SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

Mar
26
2014

Who should refinance?

By | | Comments Off on Who should refinance?

Refinancing is a great solution for working graduates who have high-interest, unsubsidized Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and/or private loans. Federal loans do carry some special benefits, for example, public service forgiveness and economic hardship programs, that may not be accessible to you after you refinance. Check out this blog post that provide more information: When to Consolidate Federal and Private Loans by Refinancing. Or, call us for a free consultation about your particular situation.

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Mar
05
2014

4 Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund (That Actually Pay You Back)

By | Money | No Comments

April 15th is a few weeks away; have you filed your tax return yet?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.  The IRS reported last week that it has already received about a third of the individual tax returns that it expects to process this year.  They’ve also issued more than 40 million refunds so far, at an average amount of $3155.

Investing your tax return instead of spending it

If you’re one of the happy refundees, that money may be burning a hole in your bank account as we speak.  Before you squander it on something you won’t remember by tax time next year, consider using it for something that can actually help you save or even earn money in the long run.  Here are four ideas:

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Feb
27
2014

SoFi Refi $500 welcome bonus

By | student_loan | No Comments

{/* SLR Rate Discount 500 bonus */}
{/* https://www.sofi.com/sofi-refi-500/ */}


{/* Hero */}


REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS

Fixed interest rates starting at 4.24%

APR

1




(with all discounts) plus a $500 welcome bonus.2


Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands, and you can save even more with a $500 welcome bonus2 exclusively for SoFi at Work partners. Just make sure you apply through this page to get this bonus.


View your rate

✓ Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.†

{/* Why choose sofi? */}

Why choose SoFi?

Since 2011, we’ve helped over 515,000 members refinance their student loan debt. Here’s just a bit of what they enjoy:

  • Serious savings.
    Zero fees required.

    You could save thousands with a lower interest rate and no fees required.

  • Easy online process

    Your time matters. View your
    rate in two minutes.

  • Member benefits

    Access SoFi Travel benefits3, our debt summary tool, rewards points to pay toward loans4, and more.

{/* Real stories from real grads */}

Real stories from real grads.

550,000+
SoFi members have refinanced their student loans

$47 billion+
In student loans refinanced

4.3/5 stars
On Trustpilot

4.3/5 star rating based on 9,668 reviews as of July 7, 2025. See trustpilot.com/review/sofi.com for more info.

{/* How refinancing student loan works at sofi */}

How refinancing student loans works at SoFi.

First, we’ll see if you qualify.

You can see some basic eligibility criteria for different loan types. Plus, we’ll consider other factors like your financial history, credit score, and monthly income versus expenses.

Then, you pick a loan with a competitive interest rate.

If you’re approved, you can select from flexible terms that could lower your interest or monthly payments. All with no fees required.

Don’t forget to get a discount.

For example, you could get a 0.25% interest rate discount by enrolling in autopay.1


View your rate



 Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.†

{/* FAQs */}

FAQs


Who should refinance their student loans?

Student loan refinancing is a great solution for working graduates who have high-interest, unsubsidized Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and/or private student loans. Federal student loans do carry some special benefits, for example, public service loan forgiveness and economic hardship programs, that may not be accessible to you after you refinance. Check out this blog post that provides more information: When to Consolidate Federal and Private Loans by Refinancing. Or, call us at 855-456-SOFI (7634) for a free consultation about your particular situation.



Is it worth it to refinance student loan?

The answer to this question depends on your specific financial situation. However, student loan refinancing may be a good option if you can qualify for a lower interest rate and/or a shorter repayment period. By reducing your rate and getting a lower monthly payment term, you’ll owe less interest over the life of the loan and save money in the long run.



Can I refinance both federal and private student loans?

Yes, SoFi will consolidate all qualified education loans.



Am I a good candidate to refinance my student loans with SoFi?

SoFi aims to revolutionize financial services—ultimately improving the system for everyone. Today, we’re able to offer significant savings and flexibility to US citizens or permanent residents who have graduated from a selection of Title IV accredited university or graduate programs, are employed, have a sufficient income from other sources, or hold a job offer with a start date within 90 days, have a responsible financial history, and a strong monthly cash flow.



What is the difference between consolidating and refinancing student loans?

Student loan consolidation is when you combine multiple loans into one single loan. Student loan refinancing, on the other hand, is when you get a new loan at a new interest rate and/or a new term. You can refinance both federal and private loans. Learn more here.

What’s the difference between fixed and variable rate loans?

Fixed rate loans are loans that have an interest rate that does not change over the life of a loan, which means you pay the same amount each month. It also means you know with certainty the total interest that you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Fixed rate is a general term that can apply to different types of loans with a variety of uses, including student loans, mortgages, auto loans, and unsecured personal loans.

Variable rate loans are loans that have an interest rate that will fluctuate over time in line with prevailing interest rates. Sometimes they are also known as floating-rate loans.

Find more info on Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans.




Where can I find more information about student loans in general?

Deciding how to best handle your student loan refinancing can be an intimidating process. That’s why we’ve put together our Student Loan Help Center to give you guidance on existing student loan payments, refinancing, budgeting, and common terminology so you can feel more confident in your journey to becoming debt free.



How will applying impact my credit score?

To check the rates and terms you qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull. Learn more here.



What are the differences in refinancing federal vs. private loans?

When you refinance your federal student loans, you’ll have a new private loan, and private loans are not eligible for federal programs and benefits, but it could be a good option if your goal is to lower your monthly payments or get a lower rate. Once federal loans are refinanced into private loans, they can’t be converted back, so it’s important you consider all your options. Learn more here.



What’s the difference between an APR and an interest rate?

Your interest rate includes the interest percentage you will be charged for taking a loan out, accrued on a daily basis, and does not include any other fees. An APR is the sum of the interest rate plus extra fees and expressed as a percentage.


See all FAQs

{/* Tips and resources for student loan refinancing */}

Tips and resources for
student loan refinancing.







{/* horizon */}

{/* Get help from a human */}

Get help from a human.

Ask questions and get help every step of the way from our live customer support team.

Operating hours:

Monday–Thursday 5am–7pm PT

Friday–Sunday 5am–5pm PT


Contact us


Contact us


Read more
Feb
27
2014

SoFi Refi $300 welcome bonus

By | student_loan | No Comments

{/* SLR Rate Discount 300 bonus */}
{/* https://www.sofi.com/sofi-refi-300/ */}


{/* Hero */}


REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS

Fixed interest rates starting at 4.24%

APR

1




(with all discounts) plus a $300 welcome bonus.2


Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands, and you can save even more with a $300 welcome bonus2 exclusively for SoFi at Work partners. Just make sure you apply through this page to get this bonus.


View your rate

✓ Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.†

{/* Why choose sofi? */}

Why choose SoFi?

Since 2011, we’ve helped over 515,000 members refinance their student loan debt. Here’s just a bit of what they enjoy:

  • Serious savings.
    Zero fees required.

    You could save thousands with a lower interest rate and no fees required.

  • Easy online process

    Your time matters. View your
    rate in two minutes.

  • Member benefits

    Access SoFi Travel benefits3, our debt summary tool, rewards points to pay toward loans4, and more.

{/* Real stories from real grads */}

Real stories from real grads.

550,000+
SoFi members have refinanced their student loans

$47 billion+
In student loans refinanced

4.3/5 stars
On Trustpilot

4.3/5 star rating based on 9,668 reviews as of July 7, 2025. See trustpilot.com/review/sofi.com for more info.

{/* How refinancing student loan works at sofi */}

How refinancing student loans works at SoFi.

First, we’ll see if you qualify.

You can see some basic eligibility criteria for different loan types. Plus, we’ll consider other factors like your financial history, credit score, and monthly income versus expenses.

Then, you pick a loan with a competitive interest rate.

If you’re approved, you can select from flexible terms that could lower your interest or monthly payments. All with no fees required.

Don’t forget to get a discount.

For example, you could get a 0.25% interest rate discount by enrolling in autopay.1


View your rate



 Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.†

{/* FAQs */}

FAQs


Who should refinance their student loans?

Student loan refinancing is a great solution for working graduates who have high-interest, unsubsidized Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and/or private student loans. Federal student loans do carry some special benefits, for example, public service loan forgiveness and economic hardship programs, that may not be accessible to you after you refinance. Check out this blog post that provides more information: When to Consolidate Federal and Private Loans by Refinancing. Or, call us at 855-456-SOFI (7634) for a free consultation about your particular situation.



Is it worth it to refinance student loan?

The answer to this question depends on your specific financial situation. However, student loan refinancing may be a good option if you can qualify for a lower interest rate and/or a shorter repayment period. By reducing your rate and getting a lower monthly payment term, you’ll owe less interest over the life of the loan and save money in the long run.



Can I refinance both federal and private student loans?

Yes, SoFi will consolidate all qualified education loans.



Am I a good candidate to refinance my student loans with SoFi?

SoFi aims to revolutionize financial services—ultimately improving the system for everyone. Today, we’re able to offer significant savings and flexibility to US citizens or permanent residents who have graduated from a selection of Title IV accredited university or graduate programs, are employed, have a sufficient income from other sources, or hold a job offer with a start date within 90 days, have a responsible financial history, and a strong monthly cash flow.



What is the difference between consolidating and refinancing student loans?

Student loan consolidation is when you combine multiple loans into one single loan. Student loan refinancing, on the other hand, is when you get a new loan at a new interest rate and/or a new term. You can refinance both federal and private loans. Learn more here.

What’s the difference between fixed and variable rate loans?

Fixed rate loans are loans that have an interest rate that does not change over the life of a loan, which means you pay the same amount each month. It also means you know with certainty the total interest that you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Fixed rate is a general term that can apply to different types of loans with a variety of uses, including student loans, mortgages, auto loans, and unsecured personal loans.

Variable rate loans are loans that have an interest rate that will fluctuate over time in line with prevailing interest rates. Sometimes they are also known as floating-rate loans.

Find more info on Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans.




Where can I find more information about student loans in general?

Deciding how to best handle your student loan refinancing can be an intimidating process. That’s why we’ve put together our Student Loan Help Center to give you guidance on existing student loan payments, refinancing, budgeting, and common terminology so you can feel more confident in your journey to becoming debt free.



How will applying impact my credit score?

To check the rates and terms you qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull. Learn more here.



What are the differences in refinancing federal vs. private loans?

When you refinance your federal student loans, you’ll have a new private loan, and private loans are not eligible for federal programs and benefits, but it could be a good option if your goal is to lower your monthly payments or get a lower rate. Once federal loans are refinanced into private loans, they can’t be converted back, so it’s important you consider all your options. Learn more here.



What’s the difference between an APR and an interest rate?

Your interest rate includes the interest percentage you will be charged for taking a loan out, accrued on a daily basis, and does not include any other fees. An APR is the sum of the interest rate plus extra fees and expressed as a percentage.


See all FAQs

{/* Tips and resources for student loan refinancing */}

Tips and resources for
student loan refinancing.







{/* horizon */}

{/* Get help from a human */}

Get help from a human.

Ask questions and get help every step of the way from our live customer support team.

Operating hours:

Monday–Thursday 5am–7pm PT

Friday–Sunday 5am–5pm PT


Contact us


Contact us


Read more
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Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, years of professional experience, income, and a variety of other factors. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime without notice and are subject to state restrictions. SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate, NMLS # 696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

✝︎ To check the rates and terms you qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

INVESTMENTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • HAVE NO GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. The SoFi Wealth platform is operated and maintained by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Brokerage services are provided to clients of SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC, an affiliated broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of FINRA /SIPC . Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation. For more information, please see SoFi Wealth LLC’s Form ADV Part 2 by clicking here for SoFi's Wealth Form ADV Part 2 A&B or by visiting www.adviserinfo.sec.gov .
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