Liz Looks at: Opposing Trades
With the tone of today’s market, there’s a pressure to choose sides. SoFi’s head of investment strategy compares some opposing investment options.
Read moreWith the tone of today’s market, there’s a pressure to choose sides. SoFi’s head of investment strategy compares some opposing investment options.
Read moreSTUDENT DEBT GUIDE
Millions of borrowers like you are trying to stay ahead of federal student loan changes. And that’s where SoFi comes in. We’ll update you with the latest on loans, so you can make the best call for your future.
July 4th, 2025 – The President signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. Here’s what it means for student loans.
The bill scales back federal student loans in several ways over the coming years, including by:
• Ending Grad PLUS loans and capping Parent Plus loans beginning next year. This puts a limit on how much graduate students and parents are able to borrow, rather than allowing them to borrow up to the full cost of attendance.
• Phasing out a number of current income-driven repayment plans over the next three years, including the newest SAVE plan, in favor of a new Repayment Assistance Plan aimed at simplifying the choices. RAP will require even the lowest-income borrowers to pay at least $10 a month and requires 30 years of payments — rather than 20 or 25 — before any remaining balance can be forgiven. Parent borrowers won’t be eligible.
• Making it harder to get loan payments waived or deferred. For people who get loans on July 1, 2027 or after, there will be no forbearance or deferment based on economic hardship or unemployment.
More than ever, it’s important to stay informed about your options, especially as delinquency
rates rise.
April 21, 2025 – The Department of Education to start collection efforts on defaulted student loans for the first time in five years.
The Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will resume collections on defaulted student loans on May 5, according to a department press release. This means that for the first time since March 2020, borrowers who are in default (typically those who are at least nine months behind on their payments) could have their wages garnished or face other legal and financial consequences.
If you’re in default on your loan(s), contact the Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation.
For regular updates and more information on the world of student loans, subscribe to SoFi’s On the Money and check out SoFi Learn.
Step one: Let’s go over some common terms to avoid confusion.
Expand each section for more.
• What’s the difference?
APR, which stands for annual percentage rate, is the interest rate plus any fees your lender may add to the principal loan amount. The interest rate alone is what you’re being charged to borrow money from your lender, expressed as a percentage of the principal loan amount.
• Which fees are typically included in an APR?
The most common fee included in an APR is the student loan origination fee. This fee is typically based on a percentage of the total loan amount and gets deducted from the funds you receive before the loan is disbursed. Some lenders—like SoFi—don’t charge any fees.
• How do interest rates work?
The interest rate represents the amount your lender is charging you to borrow money. It’s expressed as a percentage of your loan amount (or principal) and doesn’t reflect any fees or other charges that might be connected to your loan.
• What’s the difference?
True to its name, a fixed interest rate does not change—it remains the same throughout the life of a loan, whereas a variable rate fluctuates with changes in the market.
• When might a fixed rate make sense?
If you like the security of knowing exactly what your monthly payment will be over the life of your loan, a fixed-rate loan is a good option. This consistency makes budgeting easier and offers peace of mind in times of economic uncertainty.
• When might a variable rate make sense?
A variable-rate loan can benefit borrowers in a declining interest-rate market because their monthly payment will decrease as well. However, when interest rates rise, borrowers who hold a variable-rate loan will find that their monthly payment also increases.
• What’s the difference?
Federal student loans are funded by the government—they can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Private student loans are not associated with the government, so their repayment terms vary from lender to lender. Unlike federal loans, interest rates can be either fixed or variable.
• How do I know whether my loan is federal or private?
To figure out whether your student loan is federal or private, visit the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The database is a collection of information on student loans that aggregates data from universities, federal loan programs, and more.
• What are the benefits of a federal student loan?
Federal student loans include benefits not typically offered by private lenders, including income-based repayment, public service loan forgiveness, and deferment options.
• What are the benefits of a private student loan?
The benefits of a private student loan include higher loan amounts, your choice of fixed or variable interest rates, and a quick application process, among others.
Step two: Let’s get a clearer idea of how the
federal government could impact your loans.
Expand each section for more.
• Historical role
While the responsibility for education in the U.S. largely falls to states and local municipalities, the Department of Education has historically provided funds to help schools and districts reach their goals. Further, the Department of Education has managed the federal student loan program.
• Potential closure
A March 2025 executive order required the Department of Education to close “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” Fully closing it would require Congress to act. But the order could lower the workforce and significantly reduce services. The Small Business Administration has been ordered to take over the federal student loan portfolio, but details and timing are not yet clear.
• What is available?
The last few years have seen a lot of change to student loan forgiveness. The One Big Beautiful Act was signed into law on July 4th, 2025, meaning most income-driven repayment (IDR) plans will be phased out by July 2026, including the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), and Pay As You Earn (PAYE). Borrowers that are currently on those plans will have to switch between July 2026 and the end of June 2028.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) remains untouched for now – this plan could forgive the remaining balance on a federal Direct loan for borrowers in public service careers after enough qualifying payments.
• What do they cover?
Published in the Federal Register, executive orders are directives from the President of the United States to manage operations of the executive branch of the federal government. Although executive orders have historically related to administrative matters and internal operations of federal agencies, recent presidents have used executive orders more broadly to carry out policies and programs. They may be revoked by the President at any time. See 2025 executive orders.
• How do recent orders affect student debt?
Issued March 7, 2025, the executive order Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness directs the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to now exclude organizations that engage in activities that have a “substantial illegal purpose” such as illegal immigration, terrorism, child abuse, discrimination, and public disruptions. It aims to ensure “only legitimate public servants benefit.”
Here are some strategies to consider as you explore ways to repay your student loans.
One of the most effective ways to get ahead of student debt is to pay more than the monthly minimum. Even an extra $50 each month could make a big difference. Paying down your principal balance could reduce the total interest you’d pay over the life of the loan and shorten your repayment period.
Applications have reopened for federal income-based repayment plans like Income-Based-Repayment (IBR). You may even be eligible to have your federal loans forgiven after 10 years if you work in public service full-time under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Refinancing your student loans through a private lender could help you get a lower interest rate or reduce your monthly payments. You could also consolidate multiple student loans into a single payment for easier management. Keep in mind that refinancing federal loans means benefits like income-based repayment plans and deferment options would no longer be available to you.
The TL;DR on student debt.
We get it. You want to think about your loans as little as possible. Here’s a quick, hot take on student loan repayment. Give us two minutes to break it down.
What Is Student Loan Refinancing?
How To Budget for Student Loan Payments
Calculate your monthly payment with a new interest rate, see your payoff date, and determine whether refinancing could save you money.
Punch in your loan amount and a new interest rate, and we’ll estimate your monthly payment.
Enter a few details about your loan and we’ll provide your payoff month and year.
Provide us with a few details and see how much you could save by refinancing.
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.
Our free credit score monitoring tool allows you to track your student debt for a quick overview of your monthly payments, loan status, and payoff date—at no extra cost.
Our free credit score monitoring tool allows you to track your student debt for a quick overview of your monthly payments, loan status, and payoff date—at no extra cost.
Whether your goal is to pay off your student loans as quickly as possible, increase your savings, or invest for the future, our budgeting tools may help—and they’re free.
Whether your goal is to pay off your student loans as quickly as possible, increase your savings, or invest for the future, our budgeting tools may help—and they’re free.
In today’s landscape, student loan borrowers are navigating payoff journeys that are shaped by ever-changing factors like cost and cultural expectations. To better understand how they’re approaching these decisions, and thinking of their debt in 2025, SoFi surveyed 3,500 prospective and current students, graduates, and parents. After analyzing the findings and holding in-depth conversations with leading industry voices, we uncovered a revealing look at the emotional, financial, and practical realities shaping how families think of college as an investment today—and the kinds of support they’re actively seeking in their personal finance journeys.
Check out our findings here.
Need help applying for SoFi Student Loan Refinancing? Our live support team could help you understand the complexities of student loans and suggest refinancing options based on your individual needs.
Unlike high school (or at least the last semester of it!) college takes a bit more than just showing up. You’ve probably noticed this in class — and out.
Take living on your own (and on your own dime), for example. It’s a rite of passage, but knowing how to afford the experience you’re dreaming of isn’t so obvious. Spending and saving while you’re a student can wind up adding another layer of stress.
That’s where SoFi and this guide step in, offering you the info and tools you need to stress less and succeed. As a one-stop shop for your finances, SoFi is here to help you bank, borrow, budget, and invest — with our innovative products and features. Our aim: to empower you to take control of your financial journey – and even enjoy the ride.
Check us out! We’ll help you ace your financial life.
Getting your money right means different things to different people, especially as you move through your college years. Maybe you’re all about getting tuition paid or creating (and sticking to) a budget. Or maybe you landed an amazing summer job (nice!) and want to learn how to invest. No matter what it means to you, we’re here to help you make the most of your money, today and tomorrow.
You’re used to swiping and tapping your way to cool clothes, midnight snacks, and the funniest TikToks. So it makes sense to use your phone to bank. With SoFi, you can open an all-in-one checking and saving account that earns amazing interest — straight from your smartphone. With no account fees, SoFi Checking and Savings puts your funds at your fingertips. Plus, college students can earn up to $10 just for signing up and using their debit card.
You want to have as fun and carefree a college experience as you can (in between studying and exams, that is). But it’s hard to relax if you keep running out of money for weekend plans and pick-me-up lattes. Read on for smart, painless money strategies that make college life (and what comes next) a lot easier to afford.
Imagine winning $2,500 for college^ with no essays and no effort. That’s the SoFi Scholarship Giveaway.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18+ who are enrolled/accepted to attend a Title IV, accredited non-profit 4-year public or private college/university/grad program in the 50 U.S./D.C. (“School”) during the Sweepstakes Period. If you are not yet a member of SoFi you will need to do so for free before participating. Enter before 11:59:59 pm ET on 12/31/25. Subject to full Official Rules incl. Monthly Entry Periods, prizes, and odds: https://www.sofi.com/scholarship/. Sponsor: Social Finance Inc. (“SoFi”).
Summer jobs fall through. Savings run dry. Scholarships aren’t always a guarantee. If your college tuition plans didn’t quite work out, these resources can help you find ways to cover the shortfall.
You may have different options for funding your education depending on where your school is in the country. Here are some resources to help you cut through the noise.
Select your state to get started:
Sweating that tuition bill? We hear you. If you’ve exhausted your financial aid and federal loan options, SoFi may be able to help you get the money you need for school. With competitive low rates and no fees, our private student loans top many “best” lists. (Sorry not sorry to brag.) Apply online and cut the waiting-to-know time.
Whether you’re starting a work-study job, summer gig, or post-grad position (congrats!), you may be wondering: Why is my paycheck less than what I earned? How long does a deposit take to be available? Can I speed things up? When it comes to your money, there are no stupid questions. Get answers — and learn the ins and outs of paychecks and bank accounts, literally.
It’s 10 pm. Do you know where your money is? SoFi Insights helps you keep tabs on your income and expenses in real-time and at no cost. And with an up-to-date view of your finances, you’ll know what you can afford — and what you can’t.
Soon enough, you’ll be navigating the real world. Now’s a great time to begin honing some financial skills that’ll see you through this big life transition. Learn about starter salaries, rents, and more.
The truth is a mighty weapon. And we’ll help you use it to strike down the myths that block your ultimate quest: paying for college.
In a world that revolves around credit, having a low credit score, or no credit history at all, can be seriously limiting. Take a look at how to build and use credit responsibly – which in turn can help open more doors for you.
You’re invited! Open an account with us (any kind of account – bank, loan, app) and you’ll become a SoFi member. Joining our community comes with loads of benefits, including VIP experiences, referral bonuses, SoFi Rewards, and more! Also, if you join our student ambassador program, you can earn great rewards like limited-edition swag, early access to products, and 2X SoFi rewards points.
You’ve probably heard stories about people investing in their 20s, becoming financially independent, and retiring early. If you want to declare your independence some day, the first step is exploring how to grow your hard-earned cash in both established and emerging ways.
You don’t actually have to be a financial whiz to trade stocks. Our beginner’s investing guide can give you a crash course. Once you’re ready, you can test the waters with as little as $5 on SoFi’s investing platform.
Finally, calculators that tell you more useful stuff than square roots! We’ve got what you need to figure out numbers you need, like when you’ll be totally free of your student loans (and maybe even how to speed up that timetable), how much you can save with a SoFi personal loan, or just how rich your retirement can be if you start contributing funds now. Test-drive our calculators below.
Ready for some straight talk from a financial adviser? SoFi’s Brian Walsh answers your spending, saving, and loan questions on everything from “Is College Worth It?” to “When Should I Use My Credit Card?”
Got as good listening skills as reading skills? For more financial help, investing insight, or just some general encouragement, subscribe to a SoFi podcast. You’ll hear the latest news and commentary to help you reach your financial goals. Or sign up for the SoFi Daily Newsletter — and get news you can use delivered directly to your inbox.
Read more
{/* Banking Influencer- Caitlyn 300 bonus*/}
{/* HERO MODULE */}
{/* Sign up for SoFi Checking and Savings and get */}
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.
{/* Horizon Top*/}
{/* Supercharge your savings */}
Get up to 3.60% APY on your cash with your SoFi savings balance and Vaults.
{/* Here’s why Caitlyn chose SoFi */}
No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.1
Set up direct deposit and earn up to 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY).
Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier—automatically—when you set up direct deposit.
Overspent by accident? No problem. You’ll be covered up to $50 with no fees with qualifying direct deposits.
Get up to 15% cash back at local establishments when you pay with your SoFi debit card.
Deposits are insured up to $2M through a network of participating banks. Learn more.
{/* Bank on us anytime, anywhere */}
Make deposits, pay bills, find ATMs, send money, and much more—safely and securely in the app.
Open an account
{/* More banking tips and tricks */}
See more articles
{/* Achieve your financial goals faster with SoFi*/}
Open an account
{/*FAQs*/}
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.
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 Bank Account.
Nine in 10 SoFi members agree—setting up direct deposit is easy.** Simply download this here.
Learn more: How to Set Up Direct Deposit
Members with direct deposit can earn 3.60% APY (annual percentage yield) on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances. That’s more than 9x the national average savings rate! Members without direct deposit can earn 1.00% on savings balances and 0.50% on checking balances.
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 Coverage2 and up to 2-Day Early Paycheck.‡
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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
Learn more: How Much Money Is Needed to Start a Bank Account?
You must be 18 years or older to open an individual or joint account.
Learn more: How Old Do You Have to Be to Open a Bank Account?
When you sign up for a SoFi online bank account, you will receive both a checking account and a savings account. Once you set up direct deposit, you can earn 0.50% APY on checking and 3.60% on savings (including Vaults)! We do not currently offer standalone checking or savings accounts.
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.
No, there are no current limits on saving withdrawals or transfers between checking, savings and Vaults.
Nope! You can direct deposit into your checking or savings account and still take advantage of the 3.60% APY.
There is not currently a maximum on the 3.60% APY for savings or Vaults.
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.1 Check out a full list of fees and service charges here.
{/* Banking Influencer- Marko 300 bonus*/}
{/* HERO MODULE */}
{/* Sign up for SoFi Checking and Savings and get */}
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.
{/* Horizon Top*/}
{/* Supercharge your savings */}
Get up to 3.60% APY on your cash with your SoFi savings balance and Vaults.
{/* Here’s why Marko chose SoFi */}
No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.1
Set up direct deposit and earn up to 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY).
Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier—automatically—when you set up direct deposit.
Overspent by accident? No problem. You’ll be covered up to $50 with no fees with qualifying direct deposits.
Get up to 15% cash back at local establishments when you pay with your SoFi debit card.
Deposits are insured up to $2M through a network of participating banks. Learn more.
{/* Bank on us anytime, anywhere */}
Make deposits, pay bills, find ATMs, send money, and much more—safely and securely in the app.
Open an account
{/* More banking tips and tricks */}
See more articles
{/* Achieve your financial goals faster with SoFi*/}
Open an account
{/*FAQs*/}
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.
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 Bank Account.
Nine in 10 SoFi members agree—setting up direct deposit is easy.** Simply download this here.
Learn more: How to Set Up Direct Deposit
Members with direct deposit can earn 3.60% APY (annual percentage yield) on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances. That’s more than 9x the national average savings rate! Members without direct deposit can earn 1.00% on savings balances and 0.50% on checking balances.
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 Coverage2 and up to 2-Day Early Paycheck.‡
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
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
Learn more: How Much Money Is Needed to Start a Bank Account?
You must be 18 years or older to open an individual or joint account.
Learn more: How Old Do You Have to Be to Open a Bank Account?
When you sign up for a SoFi online bank account, you will receive both a checking account and a savings account. Once you set up direct deposit, you can earn 0.50% APY on checking and 3.60% on savings (including Vaults)! We do not currently offer standalone checking or savings accounts.
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.
No, there are no current limits on saving withdrawals or transfers between checking, savings and Vaults.
Nope! You can direct deposit into your checking or savings account and still take advantage of the 3.60% APY.
There is not currently a maximum on the 3.60% APY for savings or Vaults.
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.1 Check out a full list of fees and service charges here.