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SoFi Closes $697.6 Million Securitization of Loan Platform Business Volume

Offering Includes Participation from 35 Unique Investors

SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI), a member-centric, one-stop shop for digital financial services that helps members borrow, save, spend, invest and protect their money, announced today the issuance of $697.6 million in notes secured by a pool of personal loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. The transaction was a co-contributor securitization with collateral consisting primarily of loans previously placed with loan platform business partners. SoFi’s loan platform business, which originates loans on behalf of third parties, generated $2.1 billion in personal loan volume in 2024.

This represents the first securitization of new collateral in SoFi’s Consumer Loan Program (SCLP) since 2021 and the first using collateral originated in the loan platform business. It provides co-contributors with meaningful liquidity to support their ongoing investment in the loan platform business given the strong market demand for SoFi’s personal loans. SoFi issued notes to 35 investors in the deal, representing a range of new and existing partners. 

“As SoFi’s personal loan products resonate with more and more people, we see continued strong demand for our loans in the capital markets,” said Chris Lapointe, Chief Financial Officer of SoFi. “This offering demonstrates the clear value of our loan platform business and our diversified funding strategy.”

The transaction (“SCLP 2025-1”) closed on February 28, 2025 and consisted of four classes of notes rated by Fitch Ratings and Morningstar DBRS from “AAA” to “BBB+”. Fitch Ratings assigned ratings to all four classes of notes, and Morningstar DBRS provided ratings on the Class A, B, and C notes. Goldman Sachs was the structuring agent and joint lead bookrunner with Bank of America. The transaction priced at industry-leading costs of funds levels, with a weighted average spread of 87 basis points and an all-in yield of 5.10%. The notes were offered pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Since the launch of SCLP in 2015, SoFi has issued more than $12 billion in notes to investors across 25 transactions.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

About SoFi

SoFi (NASDAQ: SOFI) is a member-centric, one-stop shop for digital financial services on a mission to help people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. The company’s full suite of financial products and services helps its over 10.1 million SoFi members borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect their money better by giving them fast access to the tools they need to get their money right, all in one app. SoFi also equips members with the resources they need to get ahead – like credentialed financial planners, exclusive experiences and events, and a thriving community – on their path to financial independence.

SoFi innovates across three business segments: Lending, Financial Services – which includes SoFi Checking and Savings, SoFi Invest, SoFi Credit Card, SoFi Protect, and SoFi Insights – and Technology Platform, which offers the only end-to-end vertically integrated financial technology stack. SoFi Bank, N.A., an affiliate of SoFi, is a nationally chartered bank, regulated by the OCC and FDIC and SoFi is a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve. The company is also the naming rights partner of SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams. For more information, visit https://www.sofi.com or download our iOS and Android apps.

Disclosures

Availability of Other Information About SoFi

Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our website (https://www.sofi.com), the investor relations website (https://investors.sofi.com), and on social media (X and LinkedIn), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor fact sheets, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that SoFi posts on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, SoFi encourages investors, the media, and others interested in SoFi to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on SoFi’s investor relations website and may include additional social media channels. The contents of SoFi’s website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from its website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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Women’s History Month: Remembering Lilly Ledbetter

This article appeared in SoFi's On the Money newsletter. Not getting it? Sign up here.

As Women’s History Month kicks off, let’s remember equal pay trailblazer Lilly Ledbetter, who passed away in October at the age of 86. Her fight to close the gender wage gap led to landmark legislation making it easier to challenge pay discrimination.

After working at a Goodyear tire plant for 19 years, Ledbetter discovered that her male counterparts earned a higher wage for working in the same supervisory role.

In 1999, she filed a lawsuit against the company and won. But the ruling and her financial award were later reversed because she filed her suit too late, of all things. She pursued the case to the Supreme Court only to be ruled against  again, 5-4.

Ledbetter continued her push, and with the support of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who dissented in the case, Congress extended the time limits for filing suit by passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009.

Sixteen years later, despite the Fair Pay Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, we still have a significant wage gap. On average, full-time female employees in this country still earn only about 84% of what men are paid, according to the most recent data (2024) from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Experts say the gap has a lot to do with the occupations and industries where women and men are most likely to work. But even after adjusting for that, research shows that women still make less on average than men. (Shoutout to the DOL for publishing lots of interesting data and infographics on this topic).

So what? The Fair Pay Act was another step forward for women. Just like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. (Signed 50 years ago this month, that law afforded women the legal right to independently access credit cards and other financial products). But we have more steps to take.

Related Reading

•   Gender Pay Gap in U.S. Hasn’t Changed Much in Two Decades (Pew Research)

•   Why the Gender Pay Gap Persists in American Businesses (Darden School of Business)

•   Grace and Grit, My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond (Lanier Scott Isom)


Image credit: Bernie Pesko/SoFi Source: iStock

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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Week Ahead on Wall Street: Tariff Threats

Trading Blows

The spotlight falls squarely on tariffs this week, as trade policy developments have increasingly dominated market narratives over the past month.

Initially, the Trump administration had announced that tariffs on imports from Mexico (25%), Canada (10% for energy, 25% for non-energy), and China (10%) would go into effect at the start of February. The duties on Chinese imports went into effect but, after negotiations, the tariffs on the United States’ neighbors were delayed for a month.

Last week, President Trump stated that not only will the delayed tariffs on Mexico and Canada kick in on March 4, but that Chinese goods will also be subject to an additional 10% duty. Over 40% of U.S. imports come from those three countries, so a wide range of goods could become more expensive in a jiffy (assuming that implementation of the tariffs isn’t delayed at the eleventh hour).

On top of potentially stoking further inflation, the tariff storyline has put growth fears at the forefront for investors. Of course, international trade is complicated – the U.S. dollar could appreciate, offsetting some of the impact – but, all else equal, the March tariffs could pull GDP growth downward by more than a full percentage point.

That’s all quite abstract. Here’s a plausible scenario for how things could actually play out:

1.    Tariffs push prices higher, so consumers and businesses reduce spending;

2.    Lower revenue and/or higher costs result in lower profits;

3.    Some firms absorb lower profit margins, while others are forced to cut costs (which could lead to layoffs, less investment, etc.);

4.    Consumer and business confidence decline;

5.    Growth declines further.

Declining growth and negative sentiment can create a negative feedback loop, but that often plays out over quarters, not days or weeks. That makes it hard for investors to fully integrate the impacts of policy decisions – especially when developments occur as fast as they are right now. Markets reacted swiftly to last month’s tariff announcement, but they’ve been less jumpy this time; perhaps investors view the administration as the “boy who cried wolf.” That suggests that this week might be a volatile one if the tariffs actually go into effect. Time will tell. It’s possible that by the time you’re reading this, another delay will have already been announced.

Economic and Earnings Calendar

Monday

•   January Construction Spending: Construction data is a leading indicator of business activity.

•   February ISM Manufacturing PMI: This index from the Institute for Supply Management tracks how purchasing managers across the manufacturing sector feel about the business environment.

•   February Wards Total Vehicle Sales: Cars are a big ticket item for consumers, so underlying vehicle sales trends can help shine a light on demand for durable goods.

•   Fedspeak: St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem will give a keynote speech on the economy and monetary policy.

Tuesday

•   Fedspeak: New York Fed President will be interviewed at the Bloomberg Invest Forum. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin will repeat a speech from last week called Inflation Then and Now.

•   Earnings: AutoZone (AZO), Best Buy Co (BBY), CrowdStrike (CRWD), Ross Stores (ROST), Target (TGT)

Wednesday

•   February ADP Employment Report: This survey, usually released a day or two before the official government jobs report, offers insight into private sector employment trends.

•   February S&P Global US PMIs: These indexes track how purchasing managers across different industries feel about the business environment.

•   January Factory and Durable Goods Orders: These metrics give insight into underlying trends for leading cyclical indicators.

•   February ISM Services PMI: This index from the Institute for Supply Management tracks how purchasing managers across different services industries feel about the business environment.

•   Fed Beige Book: This report is released eight times per year and tracks the state of the economy based on qualitative information.

•   Weekly Mortgage Applications: Mortgage activity gives insight on demand conditions in the housing market.

•   Earnings: Brown-Forman (BFB), Campbell Soup (CPB)

Thursday

•   February Challenger Job Cuts: The firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas tracks the number of layoff announcements each month by sector.

•   January Trade Balance: Trade, made up of exports and imports, is an important driver of economic activity.

•   4Q Productivity and Unit Labor Costs: These measures provide a breakdown of how productive workers were per hour of work and at what cost.

•   January Wholesale Inventories and Sales: Wholesalers often operate as an intermediary between manufacturers and retailers, serving as a key part of the goods supply chain.

•   Weekly Jobless Claims: This high frequency labor market data gives insight into filings for unemployment benefits. Jobless claims have continued to show a labor market that remains strong despite having cooled.

•   Fedspeak: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic will discuss the economic outlook with The Birmingham Business Journal.

•   Earnings: Broadcom (AVGO), Cooper Companies (COO), Costco (COST), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Kroger (KR)

Friday

•   February Employment Situation Summary: This monthly blockbuster release from the Labor Department gives a comprehensive look at employment, wages, and hours worked in the previous month.

•   January Consumer Credit: Borrowing activity gives insight into broader economic activity.

•   Fedspeak: New York Fed President John Williams will participate in a University of Chicago discussion titled Monetary Policy Transmission Post-Covid.

 
 

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Image: Bernie Pesko/SoFi Source iStock

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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Florida Mortgage Calculator


Florida Mortgage Calculator

By Janet Siroto | Updated June 20, 2024

House hunting can be stressful. That’s why we are bringing you the “Houseculator.” Just input three quick numbers, and we’ll tell you how much house you could really afford. This is just one example of SoFi’s suite of financial tools working better together to help you achieve your home goals.

Key Points

•   Mortgage refinance rates are influenced by economic factors such as Federal Reserve policy, inflation, bond market conditions, and housing inventory levels.

•   A 1% reduction in your mortgage refinance rate can lead to a significant decrease in your monthly payment, potentially saving hundreds of dollars each month.

•   Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can significantly reduce the total interest paid over the life of the loan, despite higher monthly payments.

•   FHA loans, insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, often come with lower mortgage refinance rates, making them a good option for homeowners seeking to reduce monthly payments or access funds for home improvements.

•   VA loans, guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer some of the most competitive mortgage refinance rates, making them an advantageous option for eligible veterans.

•   When considering a mortgage refinance, it’s crucial to factor in average closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount, to ensure you make an informed decision.

Florida Mortgage Calculator


Calculator Definitions

• Loan amount: This is the amount you would borrow, also known as the principal.

• Monthly payment: This is what you would pay toward the principal and interest each month. Remember that you will also need to pay for property taxes, homeowners insurance, and perhaps homeowners association (HOA) fees and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Some of these costs will be higher or lower depending on the cost of living in your area.

• Total interest paid: This is the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.

• Payoff date: Here, the mortgage loan calculator shows the day you’d pay off your mortgage unless you refinanced or paid it off early.

• Amortization chart: This chart shows interest paid, principal paid, and the remaining amount of the loan with each mortgage payment. Move your cursor to the right to see how payments are amortized over time. The amortization chart can also serve as a mortgage payment calculator: As you move your cursor you can see how much money would be required to pay off the principal you owe at different times during the loan. If you do want to pay off your mortgage, get the exact amount due from your lender.

How to Use the Mortgage Calculator

Welcome to the SoFi mortgage payment calculator. Whether you have found your dream home or are wondering what your purchase budget should be — or already own a home and are considering a refinance — this calculator will help you determine what your monthly home loan payment will be and how much interest you’ll pay over the life of your loan. Let the number crunching begin.

Step 1: Enter your property value.

Use the value or listed price of your desired home or the current estimated value of the home you wish to refinance.

Step 2: Enter a down payment amount or percent down

Enter a down payment of at least 3%. If you’re considering a mortgage refinance, enter the amount of equity you currently have in your home (subtract the amount you owe on your current mortgage from your home’s estimated current value).

Enter a down payment amount and the mortgage payment calculator will give you the percentage down, and vice versa. So you could also choose to enter a percent down to see what your down payment would need to be. Putting 20% down on a property will allow you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), but many homebuyers put down less than 20%, especially if they qualify as first-time homebuyers.

If you think you will need to borrow more than $766,550 to purchase a home, you’re likely a candidate for a jumbo loan and a lender may require you to put down at least 10%. (Some pricier areas have higher minimums for jumbo loans — enter the zip code of the location you’re shopping in at Fannie Mae’s mapping tool to see the jumbo loan number for your area.)

Step 3: Enter an interest rate.

Plug in the day’s average fixed rate for a 15- or 30-year mortgage, or use the rate a lender has suggested you may qualify for.

Step 4: Choose a loan term.

The term is the number of years the loan will last. The lower the term, the higher the monthly payment but the greater the savings in total interest paid.

Benefits of Using a Mortgage Payment Calculator

Mortgages can be complicated, especially if you’re buying your first home, but there are many ways a mortgage payment calculator can help. Playing with different property values can give you a general idea of how a home’s price might impact your monthly payments and what a mortgage loan may cost in total over the life of the loan.

It’s also helpful to use a home mortgage calculator to compare the monthly payment for different types of mortgage loans (15- vs. 30-year terms). And it’s useful to see how sizing up (or trimming back) your down payment amount might affect your monthly costs. (If you think you might struggle to come up with any down payment at all, there are down payment assistance programs that can help.)

The only downside of using a mortgage calculator? As noted above, many mortgage calculators don’t include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, or HOA fees — so they don’t provide a complete picture of the recurring expenses on a property. And of course the numbers you get from a mortgage calculator are only as solid as the numbers you put in: If you put in a low interest rate that you can’t qualify for because of steep debts or a shaky credit history, your actual results in the mortgage market will differ.

Formula for Calculating a Mortgage Payment

M = P [R(1 + R)] / [(1 + R) − 1]²

The mathematical formula for a home mortgage calculator is pretty complicated, which is why this calculator is so handy. If you wanted to do the math by hand, your formula would look like the one below. In this example:

  M = Monthly mortgage payment

  P = Principal (the amount you borrow)

  R = Your base interest rate. (Use the base rate, not the APR.) You’ll divide this by 12 because the rate is an annual one and you are solving for a monthly payment amount.

  N = Number of payments in your loan term. A 15-year term, for example, would have 180 monthly payments.

Deciding How Much House You Can Afford

Using a mortgage calculator is one way to begin to get a handle on how much house you can afford. You can also use a home affordability calculator , which will take into account your annual income and debts to generate a maximum home price that would be within your budget.

There are also longstanding guidelines for homebuyers that can help you determine what you can afford. One is the 28/36 rule, which states that your total mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, should not exceed 28% of your gross income, and your mortgage payment plus any other debt payments should not exceed 36% of your gross income. To learn what your monthly limits would be under the 28/36 rule, simply multiply your monthly gross income by 0.28 and again by 0.36.

Recommended: Average Monthly Expenses for One Person

Additionally, before you settle on a location, do your homework on the cost of living and mortgage rates. It might just surprise you.

Current Mortgage Rates by State

How Lenders Decide How Much You Can Afford to Borrow

There’s another important calculation involved in the homebuying process: the number-crunching a prospective lender will do to determine the size of loan and terms you might qualify for. Each lender has its own formula, but in general a lender will be looking at your debt-to-income ratio, which is your total debt divided by your total income, shown as a percentage. (Generally, lenders are looking for 43% or less.)

Lenders will also examine your credit history, your income history, your down payment amount, and other factors to arrive at whether you are a good candidate for a loan and, if so, what terms you’ll be offered.

What’s Next: Get Preapproved for a Mortgage Loan

Once you’ve used a mortgage calculator to estimate how much you might be able to pay for a house, you can get prequalified for a mortgage with a few lenders to obtain a clearer idea of what interest rate and loan amount a lender might offer you, based on a high-level look at your finances. As you get serious about home-shopping, you’ll want to take the next step and get preapproved for a mortgage with at least one lender.

Going through the mortgage preapproval process involves a thorough review of your credit and financial history. If you seem to be a good candidate for a home loan, the lender will give you a letter stating that you qualify for a loan of a certain amount and at a certain interest rate. The letter is an offer, but not a firm commitment. It’s typically good for up to 90 days. If you’re competing with other buyers in a hot market, being preapproved for financing will make you more attractive to sellers.

Recommended: Best Affordable Places in the U.S.

Run the numbers on your home loan.

Using the free calculators is for informational purposes only, does not constitute an offer to receive a loan, and will not solicit a loan offer. Any payments shown depend on the accuracy of the information provided.

Components of a Mortgage Payment

Principal and interest are the foundation of a mortgage payment, and the amount of your monthly payment that goes to each of these expenses changes over the life of the loan, with more of the payment being applied to interest costs early in the life of the loan. As you make payments over the years, more money will gradually go toward paying down the principal.

Typical Costs Included in a Mortgage Payment

Principal and interest aren’t the whole story. Maybe you’ve heard of PITI, which stands for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Property taxes and homeowners insurance costs can often be rolled into mortgage payments. The money is held in an escrow account, and payments are then made by your mortgage servicer. You can decide whether taxes and insurance become part of your monthly mortgage payment when you choose your home mortgage loan.

Tips on Reducing Your Mortgage Payment

After you’ve had your home loan for a while, you might be interested in lowering your mortgage payments. One way is to apply any bonus or windfall to the principal. Another option might be to refinance to a lower interest rate. Maybe rates have dropped or your credit score has improved significantly since you bought your home — in this case, a refinance might offer real savings. You can put a lower interest rate into a mortgage payment calculator to see how a refinance would affect your monthly payments and interest paid over the life of a new loan.

Another way to reduce your monthly payment: If your equity in the home has hit 20% of its original value (the value when you purchased it), you can write to request that your lender cancel PMI. As long as the property has held its value, you have kept current on your monthly payments, and there are no liens or additional mortgages on the home, your request should be granted.

The Takeaway

A mortgage payment calculator can give you an idea of what your monthly mortgage payments would look like based on how much you spend on a house, what size down payment you make, and what interest rate you obtain. It’s also a good way to see how much interest you would pay over the life of a loan. Getting prequalified for a home loan with one or more lenders will give you an even clearer idea. And obtaining a mortgage preapproval will tell you exactly how much you may qualify to borrow from a lender and what your monthly payments might be.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.


SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.



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FAQ

What is a mortgage payment?

A borrower makes monthly payments, typically made up of principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any private mortgage insurance required by the lender. With a fixed-rate mortgage, monthly payments stay the same, but the amount of each payment that is put toward principal vs. interest is divvied up differently over time. A mortgage loan calculator can show what monthly payments would be based on different loan types and interest rates.

How does my credit score affect my mortgage loan interest rate?

Those with the highest scores get the lowest rates. Even a small increase in rate can make a big difference over the life of a loan.

What is principal and interest on a mortgage loan?

The principal is the amount borrowed. The interest is the price paid for borrowing.

How much should I put down on a mortgage?

Twenty percent down on a conventional loan is ideal, but most people are not able to come up with that much. Some conventional and government-backed loans allow for low down payments or none at all.

Should I choose a 30-year or 15-year mortgage term?

If you can comfortably swing the payments on a 15-year mortgage and you have emergency and retirement savings, the shorter loan term could be a smart choice because the total savings in interest will be substantial.

How can I get a lower mortgage interest rate?

Advertised rates are often misleading, so shoppers beware. Many house hunters ask for loan estimates from several lenders after applying for a mortgage. Be sure to examine the details and compare apples to apples. There may be room to negotiate with a chosen lender. FHA, VA, and USDA loans may have lower rates than conventional loans (but they require either mortgage insurance or fees).

How much income do you need for a $400,000 mortgage?

It would take an annual income of about $130,000 to afford a $400,000 mortgage. If you have significant debts, you might need to earn more.

Can I afford a $300K house on a $70K salary?

One rule of thumb is that your home’s cost should not be more than three times your annual income. So it would be difficult to cover the costs of a $300,000 house on a $70,000 salary — unless you are able to contribute a large down payment. Use a home affordability calculator to zero in on your personal budget number.

What is a livable hourly wage?

The living wage in the United States is $25.02 per hour, or $104,077.70 per year (before taxes) for a household of two working adults and two kids, according to 2022 analysis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator. This is a national average, and your personal number will depend on costs in your local area and your family size.


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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.


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Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.


*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.


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


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



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.


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.

¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.


†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

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Are You Stuck on a Credit Card Treadmill?

This article appeared in SoFi's On the Money newsletter. Not getting it? Sign up here.

Credit card debt can get out of hand when you make only the minimum required payment.

In a new study exploring how people pay their credit card bills, PYMNTS Intelligence calls it being on a “credit treadmill.” And it’s a pretty fitting description, given how easy it is to end up going nowhere fast.

Let’s say your minimum payment on a $10,000 credit card balance with a 20% APR is $200 a month. You’d end up paying a total of $21,680 — including $11,680 in interest. But just as importantly, it would take you until 2034 (!) to pay off your balance. And that’s assuming you’re not adding to the balance in the meantime, which would only increase your interest and extend your timeline. How’s that for an exhausting run?

The PYMNTS study, based on a November survey of 2,336 U.S. consumers, found that treadmillers not only struggle to keep up with their card payments, but are more likely to have other high-interest loans, too.

According to the payments data company, 21% of treadmillers had at least one payday, home equity, pawn shop, rent-to-own or debt consolidation loan. That compares to 7% of “reward seekers” (who pay their entire monthly credit card balance) and 17% of “cash cushion users” (who pay more than the minimum but not the whole balance.)

So what? It’s not always possible to pay all or most of your credit card balance, particularly if your job status, household income, or expenses have changed. But if it’s a matter of prioritizing where your money goes, consider other options for making a bigger dent every month. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Revisit your budget: Take a fresh look at your monthly expenses to see where you can cut back.

2. Establish a plan to tackle your debt: There are several different established approaches to paying off credit card debt. And you can use an online calculator like this one to help motivate you.

3. Choose a less expensive loan: With interest rates on some credit cards topping 24%, it could make sense to refinance your debt with a lower-rate loan. (SoFi can help with that.)

Related Reading

•   Minimum Credit Card Payments are Rising: How to Tackle Your Card Debt Now (CBS News)

•   How Credit Card Issuers Calculate Minimum Payments (Nerdwallet)

•   Payday Loan Alternative Options (Lantern by SoFi)


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