SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

Apply for an FHA Home Loan Online | SoFi [SEM]

FHA MORTGAGE LOANS

Homeownership could be within reach with an FHA loan.1


View your rate

Whether you have less-than-perfect credit or less cash on hand for a down payment, an FHA loan could help you finance your first home.

✓ Low down payment options

✓ On-Time Close Guarantee offer2

✓ Verified Preapproval Letter3.


View your rate

Why SoFi? Our FHA mortgage loans fund with benefits.

Don’t sweat the score.

Still working on building your credit? Don’t fret. SoFi will accept a lower minimum FICO® score for FHA loans.

FHA loan terms that work for you

We offer a wide range of FHA mortgage options, so you can choose from the option that works best for you.

Close on time, guaranteed

Buying a home is a big deal, and timing is everything. With our On-Time Close Guarantee offer2, we promise to close your loan on time, and back it up with $10,000.

Low down payment options

The minimum down payment for FHA loans is as little as 3.5%.

You could prequalify
for an FHA loan.

Take the first step toward realizing your dream of homeownership. Our
online application makes it quick and easy.


View your rate


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SoFi Checking and Savings: Fanatics $100 Offer

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SOFI CHECKING AND SAVINGS

Score $100 off your gear. Join the Official Bank of
the NBA.


Get $100 off your next Fanatics.com purchase when you open a SoFi Checking and Savings account.8 Offer ends 9/30/24.




Open an account

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{/* Heres how to get $250 bonus */}

Plus, here’s how to get a better

banking bonus up to $300.1

Sign up and set up direct deposit.

Wait for your direct deposit to hit your account (typically 2-4 weeks).

Collect a cash bonus of $50 to $300 depending on your direct deposit amount.


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{/* WHAT DOES BETTER BANKING LOOK LIKE? */}

What does a better online
bank account
look like? This.


Open an account

No account fees^

No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.3

Up to 3.60% APY1

Members with direct deposit can earn 3.60% APY on their savings and Vaults balances, and 0.50% APY on their checking balances.

Up to 2-day-early-paycheck*

Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier—automatically—when you set up direct deposit.

No-fee Overdraft Coverage

Overspent by accident? No problem. You’ll be covered up to $50 with no fees with direct deposit of at least $1,000.4

Do it all in one app.

Pay bills, deposit checks, send money, manage your digital wallet, and get live customer support 7 days a week, all in the SoFi app.

Additional FDIC Insurance

Access additional insurance up to $2M on deposits through a seamless network of participating banks. Learn more and opt in here.6


Sign up




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Get award-winning banking.

See for yourself why SoFi won 15 banking awards from 11 industry publications last year.


Open an account

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Bank, N.A. nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.


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Savings rates that are way above the national average.
2

You make more on your money when you bank with SoFi. Get ready to earn 3.60% APY—that’s 9x the national average savings rate—on your savings and Vault balances.


Open an account


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Mobile banking made easy.

Securely log in to our easy-to-use app to pay bills, find ATMs, send money, make a mobile deposit, and more. And rest easy with no minimum balance, and no monthly maintenance fee^.


Open an account


Open an account

Mobile banking made easy.

Securely log in to our easy-to-use app to pay bills, find ATMs, send money, make a mobile deposit, and more. And rest easy with no minimum balance, and no monthly maintenance fee^.


Open an account


Open an account


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Experience 9x
the national average

checking account rate.2

Yeah, you read that right. With no account fees and up to 3.60% APY1^, you’ll earn more interest in five weeks than you would in one year in a big bank’s checking or savings account—so you can get the most out of your money.


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Say yes to no account fees.

It’s exactly what it sounds like. No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.3


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Early bird paychecks.

With 2-day-early-paycheck* you’ll feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier—automatically—when you set up direct deposit.


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What else can a better online bank account offer? This.

No-fee Overdraft Coverage

Overspent by accident? No problem. You’ll be covered up to $50 with no fees with qualifying direct deposits.4

Cash back, close to home5

Get up to 15% cash back at local establishments when you pay with your SoFi debit card.

Automatic saving features

Organize your money, set savings goals, and save your change with Vaults and Roundups.

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Mobile banking made easy.

Securely log in to our easy-to-use app to pay bills, find ATMs, send money, make a mobile deposit, and more. And rest easy with no minimum balance, and no monthly maintenance fee^.


Open an account


Open an account

Mobile banking made easy.

Securely log in to our easy-to-use app to pay bills, find ATMs, send money, make a mobile deposit, and more. And rest easy with no minimum balance, and no monthly maintenance fee^.


Open an account


Open an account


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FAQs


What is an online bank account?

An online bank account conveniently allows you to manage your accounts from your computer or mobile device. This includes sending money, depositing checks, paying bills, and everything you’d normally do at a physical branch. Because SoFi does not have any physical branches, we’re able to pass those savings to our members!


How easy is it to open a bank account online?

Opening an account is quick and easy. All we need are a few pieces of information such as name, home address, and Social Security number. In some cases, we may need additional documentation like a copy of your driver’s license, and/or a current photo ID to verify your identity.


Can a student open an account?

Of course. Anyone over 18 can open an individual or joint online bank account. In fact, we have some special offers for students (must have an .edu email address to qualify).

Learn more about our Student Checking and Savings Offer.


How do I set up direct deposit?

Nine in 10 SoFi members agree—setting up direct deposit is easy.** Simply download this

Learn more: How to Set Up Direct Deposit


What will my APY be?

As long as you direct deposit your pay or add $5,000 every 30 days, you’ll earn 3.60% APY on your savings & Vaults balances and 0.50% APY on your checking balances.* If you do not have a direct deposit or $5,000 in deposits every 30 days, you’ll earn 1.00% APY on savings & Vaults balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. Additional information can be found at sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.



Why do I need to sign up for direct deposit?

When you set up direct deposit into your account, you are trusting your paycheck with us. We want to repay that trust by making sure that we give you the best of what SoFi has to offer, including up to 3.60% APY (annual percentage yield)1, plus features like No-Fee Overdraft Coverage4 and up to 2-Day Early Paycheck.*


Are online bank accounts safe?

All SoFi Checking and Savings accounts receive industry-standard FDIC insurance of up to $250,000 per member (joint accounts are insured up to $500,000). SoFi Checking and Savings members can earn up to $2M of FDIC insurance by enrolling in the SoFi Insured Deposit Program 6. For more information on FDIC insurance coverage, please visit www.FDIC.gov.


How do I withdraw and deposit cash?

SoFi makes it easy to both withdraw and deposit money. To withdraw, simply visit any of the 55,000 Allpoint ATMs (more locations than Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America combined!). You won’t pay any fee as long as you visit one of these ATMs. In order to deposit money, simply visit a retail location that offers GreenDot services.

Learn more: How to Deposit Cash at an ATM


Do I need a minimum balance to open an account or get the highest interest rate?

There is no minimum balance required to open a SoFi Checking & Savings account. Members can unlock 3.60% APY savings balances with either direct deposit (no minimum required) or by depositing at least $5,000 every 30 days.1 For more information, please visit sofi.com/banking.

Learn more: How Much Money Is Needed to Start a Bank Account?


Is there a minimum age?

You must be 18 years or older to open an individual or joint bank account.

Learn more: How Old Do You Have to Be to Open a Bank Account?


Can I sign up for an individual checking or savings account?

When you sign up for a SoFi online bank account, you will receive both a checking account and a savings account. We do not currently offer standalone checking or savings accounts.


If I keep my entire balance in savings, will funds automatically move to checking as needed to pay bills?


Yes. As long as you have Overdraft Protection enabled, we’ll automatically pull from your available savings balances in the event that your checking balance is insufficient. Overdraft protection covers ACH withdrawals (bill pay, loans, P2P), checks and debit card transactions. Note that overdraft protection will not pull from your Vaults. To turn on Overdraft Protection, open the SoFi app, tap More > Overdraft and toggle the feature on.


Any limits on savings account withdrawals per month or transfers between accounts?


No, there are no current limits on saving withdrawals or transfers between checking, savings and Vaults.


To unlock the highest APY, does it matter where I direct deposit my funds
(checking vs savings?)


Nope, it doesn’t matter. To unlock the highest the highest APY, you may either:

-Get paid via direct deposit (into either your checking or savings). Eligible direct deposits are the electronic deposits of your paycheck, pension or government payments (e.g., Social Security) from your employer, benefits provider, or the government.

-Add $5,000 or more to your checking or savings account every 30 days.


Is there a maximum or ‘cap’ on the 3.60% APY?


There is not currently a maximum on the 3.60% APY for savings or Vaults.


What about fees?

We’re proud to say that banking with SoFi has no account fees and no service charges—and we’re working hard to keep it that way.^ There are no fees on overdraft, account open, minimum balance, dormant account or regular maintenance. We also offer no ATM fees at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide.3 Check out a full list of fees and service charges: No Fees.


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More banking tips and resources
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{/* Get up to apy */}

Get up to 3.60% APY today1
tomorrow will thank you.

Get the best of both worlds with an online checking account and an online savings account that work better together.
Simply download the SoFi app, become a member, and sign up today.


Open an account



SoFi > Banking

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Liz Looks at: Rate Effects

There’s a recent debate surrounding the idea that higher rates might actually be good for the economy. SoFi Head of Investment Strategy Liz Young Thomas digs into the rate debate.

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Zelle FAQ

Help Center > SoFi Checking and Savings > P2P > Zelle® FAQ

Zelle® FAQ

For more questions and answers related to SoFi products, visit our Help Center.


Visit Help Center


SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. 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.

1

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

2

No Account Fee

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

Who is eligible for a Direct Deposit Bonus?
New and existing SoFi members who have never set up direct deposit with SoFi are eligible for the Direct Deposit Bonus. Bonuses are limited to one bonus per SoFi member. In the case of a joint account, direct deposit activity will only be counted towards the primary account holder’s eligibility for the bonus (the primary account holder is the member who opened the joint account first).

How do I earn the Direct Deposit Bonus?
1. Set up your first Eligible Direct Deposit. SoFi must receive it on or before 1/31/26.
2. Once SoFi receives and recognizes your first Eligible Direct Deposit, we will add up the Total Eligible Direct Deposits received over the next 25 calendar days. This total will determine the bonus amount.

Total Eligible Direct Deposit Bonus Amount Timing
$1.00 - $999.99 $0 To determine your bonus amount, SoFi will add up all your Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit.
$1,000.00 - $4,999.99 $50
$5,000.00 or more $300

3. You will receive the bonus amount in your SoFi Checking account within 7 business days of completing all requirements listed above. You are only eligible to receive one bonus amount. You must have an open SoFi Checking account in good standing at the time of the bonus payment.

What is an Eligible Direct Deposit?
Eligible: Recurring ACH deposit of regular income to your SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by your employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”)

Not Eligible Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency and deposits that are non-recurring in nature are not eligible. Examples of deposits that are not eligible include check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), bank ACH funds transfers, wire transfers from external accounts, and IRS tax refunds. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess your Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine eligibility and may require additional documentation to complete this verification.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your initial Eligible Direct Deposit. After SoFi validates the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit, your Direct Deposit Bonus will be based on the date we received your initial Eligible Direct Deposit.

What else is important to know?
•This promotion is available between 12/7/2023 at 12:01AM ET and 1/31/2026 at 11:59PM ET. SoFi reserves the right to modify or end the promotion at any time without notice. The terms of this promotion take precedence over the terms of any prior Direct Deposit promotion.
•SoFi reserves the right to exclude any members from participating in this promotion for any reason, such as suspected fraud, misuse, or suspicious activity.
•SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
•Bonuses are considered miscellaneous income, and may be reportable to the IRS on Form 1099-MISC (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). SoFi is required to do this reporting in compliance with the applicable federal and state reporting requirements. Recipient is responsible for any applicable federal, state or local taxes associated with receiving the bonus offer; consult with your tax advisor to determine applicable tax consequences.
•This promotion is offered by SoFi Bank, N.A, Member FDIC (“SoFi”)

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