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Ask four recent graduates which year of high school was hardest for them, and chances are you’ll get four different answers. Each year of high school brings its own set of unique challenges that students have to prepare for.

On top of those challenges comes external stressors and expectations. Students are facing pressure from parents to get good grades, the stress of college applications, and heaps of extracurriculars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of high school students have experienced stress, anxiety or depression during the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

While each year of high school will have its own stressors, many will say junior year is the most challenging. Junior year can be the hardest for several reasons, but with the right prep and expectations, high school students can make the hardest year just a little easier.

Why Every Year Matters

People might say junior year is the hardest year of high school, but that’s not an excuse to cruise though the other three years.

Freshman and sophomore year are building opportunities. In these two years, many students will take prerequisite courses and join extracurriculars they’ll carry out the rest of their high school career.

During freshman year especially, students will have to adjust to high school and its academic rigor. Getting good grades and getting involved in activities during the first two years of high school can help set the pattern for the next two years.

Lots of students may claim that senior year is the time to sit back and take it easy. So common is this assumption that lots of seniors claim their final year of high school is the “senior slump.”

But, letting grades slide in senior year can spell trouble for plans post graduation. Admission to college, even if already granted, could be rescinded if a senior underperforms in their senior year. Grades senior year still matter.

Recommended: 11 Ways to Prepare for High School Graduation

Why Junior Year Can Be the Most Challenging

Every year of high school is important, but a student’s junior year has its own set of unique challenges and hardships. Here’s what can make junior year tougher than the rest:

Course Load

Junior year is the time to shine before students apply to college. It’s the last full academic year of grades a university will receive before deciding to accept or reject a student. Students may elect to take their most challenging course load during their junior year to show colleges that they’re capable of academic rigor.

Some students may be enrolled in advanced placement (AP) courses. AP classes give high school students the chance to prepare for college by tackling college-level material, while still in high school. At the end of an AP course, students can choose to take the AP exams. Scores from those tests may grant students college credits, so they can skip out of basic courses in their first years on campus.

Junior year can be an academic step-up for high school students if they decide to take advanced classes. In addition to harder classes, there’s a pressure to get good grades in them, because it can be an indicator of performance for colleges.

Tests

On top of AP tests, juniors have more key tests to prepare for. Each test comes with its own strategies and approaches, meaning specialized study and prep. A junior might prepare for and take these tests during the year:

AP Tests. As mentioned above, if a student decides to take an AP course, they can choose to take the corresponding AP tests as well.

PSAT/NMSQT. Students can take the Preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as early as their sophomore year of school, but many take it their junior year. The PSAT/NMSQT has two sections; math, and reading/writing. Scores for each section fall between 160 and 760.

Offered in October each year, the PSAT doesn’t impact college admissions like the SAT, but it can help students qualify for National Merit Scholarships if they receive a certain score. Students are not required to take the PSAT test, but it can be one way to prepare for the SATs and potentially qualify for scholarship.

SAT/ACT. Scores from either the SAT or ACT test are required by many colleges for admission. But, even if they’re not required by a college, a strong SAT or ACT score can help give a student a leg up in the application process.

Most high school students choose to take the SAT or ACT tests in the spring of their junior year or the fall of senior year. Both tests have certain quirks and strategies associated with them, so the key to getting a great score may mean lots of preparation.

Some juniors choose to take rigors in person prep courses or take several practice tests before sitting for the exam.

College prep

Juniors not only have more academic pressure on them and tests to prepare for, but many will add college prep to their extracurriculars. Whether that means spending weekends touring campuses or researching schools at night, finding a school that’s the right fit can take up a considerable amount of time.

There’s no one way to ensure the right fit for all students. Some may choose a campus-based on their desired degree, others for proximity to home or budget. No matter the motivator, finding the right school can take time.

Recommended: Ca$h Course: A Student’s Guide to Money

There’s no doubt junior year has a lot going on. The challenge comes not only from the rigor but also the pressure associated with making some big life choices. Freshman and sophomore year have their fair share of challenges, but junior year will test the habits of students — pushing them to work harder academically and personally.

The Takeaway

Junior year challenges students to juggle their extracurricular activities, rigorous academic classes, and standardized testing, on top of applying for college. Figuring out a way to pay for college shouldn’t be another challenge. As early as junior year, students can start considering the cost of college, and the ways to pay for it.

Taking time to learn about student loans during college prep can help give juniors a better sense of what lies ahead of them. After applying for federal loans and aid, they might need to evaluate additional options to pay for their tuition. That could mean saving for college by picking up a part-time or summer job, or researching scholarships or grants that can help pay tuition. It’s important a student knows their full menu of options to pay for school before committing to any single strategy.

Another option available are private student loans. SoFi’s private student loans come with no fees and a simple online platform that allows students to repay their loans their way. It’s worth noting that students generally exhaust all other options before borrowing a private student loan.

Junior year may be the hardest year of high school, but student loans don’t have to be another hurdle.

Learn more about private student loan options offered by SoFi.

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

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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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Credit card debt can go from zero to thousands with one quick swipe. Or it can build slowly like rising water — a nice dinner here, some retail therapy there. Before you know it, your balance is uncomfortably high. You’re not alone. Almost half of American households carry credit card debt. Of those consumers, the average balance is $5,315.

If you’ve vowed to pay off your credit card balance, you’re making a smart financial move. You’ll save money on interest, boost your credit history, and position yourself to achieve other financial goals. Here, we reveal the top tips and strategies for getting it done, from the Snowball strategy to hardship plans to the boring-but-effective debt-focused budget.

What Is a Realistic Payoff Schedule?

If you’ve been carrying a balance on one or more cards, it may take longer than you’d like to pay off the debt. Determine how long you need to become debt-free while still covering your monthly bills comfortably. A longer payoff term will allow you to continue to save and invest while paying down debt. But a shorter payoff term can save you a considerable amount in interest.

If there’s no scenario where you can cover your living expenses and pay off your credit card debt in five years, these strategies may not be enough. In that case, it may be time to consider applying for credit card debt forgiveness.

7 Credit Card Payoff Strategies and Tips

There are numerous ways to tackle debt and pay off credit cards. The approaches below will work best when you mix and match several to create your own custom debt-payoff plan.

1. Create a Debt-Focused Budget

Achieving financial goals always starts with a budget. This exercise is designed to help you discover extra cash you can put toward your credit card bill.

First, make a list of your monthly bills. Along with your rent payment, phone, gas, and other required living expenses, include your credit card payment. You can leave the amount blank for now. This is your “Needs” column.

Now look at your “Wants.” These are things that you can survive without — restaurants, new clothes, gym membership — but that often make life better. Which items can you do without temporarily so you can put their cost toward your credit card bill?

It’s OK if your budget isn’t the same from month to month — flexibility is good. While you’re at it, look ahead for unavoidable big purchases (that upcoming destination wedding) and leave room for unexpected expenses. Your credit card payment may be lower some months to accommodate these other costs. Just always pay at least the minimum payment.

Your new budget should prioritize your credit card payment on par with other bills, and above nonessential treats. One way to make budgeting easier on yourself is to download an app like SoFi Relay, which pulls all of your financial information into one place.

2. Zero Interest Credit Card

The frustrating thing about credit cards is how interest can take up more and more of your balance. Zero-interest credit cards, also known as 0% APR cards, allow card holders to make payments with no interest on transfers and purchases for a set period of time. The promotional period on a new credit card can last as long as 18 billing cycles, long enough to make a large dent in the card’s principal balance.

Consolidating your credit card debt on one zero-interest card serves to simplify your monthly bills while also saving you money on interest payments. The key here, of course, is to avoid racking up even more credit card debt.

One drawback to these cards is that you often need a FICO Score of 690 or above to qualify. And once the promo period expires, the interest rate can climb to 27% or higher. In an ideal world, you’ll want to achieve your payoff goal before the rate rises.

A credit card interest calculator can give you an idea of how much your current interest rate affects your total balance.

3. The Snowball, The Avalanche, and The Snowflake

The Snowball and Avalanche debt repayment strategies take slightly different approaches to paying down debt. Both involve maintaining the minimum payment on all but one card.

The Debt Snowball method focuses on the debt with the lowest balance first, regardless of interest rate, putting extra toward that payment each month until it’s paid off.

Then, that entire monthly payment is added to the next payment — on top of the minimum you were already paying. Rinse and repeat with the next card. It’s easy to see how this method can quickly get the snowball rolling.

The Debt Avalanche is based on the same philosophy but targets the highest-interest payment first. Getting out from under the highest debt can save a lot of money in the long run. Just like the Snowball method, applying that entire payment to the next-highest-interest debt can lead to quick results.

The third snow-related strategy, the Debt Snowflake, emphasizes putting every extra scrap of cash toward debt repayment. If you have extra money to throw at your debt, even $20, that can still make a difference in your overall amount owed.

4. Make More Money

Sure, increasing your income is easier said than done. But if you have the time to spare, it can make paying down debt a whole lot easier. Here are the top ways that people can bring in more cash:

•   Start a side hustle (or monetize and existing hobby)

•   Get a part-time job (on top of your current job). Two shifts a week can help you bring in another $500 to $1,000 per month.

•   Sell your stuff. It’s easier than ever to resell clothes, books, old electronics, and jewelry.

•   Negotiate a raise. Labor shortages have given workers extra leverage to ask for more.

5. Negotiate with Your Credit Card Company

If your large credit card balance is the result of unemployment, medical bills (yours or a loved one’s), or another financial setback, inform your credit card company. You may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate, lower fees and penalties, or a fixed payment schedule.

Hardship plans have no direct effect on your credit rating. However the credit card company may send a note to the credit bureaus informing them that you’re participating in the program. They may also close or suspend your credit card while you’re paying off the balance, which can ding your credit score.

6. Change Your Spending Habits

Changing how you spend your money is key to paying down debt — and to avoid racking up more in the future. You can approach this in two ways: as a temporary measure while you pay off your cards, or a permanent downsizing of your lifestyle.

The advantage of the temporary approach is that people are generally more willing to give things up when it’s for a limited time. For instance, can you suspend your gym membership during the warmer months when you can work out outdoors? Perhaps you can challenge yourself to cook at home for 30 days to save on restaurants. Imagine going without paid streaming services for six months.

String enough of those small sacrifices together to cover a year or two, and see how quickly your credit card payments grow. And your payoff term shrinks!

Downsizing your lifestyle has its own appeal, even for people who aren’t paying down debt. Living below your means is key to accumulating wealth. How exactly you accomplish that isn’t important. For instance, you can frequent cheaper restaurants, reduce the number of times you go out each month, or merely avoid ordering alcohol and dessert. The bottom line is to save money, avoid debt, and enjoy the financial freedom that results.

7. Personal Loan

Similar to a zero-interest credit card, a personal loan is a form of debt consolidation. Personal loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards, saving you money. And if you’re carrying a balance on multiple credit cards, a personal loan allows you to simplify your debt with one fixed monthly payment.

Personal loans are a great option for people with good to excellent credit. That’s because your interest rate is determined largely by your credit score and history. You can typically borrow between $1,000 and $100,000, and use the money for just about anything.

The Takeaway

Credit card debt can sneak up on you. If you’re carrying a balance on one or more cards, there are numerous ways to approach paying down your debt. Start with a new budget that prioritizes your credit card payment along with your other monthly bills, and trim your spending accordingly. Then combine a broad payoff strategy (the Snowball, the Avalanche) with other tips and tactics (zero-interest credit cards) to minimize your interest payments and shorten your payoff term. And remember: You’re not alone, and you can do this!

If you’re thinking about consolidating credit card or other debt, a SoFi Personal Loan is a strong option to consider. SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2022 winner for Best Personal Loan for Good and Excellent Credit, and Best Online Personal Loan overall.

Compared with high-interest credit cards, a SoFi Personal Loan is simply better debt.

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

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.

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 .

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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If you’re often surprised (and not in a good way) when you open up your credit card and bank statements and see how much money you spent, you are not alone. Or perhaps your pain point comes when you check your bank balance and worry that your cash outflow may be exceeding your cash inflow. In either scenario, there could be a simple solution: a personal cash flow statement.

Creating a personal cash flow statement can give you a clear picture of your monthly cash inflow (money you earn) and your monthly cash outflow (money you spend). Armed with that intel, you can determine if you have a positive or negative net cash flow.

And while it may sound intimidating, creating a personal cash flow statement is relatively simple. All you need to get started is to gather up your bank statements and bills for one month (or more). Then, it’s a matter of some basic calculations.

Once you have your personal financial statement, you’ll know where you currently stand. You’ll also be able to use your personal financial statement to help you create a budget and goals for increasing your net worth.

Here’s how to start getting your financial life back into balance.You’ll learn:

•   What is a personal cash flow statement?

•   How can I create a personal cash flow statement?

•   What is the difference between a personal cash flow statement and a budget?

•   How can I use a personal cash flow statement to create a budget?

What Is a Personal Cash Flow Statement?

“Cash flow” is a term commonly used by businesses to detail the amount of money flowing in and out of a company.

Companies can use cash flow statements to determine how well the business is generating income to pay its debts and operating expenses.

Just like the ones used by companies, tracking your own cash flow can provide you with a snapshot of your financial condition.

You might learn, for example, that you have less leftover at the end of each month than you thought or that you are indeed operating at a shortfall.

Once you have the numbers down in black and white, you can then make any needed changes, such as cutting your expenses to save money, increasing income, and making sure that your spending is in line with your goals.

So, how do you set up one of these cash flow statements? You may find a personal cash flow statement template or a personal cash flow statement example online, but let’s walk you through how and why to create one, so you get the most benefit out of the process. These steps can simplify things.

How to Build a Personal Cash Flow Statement

Listing All Your Sources of Income

A good first step when creating a personal cash flow statement is to get out all of your pay stubs, bank statements, credit card statements, and bills.

Next, you’ll want to start listing any and all sources of income — the inflow.

Cash inflows generally include: salaries, anything you make from side hustles, interest from savings accounts, income from a rental property, dividends from investments, and capital gains from the sale of financial securities like stocks and bonds.

Since a cash flow statement is designed to give a snapshot into the overall flow of where your money is coming from and where it is going, you might want to avoid listing money in accounts that aren’t available for spending.

For example, you may not want to list dividends and capital gains from investment accounts if they are being automatically reinvested, or are part of a retirement account from which you aren’t actively taking withdrawals.

Since income can vary from one month to the next, you might choose to tally inflow for the last three or six months in order to come up with an average.

Once you’ve collected and listed all of your income for the month, you can then calculate the total inflow.

Listing All of Your Expenses

Now that you know how much money is coming in each month, you’ll want to use those same statements and bills, as well as any for debts (such as mortgage, auto loan, or student loans) to list how much was spent during the month.

Again, if your spending tends to fluctuate quite a bit from month to month you may want to track it for several months and come up with an average.

To create a complete picture of how much of your money is flowing out each month, you’ll want to include necessities like food and gas, and also discretionary expenses, such as trips to the nail salon or your monthly streaming services.

Small expenses can add up quickly, so it’s wise to be precise.

Once you’ve compiled all of your expenses, you can calculate the total and come up with your total outflow for the month.

Determining Your Net Cash Flow

To calculate your net cash flow, all you need to do is subtract your monthly outflow from your monthly inflow. The result is your net cash flow.

A positive number means you have a surplus, while a negative means you have a deficit in your budget.

A positive cash flow is desirable, of course, since it can provide more flexibility. You can decide how to best use the surplus.

There are a variety of options. You could choose to save for an upcoming expense, make additional contributions to your retirement fund, create or add to an emergency fund, or, if your savings are in good shape, consider splurging on something fun.

A negative cash flow can signal that you are living a more expensive life than your income can support. In the future, maintaining this habit could lead to additional debt.

When creating personal cash flow statements, it’s also possible to have net neutral cash flow (all money coming in and going out is fairly equal).

In that case, you may still want to jigger things around if you are not already putting the annual maximum into your retirement fund and/or you don’t have a comfortable emergency cash cushion.

The Difference Between a Personal Cash Flow Statement and a Budget

A personal cash flow statement provides a comprehensive look at what is currently coming in and going out of your bank accounts each month.

A cash flow statement tells you where you are.

A personal budget, on the other hand, helps you to get where you want to go by giving you a spending plan that is based on your income and expenses.

A budget can provide you with some general spending guidelines, such as how much you should spend on groceries, entertainment, and clothing each month so that you don’t exceed your income — and end up with a negative net flow.

Creating a budget can also be a good opportunity to check in with your financial goals.

For example:

•   Are you on track for saving for retirement?

•   Are you interested in tackling the credit card debt that has been spiraling due to high interest rates?

•   Do you want to amp up your emergency fund?

•   How are you progressing on paying off your student loans?

Whatever your goal, a well-crafted budget could serve as a roadmap to help you get there.

Recommended: 9 Smart Ways to Pay Off Student Loans

Using Your Personal Financial Statement to Create a Simple Budget

Because a cash flow statement provides a comprehensive look at your overall spending habits, it can be a great jumping off point to set up a simple budget.

When you’re ready to create a budget, there are a variety of resources:

•   Break out a pencil and paper or buy a journal for this purpose

•   Use an app that’s part of your bank’s suite of tools, like SoFi Relay®

•   Download an app that isn’t connected to your financial institution but offers budgeting services

•   Try out spreadsheet templates and printable worksheets

A good first step in creating a budget is to organize all of your monthly expenses into categories.

Spending categories typically include necessities, such as rent or mortgage, transportation (like car expenses or public transportation costs), food, cell phone, healthcare/insurance, life insurance, childcare, and any debts (credit cards/loans).

You’ll also need to list non-essential spending, such as cable travel, streaming services, concert and movie tickets, restaurants, clothing, etc.

You may also want to include monthly contributions to a retirement plan and personal savings into the expense category as well.

And, if you don’t have emergency savings in place, put that on the spending list as well, so you can start saving towards that every month. How big an emergency fund do you need? Aim to cover at least three to six months’ of living expenses.

Once you have a sense of your monthly earnings and spending, you may want to see how your numbers line up with general budgeting guidelines. Financial counselors sometimes recommend the 50/30/20 budget rule, which looks like this:

•   50% of money goes towards necessities such as a home, car, cell phone, or utility bills.

•   30% goes towards your wants, such as entertainment and dining out.

•   20% goes towards your savings goals, such as a retirement plan, a downpayment on a home, emergency fund, or investments.

Recommended: Guide to Practicing Financial Self-Care

Improving Your Net Cash Flow

If your net cash flow is not where you want it to be or, worse, dipping into negative territory, a budget can help bring these numbers into balance.

The key is to look closely at each one of your spending categories and see if you can find some ways to trim back.

The easiest way to change your spending habits is to cut some of your nonessential expenditures. If you’re paying for cable but mostly watch streaming services, for example, you could score some real savings by getting rid of that service and its bill.

Not taking as many weekend getaways and cooking more often instead of getting takeout could start adding up to a big difference. If you tend to be a compulsive or impulsive shopper, you might take steps to understand your triggers, change your behavior, and rein in the outflow of money.

Living on a budget may also require looking at the bigger picture and finding places for more significant savings.

For example, maybe rent eats up 50% of your income, and it’d be better to move to a less costly apartment. Or you might want to consider trading in an expensive car lease for a less pricey or pre-owned model.

There may also be opportunities to lower some of your recurring expenses by finding a better deal or negotiating with your service providers.

You may also want to look into any ways you might be able to change the other side of the equation — the inflow of funds.

Some options might include asking for a raise or finding an additional income stream (making more money is a key benefit of a side hustle).

The Takeaway

One of the most important steps towards achieving financial wellness is cash flow management — i.e., making sure that your cash outflow is not exceeding your cash inflow.

Creating a simple cash flow statement for yourself can be an extremely useful tool. It can show you exactly where you stand and help you create a budget that can bring the inflow and outflow of money into a healthier balance.

Creating — and sticking with — a budget that creates a positive net cash flow and allows for monthly saving can help you build financial security and future wealth.

If you need help with tracking your spending, a Checking and Savings account with SoFi may be a good option for you.

With SoFi Checking and Savings, you can see your weekly spending on your dashboard, which can help you make sure you are on track with your budget. What’s more, when you open an online bank account with direct deposit, you can earn a competitive APY, and you won’t pay any account fees. This combo can help your money grow faster.

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

FAQ

How do you create a personal cash flow statement?

To create a personal cash flow statement, gather information on how much you typically take in (income) after taxes per month and how much your outflow is. That captures the amount you spend on necessities, like housing and food, as well as wants and debt payments. When you subtract the outflow from the income, you’ll see where your cash flow stands.

What is the importance of a personal cash flow statement?

A personal cash flow statement is an important way to track your personal spending and see where pain points may be. It will also reveal if you are going into debt or if you have surplus funds you can put towards future goals. Also, a personal cash flow statement can be an important factor in establishing a personalized budget.

What is the difference between a personal balance sheet and a cash flow statement?

A personal balance sheet captures your assets (money in the bank and real estate, for instance) and liabilities (your credit card balance and any loans), which allows you to determine your net worth. A cash flow statement, on the other hand, tracks your spending versus your income, to see whether you are operating with a deficit, a surplus, or if you are breaking even.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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With the popularity of digital payment apps and credit cards, paper checks are being used less than ever. According to a recent Federal Reserve study , for the last three years reviewed, the value of checks used fell each year, while that of ACH (automated clearing house) transfers and card payments grew.

No doubt, checks may be declining in popularity. But don’t count them out yet: Whether it’s a birthday gift from a grandparent or a medical reimbursement, checks are still kicking around. Checks are often considered a secure form of payment, and they might be the only form of payment some people (like your landlord) accept.

Remember, they’re still money. Don’t make the mistake of cashing a check just anywhere. Read further for a few suggestions and surprises, including:

•   How to cash a check

•   Where to cash a check without a fee

•   Ways to deposit a check if you don’t have a bank account.

How to Cash a Check

Before running off to the bank or ATM around the corner, you may want to ensure that you have what you need to successfully deposit your check. Generally, in order to cash a check, the following information is required:

•   Bank account You typically need an account to deposit a check. Most banks will allow you to cash a check, but if you don’t have an account with them, they may charge a fee.

•   ID or debit card Depending on the means used to deposit the check, you might also need a form of ID or your debit card to successfully complete the transaction.

•   PIN number Whether banking by ATM or teller, you will probably be required to enter your PIN number to confirm the transaction.

•   Completed deposit slip Each bank has a variation in the deposit slip, but most ask for a person’s name, account numbers, and the amount of cash and check the customer is depositing. This typically needs to be completed for the transaction to go through.

Another thing to keep in mind is the timing of the deposit. Personal checks are valid up to six months after they’ve been issued, but it’s generally agreed that they should be deposited as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the issuer might forget about the check, and the person depositing the check could wind up learning that there are insufficient funds in the issuer’s account. This can lead to high fees on both sides from a bounced check. Whether you are hit with non sufficient funds (NSF) vs. overdraft fees will depend on your specific situation.

The only exception to the above timing rules is U.S. Treasury checks, traveler’s checks, or USPS money orders. U.S. Treasury checks are valid for a year after issuing. Traveler’s checks and money orders never expire.

Where can I Cash a Check?

Branch Bank or Credit Union

Perhaps the most old-school way to cash a check is going into a bank branch or credit union and depositing the check with a teller in-person. This can be a fast solution because the amount being deposited is confirmed on-site — there’s less likely to be a delay in the funds hitting a person’s account. What’s more, it can be the easiest option when you are looking for where to cash a check for free.

To deposit a check at a bank branch, a person will need to complete a deposit slip, and endorse their check. To endorse a check for a teller, a person needs to sign the back of the check, where indicated.

With a deposit slip and endorsed check in hand, customer’s might also be asked for their bank’s corresponding debit card or a photo ID for verification. From there, the check is validated and funds will be available in the account once the check clears, which can take up to two days.

Credit unions can be very convenient as well. If you bank at a shared branch credit union, that means you are part of a larger network of allied credit unions. You might be able to walk into any of these credit unions and cash your check.

While depositing to a bank or credit union branch can be fast, you may be limited by the branch’s hours and locality. If you have an account with an online-only financial institution, visiting a brick-and-mortar location to deposit a check may not be an option.

Fortunately, there are other methods to cash a check.

Check Writer’s Bank

You may be able to cash a check by going to a branch of the bank where the check writer holds an account. For instance, let’s say you want to cash a check without a bank account. You are unbanked but now have received a check you want to cash. You could go to a branch of the bank it was drawn upon to get funds. So if the check says Citigroup on it, you could see if a location near you might cash it. Because the bank holds the check writer’s account, they will likely be able to see that the check is good and pay you.

This tactic can also work with government-issued checks at any large bank. You may be able to have it cashed almost anywhere because government checks are typically so reliable.

Recommended: What Is a Cashier’s Check?

ATMs

Depositing a check via ATM has its advantages and disadvantages. Unlike bank branches, many ATMs are accessible 24 hours a day. Thanks to their smaller square footage, they can be more common than ATMs inside bricks-and-mortar banks.

How to deposit a check by ATM can vary somewhat. Older ATM models may still ask a customer to fill out a deposit slip envelope before inserting the check into the machine. Other newer models simply use on-screen prompts and scanning to verify the deposit amount.

Regardless, customers are generally required to endorse the check with their signature and enter their PIN when making an ATM deposit. Reading the on-screen prompts can help clarify the steps at the specific ATM you are using.

On the downside, checks deposited via ATM may take longer to be available in the bank account. This is because ATMs are only serviced at specific times, and deposits often then need to be verified in person by a teller at the bank. Customers are also usually limited to depositing checks in the ATMs of financial institutions where they are an account holder.

Recommended: How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another

Mobile Deposit

If you are thinking “Where can I cash my check for free?” but don’t want to go to a branch or if you have your account at an online bank, technology can help.

Using mobile deposit to cash a check is as simple as taking a photo with your phone. It’s quick and convenient and allows you to deposit money from almost anywhere. More and more financial institutions allow the mobile deposit of checks through their app.

Customers take an image of both sides of the check so the financial institution can create a “digital copy” of the check. Instead of endorsing the check with only a signature, customers may be required to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” or a similar message on the back of the check.

Once the bank or financial institution accepts the images, the funds can sometimes immediately become available in the customer’s account, which is a benefit of mobile deposit. However, depositors should keep the check on hand for up to two weeks, or until the amount is cleared. Otherwise, they could end up overdrafting in the event that the funds ultimately don’t clear.

Retail Stores

Did you know that many retail stores will cash a check for you? For example, national chains like Walmart and Kmart may allow some customers to cash checks for a small fee (say, $4). You’ll endorse the check to them and then get your cash. Some grocery stores may offer this privilege at their customer service counter as well.

Keep in mind that there are usually limits to how much cash you can get (perhaps up to $1,000), you’ll likely pay a fee as mentioned, and you may find that not every location will extend this courtesy. It may be wise to call and find out before you head over to a store for this purpose.

Apps

There are a variety of apps that let you deposit a check or convert it to cash on the go. You might use an app like Ingo Money to snap a photo of your paycheck and direct it to a prepaid or debit card or your PayPal account. Fees are involved (say, $5 plus between 2% and 5% of the check’s value), though you may be able to avoid these if you don’t mind waiting 10 days for the funds to arrive.

Another option is to deposit the check to your PayPal Balance account. Again, if you want your money sooner than 10 days, there will be a $5 fee plus between 2% and 5% of the check’s amount. Many other apps are available; shop around for the one that best suits your needs.

Prepaid Cards

While this won’t work if you are in a rush to get your cash, another option is to deposit a check to a prepaid debit card. When the check clears, you’ll be able to swipe away with the debit card.

Depending on the kind of card you select, you may be able to download an app, take a photo of your check with your phone, and then upload it to activate the card. Read the fine print, though; there are often fees involved if you use this check cashing method.

Check-cashing Stores

Check-cashing stores are exactly what they sound like: retail locations that offer to give you cash for your check. They are often part of payday loan shops, and — just as with payday loans — they often charge very high fees. You may want to think of them as a last resort. You can likely get your cash for less via another method.

Mail-In

Another option a depositor might choose is to mail the check into their bank and ask them to deposit it. This will likely take the most time to become available in a bank account, but most banks will offer this service. Why might you need to do this? Perhaps you don’t have mobile deposit and are heading out of town on a work assignment or vacation. Sending the check on its way before you leave can be a good bet.

To mail a check in for deposit, first, check with your bank to confirm its mailing address. Depending on the size of the bank, there may be multiple addresses where the check can be sent. You may want to send the check by a trackable method to help ensure that it reaches its destination.

You’ll likely need to endorse the check; it’s probably wise to write “For deposit only” with the endorsement as an additional safety measure. Depositors may also be required to fill out a deposit slip to include with the check. Confirm the specific requirements with your financial institution.

Recommended: What to Do if Your Check Is Lost or Stolen

Fee-Free Deposit With SoFi

Whether it’s a refund, birthday gift or payment for watching the neighbor’s cat, checks still fall into our hands at least once in a while. While you may not get them frequently, there are numerous ways to deposit them, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

SoFi Checking and Savings® makes accessing your cash extra easy with mobile check deposits and fee-free use of 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide. What’s more, we can help your money grow faster. When you open a SoFi online bank account with direct deposit, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no account fees.

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

FAQ

Where is the cheapest place to cash a check?

“Where can I cash a check for free?” is a common question. The cheapest place to cash a check is likely the bank or credit union where you have an account. It should be completely free. If you don’t have a bank account, your next best option is likely a major retailer like Kmart or Walmart, which will probably charge a small fee of a few dollars.

Where can I cash a check without having a bank account?

If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to cash the check for a small fee. You could try the check writer’s bank (that is, the bank that issued the check you receive); a retail store (a grocery store or mass merchant); loading the check onto a prepaid card; or using a check-cashing store, though this should be a last resort as it is likely the most expensive option.

What app will cash a check immediately?

There are a variety of check-cashing apps that will help you cash a check immediately. These include Ingo Money, PayPal, Western Union Netspend, and Brink’s Money. Depending on the app, you can send the funds to a prepaid card or a linked account.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Some days off are meant for purely relaxing. Others are meant for checking things off our to-do lists that we can’t get done during the course of the work week.

If you’re looking for productive things to do on your day off—including ideas that may improve your money mindset and financial fitness—we have 21 good ways to get started.

How Staying Productive Can Improve Your Money Mindset

If you have a lazy day off, it might wind up costing you. The temptation to spend when bored is real. When you have nothing to do, you may turn to online shopping, dining out, or other pricey leisure activities to fill your time.

There is of course a time and place for spending on leisure, but there’s a big question to ask yourself before spending that money. Specifically, are you plunking down that cash because you will get something out of the experience or purchase or are you simply doing so because you’re bored?

Staying productive on days off can be a form of financial self-care. It can help you avoid unnecessary spending which, in turn, can make other leisure time feel even more enjoyable.

Productive Things to Do on Your Day Off

Not sure what to do on a day off? Consider checking one or more of these productive activities off your to-do list. Any of them can help you feel more organized and in control of your finances…and perhaps even your life!

1. Planning a Vacation

Instead of going out and spending money, stay home and plan an upcoming vacation. Money will be spent on that vacation, and a little planning can go a long way to make sure the vacation goes well and that investment pays off. You might even open a travel fund account and begin saving.

2. Checking Your Credit Card Statements

Need a friendly reminder not to overspend? Review recent credit card statements to get an idea of how budgeting is going and to make sure all charges are accurate. If you’re carrying a balance, you might hatch a plan to pay it off.

3. Taking Quality Time for Yourself

We can all decide what quality alone time means to us. That may mean pursuing a hobby like painting, reading a good book, or going for a long run. There are plenty of relaxing activities to enjoy that don’t cost any money and recharge you for the work days ahead.

4. Reviewing Your Career Goals

While it may not sound fun to sit down and think about work outside of working hours, there’s a lot of value to be found in peaceful reflection. Spending time reviewing career goals when there are no Monday-to-Friday stressors or distractions can make it easier to find clarity.

5. Starting a Side Hustle

Speaking of work, a fun and fulfilling way to make career progress and some extra cash during downtime are some benefits of starting a side hustle. Think about some fun options that you would enjoy which might also allow you to try out new skills and career options.

6. Catching Up on Important Errands

Running errands isn’t always fun, but not having them hanging over our heads sure feels good. If you have a day off, spending a couple of hours in the morning to tackle them can leave the rest of the day wonderfully free. Plus, you’ll get that “I’ve got this!” boost from knowing you’re in control of those to-do’s.

7. Exercising

Earning some extra endorphins is a great way to stay healthy and feel happier on a day off. Sweat it out, and then enjoy the extra energy and mood boost that comes from a good workout.

8. Mapping Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Money Goals

Social media’s effect on finances may have some upsides, but on a day off, why not stop scrolling and start setting money goals. Similar to setting career goals, a day off is the perfect time to think critically about any short-, medium-, and long-term money goals to set. How to get started? Review your current financial situation, reassess your budget, and make a plan for working towards your financial goals such as buying a house, paying for a child’s college education, or paying off debt.

9. Getting a Haircut

A fresh haircut can put a bit of pep in anyone’s step. A definite self-esteem booster for most of us.

10. Volunteering

Giving back to our community is a great way to spend free time. There are so many different causes worth giving back to, from food banks, to animal shelters, to beach cleanups. Volunteering can even help borrowers pay down their student loan debt.

11. Updating Your Online Resume

If you’re looking for a new job, the weekend is a great time to update online resumes on social media platforms or job searching websites. There are loads of templates online that can help you spiff up your resume, too.

12. Reading a New Book

With so many distractions on busy days, it’s hard to find the time to read. Make reading a new book (or an old favorite) a priority on your next day off. There’s nothing like the escape of a good story, whether it’s historical fiction, a murder mystery, or whatever else catches your attention.

13. Taking an Online Class

Whether you want to learn a new work or personal skill, there’s an online class out there that can help you productively use your time off. From learning how to code to cook, almost any topic is available these days, whenever and wherever you may be.

Recommended: Can You Take Online Classes While Working?

14. Spending Time With Loved Ones

Productivity can mean a lot of different things. For example, spending time with loved ones can be extremely beneficial as it helps us build a support system and provides personal gratification.

15. Unsubscribing From Unwanted Emails

Have half an hour to kill before meeting up with friends? Chip away at unsubscribing from all unwanted emails. The lack of digital clutter can be super freeing, even if you don’t achieve “inbox zero” just yet.

16. Updating Your To-Do List

Want to get things done on a day off, but don’t know where to start? Sit down with a pen and some paper (or a doc on your phone or laptop) and write an updated to-do list. Of course, it’s not necessary to tackle the entire list in one day, but do schedule when to check the most urgent items off the list.

17. Checking How You’re Doing With Your Budget

Budgets only work if you check in to make sure they’re sticking with it. A good habit is to eyeball your budget weekly to make sure it’s still on track. If not, see what spending changes need to occur the rest of the month. There are all kinds of apps to help with this; your financial institution may have a great one to use. Don’t have a budget yet? Get started by creating a line-item budget.

Recommended: Guide to Cash Cushions

18. Planning for Next Week

Get organized for the week ahead so it feels less stressful and intimidating. Do meal prep, clean up the house, organize your bills, and make sure all work clothes are washed and ready to wear.

19. Finding Networking Opportunities

Nowadays networking can all be done from home online. Hop on websites like LinkedIn and see who’s worth connecting with professionally. Send some connection requests or messages to get the ball rolling and build your career.

20. Adjusting Your Tax-Withholding if It’s Not Right

Sick of owing taxes each year? Check your tax withholdings to make sure the correct amount is being deducted from your paychecks. Adjust it accordingly if needed. That quick move could save you some money headaches when tax season rolls around.

21. Cleaning Your House

A good cleaning session can help make a home more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable to live in. Imagine your place freshly vacuumed or the bathroom scrubbed as motivation.

The Practical And Financial Benefits of Being Productive

While it may feel counterintuitive, being productive on a day off can have many benefits. Not only can being productive help you feel better and cut down on unnecessary stressors, it can also help you save money. How? To start, being productive helps us feel less bored, meaning we are less likely to fill our time with shopping or other expensive activities. Being productive also helps us stay organized and gives us the time we need to set financial goals and manage our budgets.

Banking With SoFI

As you can see from this list, there’s no shortage of productive things to do on your day off. Whether you choose to spend your free hours taking an online class, reviewing your budget, or outside running, you can relieve stress and get organized. Feeling in control and more relaxed are terrific benefits worth pursuing and enjoying.

If setting financial goals is at the top of your weekend to-do list, it may be time to find a banking product that can better suit your needs. When you open an online bank account with direct deposit, SoFi can help your money grow faster. SoFi Checking and Savings puts tools at your fingertips to help you set savings goals, and with direct deposit you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay zero account fees. Your money can keep working hard for you even when you’re relaxing.

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

FAQ

What is considered wasting time on your day off?

When deciding what things to do on a day off, only you can decide what’s a waste of time or not. For one person, organizing their receipts is a waste of time; for another, it’s productive. The same holds true for reading a book. The key is to find a way to balance productivity and relaxation as you define them.

How can I productively treat myself on my day off?

If you’re wondering, “What should I do on my day off?” and want to come up with something that is a productive treat, you might consider a hike, reading a new book, or taking an online class. All have positive benefits in terms of self-care and fun but don’t cost much.

Is traveling considered productive?

Traveling and gaining new experiences and insights beyond your local community can indeed be a great way to be productive. Travel can help us learn, grow, relax, and return home with a new, refreshed perspective.

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Photo credit: iStock/MesquitaFMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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