Different Types of Savings Accounts You Can Have

If you’re looking to put money aside for future needs and watch it grow, a savings account can be a great option.

Not all savings accounts are created equal, however. There are actually several different types to choose from, and the best choice for you will depend on your goals, how you want to access your money, and how soon you’ll need it.

If you’re looking for easy, in-person access to your savings, for example, you might like a traditional savings account. If getting a high return is your priority, a high-yield savings, CD, or online bank account may be a better option. There are also speciality accounts for longer-term savings goals, like retirement.

Here’s the lowdown on the different types of savings accounts to have and how to choose the best one (or ones) for your needs.

Key Points

•   Different savings accounts cater to various needs and goals, offering options like traditional, high-yield, and online accounts.

•   Traditional savings accounts provide easy access and are typically insured up to $250,000.

•   Online savings accounts often offer higher interest rates due to lower operational costs.

•   High-yield savings accounts provide better returns and are typically available through online platforms.

•   Money market accounts combine features of savings and checking accounts, often including check-writing privileges and higher interest rates.

Common Types of Savings Accounts

When you’re choosing between the different types of savings accounts, it’s helpful to understand how they work. One thing these savings accounts tend to have in common is that online banking options are offered by many of them and are widely used by their members. According to SoFi’s April 2024 Banking Survey of 500 U.S. adults, 48% of survey respondents use online banking daily, and 26% use it several times a week.

Traditional Savings Account

“What types of savings accounts should I have?” is a common question. And a typical place to start is with a regular savings account that you can open at a bank or credit union. SoFi’s data found that 71% of respondents with a bank account have a savings account.

If your bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), then your deposits are insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category, per insured institution. Worth noting? Some banks participate in programs that extend the FDIC insurance to cover millions.1 The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) provides similar insurance for credit unions.

You can typically open a basic savings account with a small minimum deposit. And, while the interest rates on these accounts tend to be low compared to other savings options, they offer fairly easy access to your funds.

All savings accounts, however, may come with some limits on how many transactions you can make each month. While federal law used to cap withdrawal limits and transfers from savings accounts to six per month, the rule was lifted in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, many banks still limit electronic and online transactions to six per month.

There are no restrictions on the number of in-person withdrawals and transfers (at the teller or ATM) you can make on a basic savings account.

Online Savings Account

Brick–and–mortar financial institutions aren’t the only place where you can shop for a savings account. If you’re comfortable doing your banking online or from your mobile device, you might consider an online bank vs. traditional bank for your savings account.

Because online-only financial institutions tend to have lower overhead costs than traditional banks, they often pass that savings on to customers in the form of higher interest rates and lower, or no, fees.

While you can’t meet with a bank representative face-to-face, these accounts often come with well-designed and user-friendly websites and mobile apps, along with customer service representatives available by phone.

Like other basic savings accounts, online savings accounts typically have restrictions on the number of transactions you can make per month (typically six) without incurring a penalty fee. ATM withdrawals are unlimited, however.

If you choose an online savings account from an institution with FDIC insurance, then your funds will be protected, even if the online bank were to go out of business.

Recommended: Understanding the Different Types of Bank Accounts

High-Yield Savings Account

Also known as high-interest savings accounts, this type of savings vehicle tends to come with higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts and often lower fees. While many people know what these accounts are — 59% respondents do, according to SoFi’s survey, and 23% actually have a high-yield savings account — not everyone is aware they exist.

You may be able to open a high-yield savings account online where you already bank, but the highest rates are often available from online banks (as noted above).

Depending on the financial institution, a high-yield savings account will likely be insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category, per insured institution, or possibly more.

Like other savings accounts, withdrawals from high-yield savings accounts may be limited to six per month, and going over the withdrawal limit may trigger a fee. Of the 55% of people in SoFi’s survey who say they have switched banks, 29% did so because they wanted lower fees.

Learn more: Basics of High Yield Savings Accounts

Earn up to 4.00% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.

9x the national average savings account rate.

Up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance.

Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.


Money Market Account

Money market accounts can be found at both traditional and online-only banks and are similar to traditional savings accounts in terms of liquidity, safety, and transaction limits.

Money market accounts, however, tend to come with higher interest than a traditional savings account. And, unlike most basic savings accounts, money market accounts often come with a debit card and checkbook, which can make it a little easier to access your money. In other words, you get some of the benefits of checking accounts plus the perks of a savings account in one place.

On the downside, money market funds generally require a much larger initial deposit than a basic savings account. And, you could be charged fees if the balance goes below a minimum amount.

Due to the potentially higher interest rates and check-writing/debit access, money market accounts can be a good choice for emergency funds if you’ve already saved enough to meet the initial deposit.

It can be important to know the distinction between money market accounts vs. money market funds, too. The latter is a type of investment account and not guaranteed by the FDIC or NCUA.

Certificate of Deposit (CD)

Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are available at both brick-and-mortar and online institutions, and can be a good savings tool if you don’t need quick access to your money.

CDs come with a specific term — often between three months and five years — during which you need to keep your money in the account.

In return for leaving your money untouched for that time period, CDs generally offer higher returns than standard savings accounts. Generally, the longer term, the higher the yield.

While savings and money market accounts pay variable interest rates (meaning your rate can change after you’ve opened the account) CDs typically pay fixed rates, so your rate is likely to be locked in once you’ve deposited the cash. You’ll know these funds are safe if they’re FDIC-insured. However, if you pull your cash before the maturity date, you will usually pay a penalty, which might mean losing any interest earned. (There are some no-penalty CDs, but the interest rate is probably lower than you’d otherwise earn.)

Cash Management Account

A cash management account is an interest-bearing account that is usually offered not by a bank or credit union but by a brokerage firm, an investment firm, or a robo-advisor.

They are often well-suited for people who want accessibility plus safety. Though they are not held by banks, they may be insured by the FDIC via a partner bank. Not all are, so be sure to check if you are thinking of opening one.

Cash management accounts, sometimes referred to as CMAs, may provide many of the conveniences of traditional spending accounts. For instance, you may have access to a debit card, paper checks, and auto bill pay. Plus, they often have low or no fees.

Recommended: Checking vs Savings Accounts: All About the Differences

Speciality Savings Plans

The types of savings accounts listed above can be great places to grow your emergency fund or save money for a downpayment on a house. But if you’re looking to save for a more specific or longer-term goal, such as retirement or a child’s future education, you may want to open a more specialized account.

Specialty savings types can be helped along by accounts that are designed to serve a specific financial goal. There are a variety of these accounts, and they can earn interest to help you grow your money, just like other savings accounts. Some of these accounts, however, are investment vehicles, which means they can yield higher returns over the long term, but may also involve some risk.

Among the most common specialty accounts are 529 college savings plans, 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and custodial accounts for a child (so they can have money for education or other expenses when they turn 18).

Opening a specialty savings account can make sense if you have a singular purpose for saving money. You may want to keep in mind, however, that there may be restrictions on when and how you can withdraw those funds later. Some specialty accounts, such as IRAs, 529s and HSAs, have strict tax rules for making withdrawals.

The Takeaway

There are many different types of savings accounts, and the best option for you will likely depend on how and when you want to access your money.

You might like a traditional savings account if you want to bank in person. For better interest rates and lower fees, you might prefer an online high-yield savings account or, if you won’t need the money for a while, a CD.

For more specific savings goals, such as preparing for retirement, covering health expenses, or saving for your child’s education, you may want to open a specialty savings account in addition to a more liquid savings vehicle.

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

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What type of account is best for savings?

There are different kinds of savings accounts that suit different goals and money styles. If you like banking in-person, a traditional bank might work fine. If you prefer the convenience of an online bank, you are likely to be rewarded with higher interest rates and lower fees. If you are saving for a specific goal, a specialty account might work best. For instance, a 529 account if you are stockpiling funds for a child’s future college tuition.

How do I choose a savings account?

Choosing a savings account depends on your needs and goals. If you are looking for an in-person banking relationship, a traditional savings account at a bricks-and-mortar bank could be best. If you want a high-yield account, low fees, and convenience, an online bank’s offerings might better suit your needs. If you’re able to keep your money in an account for a specific time period to earn a set interest rate, consider a certificate of deposit.

Is it better to have a savings account or invest?

This depends on your goals. Traditional savings accounts offer a changing rate of interest, with an average rate of 0.45% as of July 2024, and high-yield savings accounts often offering 4.00% and higher, but the funds are insured. Investing your funds might earn you a higher return and help you grow your funds over time, but the market can be volatile, and your funds are not insured so there is the risk of loss.


SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 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 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 (“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, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% 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 members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

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 4.00% 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 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found 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.

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.

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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12 Mobile Banking Features

12 Mobile Banking Features to Look For

In an increasingly digital world, mobile banking is among the cool new tools that can enhance your quality of life. It can make managing your money on the go simple and convenient.

The range of mobile banking features you have access to can, however, depend on where you choose to bank. Some of the most common features of mobile banking include the ability to view transactions, transfer funds, and review statements, all in the palm of your hand.

Understanding how those features work matters if you’re new to mobile banking or, like growing numbers of people, you’re on the hunt for a new bank account with mobile access. In fact, according to SoFi’s April 2024 Banking Survey of 500 U.S. adults, the top reason respondents gave for switching banks was to get better mobile/online banking options. Read on to learn:

•   What is mobile banking?

•   How does mobile banking work?

•   What are some of the top features of mobile banking?

•   What are the pros and cons of mobile banking?

Key Points

•   Mobile banking can provide users with a convenient way to manage their banking accounts and transactions from nearly any location.

•   According to SoFi’s 2024 Banking Survey, a top reason people switch banks is to get better mobile and online banking options.

•   Some of the most common mobile banking features people use include checking account balances and recent transactions, paying bills, and making mobile deposits.

•   Mobile banking apps frequently offer money management services, such as budgeting tools and options for making bank-to-bank transfers or putting a stop on a check.

•   While mobile banking apps generally have strong security measures in place to protect user information, individuals may also use options such as account alerts and secure messaging to help protect their accounts against fraud.

What Is Mobile Banking?

Mobile banking refers to a range of banking products and services that are offered through a mobile device. To access mobile banking, you’ll generally need two things:

•   A compatible and connected mobile device, such as a cell phone or tablet

•   A mobile banking app

Mobile banking is different from online banking, in terms of how you access it. To use mobile banking, you need to log in to your bank’s mobile app. With an online bank account, on the other hand, you access your account through a laptop or desktop computer.

How Does Mobile Banking Work?

Mobile banking works by allowing banking customers to access their accounts from a compatible mobile device. Instead of logging on to your bank’s website from a laptop or desktop, visiting a branch, or calling your bank’s phone banking number, you can manage your accounts right from your mobile phone or tablet.

A mobile banking app is an app that’s designed to be used specifically for banking services. Numerous traditional and niche banks have introduced mobile banking apps to complement their online and in-person banking services. You can also find mobile banking apps offered through fintech companies, neobanks, and other institutions.

Generally speaking, these apps allow you to log in with a unique user ID and password. From there, you can perform different money management tasks, based on the mobile banking features the app offers.

But is mobile banking safe? Generally, the answer is yes, as banks take various measures to encrypt and protect mobile banking app user information.

12 Features of Mobile Banking

What are the features of mobile banking? The answer depends largely on where you decide to bank, as each bank can determine what features to include in its mobile app. That being said, there are some mobile banking app features that are typically common from bank to bank. Here are a dozen features to consider.

1. Account Details

The first thing you’ll see when you log in to a mobile banking app is an overview of your accounts. Specifically, you should be able to review the following at a glance:

•   Available account balances

•   Current account balances

•   Name of each account

•   Identifying details, such as the last four digits of the account number

If you want to see how much you have in checking, for instance, you can quickly log in to your mobile banking app to view your balance.

You may also be able to see other account details, including full account numbers and your bank’s routing number. That information can come in handy if you want to set up direct deposit or schedule an ACH transfer or payment online.

2. Transaction History

One of the most helpful mobile banking features is the ability to view your transaction history. Some of the things you might be able to do with your app include:

•   Reviewing posted and pending debits

•   Reviewing posted and pending credits

•   Cleared checks

•   Filtering transactions by date, amount, or transaction type

Seeing transaction history can be helpful when making a budget; it can help you know exactly where your money is going. You can also review your transaction history to look for anything suspicious. This could include such things as purchases you don’t remember making or micro deposits that could indicate someone is trying to link your account to an external account without your consent.

3. Bill Pay

Mobile banking app features can also include bill pay services. But what is bill pay? In short, it’s a feature that allows you to schedule one-time or recurring bill payments through your banking app. You can add info on those who typically bill you, select a payment account, enter the payment amount, and schedule the date the bill should be paid all from your mobile device.

That can save you time, since you can schedule bills to be paid automatically. It can also save you money if you’re not having to buy postage to mail in check payments. One more bonus: You’re avoiding late payment fees since bills are paid on time.

4. Mobile Check Deposit

Mobile check deposit can be a highly convenient mobile banking feature for people who regularly receive checks. Instead of taking your check to a branch to deposit it, you can snap a pic of it with your mobile device and deposit it from wherever you are.

That’s one of the main benefits of mobile deposit if you use an online bank or neobank that doesn’t have physical branches or offer ATM access. If someone gives you a check, you don’t have to worry about depositing it at a brick-and-mortar financial institution and then initiating a bank transfer from one bank to another. Instead, you can deposit the check in minutes from your phone. It’s a popular option: In the SoFi survey, 43% of respondents say they frequently use mobile check deposits.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


5. Person to Person Payments

Mobile banking features increasingly include the option to send person to person payments to friends and family. You can log in, navigate to the payments section of your mobile banking app and schedule a payment to someone using their email address or phone number.

Depending on where you bank, those payments might be completed in real time, meaning the money transfers from your account to theirs in minutes. That’s much easier and more convenient than withdrawing cash or writing a check and you can avoid the fees that other payment apps like Venmo or Paypal might charge.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Online Banking

6. Cardless Withdrawal

A cardless withdrawal allows you to get cash at an ATM without needing your debit card. Instead, you can withdraw money using a secure code that’s sent to your mobile device either via text or in your mobile banking app messaging feature. That’s a nice feature to have if your debit card is lost or stolen and you need to make a withdrawal.

7. Card Management

Credit cards often offer a card lock feature that allows you to freeze your card temporarily if it’s lost or stolen. The same feature is increasingly being offered with mobile banking. If you misplace your card, you can log in to the app, select the card, and freeze it with the tap of a button. You can unfreeze your card the same way if you find it. If you don’t, you can leave it locked until you’re able to contact customer service to report the loss.

8. Account Alerts

Setting up account alerts and notifications can be a great way to stay on top of your money and potentially head off fraud. Some of the alerts you might be able to set up with your mobile banking app include:

•   New credit and debit transaction alerts

•   Alerts notifying you of changes to your account information, such as your address or contact email

•   Failed login attempts

•   Updates to your user ID or password

•   Low account balances

You may be able to set up individual alerts for each account that you have or blanket alerts that cover all of your accounts. And you might be able to choose from email alerts, text alerts, or both, depending on your bank.

9. Statements and Documents

Opting in to electronic statements can help you avoid wasting paper. You might also avoid a fee if your bank charges you to get statements in the mail. In addition to viewing your statements through your mobile device, you might also be able to review other documents as well such as tax forms if you’re earning interest with a savings account. Or you could check investment account statements if you have a brokerage account at your bank as well.

10. New Account Opening

Need to open a new bank account? You might be able to skip the branch and set up a new checking, savings, money market, or CD account through your mobile banking app. You can save some time if you’re a customer and are already logged in, since the bank will have the relevant information needed to open the account. And you can easily arrange to transfer money from one of your existing accounts to the new account to cover your initial deposit.

11. Secure Messaging

Mobile banking apps can also include a message center where you can send and receive messages with your bank securely. If you’ve set up account alerts or notifications, for example, you can review those notifications through the message center as they come in. Your bank may also use the message center to send other secure notifications regarding your accounts.

12. Money Management Services

Your mobile app could save you time if you’re able to complete certain banking services from your device without having to visit or call a branch. For example, some of the things you might be able to do include:

•   Ordering checks

•   Putting a stop payment on a check you’ve written

•   Linking external accounts

•   Schedule bank to bank transfers

•   Managing overdraft protection

•   Reviewing fee schedules for your accounts

•   Ordering foreign currency

•   Requesting copies of checks

•   Finding bank locations near you

•   Connecting with customer support

You might even be able to use budgeting tools offered by your bank, like 23% of SoFi’s survey respondents do.

These features might be listed under a section called “Service Center” or “Services” in your mobile banking app. While you may not need most of them on a regular basis, being able to access them at your fingertips is a nice incentive to use mobile banking.

Banking With SoFi

Weighing the pros and cons of online banking and mobile banking can give you perspective on what’s good (or bad) about either one. If you’re specifically interested in being able to bank on the go, then finding an account that offers a robust mobile banking app is a must.

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

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What are the benefits of mobile banking?

One of the main benefits of mobile banking is convenience. You don’t need to go to a branch or log in to your laptop to manage your money. Instead, you can transfer funds between accounts, view balances, pay bills, and send money to friends and family from your mobile device.

Are there any disadvantages of mobile banking?

The main disadvantage of mobile banking is that you can’t deposit cash through an app. If you need to deposit cash, you’ll need to take it to a bank branch or ATM to do so. Otherwise, there are very few drawbacks to mobile banking apps.

What is the purpose of mobile banking?

The purpose of mobile banking is to allow you to manage your bank accounts from anywhere as long as you have a compatible device and an internet connection. Mobile banking can save you time since you don’t have to go to a bank branch to complete basic transactions with your accounts.


Photo credit: iStock/Kawanilaz

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 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 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 (“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, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% 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 members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

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 4.00% 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 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found 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.

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.

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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Online Banking vs. Traditional Banking: What's Your Best Option?

Online Banking vs Traditional Banking: What’s Your Best Option?

If you’re looking to open a new checking or savings account, you may wonder whether you should go with a traditional or online bank. Which one is better?

The answer depends on your banking needs, priorities, and personal preferences. Online banks often have lower fees, higher interest rates, and more user-friendly websites and mobile apps. But traditional banks offer certain services, especially at branches, that can’t always be fully replaced by online banks. To help you make the right choice, below is a breakdown of how online and traditional banks compare.

Key Points

•   Online banks, which tend to have lower overhead, may offer higher interest rates, lower fees, little to no minimum balance requirements, and more robust online banking features.

•   Online banks lack in-person services and may have more limited cash deposit/withdrawal options and fewer financial services.

•   Traditional banks provide in-person service and may provide more comprehensive services, as well as more cash deposit and withdrawal options.

•   Traditional banking may offer lower interest rates, have higher fees, and more limited online banking tools.

•   Choosing the right bank for you depends on your needs; while online banks may be ideal for those comfortable with technology, others may prefer in-person services.

Differences Between Online and Traditional Banking

First, it’s important to note that many traditional banks offer online banking features so that members can access their accounts digitally, and online banking is popular at both traditional and online banks. According to SoFi’s April 2024 Banking Survey of 500 adults, 48% of respondents said they use online banking daily, and 26% reported that they use it several times a week. Only 5% of survey participants said they don’t use online banking at all.

There are some key differences between online and traditional banks, however, that are important to keep in mind. Here’s a look at some of those differences.

Feature

Online Banks

Traditional Banks

Interest rates Typically higher Typically lower
Bank fees Typically lower Typically higher
ATMs Usually offer fee-free transactions through a partner ATM network Often offer their own network of ATMs for fee-free transactions
Customer service Online chat, email, and phone support In-person, online chat, email, and phone support
FDIC insured? Yes Yes
Cash deposits? May be limited Yes

Interest Rates and Fees

Online banks typically spend less on real estate and staffing and are able to pass that savings along to their customers in the form of no (or low) fees and higher than average interest rates. Many digital banks offer checking accounts with few or no fees, and online savings accounts with annual percentage yields (APYs) several times more than the national average.

ATMs

Traditional banks typically offer a wide network of branded ATMs that account holders can access without a fee. Since digital banks don’t have branches, they don’t have their own ATMs. Instead, they usually partner with a large ATM network that customers can use for free for withdrawals and, in some cases, depositing cash. Or they may have an arrangement where they refund you for any bank fees you incur using an ATM. Online banks tend to work hard to level the playing field on this front.

Customer Service

While online banking provides various customer service channels, such as online chat, email, and phone support, traditional banks offer the benefit of in-person customer service. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who prefer face-to-face interactions or more personalized service.

Safety and Security

Both traditional and online banks typically use state-of-art security to protect customer funds. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provides the same coverage of customer deposits at online banks as they do for brick-and-mortar institutions. If you have your money at a bank (traditional or online) insured by the FDIC, your funds are covered up to $250,000 per depositor. Co-owners of joint accounts at the same bank are each insured up to $250,000.

Cash Deposits

You can easily deposit cash at a traditional bank by going into a branch. With an online bank, however, handling cash can be a little more complicated. Since digital banks lack physical branches, you’ll need to locate an in-network ATM that accepts cash deposits. Alternatively, you may need to deposit the cash into a traditional bank account first, then transfer the funds to your online bank account. In SoFi’s survey, 63% of respondents said they frequently transfer funds between accounts using online banking.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


What Is Online Banking?

Many traditional banks offer online banking in addition to in-person services, but some banks operate exclusively online. Referred to as online, online-only, or digital banks, these institutions offer similar services to traditional banks, minus the physical branches (and free lollipops).

For example, you can typically open checking and savings accounts, get a debit card, sign up for automatic bill pay, transfer funds, deposit checks via mobile app, receive direct deposits, and more at an online bank. You can even withdraw cash, since online banks typically partner with a third party network to offer fee-free ATM service.

Pros and Cons of Online Banking

Some of the main advantages of choosing an online bank include:

•   Lower fees: Online banks generally don’t charge monthly account fees; some have also done away with all common bank fees, including overdraft fees and out-of-network ATM fees.

•   Higher interest rates: Online banks tend to offer the highest APYs on deposit accounts. If you’re shopping around for the best high-yield savings accounts or high-yield checking accounts, online banks often come out on top.

•   User-friendly interfaces: As digital-first institutions, online banks typically offer modern and intuitive platforms and mobile apps with robust features, such as tools that enable automatic saving or investing.

•   Low or no minimum balance requirements: Unlike some traditional banks, online banks usually don’t require you to maintain a minimum balance to earn the advertised rate or avoid fees. They also tend to have low or no minimum opening deposit requirements.

While online banks excel in many areas, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind:

•   Lack of in-person services: Online banks typically have no physical branches, so there’s no opportunity for face-to-face interaction or assistance.

•   Cash deposits and withdrawals may be limited: Some, but not all, ATMs allow cash deposits. ATMs also typically limit how much cash you can withdraw in one day. And if all you have is a savings account, an online bank may not allow cash withdrawals at ATMs.

•   The range of accounts may be limited. You’ll often find fewer financial services at an online bank than you would at a full-service traditional bank. In some cases, an online bank may only offer a checking account, a savings account, and a certificate of deposit (CD) account.

•   Connectivity issues. If you’re unable to access your bank online, whether due to planned maintenance or connectivity issues, you may not be able to access your money, pay bills, or carry out other banking tasks. While a traditional bank might encounter the same issues, its branches might not be affected by a site disruption.

What Is Traditional Banking?

Traditional banking refers to banks with a physical presence. At larger banks, this will often include regional headquarters in each country where they are active, as well as a network of branches and branded ATMs. Traditional banks typically have a large number of employees and offer face-to-face customer service during banking hours.

Traditional banks generally offer a full range of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, CDs, money market accounts, as well as a wide array of lending and investment products. In-person services may also include offering cashier’s checks, certified checks, money orders, check cashing, and cash/coin deposits.

Traditional banks, especially the largest banks, can be your one-stop shop for all things related to your finances.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Banking

Here’s a look at some of the key benefits of traditional banking:

•   In-person service: Traditional banks offer the option of walking into a branch and getting face-to-face assistance from bank staff. The banking team often gets to know their customers for more personalized and friendly service.

•   Comprehensive services: Traditional banks typically offer a broader range of accounts and financial products than their digital counterparts.

•   Fast access to funds: Depositing checks at a branded ATM or with a teller at a branch can mean same-day access to that money, instead of waiting a day or longer for a mobile check deposit to process.

•   Easier cash deposits/withdrawals: With a traditional bank, you can make cash deposits and withdrawals at a physical branch, which generally comes with fewer limitations than doing these transactions at an ATM.

But traditional banks also have some downsides. Here are some to consider:

•   Higher fees: Traditional banks often charge various fees for services, such as overdrafts, ATM withdrawals, and account maintenance. These fees can quickly add up and eat into your balance if you’re not careful. According to SoFi’s data, 29% of people have switched banks because they wanted lower fees.

•   Lower interest rates: Savings accounts at brick-and-mortar banks tend to offer relatively low APRs on savings accounts and nominal or no interest on checking accounts.

•   Time-consuming: Traveling to a local branch — and potentially waiting in line — to meet with a bank representative to conduct your banking in person can take up a lot of time.

•   Limited accessibility: Though traditional banks may offer 24/7 online access to your account, branches typically operate only during specific hours, which may not always align with your schedule. The SoFi survey found that 23% of people rarely visit a bank branch.

Recommended: Credit Unions vs Banks

How to Know if Online Banking Is Right for You

Whether you choose to go with an online bank or a traditional financial institution is a personal decision. Here are some signs that an online bank will be a good fit:

•   You prioritize high interest rates and low fees to help your money grow faster.

•   You are comfortable accessing a partner network of ATMs vs. a bank’s own branded machines.

•   You are satisfied with seeking customer service via online chat or phone.

•   You are confident in managing your money without having a personal banker at your local branch.

•   You are digitally savvy enough to conduct transactions online.

If the above statements don’t ring true for you, then you’ll likely be better off with a traditional bank.

The Takeaway

Choosing between online and traditional banking involves weighing the convenience and cost benefits of online banking against the personalized service and comprehensive offerings of traditional banks.

Online banking generally offers 24/7 access, lower fees, and higher interest rates, making it ideal for those comfortable with technology. Traditional banking provides face-to-face interaction, immediate access to funds, and a wide range of services, catering to those who value personal relationships and in-person assistance.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Using both can also be a viable strategy, allowing you to leverage the strengths of each option to optimize your money management.

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

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.


SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 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 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 (“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, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% 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 members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

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 4.00% 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 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found 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.

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.

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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Is It Illegal To Check Someone Else’s Credit Report?

Is It Illegal To Check Someone Else’s Credit Report?

Yes, in most cases it’s illegal to check someone else’s credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal statute that defines and limits who can receive credit-related information. The act lists legal reasons why someone’s credit can be checked; therefore, it is illegal for an individual or organization to check someone’s credit report for any other purpose.

We’ll do a deep dive into when it’s OK to run a credit check on someone, and what to do if you suspect someone has pulled your credit report without permission.

Can Anyone Check Your Credit?

The short answer is no. Legally speaking, a person or organization can check your credit only under certain circumstances. Someone either needs to have what’s called “permissible purpose” or have your permission and cooperation in the process for the credit check to be considered legal.

Check your score with SoFi

Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*


Who Can Access Your Credit Report?

People and organizations that can legally access your credit report under certain circumstances include the following:

•   Banks and other lenders

•   Utility companies

•   Insurance companies

•   Landlords

•   Employers

Here’s more about each

Banks and Other Lenders

A financial institute can check someone’s credit in connection with credit-related transactions, such as when they apply for a mortgage or car loan. Note that section 609(g) of the FCRA requires financial institutions that arrange mortgage loans and use credit scores in their decision-making to provide the credit score and additional information to the applicant.

Utility Companies

Although it may not be commonly thought of in this way, applying for utility service is a form of credit. So when someone requests service from an electric company, the utility will likely check the person’s credit history. If the individual doesn’t have at least a fair credit score, the company can request a deposit or even deny service.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies have permission to review an applicant’s credit information. Note that companies must also comply with state laws as they use the credit data to underwrite policies.

Landlords

The Federal Trade Commission notes that landlords have the right to review consumer credit reports when someone applies to rent from them or renews a lease. A landlord must certify to the credit bureau (such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) that they will only use this information for rental purposes.

Employers

A potential employer can check an applicant’s credit report, although the company must give the applicant notice of their intent and get written permission. State laws vary regarding an employer’s ability to use this information as part of a hiring decision.

When Is It Legal to Run a Credit Report on Someone?

There are a handful of legal reasons to run a credit report on someone.

Permissible Purpose

This umbrella term used in the FCRA describes when a credit reporting agency can provide a credit report.

Proxy Ordering

“Proxy” is a legal term for someone with the authority to represent someone else. The only instance that isn’t proxy ordering is when a consumer requests their own credit report.

To pull your report, a proxy will need to get answers to questions that only you should know — information that comes directly from your credit report. This provides an extra layer of protection to ensure that your permission is freely being given.

Deceased Spouse

An individual can send a letter to a credit agency requesting the credit report of a deceased spouse. The surviving spouse will need to provide information about both parties so that the agency can verify identities and ensure that it’s OK to provide the credit report.

During Mortgage Underwriting

The FCRA notes that a financial institution can obtain a credit report for “extending, reviewing, and collecting credit.” This applies to mortgage underwriting as well as other types of loans.

Screening Job Applicants

With permission, an employer can request and review a credit report for the purpose of “evaluating a consumer for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention as an employee.”

During Insurance Underwriting

An insurance company can check a person’s credit report, with permission, as part of the underwriting process for a policy. The FCRA delves into specifics for different types of insurance: life, health, homeowners, etc.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity

Evaluating Prospective Tenants

The FCRA states that a potential landlord can pull a credit report with the prospective tenant’s permission.

Court-Appointed Guardians

Court-appointed guardians can request a copy of their ward’s credit report by mail. They must provide information about themselves as well as the ward.

What to Do if Someone Pulls Your Credit Without Permission

Contact the organization that pulled your credit to rule out that it was done in error. Then contact the three credit bureaus and request that any hard credit inquiries be deleted from your credit report.

You can also submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/), and ask for any problems associated with the inquiry to be resolved.

Who Can Check Your Credit Without Permission?

Government agencies may check your credit report to process an application for a license, to determine if you qualify for public assistance, or to calculate what a person can pay in child support, among other reasons.

If you already receive credit from a company, it may periodically check your credit report. Language giving them permission is likely in their terms and conditions. Debt collectors may also get access to information on credit reports.

Recommended: What Is a Tri-Merge Credit Report?

How to Know if Your Credit Was Checked

All hard inquiries will appear on your credit report for two years, so you can find the information there. Soft checks may or may not appear. Each year, you can get a free copy of your credit report — and find out your credit score for free — via AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you’re concerned about credit checks, consider signing up for a credit monitoring service.

What qualifies as credit monitoring varies from service to service; look for one that sends out alerts for new hard inquiries.

How a Credit Check Affects Your Credit Score

A soft inquiry will not hurt your credit score even if it appears on your report. A hard inquiry can lower the score by up to five points. Although the inquiry will remain on your credit report for two years, it will stop affecting your credit score after 12 months. Applying for several credit accounts in a relatively short amount of time may pose a greater risk. (Find out more about what affects your credit score.)

Can You Stop Someone From Getting Your Credit Report?

You can freeze your credit at all three bureaus, which will prevent them from sharing information with businesses that make inquiries. However, if you want to apply for a loan or otherwise conduct a transaction that requires a credit check, you will need to unfreeze your credit.

The Takeaway

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides legal guidelines on who can and can’t check consumer credit reports. Certain individuals can check your credit with your permission, including landlords and employers. Banks, insurers, lenders, and utility companies may also pull a credit report if you’ve applied for credit or service with them. In some circumstances, government agencies may request your credit report without your permission. In general, an average citizen cannot check someone else’s credit report unless they are serving as a legal proxy.

Want to keep an eye on changes in your credit report? Consider downloading a money tracker app, which can alert you to fluctuations.

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

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can I sue for an unauthorized credit check?

Consult an attorney to discuss potential legal remedies. If you discover that your credit was run inappropriately without your permission, contact all three credit bureaus to ask them to remove the inquiry so that it doesn’t harm your credit score. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/.

What is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

There are multiple types of FCRA violations. They include instances when a credit bureau provides your information to someone who is not authorized to receive it, didn’t demonstrate a valid need for the data, or didn’t get your written permission in advance.

How do I find out who ran my credit?

You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Your credit report lists all hard credit inquiries from the past two years, and potentially some soft inquiries.


Photo credit: iStock/vitapix

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

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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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23 Ways To Make Extra Income From Home

23 Ways to Make Extra Income From Home

If you’re interested in how to make extra income from home, today there are more opportunities than ever before. Some ways to earn extra income from home include side hustles, online businesses, and remote jobs. Finding the right money-making project for you just depends on your skills, experience, and interests.

We’re sharing some of the most popular ideas for how to bring in extra income from home in 2024 and beyond.

How to Make Extra Income From Home

There are a variety of ways to make extra income from home, many of which allow you to use the skills you already have. Others may require a little training or research to get started before you can begin earning supplemental income.

When comparing side hustles, business ideas, and work-from-home second jobs for extra income, consider:

•   How much time is required to make money

•   Typical earnings and how much you can expect to make

•   What, if anything, might be required to get started

Timing can also influence the types of ideas you explore for making extra income from home. For example, if you need to make a quick $1,000, then selling things around the house can put cash in your pocket faster than starting an online business. If you need a little help staying on top of your side-hustle earnings, a money tracker app like SoFi’s can help.

And remember, the benefits of a side hustle go beyond making extra income. Side gigs can be a creative outlet, source of fulfillment, or a stepping stone to a new career. With that in mind, here are 23 of the best extra income ideas from home.

Check your score with SoFi

Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*


1. Tutor

Tutoring can be a fulfilling way to make extra income from home for stay-at-home parents or students. There are numerous websites that connect tutors with students who need help with their school work. You can also offer tutoring to students locally in your home to make extra income.

2. Online Teacher

Teaching online is another popular work-from-home extra income idea. While tutoring may involve working with a single student one-on-one, you might teach multiple students online at the same time. For example, anyone can sign up to teach K-12 classes live via Zoom on Outschool.com. You don’t need a teaching degree or previous experience, though you will need to be able to pass a background check.

3. Course Creator

Course creation is one of the best passive income ideas for people who like teaching but don’t want to do it all the time. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable allow you to create and upload virtual courses then sell them to people online. These types of platforms charge fees to host your course, but if you come up with a popular topic or idea, you can earn money from teaching online.

4. Sell Artwork and Designs Online

Selling artwork and designs can be a great way to earn residual income from home. For example, you can create unique designs and license them to a platform like Canva or Creative Fabrica. You earn money as people purchase licensing rights to use your designs.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

5. Online Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping is an in-demand skill, and if you’re experienced at tracking accounts and managing financial statements, this can be a reliable way to make extra income from home. It’s possible to find virtual bookkeeping jobs online with companies that are interested in outsourcing their bookkeeping and payroll.

6. Low-Content Book Publishing

Low-content books are books that have little to no content inside. Composition notebooks and blank journals are two prime examples of low-content books. If you have a knack for design, you can create low-content books and upload them to a self-publishing platform like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Amazon lists your books for sale and handles the printing and shipping for you. Meanwhile, you earn royalties for each unit sold.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another option for earning residual income or passive income from home. Affiliate marketing simply means recommending products or services and linking to a sales portal. If someone purchases the product or service through your link, you earn a commission. You can try affiliate marketing through a blog or social media channels such as Instagram or Twitter. Just keep in mind that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has specific disclosure rules influencers are required to follow.

8. Copywrite or Edit

Copywriting is another high-demand skill as companies and businesses are often willing to pay good money for website or marketing copy. Editing is also something you might consider doing to make extra income from home if you’re skilled at writing and have a good eye for detail.

9. Data Entry

Work-from-home extra-income jobs in data entry might appeal to you if you’re good at typing and you know your way around databases or spreadsheets. It’s possible to find remote data entry jobs by searching job boards like Indeed.com or FlexJobs.

10. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is one of the most visible social media platforms. You might consider starting your own channel as a way to make extra income without leaving the house. To get started, you’ll need a decent camera and a great idea for content, and you’ll need to meet YouTube’s minimum requirements to monetize your channel with ads. You can also make money with a YouTube channel by selling digital products, creating sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

11. Freelance Your Skills

Freelancing can span a wide range of work from home jobs for extra income. For example, you might work as a freelance photographer, website developer, or project manager. The great thing about freelancing is that you can apply skills that you already possess to make money while potentially increasing your income even more by learning new skills along the way.

12. Sell Your Photos

If you’re great with a camera, selling your photography is another idea for how to make extra income from home. Sites like Shutterstock, Foap, and SmugMug allow amateur and professional photographers to list photos for sale and earn money by selling licensing rights. You can study a range of websites that sell pictures to get an idea of which subjects are most popular and in-demand.

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13. Print on Demand

Print-on-demand is a terrific way to make passive income from home. With print-on-demand, you create unique designs and upload them to a POD shop. When someone buys an item, such as a coffee mug or tote bag, the POD shop prints your design onto it and ships it out to the customer. If you’re looking for a place to get started with print on demand, Redbubble, Society6, and Printify are a few sites you might consider.

14. Online Transcription

Transcriptionists make money by transcribing digital files into written or typed documents. Online transcription jobs can be a good way to put your typing skills to use, and there are even remote work opportunities out there for beginners. You may need to purchase special transcription software to start this work-from-home idea, but with the right gigs, you can easily make a part-time income from home.

15. Get Paid to Proofread

Proofreaders review written documents for spelling errors, grammatical errors, and typos. The work that they do is similar to copyeditors though it’s more focused on finding flaws in the mechanics of a piece of writing, rather than issues with tone or flow. Remote-work job boards can be a good place to begin looking for proofreading jobs for beginners.

16. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants help business owners run their companies. You might do a variety of things as a VA, including managing email, setting appointments, keeping track of scheduling changes, posting social media content, or copywriting. This is another low-cost side hustle you can start from home as long as you have an internet connection and a laptop.

17. Start a Blog

Blogging is not necessarily a way to get rich quick, but it can be a way of making extra money from home. There are different ways blogs can earn money, including ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, product sales, and services. If you’re interested in starting a blog, you might want to spend some time on YouTube checking out tutorials to see what you’ll need to get up and running.

18. Get Paid to Chat

Remote chat operator jobs and remote customer support jobs are a fun way to put your people skills to work while earning extra income from home. Plenty of companies hire people to handle customer support via live chat or by phone from the comfort of their own home. This can be a good flexible job option for a stay-at-home parent.

19. Pet Sit

Pet sitting might be a perfect way to earn extra income from home if you love cats or dogs. You can advertise your services locally as a pet-sitter or dog walker, and make money according to a schedule that works for you.

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20. Earn Cash Back From Shopping Apps

Cash back apps pay you back a percentage of what you spend, either in cash or points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. For example, you might use a cash back app to earn 5% back when shopping for clothes at your favorite online retailer. Cash back apps are an easy way to make extra income from home doing things that you’re already spending time on.

21. Babysit in Your Home

In addition to pet-sitting, you might consider offering child care or senior care services in your home. If you’re planning to keep multiple children in your home, you’ll want to first check your state’s laws. Once you reach a certain number of children, you might be considered a daycare, which means you’ll need to get licensed and be regulated by the state.

22. Grow a Garden

Gardening can be a relaxing hobby, but it also has potential to be an excellent way to make extra income from home. You can sell the fruits and veggies that you grow at your local farmer’s market or to people in your neighborhood. Depending on where you live, you might even be able to branch out and raise chickens so you can sell fresh eggs for supplemental income.

23. Bake or Prep Meals

If you love to bake or are a pro at meal planning, you might be able to monetize those hobbies and skills to earn money at home. For example, you can sell your homemade baked goods at your local farmer’s market or craft fair, or to local restaurants. You can also sell readymade meals to busy parents and seniors who need a little help with cooking. Just be sure to check any regulations regarding home kitchens that might apply where you live.

Reporting Extra Income on Your Taxes

Finding ways to make extra income from home can offer some financial breathing room, but it’s important to consider the tax consequences. IRS rules require you to report side hustle income or money earned in the gig economy on your taxes, even if you make money at home. Generally, there are two rules to know about reporting extra income:

•   Form 1099 must be issued when gig earnings exceed $600.

•   Gig workers may be required to pay estimated quarterly taxes.

Unless you’re specifically hired as an employee of a company that you’re doing work for, then the IRS considers you to be an independent contractor. You’ll need to keep track of all your earnings throughout the year and make sure you’re reporting them accurately on your taxes when you file.

You’ll also want to include receipts for any expenses you might be able to deduct. For example, if you’re making extra income from home as a freelance writer and you need to buy a new laptop, you may be able to write that off as a business expense. Or you may be able to deduct home office expenses.

Downloading a free budget app can make it easier to keep track of your business or side gig expenses. If you’re unsure how to handle a tax return with extra income, you may want to talk to a tax professional.

The Takeaway

Making extra income is one of the main benefits of a side hustle, though you may also want to start a second job as a creative outlet. Today, there are many flexible work-from-home gigs for all sorts of skill sets and backgrounds. Some require training or certification, but many can be started with just a laptop and dream. Ideally, you can leverage a hobby or passion into a side job, such as meal-prep, pet-sitting, childcare, design and photography, and more.

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FAQ

How can I make an extra $1,000 a month?

Some of the best ways to make an extra $1,000 a month are freelancing, blogging, monetizing a YouTube channel, and selling digital products. These are all extra income jobs that you can do entirely online. You may also be able to make an extra $1,000 a month by pet-sitting, making homemade baked goods, or selling things around the house you no longer need.

What can I do for an extra income?

There are lots of different ways to make extra income. You could start by increasing your hours at work if you get paid on an hourly basis. Or you might negotiate a pay raise at your current job. You can also get a second job, start a side hustle, get paid to do gig work, or start an online business.

What is a good side hustle?

The best side hustle for you is the one that works for your schedule and allows you to use the skills you have to make a good income. That said, good side hustle options include freelancing, editing and copywriting, blogging, and taking surveys online for cash or gift cards.


Photo credit: iStock/Alessandro Biascioli

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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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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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