash in an ATM?

Yes, you often can. Many ATMs accept cash, though a few do not. Check with your bank or look carefully at the ATM you are planning to use to see whether a cash deposit is an option.

Using a Deposit Slip for an ATM

Like many other bits of paperwork, deposit slips are used less often than in the past when banking. Most ATMs do not require deposit slips. The computer that’s part of the ATM can verify and count the bills without the need for you to provide extra paperwork stating the amount.

Of course, you’ll want to double-check that where you are making your deposit has a machine that doesn’t require a deposit slip before you put your cash in. There may still be some devices out there that still require a deposit slip and envelope.

Funds May Not Be Available Immediately

If you deposit cash into your bank’s ATM, the money is typically available almost immediately. This is a change from the past, when a teller had to receive and then verify the deposit before funds were made available. This typically took one of two days.

Also keep in mind that many banks don’t allow you to deposit cash into an out-of-network ATM. If they do, there might be a fee involved as well as a delay in funds availability. It’s wise to check such details before you attempt to put some bills into this kind of machine.

When Does a Deposit Typically Appear in Your Account?

Every financial institution has its own rules about how long cash takes to clear or how long a direct deposit takes. Know, however, that federal law establishes the maximum length of time a bank or credit union can make you wait.

Cash, as you might guess, tends to clear most quickly. If deposited in person to your checking or savings account, it may become available the same day or the next day. If you deposit it to an ATM in your bank’s network, it could take until the second business day to clear; if you use an out-of-network ATM that accepts cash from those who aren’t account holders, that can take five business days.

The typical time period for checks and money orders to clear is between two and five days. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), generally, these are the guidelines:

Here are a few nice exceptions involving in-person deposits at your bank. You should be able to access the full amount on the next business day if you deposit:

The amount of time a bank or credit union holds funds you deposit by check is sometimes referred to as a “deposit hold” or “check hold.” Some banks or credit unions may make funds available more quickly than the law requires, and some may expedite funds for a fee.

If you need the money from a particular check, you can ask the teller or a customer service representative when the funds will become available. A receipt showing your deposit does not mean that the money is available for you to use.

Knowing these timeframes can be very helpful as you stay on top of your money and work to make sure you know your approximate balance and don’t bounce any checks.

Recommended: When All Your Money Goes to Bills

The Takeaway

There are many options in terms of depositing cash into your bank account, whether you use a traditional or online bank. You’ll find options from going to a brick-and-mortar branch to using an ATM to mobile and ACH deposits and more. The timeframes for all of these deposits will vary, so check your bank’s policies.

You’ll want to be sure you don’t draw on your funds before they are fully available. It’s an important move to keep your account in good standing and avoid the fees many banks charge for overdrafts.

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

FAQ

Can you deposit cash into someone else’s bank account?

Typically, you can deposit cash into someone else’s bank account if you know the name on their account and their account number and if you go into a branch with the cash.

When does the money I deposit get reflected in my account?

A deposit can reflect in your account almost immediately (especially if it’s cash) or take a day or two to show up in your account. Also, the timing of funds availability for withdrawal or transfer can vary depending on the size and form of the deposit (such as whether you deposited a money order in person at a branch or deposited cash into an out-of-network ATM).

How do you deposit large amounts of cash?

You can use any of the standard methods: as cash (though do be cautious), by transfer, by check, and with other techniques. But also know that a financial institution must report any cash transaction involving a deposit or withdrawal of over $10,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Is there a fee to deposit cash at a bank?

Most banks do not charge a fee to deposit cash at a bank. However, some banks may assess a fee if you deposit the funds into an out-of-network ATM.

Can you deposit cash without going to the bank?

Depending on your bank, you may be able to deposit your cash into an out-of-network ATM. You might have to pay a fee to do so.

Photo credit: iStock/JoeLena

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. 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.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. 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.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

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

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

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOBNK-Q325-039

If you want your money to grow more quickly and to feel confident that you’ll reach your financial goals, there are smart ways to maximize every single dollar you earn. Yes, it will take some planning and focus, but it can have very real rewards.

A few tactics to make the most of your money involve leaning into your personal finances and recognizing the importance of financial literacy. Once you’re committed to doing that, you can take such steps and budgeting well, maximizing interest and rewards on your cash, spending smarter, and automating your savings. Learn the details here.

Making Your Money Work For you

These tips and ideas can help you put your money to work.

1. Learning How to Budget

An effective budget can help you make the most of your money, allowing you to understand where it goes so that you can feel empowered to save and spend on things that are most important to you. Here’s how to make a budget.

Layout Your Finances

An effective budget is an accurate budget. If you are starting your budget from scratch, some recommendations suggest reviewing three months’ worth of receipts, bills, etc., before moving forward. This will give you insight into your current spending habits. Then, split those expenditures into needs and wants.

A budgeting tip: The information for making your budget can be accessed by a physical copy, a spreadsheet, or using a money tracking app that can help you stay on top of your budget and expenses. See if your bank offers one, or else consider a third-party tool.

Figure Out Your Net Income

After you know how much you’ve been spending, you want to compare it to how much you earn. When making a budget, it can help to work with your take-home pay. This is the total income you earn from your job, after taking out all the required taxes, savings, and insurance payments from it. Those who are self-employed may work with different deductions than those who work a regular 9-to-5. In that case, subtract your self-employment tax (the sum of Social Security and Medicare taxes).

Using your after-tax pay can help you determine an accurate total for how much money you actually have available to spend. If you have any other income earners in your household, do factor in their income as well. Also include any investments or additional sources of income.

Plan Your Budget

Now you have to create a step-by-step plan and put it into action. One method you may want to think about is the 50/20/30 budget. This budgeting method breaks your spending and savings into the following amounts: 50% for your needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and/or additional debt payments. If they need adjusting, shift the numbers to suit your plan.

Tracking multiple categories may not work for you, though. If you have trouble logging expenses in hyper-specific categories, simplify them. Overwhelming yourself will only make it harder for you to stay on target.

Review and Adjust

No matter how perfect the plan, things change. You might switch jobs, have a child, move somewhere else, or gain new needs. That’s why your budget can be flexible. When things change, change your budget to reflect those new priorities. If you have trouble fixing the plan, you may need to revisit some of the previous planning stages. Your budget and money should work for you, after all.

2. Getting Out of Debt

When you’re focused on getting out of debt, there are options to consider and steps to take.

Selecting a Debt Repayment Strategy

Here are some of the most popular debt repayment strategies to review. While these tactics encourage individuals to make additional payments on some of their debts, making the minimum payments on all debt is important.

•  The snowflake method encourages individuals to put any extra cash earned toward debt repayment. Any time there’s excess to play with, you put it towards your debt. Since that helps you pay over your monthly minimum, you’ll eventually finish off the debt. You can earmark any bonuses or tax refunds to go towards debt. Or you could earn additional money, say, by low-cost side hustles or selling items you don’t want anymore.

•  With the snowball strategy, you pay off your debts from smallest to largest, when evaluating the total amount owed. During this, you still make minimum payments on all your other debts. While it’s motivating to see some of your financial troubles disappear, this may not work for you. The snowball method ignores interest rates, which could give other debts a chance to grow.

•  The avalanche method works on the debts with the highest interest rates first, while making minimum payments on other debts. High-interest unsecured debts, like credit card balances and personal loans, can grow rapidly. Focusing on debts with the highest interest rate first could help you escape debt quickly and potentially spend less in interest overall.

3. Opening a High-Yield Savings Account

A high-yield savings account is an available option that can help you build wealth to meet your financial goals. High-yield savings accounts work similarly to traditional savings accounts but they offer a greater annual percentage yield (APY), to help your money grow faster.

While you still have to pay income taxes on that interest, these high-yield savings accounts are a great way to save money for significant, short-term expenses. You may find them most often at online banks.

4. Considering Passive Income Streams

America’s workforce is changing with the times. As the cost of living rises, many people want to find ways to increase their income. Many are turning to passive income to combat these financial hurdles.

Essentially, passive income is money that you earn without active involvement, outside of what you earn as a regular wage and salary. Instead, you put something you own to work, such as a rental property. Other examples of passive income include dividends from stock investments and royalties.

So, you still might put in some effort getting started, but not as much as your full-time job. Side hustles are one of the best ways to pad that income. You can put the extra cash flow directly towards your debt and interest, weekly necessities, or your savings.

5. Considering Investing as a Part of Your Financial Plan

Analyzing your situation and finding an acceptable amount of money to invest can help long-term. Investing can be an important part of a well-rounded financial portfolio for long-term goals such as retirement.

Investing can have the potential for a higher return on investment vs. a savings account, but the reward isn’t guaranteed. Unlike cash-based interest accounts, your portfolio balance will fluctuate with the market and isn’t covered by, say, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance.

Because of the risk associated with putting money into the market, some people may be hesitant to jump in, especially if they don’t fully understand how investing works. Getting a headstart on saving and investing can help you get prepared for retirement.

6. Automating Bill Pay or Automatic Savings

To avoid missing bill payments, consider autopay, or automatically withdrawing funds from your bank account or credit card to make payments. Once you set it up, you don’t have to deal with the pressure of juggling repayments. Instead, you just have to make sure there are enough funds in your account for the withdrawal.

Paying bills on time history makes up about 35% of your overall FICO® score, so enrolling in autopay could potentially have the added benefit of building your credit score.

It’s also possible to automate contributions to retirement accounts or savings accounts. This could help keep you on track for your savings goals. It allows you to pay yourself first, and getting money siphoned out of your checking account right around payday can help you steer clear of spending it.

7. Ditching the Fees

Fees charged by financial institutions can add up. Here are a few to consider avoiding:

Bank Fees

The list can include fees for account maintenance, returned deposits, foreign transactions, account minimums, replacing a lost or stolen card, making too many savings withdrawals, writing too many checks, closing an account, not using an account enough, speaking with a human, paying late, or even paying off a loan too early.

ATM Fees

At an average of $4.77 a pop, out–of-network ATM fees can add up quickly. One way to avoid paying ATM fees is to always make sure that you’re using one of your bank’s designated ATMs. However, if you’re on the road or your bank only has a few networked ATMs, that can be a challenge.

Just like bank fees, however, more and more financial institutions are offering fee-free ATM usage as part of their perks. Especially if you use an online accounts, this can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.

Investment Fees

Paying a traditional financial advisor a percentage of your account balance to manage, monitor, and optimize your portfolio could be worth the expense, but it might not be an option that is available to everyone.

Financial advising is still a confidence-booster for the majority of investors who use it. But when advisors charge a typical fee of 0.25% to 2% a year based on your portfolio balance, your total return can be significantly impacted.

Fortunately, a growing number of competitors are offering the same types of advising service for less. Robo-advisors use algorithms to optimize portfolios, thus eliminating the overhead of live employees. Remember, though, all investments can carry risk.

8. Getting Rewarded for Spending

You also can find several ways to get rewarded for spending, such as retailer loyalty programs, coupons, or rebate apps. Cashback or reward credit cards can also be an effective way to save at your favorite store, provided you pay your statement balance in full every time it comes due.

Recommended: Savings Interest Calculator

The Takeaway

Moves like effective budgeting, opening a high-yield bank account, paying off debt, establishing a passive income stream, and investing can help you make the most of your money.

Everyone’s financial situation is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. A bit of experimenting can be helpful, as can finding the right banking partner.

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

FAQ

How do I have my money work for me?

You make your money work for you by keeping it in an interest-bearing savings account (these are often found at online banks). Other ideas include investing in assets that can create value and/or income, such as real estate, stocks, bonds, and so forth.

How can I make $1,000 a month passively?

There are many ways you might make $1,000 passively. Some popular options are investing, renting out real estate, peer-to-peer lending, and earning interest on one’s money.

What is the 50-30-20 rule of money?

The 50-30-20 budget rule is a popular guideline that says, of a person’s take-home pay, 50% should go to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and/or additional debt payments.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

SOBNK-Q325-030

It’s human nature to wonder how you compare to everyone else. And that goes for money, too. For instance, are you spending more or less on housing? Food? Transportation?

In total, the average single person spends about $4,641 per month, according to the most recent (2023) Consumer Expenditure Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).^[1] The numbers may be slightly higher for 2024. According to 4th quarter 2024 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average monthly spending for a single person was $4,948 per month, when seasonally adjusted.^[2]

Of course, monthly expenses will vary depending on where and how you live. Still, knowing where you stand can help you budget better and see how your spending stacks up against other people’s outflow of cash.

Here, you’ll get a sense of how much an average person might spend per month so you can consider how your own budget looks.

Average Monthly Expenses in 2025

Housing

Housing tends to consume the highest portion of monthly income. Using BLS statistics, the average spending on housing is $1,684 per month for one person.^[1] Typically, single people devote more of their monthly income to housing (around 36%) than those living as a married couple or family (around 31%).^[3]

Costs can also vary significantly depending on whether you live alone (more costly) or have one or more roommates (less costly). That’s important to consider when estimating expenses and making a monthly budget.

Where you live can also have a major impact on your monthly housing costs. A single person living in a studio will generally spend more on housing in New York City than they would in a more affordable metro area. According to RentHop, the average price for a studio (one-room) rental in New York City was $3,550 in April 2025,^[4] compared to $2,450 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.^[5]

Transportation

Transportation costs can vary depending on your mode of transport (i.e., car vs. bus vs train), as well as what region of the country you live in.

But one thing that holds true for many of us: Transportation often accounts for the second-largest budget item, after housing.

The average single person shells out around $756 per month on transportation, including car or public transportation, gas, insurance and other related expenses, according to BLS statistics.^[1] Of course, you can take steps to lower those costs as needed, like learning how to save money on gas.

Health Care

Health care expenses can vary depending on each individual’s circumstances, and can also rise and fall from one month to the next. For example, there may be some months where unexpected medical costs crop up (such as emergency care), and other months where you only need to cover insurance premiums.

What you’ll have to spend on health care will also depend on where you live and what type of insurance coverage you choose. According to the BLS survey, individuals spend an average of $367 each month on health care.^[1] That number could be higher, however, for those who aren’t covered by an employer plan.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, an individual living in Columbus, Ohio spends about $470 per month on health care, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, assuming they purchase the lowest cost bronze plan on the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange. That number rises to $696 per month for a single person living in New York City.^[6]

Recommended: How to Save Money Daily

Food

Everyone’s gotta eat, and the average single person spends about $572 on food per month, including food eaten at home as well as away from home, according to BLS data.^[1] However, the monthly cost for food for one person can vary widely depending on age, income, location, and eating habits.

While some monthly costs, like rent, are fixed, food is an area where consumers can often find savings if they need to reduce monthly spending (such as getting serious about meal planning and choosing lower cost brands at the supermarket).

Cell Phone

The average monthly cost of a cell phone plan is $141 per month, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Wireless Retail Experience Study.^[7]

The good news? If your budget is particularly tight, you could spend as little as $25 a month for basic service and a monthly cap on data.

Utility Bills

After you’ve saved up and carefully budgeted to buy a home, you probably don’t want to be surprised by a higher-than-expected utility bill. The average monthly electricity bill in the U.S. is $137 per month, while the average monthly bill for natural gas runs around $69, according to Move.org.

Your monthly utilities may also include water, which runs $47 per month on average. Other monthly utility costs you may need to cover (and their average monthly costs) include: sewer ($65), trash ($62.50), and internet ($77). Americans also cough up an average of $59 monthly for streaming services.^[8]

Clothing

The average single adult spends about $123 on clothing per month, according to BLS data. If your budget is tight, this is one category where you can often pare back spending, whether by shopping your closet, hitting the sales racks, or bringing older clothes that need repairs or fit adjustments to the tailor. A clothing swap with friends can be another option.

Gym Memberships

The average gym membership runs anywhere from $10 to $100 per month, depending on location and amenities. If you can find one on the lower end of that range, it could be a good deal if you use it regularly.

If, however, you aren’t really using that membership or it’s too pricey for your budget, you could try going outside and hitting the pavement, joining an exercise meetup group, watching YouTube videos, and/or picking up some dumbbells and exercise bands to workout at home.

Recommended: Cost of Living per State

Getting Your Monthly Expenses in Check

Knowing the average cost of living can be helpful when you’re trying to determine how much of your budget you may need to allocate to different spending categories. (If you’re thinking, “What budget?” it’s likely a wise move to get busy creating a budget.)

These average monthly expenses shared above, though, are just that — averages.

To fine-tune your budget, and make sure your spending is in line with both your income and your goals, it’s a good idea to track your own spending (which means every cash/debit card/credit card payment and every bill you pay) for a month or two.

There are a few options for tracking spending. One easy method is to make all purchases for the month on one debit card or credit card, then, at the end of the month, take note of all the purchases made.

Another option is to use an app (your bank may provide a good one) that can help you log and track your spending. At the end of the month, you can then see everything you spent, as well as allocate each expense into key categories, such as housing, transportation, food, health care, etc.

You can then see how your spending compares to national averages, as well as where you might want to tweak things. For instance, if you don’t have enough at the end of the month to put any money away into your retirement fund, you might want to pare back non-essential spending (such as restaurants, clothing, gym memberships).

The same holds true if you haven’t been able to put money towards an emergency fund, which is an important safety net if you were to endure an emergency such as a job loss.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator: Calculate How Much to Save

The Takeaway

Whether you’re creating a new budget or refreshing an old one, you’ve probably noticed how important (and tricky) it is to get your monthly expenses right.

Knowing the average amount people spend to live can help you figure out how your spending stacks up and, if you’re just starting out, help to ensure you’re budgeting enough for each category.

To stay on top of your money, you may want to track your daily spending for a month (or more), and then set up certain spending limits to keep your purchases in line with your income, as well as your savings goals.

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

FAQ

How much should a single person spend a month?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as spending varies based on location, lifestyle, and income. However, a general guideline is to allocate your income as follows: 50% on necessities (rent, utilities, groceries), 30% on discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out), and 20% on savings and debt repayment beyond the minimum. Adjust these percentages based on your specific needs and financial goals.

What is the average living expenses for a single person in the US?

The average living expenses for a single person in the U.S. can vary widely depending on location. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the average single person spends around $4,641 per month. This includes housing, food, transportation, health care, and other essentials.

Living in urban areas or coastal cities tends to be more expensive, while costs are lower in rural or Midwest regions. Personal choices, such as eating out frequently or owning a car, can also significantly affect monthly living expenses.

What is a good monthly personal budget?

A good monthly personal budget should prioritize essential expenses like housing, food, and utilities, while also allowing for saving and discretionary spending. A popular method is the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of your income goes to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. This balanced approach helps ensure you can cover your expenses while also progressing toward long-term goals. You may need to adjust the percentages based on your specific financial situation and priorities.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. 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.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. 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.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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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SOBNK-Q225-043

Losing track of money might seem hard to imagine, but it’s actually not uncommon to forget about an old bank account or other source of money that is rightfully yours.

It could be an account you opened a long time ago that, after one or two moves, became both out of sight and out of mind. Or it might be lost paycheck, an old 401(k), or an unclaimed pension.

In fact, roughly one in seven people have unclaimed assets waiting for them, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).^[1] They report that billions of dollars in unclaimed property are currently being held by state governments and treasuries within the U.S.

If you’ve lost track of money that belongs to you, however, there’s no reason to panic, or consider the money gone for good. There are a number of ways to locate lost assets from a bank or other type of financial account, and most of them are completely free. It might take a bit of (virtual) leg work, but finding the unclaimed money due to you can be worth the effort.

How to Find an Old Bank Account

If you’ve accessed the bank account within the past year, you might be able to recover the account directly from the bank. Exactly how to recover a lost bank account will vary based on the financial institution. Your account information can be found on checks and often on old account statements.

If it’s been longer than a year, you might have to dig a little deeper to find and recover a lost bank account. To search for an old account in your name, you might start by combing through old financial records (paper and digital), including bank statements, correspondence/emails, and tax returns. You can also get information about closed bank accounts in your name through ChexSystems, a reporting agency that tracks consumer banking history.^[2] You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report at ChexSystems.com.

How to Find Unclaimed Money

When a bank or other business loses contact with an account holder, they are legally required to turn any assets over to the state, typically after three to five years (it varies by state) of inactivity or returned mail.^[3]

That’s why a good place to start a quest for older unclaimed property is often through your state’s unclaimed property office. The unclaimed funds held by the state are typically from bank accounts, insurance policies, or your state government.

The NAUPA offers an interactive map, where you can click on your state and be directed to its unclaimed property office. To search for your unclaimed money, you may want to use both your current and maiden name (if you legally changed your last name).

Another good resource for tracking down unclaimed money is MissingMoney.com. This is a multi-state directory operated by the NAUPA that allows you to search by name for missing or unclaimed money.

If you belonged to a credit union in the past, it may be worth checking the unclaimed deposits listing run by the National Credit Union Administration.

Other Sources of Unclaimed Money

Unclaimed money isn’t limited to forgotten checking accounts and savings accounts from childhood.

There are a variety of reasons you could be missing money due to you — perhaps you switched jobs and lost track of a 401(k) or pension plan. Or maybe you forgot to update your address and missed a payment or tax refund.

If you previously worked for a company that offered a pension plan, you can search the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation’s (PBGC’s) database. PBGC is a federal agency created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to protect pension benefits in the private sector.^[4]

For lost or missing retirement plan funds, you could check the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits, which is a secure database of retirement plan account balances that have been left unclaimed by former participants of retirement plans.

USA.gov helps you search for assets due from employers, insurance companies, and the government (including tax refunds).

How to Claim Lost Money

If you find unclaimed assets in your name, the next step is typically to fill out a form or make an online request to make your claim.

Each state generally has its own rules and regulations for how individuals should go about proving ownership of the unclaimed money now being held by the government. Generally, states will require substantial evidence that the money rightfully belongs to you.

Claims usually require showing proof of identity (such as information from a driver’s license or passport), any former residential addresses, and documentation showing your right to ownership of the assets.

If the owner is deceased and you inherited the assets, additional documents are typically required. This may include a death certificate, as well as a probate court order.

Recommended: Can You Reopen a Closed Bank Account?

Are Companies That Help You Reclaim Assets Legit?

As you’re searching for lost bank accounts, you may find businesses that offer to find unclaimed money, generally for a fee. Sometimes known as “finders,” these are companies that are looking to earn money by reuniting people with their lost assets.

While it’s fine to pay someone to help you get lost money returned to you, you may want to keep in mind that you can complete a search and submit a claim for free by yourself.

It’s also a good idea to keep your eyes open to potential fraud. Unsolicited emails or letters offering to return unclaimed property to you for a fee, for example, are often scams.

You’ll want to be especially wary of an organization or individual who claims to be a part of the government and offers to send you unclaimed money for a fee. Government agencies will not contact individuals about unclaimed money, nor will they charge a fee.

If somebody contacts you regarding missing money, it’s a smart idea to do some research on the business before handing over any personal information, and also to avoid paying any money up front.

Recommended: Avoiding Mobile Deposit Scams

The Takeaway

Many people have unclaimed money floating around somewhere. Often this money comes from funds found in banks, financial institutions, or companies that haven’t been in contact with the owner for several years and, as a result, the funds have been turned over to the state.

A good place to start looking for unclaimed assets is NAUPA’s database of records from all 50 states. From there, you can find links to each state’s official unclaimed property program.

What to do if you come into some unexpected money? Whether your windfall is large or small, consider putting it in a checking or savings account that pays a competitive interest rate and charges no (or low) fees.

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

FAQ

Is there a way to find all bank accounts in my name?

To find lost bank accounts, start by looking through your old and current financial documents (both paper and digital), including past bank statements, emails, and tax records. You can also get information about closed bank accounts in your name through ChexSystems, which is a national reporting agency that tracks consumer banking history. While your credit reports won’t include bank account information, they will list current and closed credit accounts.

If needed, you might contact individual banks directly to inquire about any accounts in your name, although they typically require proof of identity.

Is there a way to find lost bank accounts?

While there isn’t a central directory listing all bank accounts in your name, you can order a free copy of your ChexSystems report (at ChexSystems.com), which focuses on bank account history. You can also locate lost or forgotten bank accounts through your state’s unclaimed property office. Many states offer online databases where you can search by name to see if old accounts have been turned over. MissingMoney.com can be a good place to start.

You can also contact previous banks directly or check old records (like tax returns and bank statements) to find information about old bank accounts.

How to find bank accounts with a Social Security number?

There is no central public database you can use to search for bank accounts with a Social Security number. However, some banks may be willing to do a search for accounts using your Social Security number for you, especially if you think there may be accounts in your name you don’t know about. To access this service, you may need to submit a formal request and offer proof of identity.

Otherwise you can find old accounts by combing through old records (like tax returns, correspondence, and bank statements) and contacting previous banks directly. You can also do a search for unclaimed funds from old bank accounts at MissingMoney.com.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. 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.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. 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.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

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