SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

How to Protect Your Finances from Disinformation

Americans are besieged by misinformation and disinformation. Produced by individuals, corporations, and state actors around the world, and often distributed via social media, much of it – at the moment – is political in nature. (Misinformation is inaccurate information and disinformation is false information intended to deceive.)

“Two weeks before this year’s vote… the torrent of half-truths, lies and fabrications, both foreign and homegrown, has exceeded anything that came before, according to officials and researchers who document disinformation,” reported the New York Times. And Fox News warns that “these campaigns are now powered by AI tools, making it very easy for bad actors to churn out misleading information at lightning speed and on a huge scale.”

But there’s plenty of disinformation circulating online related to other topics, too, including financial ones. In fact, 41% of Gen Z investors, who are likely to be spending massive amounts of time online, have made investment moves based on financial information they saw on the Internet or social media that turned out to be misleading or factually incorrect, according to research by Nationwide.

Though the Internet can be a great place to explore and learn, it’s important to turn to credible sources for information – especially when it’s related to your money. Acting on guidance from an unvetted individual or organization, anonymous or not, could put your savings or investment portfolio at risk.

So what? There’s lots of high-quality guidance available from credible financial advisors and money managers in the real world and online. (SoFi offers a no cost consultation with a SoFi Financial Planner, which takes the risks of disinformation out of the equation.) For most of us, investing decisions should be made only after rigorous research and analysis or with the guidance of a trusted professional.


Photo Credit: iStock/VioletaStoimenova

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.


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Introducing On the Money

When it comes to money, a lot of Americans are confused. In fact – brace yourself – more than half of us may even be financially illiterate, according to a 2024 study led by the TIAA Institute. Oof.

That means that roughly 130 million of us are trying to build a sustainable financial life without an understanding of the basic tools at our disposal, such as a Roth IRA, money market account, or high-yield savings account.

And of the Americans that are familiar with a 401(k), roughly 70% don’t actually use one, according to a recent MarketWatch study. Clearly, knowledge is only part of the issue here. Access, assets, and action are some of the others.

Even those who have a handle on the basics struggle. Our financial lives are complicated, emotional, and often confusing. We’re hungry for insightful guidance on investing, insurance, loans, and saving for college. But the torrent of market and economic news often adds to the noise instead of clarifying how to build a financial life that supports our ambitions.

At SoFi, we think about money all day, every day. Our braintrust – which includes registered financial advisors, certified public accountants, investing experts, strategists, partners, and our members – is brimming with expertise, experience, and a desire to help. This newsletter, On the Money, will be a great way for you to access all of that three times a week.

We hope to earn a place as a trustworthy, illuminating, and fun part of your continued financial literacy and your financial life.

Yours in trust,

Justin Jaffe
Sr. Managing Editor, SoFi


Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.


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Unlimited 2% Card 15TT + $200 ESB 500 Offer Terms and Conditions

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Terms & Conditions

SOFI CREDIT CARD TERMS OF OFFER INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST CHARGES

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases

0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 months from account opening. After that, your standard purchase APR will be 18.74% to 29.24% based on your creditworthiness. Your standard APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Balance Transfers

0% Introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months from the date of first transfer when transfers are completed within 60 days from the date of account opening. After that, your standard purchase APR will be 18.74% to 29.24% based on your creditworthiness. The standard APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. The maximum amount you may use for Balance Transfers will not exceed 75% of your total Credit Limit.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Cash Advances

30.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

How to Avoid Paying Interest on Purchases

Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you interest on purchases made during the most recent billing cycle if you pay your entire balance (adjusted for any financing plan, if applicable) in full on or before the due date each month. We will begin charging interest on cash advances and balance transfers on the transaction date.

Minimum Interest Charge

If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00.

For Credit Card Tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

To learn more about factors to consider when applying for or using a credit card, visit the website of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/learnmore

FEES
Annual Fee None
Transaction Fees

  • Balance Transfer Fee
  • Cash Advance Fee

  • The greater of $10 or 5% of the Balance Transfer
  • The greater of $10 or 5% of the Cash Advance
Penalty Fees

  • Late Payment Fee
  • Returned Payment Fee

  • Up to $41
  • None

How We Will Calculate Your Balance

We use the “daily balance” method including new transactions, to calculate the daily balance on which we will charge interest.

Loss of Introductory APR

We may revoke any promotional APR if you fail to make a payment of at least the minimum payment due within 60 days of the due date. Your new APR will be the Standard Purchase APR.

Bonus Terms

In order to receive the $200 bonus, your SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card account must be in good standing, and you must spend $500 or more within 90 days of account opening. You will receive your bonus as a statement credit to your SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card account. The following charges and transactions shall be excluded when calculating your total spend during the Promotion Period: reversed transactions, returned purchases, fees or interest charges, balance transfers or cash advances, purchase of traveler’s checks or other cash equivalents, purchase or reloading of prepaid cards, and quasi-cash transactions with certain categories of merchants. This offer does not change your responsibility to make the minimum monthly payment. Allow 45 days from qualifying for the statement credit to be posted to your SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card account.

Variable Rates

Your Daily Periodic Rate(s) and corresponding Annual Percentage Rate(s) will change if the Prime Rate changes. If the Daily Periodic Rate(s) and corresponding Annual Percentage Rate(s) increase, your interest charges will increase, and your minimum payment will be greater. Complete details regarding how the variable rate is determined are set forth in the Cardholder Agreement.

Payment Allocation

We decide how to apply your payment, up to the minimum payment, to the balances on your account. We may apply the minimum payment first to interest charges, then to the balances with the lowest APR and then to Balances with higher APRs.

If you pay more than the Minimum Payment, we’ll apply the amount over the Minimum Payment first to the Balance with the highest APR, then to the Balance with the next highest APR, and so on, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Terms & Conditions

The SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By submitting this application, you request that we establish a card account (the “SoFi Credit Card Account”) for you and any authorized users you have designated. You agree that all information provided in this application must be verifiable and accurate. The SoFi Credit Card Account will be governed by the terms of the cardholder agreement (“Cardholder Agreement”) which will be provided when the SoFi Credit Card Account is issued.

Your eligibility for a SoFi Credit Card Account or a subsequently offered product or service is subject to the final determination by SoFi Bank, N.A., as issuer. Please allow thirty (30) days from the date of submission to process your application.

You must be at least 18 years of age (or of legal age in your state of residence). The card offer referenced in this communication is only available to individuals who reside in the United States. This communication is not and should not be construed as an offer to individuals outside of the United States.

Identity Verification

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW CARD ACCOUNT

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens a SoFi Credit Card Account. This means that we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you when you open a SoFi Credit Card Account. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents; and obtain identification information about you or any authorized user you add to your SoFi Credit Card Account.

Credit Reports

Upon completion of your Credit Card application and submission, you authorize us to request a copy of your credit report from one or more consumer agencies. Upon receiving your completed application, we will conduct a soft credit pull, which will not impact your credit score. You hereby authorize us to conduct a soft credit pull upon receipt of your application. You understand that after evaluating your completed application and soft pull credit report, we may determine not to offer credit to you. If we approve your application, we will conduct a hard credit pull, which might impact your credit score. You hereby authorize us to conduct a hard credit pull following approval of your application.

You authorize us to request credit reports and other information about you from consumer reporting agencies and other sources, for such purposes as: (a) determining whether to issue you a SoFi Credit Card Account, (b) administering, reviewing and renewing the SoFi Card Account, (c) credit line increases or decreases, (d) collection and other servicing of the SoFi Credit Card Account, (e) offering other products, (f) services, and (g) for any other uses permitted by law. We may report negative information about your SoFi Credit Card Account payment history, like delinquencies, to consumer reporting agencies.

Cardholder Agreement

If you are approved for a SoFi Credit Card Account, you’ll receive the Cardholder Agreement. By activating your SoFi Credit Card Account, using the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card or making any payment to your Account, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of the Cardholder Agreement. We have the right to make changes to the terms of your SoFi Credit Card Account (including rates and fees) in accordance with the Cardholder Agreement.

In New York, this Agreement begins on the first date that you sign a sales slip or memorandum evidencing the purchase of goods or services.

Credit Eligibility

To receive a SoFi Credit Card Account, you must meet certain applicable criteria bearing on creditworthiness. Your revolving credit limit may be determined based on the following:

  • Your annual salary and wages
  • Any other annual income
  • A review of your debt, including the debt listed on your credit report.
  • A review of your credit history and other factors deemed relevant by the issuer

We’ll inform you of your revolving credit limit when you’re approved for your SoFi Credit Card Account. Some credit limits may be as low as $500.

About Adding An Authorized User

Before adding an authorized user to your SoFi Credit Card Account you should know that:

  • You’re responsible for all charges made to your SoFi Credit Card Account by the authorized user
  • Authorized users have access to your SoFi Credit Card Account information
  • Before adding an authorized user, you must first let them know that we may report SoFi Credit Card Account performance to the credit reporting agencies in the authorized user’s name
  • A review of your credit history and other factors deemed relevant by the issuer

If we ask for information about the authorized user, you must obtain their permission to share their information with us and for us to share it as allowed by applicable law.

Additional Information

Any benefit, reward, service or feature offered in connection with your Card Account may change or be discontinued at any time for any reason, except as otherwise expressly indicated. SoFi Bank isn’t responsible for products and services offered by other companies.

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Rewards Program

With the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card, you can earn rewards points for purchases made using your card, rewards offered through the SoFi Member Rewards Program, or other rewards offered from time to time, and you can redeem those rewards points for statement credits and other redemption methods offered through the SoFi Member Rewards Program. More details on SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Rewards can be found here.

SoFi Member Rewards Program

As a SoFi member, you can earn points by using features across SoFi products that are designed to help you Get Your Money Right. When you elect to redeem rewards points toward active SoFi accounts, including but not limited to, your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, SoFi Personal Loan, Private Student Loan, Student Loan Refinance, or towards SoFi Travel purchases, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. More details on the SoFi Member Rewards Program can be found here.

Mastercard World Elite Benefits

You are also eligible for more rewards through the Mastercard World Elite Benefits program when shopping with eligible merchants. More details on the Mastercard World Elite Benefits program can be found here.

Fraud, Misuse, Abuse, or Suspicious Activity

If we see evidence of fraud, misuse, abuse, or suspicious activity, we’ll investigate and, if we determine that fraud, misuse or abuse has occurred, we may take action against you. This action may include, without limitation and without prior notice:

  • Taking away the rewards points you earned because of fraud, misuse, or abuse
  • Suspending or closing your SoFi Credit Card Account
  • Taking legal action to recover our monetary losses, including litigation costs and damages

Some examples of fraud, misuse, abuse and suspicious activity include:

  • Using your SoFi Credit Card Account in an abusive manner for the primary purpose of acquiring rewards points
  • Using your SoFi Credit Card Account other than primarily for personal, consumer, or household purposes

SoFi Bank reserves the right to take action, including but not limited to those actions enumerated above, based on your activity across any SoFi product, as well as external information received from SoFi third-party vendors, external bureaus, or industry referrals.

Special Notices

California Residents:
If married, you may apply for a separate account.

Delaware Residents:
Service charges not in excess of those permitted by law will be charged on the outstanding balances from month to month.

Ohio Residents:
The Ohio laws against discrimination require that all creditors make credit equally available to all credit worthy customers, and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate credit histories on each individual upon request. The Ohio civil rights commission administers compliance with this law.

Wisconsin Residents:
If you are applying for individual credit or joint credit with someone other than your spouse, and your spouse also lives in Wisconsin, combine your financial information with your spouse’s financial information. No provision of any marital property agreement, unilateral statement under Section 766.59 of the Wisconsin statutes or court order under section 766.70 adversely affects the interest of the lender, unless the lender, prior to the time credit is granted, is furnished a copy of the agreement, statement of decree or has actual knowledge of the adverse provision when the obligation to the lender is incurred. If married, you understand that your lender must inform your spouse if a credit account is opened for you.

Additional documents

As a reminder, the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card is a completely digital product. All written communications related to the card will be online or in electronic format. The following is a link to the SoFi Esign terms and conditions that you must agree to in connection with your application for the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card.

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