SoFi® is a great choice if you are comfortable with a fully online banking experience — you're able to save, invest, and explore a variety of loan options. SoFi is one of our top picks for the best online banks.
SoFi Banking Pros and Cons
SoFi Pros
- Can qualify for SoFi Plus by opening SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) with eligible direct deposits
- up to $300 cash bonus with SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)
- One of the best investing apps for beginners
- One of the best personal loans
- One of the best private student loans
SoFi Cons
- Declines purchase if you overdraw by more than $50 on bank account
- Other online banks have more credit card options
- $1,000 minimum loan amount for student loans
Open an Account
no monthly service fee
up to 3.80%
$0
up to $300
- FDIC insured up to $3 million
- High interest rate
- Earn a higher interest rate with qualifying activities
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
- Up to $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposit (terms apply)
- Savings tools
- Early direct deposit
- Joint account available
- Declined purchase if you overdraw by more than $50
- Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM providers' fees
- May deposit cash at Green Dot locations but there's a $4.95 fee
SoFi Checking and Savings is a great account option if you don't mind keeping your savings and checking in one account.
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)- Sign-up bonus of up to $300. When you sign up and set up direct deposit. Wait for direct deposit to hit account (typically 2-4 weeks). Collect cash bonus of $50 to $300 depending on direct deposit amount
- Up to 3.80% APY with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 30-day evaluation period
- FDIC Insured and covered up to $3 million in FDIC coverage through a network of participating banks
- 55,000+ fee-free ATMs
SoFi Bank, N.A. Overview
SoFi is an online bank that helps you save and invest. You may also apply for personal loans, student loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
SoFi customers have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs in the Allpoint ATM network.
Members can protect up to $3 million in deposits through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Money beyond the traditional FDIC insurance limit will be put into FDIC-insured accounts at partner banks.
SoFi Digital Experience and App Usability
SoFi is an online-only bank. This means the bank doesn't have any physical branches. You'll have to manage SoFi products primarily through online and mobile banking.
The bank's mobile app is rated 4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store and 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store. The mobile app user experience includes many essential banking features. For example, you can make mobile check deposits, find ATMs, and set alerts for managing bill payments.
SoFi Customer Service and Support
Customer support is available through phone or live chat. Representatives are available seven days of week, but the exact hours vary depending on the product.
If you have questions about SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC), SoFi® Personal Loan, or SoFi Undergraduate Student Loans, support is available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT Monday through Thursday or 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Friday through Sunday.
Representatives can answer questions about SoFi Home Loans from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. If you need to talk to a representative about SoFi Active Invest®, you can contact the bank from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Lastly, credit card support is available 24/7 by phone.
Is SoFi Trustworthy?
The Better Business Bureau rates companies to see if they handle business practices well, have honest advertising, and respond effectively to customer complaints. The BBB gives SoFi an A+ rating.
SoFi Fees, Rates and Financial Benefits
Understanding SoFi's Fee Structure
SoFi is a great option if you're priority is to avoid common bank fees.
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) has no monthly service fee and no inactive account fees.
The SoFi Credit Card has $0 annual fee. It has a cash advance fee of $10 or 5% of the total advance amount. There's also a late payment fee of up to $41 to be mindful of.
SoFi Active Invest has no advisory fees and no commission fees. There's a $20 IRA closing fee, and a $15 insufficient funds fee, though.
SoFi Interest Rates
You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings balances and Vaults when you set up direct deposits or deposit $5,000 or more every 30 days. Otherwise, you'll earn 1.00% APY on savings balances and Vaults. SoFi checking balances earn 0.50% APY.
SoFi Plus
SoFi also has SoFi Plus, which offers perks like discounts and rewards. You can qualify for it by opening SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) with eligible direct deposits or paying a $10 subscription fee every 30 days.
SoFi Savings and Checking Account
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) is featured in our best high-yield savings accounts and best bank account bonuses. You'll get the most out of your account if you set up direct deposits or have qualifying deposits of $5,000 or more per month. That way, you'll qualify for the higher interest rate tier and earn more on your savings balances.
If you're a new customer or existing customer who hasn't set up direct deposits yet, you could also get a cash bonus of up to $300.
See Business Insider's SoFi Checking and Savings Review.
SoFi Personal Loans
You might like SoFi if you have a good credit score. A SoFi® Personal Loan does not have origination fees or late payment fees.
See Business Insider's SoFi Personal Loans Review.
SoFi Student Loans
SoFi offers student loans for undergraduate, graduate, law school, MBAs, and health profession degrees.
See Business Insider's SoFi Student Loans Review.
SoFi Invest
SoFi Active Invest® is a solid choice if you're a beginning investor. You may open an account with $0, and there's access to certified financial planners.
See Business Insider's SoFi Invest Review.
SoFi Credit Card
The SoFi Credit Card may be worthwhile if you're searching for a credit card with no annual fee that lets you earn 2% cash back on purchases.
See Business Insider's SoFi Credit Card Review.
SoFi Mortgages
You may like SoFi if you're comfortable with an online lending experience. SoFi doesn't offer USDA loans, though.
See Business Insider's SoFi Mortgages Review.
SoFi Alternatives
SoFi vs. Ally
SoFi and Ally are both online banks. You'll have to be comfortable with online-only banking or consider other options.
Both are great choices if you're looking for a bank where you can save and invest. The two financial institutions are featured in our best savings accounts guide and best online brokerages for beginners.
Ally has more banking options than SoFi, like money market accounts and CDs. But SoFi may be more compelling if you'd like to get a student loan.
SoFi vs. Chase
Chase is a national bank with over 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs throughout the continental US. You'll likely prefer Chase over SoFi if you would rather bank at a branch than online. Chase may also be a better choice if you'd like more options for home loans or credit cards.
If you'd like to get a competitive interest rate on a savings account, you'll want to go with SoFi. SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) pays much higher rates than Chase's savings accounts.
Is SoFi Right for You?
Overall, SoFi is a great option if you'd like to open a checking and high-yield savings account at the same bank. It is also a strong choice if you're interested in investing or exploring a variety of loan options.
You'll prefer another online bank if you want to open CDs or money market accounts. SoFi doesn't have these types of bank accounts. Other online banks also have more credit card options.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed SoFi
For our SoFi Bank N.A. review, we rated bank products and services using our editorial standards.
At Business Insider, we rate products on a scale from zero to five stars. We review different features for distinct products.
For example, for SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) we combined our bank account methodologies for savings and checking accounts to look at features like interest rates and ATM network size/fees. We also used distinct methodologies for reviewing credit cards, personal loans, student loans, home loans, and investment accounts. With credit cards, we examined annual fees and rewards rates, and with personal loans, we looked at fees and term options.
SoFi Review: Business Insider's Rating
Product | Business Insider rating (out of 5) |
Banking | 4.25 |
Personal Loans | 4 |
Student Loans | 4 |
Invest | 4.65 |
Credit Card | 3.5 |
Mortgages | 3.91 |
Trustworthiness | 4.5 |
Total | 4 |
FAQs
What sets SoFi apart from other online banks?
SoFi is a good option for people who are searching for an online bank where they may save, invest, and apply for credit cards and loans. You might prefer another bank if you'd like separate checking and savings accounts, or if you are interested in CDs or money market accounts. Other financial institutions may also offer more options for home loans and credit cards.
How does SoFi support its customers?
SoFi has customer support available by phone and live chat. Customer support hours vary depending on the product. For example, if you have questions about SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC), representatives are available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT Monday through Thursday and 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Friday through Sunday.
Can I invest with SoFi?
Yes. SoFi is one of the best online brokerages for beginners since it has low minimum opening requirements and no account or trading fees. You can trade stocks and ETFs. In January 2024, SoFi also announced customers would be able to invest in mutual funds, money market funds, and alternative investment funds.
Sofi Active Invest: Investments are not FDIC-insured - Are not bank-guaranteed - May lose value - Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).
Must be a SoFi Plus member at the time a recurring deposit is received into your SoFi Active or Automated investing account to qualify. Bonus calculated on net monthly recurring deposits made via ACH and paid out as Rewards Points. See Rewards Terms of Service. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time without notice. See terms and limitations. https://www.sofi.com/sofiplus/invest/#disclaimers.
SoFi Plus members can schedule an unlimited number of appointments with a financial planner during periods in which the SoFi Plus member meets the eligibility criteria set forth in section 10(a) of the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions. SoFi members who are not members of SoFi Plus can schedule one (1) appointment with a financial planner. The ability to schedule appointments is subject to financial planner availability. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this benefit at any time with or without notice. Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth's advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth's current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions. https://www.sofi.com/invest/clawpromotion/rules.
Bonus Disclosure: New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.
APY disclosures: SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
Fee Policy: SoFi does not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. SoFi does 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. SoFi's fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
Additional FDIC Insurance: 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.
ATM Access: We've partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi's ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds: Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Overdraft Coverage: Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the"30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
SoFi Personal Loan Disclosures: Fixed rates from 8.99% APR to 29.99% APR. APR reflects the 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.25% direct deposit discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 3/06/23 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors. Loan amounts range from $5,000— $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.
The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction on your Personal Loan (your "Loan"), you must set up Direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., or enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee, all within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled Direct Deposit to an eligible Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi's reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi's sole discretion, or during periods in which SoFi successfully receives payment of the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off Direct Deposit to your Checking and Savings account or in which you have not paid for the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. You are not required to enroll in Direct Deposit or to pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee to receive a Loan.
Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for personal loan customers with credit cards and personal loans in their name only and subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) register and/or apply through this landing page; (2) complete a loan application with SoFi within 90 days of your application submit date; (3) meet SoFi's underwriting criteria; (4) apply 50% or more of your loan proceeds directly to your lenders/creditors. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.25% rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Direct Pay Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice. It takes about 3 business days for your creditor/lender to receive payment after your loan is signed. You will be responsible for making all required payments to avoid credit card and other loan fees.
** SoFi Private Undergraduate Student Loans Disclosure: Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 3.54% APR to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 4.64% APR to 15.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates are capped at 17.95%. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 1/7/2024 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term and type of repayment option you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer (if applicable) and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Check out our eligibility criteria at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/. For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
** SoFi Private Graduate Student Loans Disclosure: Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 3.54% APR to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 4.64% APR to 15.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates are capped at 17.95%. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 1/7/2025 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term and type of repayment option you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer (if applicable) and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Check out our eligibility criteria at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/. For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi's underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 8/5/24 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
* The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit is suspended during periods of non-payment through ACH, deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
* 0.125% Continuing Scholar Discount: Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for private student loan customers who have previously borrowed a private student loan from SoFi and are taking out a subsequent loan only, select a term and repayment type that is eligible for the discount, and is subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) complete a loan application with SoFi; and (2) meet SoFi's underwriting criteria. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.125% rate discount because you have borrowed a private student loan from SoFi in the past. Offer good for existing private student loan borrowers only. Offer cannot be combined with other rate discounts, with the exception of the 0.25% autopay rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice.