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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.

479 Comments

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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 Mar 2009
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,043 Posts
277 Reputation
JonDaMan4Prez
12-29-2023 at 03:41 PM.
12-29-2023 at 03:41 PM.
Love Sofi.
2
Reply
Joined Mar 2009
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,043 Posts
277 Reputation
JonDaMan4Prez
12-29-2023 at 03:42 PM.
12-29-2023 at 03:42 PM.
Quote from flightxxx :
Can direct deposit be to the savings account? Or does it have to be to checking?

Can do either
Reply
Joined Nov 2013
L3: Novice
> bubble2 120 Posts
22 Reputation
kit7kat
12-29-2023 at 06:48 PM.
12-29-2023 at 06:48 PM.
I opened and one direct deposit (about $2800) went through. Now I qualify for 4.6%.
Reply
Joined Nov 2023
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 39 Posts
16 Reputation
LavenderRecess144
12-29-2023 at 07:42 PM.
12-29-2023 at 07:42 PM.
25 evaluation period seems to be tricky here. Usually pay-check comes every 2 weeks.. I.E 28 days ..
1
Reply
Joined Jun 2009
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,062 Posts
74 Reputation
dpjackal89
12-29-2023 at 08:51 PM.
12-29-2023 at 08:51 PM.
Quote from LavenderRecess144 :
25 evaluation period seems to be tricky here. Usually pay-check comes every 2 weeks.. I.E 28 days ..

It starts from the day your first paycheck hits your account.
Reply
Joined Jul 2007
L1: Learner
> bubble2 13 Posts
10 Reputation
macd231us
12-30-2023 at 12:57 AM.
12-30-2023 at 12:57 AM.
What about eligibility relative to previous account holders? Do they qualify? Or are they classified as "members" even if not holding any accounts? Not seeing this question raised yet. Thanks. Key portions of eligibility criteria...."All new and existing members without any history of direct deposit" ..."Members who previously enrolled in direct deposit" ...."whether currently still enrolled or not, do not qualify"
Reply
Joined Mar 2021
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 60 Posts
18 Reputation
FairEducation545
12-30-2023 at 01:14 PM.
12-30-2023 at 01:14 PM.
Quote from nextlevelsst :
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.

Same here. For similar amount in each bank, Chase gives me only a few cents as interest per month, SoFi gives me about $76 every month as interest. That is night and day difference!

Love SoFi - had the account for just over a year, no issues whatsoever. Their credit card is excellent and worth considering- 2% cash back on everything with no annual fees. Use it for everything other than chase 5% categories. It adds up. Use Publix ATM for transactions and withdrawal. Only thing I miss is Zelle.
Reply

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Joined Oct 2008
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,193 Posts
100 Reputation
flightxxx
12-30-2023 at 04:10 PM.
12-30-2023 at 04:10 PM.
is there a referral bonus of $50 active? so its $300 plus $50 if i sign up today?
Reply
Joined Mar 2011
All That Nerdy Stuff
> bubble2 3,093 Posts
381 Reputation
jasongw
12-30-2023 at 11:35 PM.
12-30-2023 at 11:35 PM.
Been with sofi over three years and I'm currently in process of leaving. Constant cycle of bait and switch.
1
Reply
Joined Oct 2007
L3: Novice
> bubble2 285 Posts
210 Reputation
wei2cool
12-30-2023 at 11:48 PM.
12-30-2023 at 11:48 PM.
Quote from jasongw :
Been with sofi over three years and I'm currently in process of leaving. Constant cycle of bait and switch.

Just curious, Where are you moving to? Who has better rate and comparable banking features? Especially the 2 day early direct deposit.

I am also with Sofi for 3 years and I found myself shifting more and more of my banking needs to Sofi. Just wondering what I am missing.
Reply
Joined Sep 2012
Convexity
> bubble2 315 Posts
BondTrader
12-31-2023 at 07:04 AM.
12-31-2023 at 07:04 AM.
Quote from FairEducation545 :
Same here. For similar amount in each bank, Chase gives me only a few cents as interest per month, SoFi gives me about $76 every month as interest. That is night and day difference!

Love SoFi - had the account for just over a year, no issues whatsoever. Their credit card is excellent and worth considering- 2% cash back on everything with no annual fees. Use it for everything other than chase 5% categories. It adds up. Use Publix ATM for transactions and withdrawal. Only thing I miss is Zelle.
Why not just use Charles Schwab and put the money in SWVXX at 5.27%, or open a chase brokerage and put the money into a money market fund earning 5.15% (VMVXX) ? while using their Chase Freedom and Chase Sapphire card? People still use debit cards? they should use Credit for all transactions, cash should be limited and only if necessary.

Why would anyone use a risky bank like Sofi?
4
Reply
Joined Jul 2007
L1: Learner
> bubble2 13 Posts
10 Reputation
macd231us
01-01-2024 at 03:12 AM.
01-01-2024 at 03:12 AM.
Anyone knows about eligibility criteria-past account holders can get the bonus? (no one has discussed this yet) Thanks.
Reply
Joined Sep 2018
L1: Learner
> bubble2 265 Posts
34 Reputation
magiccdeal123
01-01-2024 at 09:00 AM.
01-01-2024 at 09:00 AM.
Other than salary deposit any other way to qualify transfer as direct deposit?
Reply
Joined Nov 2011
L3: Novice
> bubble2 195 Posts
14 Reputation
davecornett
01-02-2024 at 01:14 PM.
01-02-2024 at 01:14 PM.
I have financed my home, student loans and personal loans with SOFI without any issue. Currently, I have setup $5,000+ a month for deposit and the 4.6% has applied without issue.
1
Reply

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Joined Apr 2020
L1: Learner
> bubble2 20 Posts
14 Reputation
JKnedgen
01-03-2024 at 01:59 PM.
01-03-2024 at 01:59 PM.
Quote from askjeevs :
No such questions were asked. I wish they gave the reason for decline straight to avoid the guessing game.

I had a similar situation and got the same email multiple times. I got on chat with a live agent but they were not able to tell my why my application was declined. I suspect it was because I have freezes active at the credit reporting bureaus so they couldn't run my credit or verify identity. I'll have to give it a go again in a week when I'm not locked out of applying...not a good start though for this bank.
Reply
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