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SoFi Checking & Savings: Earn Up to 3.80% APY + Up to $300 with Direct Deposit, terms apply

+154 Deal Score
545,806 Views
SoFi® is offering up to $300 with direct deposit, terms apply. Up to 4.60% -> now 4.50% -> now 4.30% -> now 4.20% -> now 4.00% -> now 3.80% (as of 1/23/2025) annual percentage yield (APY) on savings and 0.50% APY on checking. No account fees.

The Direct Deposit Promotion will begin on 12/7/2023 at 12:01AM ET and end on 1/31/26 at 11:59PM ET.

Details/Features:
  • After Opening a New Account and setting up Direct Deposit, wait for your direct deposit to hit your account (typically 2-4 weeks).
  • Amount of Direct Deposit Cash Bonus depends on Total Direct Deposit amount in 30-day Evaluation Period :
    • $1,000 - $4,999 Total Direct Deposit: $50 Cash Bonus
    • $5,000 or more Total Direct Deposit: $300 Cash Bonus
  • SoFi will credit members who meet qualification criteria within seven business days of the end of the Evaluation Period.
  • No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint Network.
  • Up to 2-day-early-paycheck
  • Organize your money, set savings goals, and save your change with Vaults and Roundups.
  • You'll earn up to 4.60% -> now 4.50% -> now 4.30% -> now 4.20% -> now 4.00% -> now 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and up to 0.50% APY on checking balances.
  • There is no minimum direct deposit amount required. However, please note that there is a minimum direct deposit required for No-Fee Overdraft Coverage ($1,000).
  • Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/banking/
  • Member FDIC
  1. Up to $300 Bonus Tiered 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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
    SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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.
  2. APY disclosures
    SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members 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 Eligible 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. 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. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. 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.
  3. Fee Policy
    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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at
    sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Overdraft Coverage
    Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible 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.
Slickdeals may be compensated by SoFi®

Original Post

Written by
Edited May 5, 2025 at 10:24 AM by
SoFi® is offering up to $300 with direct deposit, terms apply. Up to 4.60% -> now 4.50% -> now 4.30% -> now 4.20% -> now 4.00% -> now 3.80% (as of 1/23/2025) annual percentage yield (APY) on savings and 0.50% APY on checking. No account fees.

The Direct Deposit Promotion will begin on 12/7/2023 at 12:01AM ET and end on 1/31/26 at 11:59PM ET.

Details/Features:
  • After Opening a New Account and setting up Direct Deposit, wait for your direct deposit to hit your account (typically 2-4 weeks).
  • Amount of Direct Deposit Cash Bonus depends on Total Direct Deposit amount in 30-day Evaluation Period :
    • $1,000 - $4,999 Total Direct Deposit: $50 Cash Bonus
    • $5,000 or more Total Direct Deposit: $300 Cash Bonus
  • SoFi will credit members who meet qualification criteria within seven business days of the end of the Evaluation Period.
  • No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint Network.
  • Up to 2-day-early-paycheck
  • Organize your money, set savings goals, and save your change with Vaults and Roundups.
  • You'll earn up to 4.60% -> now 4.50% -> now 4.30% -> now 4.20% -> now 4.00% -> now 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and up to 0.50% APY on checking balances.
  • There is no minimum direct deposit amount required. However, please note that there is a minimum direct deposit required for No-Fee Overdraft Coverage ($1,000).
  • Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/banking/
  • Member FDIC
  1. Up to $300 Bonus Tiered 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 Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
    SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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.
  2. APY disclosures
    SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members 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 Eligible 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. 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. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. 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.
  3. Fee Policy
    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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at
    sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Overdraft Coverage
    Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible 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.

Slickdeals may be compensated by SoFi®
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Created 12-07-2023 at 11:06 AM by EfficientGame645
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545,806 Views
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Featured Comments

Don't recommend this bank for serious users unless your goal is just to earn the signing bonus. I had SoFi for roughly 6 months, used them for direct deposit and bill pays as I normally did with other banks. One day I got an email saying my account was locked and needed to call their 800 number. I called multiple times and their CSRs were not only clueless but also rude by hanging up on customers if they didn't have answers. When asking to speak with their manager, their standard answer was "this is the highest escalation point". They could not tell you any reason why the account was locked, nor a timeline when the so-called internal review would be completed. During that review period, all scheduled payments will be declined and they are not responsible for any consequences. I filed complaints with CFPB, OCC and BBB, and got the restriction removed in a week or so. SoFi finally sent me a letter stating that "Regrettably, it was found that our system flagged your account in error, which caused the restriction. We offer our deepest apologies for the error and delay". As soon as the lock was removed, I closed my accounts and advised my family members and friends to do the same, because you never know when SoFi would decide to lock down your access to your own money without reasons and timelines.
any tricks for the direct deposit? will a bank transfer qualify?

NM, I read the fine print.

Bonus Terms: In order to qualify for eligibility for a bonus, SoFi must receive at least one Direct Deposit (as defined below) from an Eligible Participant, the first of which must be received on or after 12/7/2023. Direct Deposits are defined as deposits of $1,000.00 or greater from an enrolled member's employer, payroll, benefits provider, or government agency via ACH deposit. Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, benefits provider, or government agency (such as check deposits; P2P transfers such as from PayPal or Venmo, etc.; merchant transactions such as from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.; and external bank ACH transfers not from employers) do not qualify for this Direct Deposit Promotion. The amount of the bonus, if any, will be calculated during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period as described and defined below.
SoFi is great but they still have some common FinTech limitations that are annoying.
- You can only link other bank accounts using Plaid. If you don't agree to Plaid terms you are pretty much out of luck.
- Email notifications are very limited, they try to only use push notifications which are not nearly as good for keeping history and you have to keep the app on your phone.
- They do have a website at least, but it's very basic and similar to the app.

On the good side though
- The debit card is great, no foreign transaction fees, and many free ATMs
- You can keep all money in savings account and auto-draft to maximize interest
- Vaults are good for securing and saving money

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Joined Oct 2008
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,193 Posts
100 Reputation
flightxxx
12-13-2023 at 03:57 PM.
12-13-2023 at 03:57 PM.
Can direct deposit be to the savings account? Or does it have to be to checking?
1
Reply
Joined Jan 2006
L8: Grand Teacher
> bubble2 3,068 Posts
1,800 Reputation
jneset
12-13-2023 at 09:58 PM.
12-13-2023 at 09:58 PM.
Quote from flightxxx :
Can direct deposit be to the savings account?
Savings is fine and what earns the 4.6%ish
Reply
Joined Sep 2015
L4: Apprentice
> bubble2 302 Posts
348 Reputation
ero_ero_oyaji
12-14-2023 at 02:10 PM.
12-14-2023 at 02:10 PM.
Quote from stevedawg85 :
any tricks for the direct deposit? will a bank transfer qualify?

NM, I read the fine print.

Bonus Terms: In order to qualify for eligibility for a bonus, SoFi must receive at least one Direct Deposit (as defined below) from an Eligible Participant, the first of which must be received on or after 12/7/2023. Direct Deposits are defined as deposits of $1,000.00 or greater from an enrolled member's employer, payroll, benefits provider, or government agency via ACH deposit. Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, benefits provider, or government agency (such as check deposits; P2P transfers such as from PayPal or Venmo, etc.; merchant transactions such as from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.; and external bank ACH transfers not from employers) do not qualify for this Direct Deposit Promotion. The amount of the bonus, if any, will be calculated during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period as described and defined below.
When Capital One had this I did it with Robinhood and it worked. This was about a year ago not too sure if it's the same.
Reply
Joined Jan 2014
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 70 Posts
38 Reputation
nextlevelsst
12-14-2023 at 05:43 PM.
12-14-2023 at 05:43 PM.
I'll echo what others have said, once direct deposit is set up (I direct deposit into savings), you can set up your savings account to automatically transfer into checking anytime it goes below $0. Always keep $0 in checking for the better interest rate. We've been with SoFi for the majority of this year and have loved it. It's comical thinking back on how long I was with Chase earning .01% interest.
Reply
Joined Oct 2016
L1: Learner
> bubble2 15 Posts
22 Reputation
floppystick6
12-15-2023 at 06:54 AM.
12-15-2023 at 06:54 AM.
I used Sofi for several months, and it was great. Then I started to not get the 4.6% rate and it was because of the minimum direct deposit requirement. This upset me as it wasn't a requirement for my account before.

I went looking elsewhere and found Milli. There isn't a direct deposit minimum and it is a better APY at 5.5%. I moved all of my money from Sofi to Milli and closed my account.
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Joined Jun 2009
L4: Apprentice
> bubble2 479 Posts
10 Reputation
might
12-17-2023 at 11:10 AM.
12-17-2023 at 11:10 AM.
Just buy VMFXX mutual funds or 4 week T bill (local/state tax advantage). both will earn 5%+ interest.
1
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Joined Aug 2014
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 41 Posts
150 Reputation
asasidh
12-17-2023 at 06:42 PM.
12-17-2023 at 06:42 PM.
Played around with SoFi for a year and decided to move out. They are trying to do a bit of everything and failing at it. They also closed crypto this month.
1
4
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Joined Dec 2022
New User
> bubble2 1 Posts
10 Reputation
CleverHamster8688
12-18-2023 at 03:21 AM.
12-18-2023 at 03:21 AM.
Is account on sofi is better and reliable than CIT bank considering sofi giving $300 bonus and referral amounts
Reply
Joined Nov 2010
The New One
> bubble2 257 Posts
436 Reputation
askjeevs
12-18-2023 at 05:19 AM.
12-18-2023 at 05:19 AM.
Application declined and I don't have a clue as to what was wrong and if I should try again. Tried to get more information from chexsystems but it won't take my request and asking me to call them. Anyone in the same situation and/or have any advice for me?

Thank you for your interest in SoFi Bank.
Unfortunately, we are unable to open accounts for you at this time. This may be a result of:
Our inability to verify certain information that is required under the Patriot Act.
Data made available to us through public or private sources, which in this case does not include data obtained from any consumer credit reporting agency.
Certain transaction(s) or attempted transaction(s) with us or an affiliate.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Best,
The SoFi Team
Reply
Joined Dec 2009
L3: Novice
> bubble2 181 Posts
26 Reputation
prozario
12-18-2023 at 01:24 PM.
12-18-2023 at 01:24 PM.
Quote from askjeevs :
Application declined and I don't have a clue as to what was wrong and if I should try again. Tried to get more information from chexsystems but it won't take my request and asking me to call them. Anyone in the same situation and/or have any advice for me?

Thank you for your interest in SoFi Bank.
Unfortunately, we are unable to open accounts for you at this time. This may be a result of:
Our inability to verify certain information that is required under the Patriot Act.
Data made available to us through public or private sources, which in this case does not include data obtained from any consumer credit reporting agency.
Certain transaction(s) or attempted transaction(s) with us or an affiliate.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Best,
The SoFi Team
Did they ask you security/credit verification question - usually involves something like they ask you old street address, bank names, or maybe monthly mortgage amount ? If you get them wrong - then they might suspect a fraud & they'll probably shut down the application.
Reply
Joined Nov 2010
The New One
> bubble2 257 Posts
436 Reputation
askjeevs
12-19-2023 at 05:02 AM.
12-19-2023 at 05:02 AM.
Quote from prozario :
Did they ask you security/credit verification question - usually involves something like they ask you old street address, bank names, or maybe monthly mortgage amount ? If you get them wrong - then they might suspect a fraud & they'll probably shut down the application.
No such questions were asked. I wish they gave the reason for decline straight to avoid the guessing game.
Reply
Joined Oct 2013
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 64 Posts
34 Reputation
fuzzevans
12-19-2023 at 08:45 AM.
12-19-2023 at 08:45 AM.
I will always add my anecdotal experience with this company when I see it trending here.
I was prompted to 'apply for a loan' to see rates, so I did, they denied me without listing cause (I'm told may be a no-no), and they seemingly immediately sold my data to a bunch of other vendors that started spamming me with 'bad credit?! We approve everyone!'.
They then had the audacity to spam me themselves with '.... want a loan?! Click here!'.
847/850 credit score, just to get bait and switched over and over.

Check out 'One Finance' - they offer 5% apy on all accounts - savings and checking. They are difficult to deal with if you're moving large amounts of money (I sold a house) but for daily checking/savings needs, they're great.
1
3
Reply
Joined Oct 2013
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 64 Posts
34 Reputation
fuzzevans
12-19-2023 at 08:48 AM.
12-19-2023 at 08:48 AM.
Quote from askjeevs :
Application declined and I don't have a clue as to what was wrong and if I should try again. Tried to get more information from chexsystems but it won't take my request and asking me to call them. Anyone in the same situation and/or have any advice for me?

Thank you for your interest in SoFi Bank.
Unfortunately, we are unable to open accounts for you at this time. This may be a result of:
Our inability to verify certain information that is required under the Patriot Act.
Data made available to us through public or private sources, which in this case does not include data obtained from any consumer credit reporting agency.
Certain transaction(s) or attempted transaction(s) with us or an affiliate.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Best,
The SoFi TeamI
I just added my own comment to this thread talking about how shady they are with this stuff. It's reasurring to see others with the same issue. Keep an eye out now to see if you start getting lots of spam offerings from other lenders/banks. I think this company is a massive scam, and cannot suggest people avoid them enough.
1
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Joined Nov 2007
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 678 Posts
far3320
12-19-2023 at 02:49 PM.
12-19-2023 at 02:49 PM.
Why not use as Ally instead? I've heard so many negative stories Scott soFi.
1
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