No financial institution can be all things to all people, but some come pretty close.
BMO Harris Bank is one of those banks. It’s a full-service bank with hundreds of branches in the United States (mainly in the Midwest and Southwest) and thousands of fee-free ATMs. With a comprehensive array of checking and savings accounts, plus credit cards, auto loans, and more, BMO Harris Bank is about as close as a bank can come to being a one-stop shop.
Does that mean BMO Harris Bank is right for you? Not necessarily. Plenty of other high-quality banks vie for your deposits every day. See whether BMO is the best fit — or whether you should see what else is out there instead.
What Is BMO Harris Bank?
BMO Harris Bank N.A. is an American bank that provides consumer and business banking services online and through a network of physical branches. Eligible deposits with the bank are FDIC-insured up to statutory limits set by Congress.
Its deposit accounts include checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit (CDs), and it also offers credit products like credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and private student loans. BMO Harris Bank has a wealth management division that focuses on relatively high net worth individuals and families, but no self-directed brokerage platform.
Is BMO Harris Bank a good place to park your cash, borrow money, and invest for the future? I’ve reviewed dozens of online banks and brick-and-mortar financial institutions over the years, and I believe BMO Harris Bank is in the upper echelon of the brick-and-mortar group. In other words, it’s one of the best traditional banks to work with — in part because it has embraced technology and innovation in a way that many of its competitors haven’t.
How BMO Harris Bank Stacks Up
BMO Harris Bank is a full-service financial institution that consistently ranks among the top traditional banks for U.S.-based consumers.
It competes not only with other big banks like Chase Bank and Citibank but with major online banks as well. If you’re torn between an “innovative incumbent” like BMO Harris Bank and an “established upstart” like Ally Bank, see for yourself how the two compare.
BMO Harris Bank
Ally Bank
Monthly Maintenance Fees for Checking
None on the BMO Harris Smart Advantage™ Account
None
Savings Account Yields
Relatively low
3.60% APY
CD Yields
Up to 4.50% APY
Up to 4.25% APY
Credit Products
Credit cards, mortgages, credit-builder loans, home equity products, personal loans, auto loans, private student loans
Credit cards, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans
Self-Directed Brokerage
No, managed investments only
Yes
Physical Branches
Yes, in Illinois, Arizona, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, and some other states
No
What Sets BMO Harris Bank Apart?
Where does BMO Harris Bank get its edge? Out of all the bank’s advantages and selling points, three things really stand out:
A Checking Account With No Monthly Maintenance Fee, Period. The BMO Harris Smart Advantage™ Account is a truly free checking account. It doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee, period, regardless of balance or relationship status with BMO, yet it’s packed with features. It’s rare to find an account like this at a big bank.
One-Stop Shop for Credit. Even Ally Bank, probably the best online bank for borrowers, doesn’t bother with certain credit products. BMO Harris Bank has a comprehensive lineup of loans and lines of credit, from home and auto loans to personal and student loans.
Excellent CD Rates (For a Traditional Bank). BMO Harris Bank’s CD rates are competitive with the top online banks for CD customers. And they blow most traditional banks’ CD rates out of the water.
Key Features of BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank has a comprehensive lineup of deposit accounts and loans, plus some nice value-adds like account opening bonuses and a handy digital app. See what to expect from its products and how to determine which, if any, are right for you.
Account Opening Bonus Opportunities
BMO Harris Bank has some fantastic new account opening bonus opportunities for new checking customers.
BMO Harris PremierTM Account — $350 Cash Bonus
This one is best for higher-income folks who have no problem meeting the direct deposit requirement. Here’s how it works:
Open a new BMO Harris PremierTM Account by July 14, 2023, and receive a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits during the first 90 days of account opening. If you do, you’ll get a $350 cash bonus in your account.
This new checking account offer is not available for current BMO Harris personal checking customers, nor to customers who closed a personal checking account within the past 12 months. Open on-line or in branch; accounts subject to approval.
If you can’t notch $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits during the first 90 days, this bonus could be right for you. It’s nearly as generous:
Open a new BMO Harris Smart AdvantageTM or Smart MoneyTM Account by July 14, 2023,and receive a total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening. Do this and you’ll get a $200 cash bonus in your account.
The same restrictions apply to this offer — you must be a new BMO Harris personal checking customer and can’t have had a BMO Harris personal checking account within the past 12 months.
Checking Accounts
BMO Harris Bank offers three consumer checking accounts, each with its own clear use case. All offer access to in-branch and online banking, plus low- or no-fee transactions at more than 40,000 in-network ATMs:
BMO Harris Smart Advantage™ Account: With no monthly maintenance fee, this account is ideal for folks with modest incomes and low-ish balances — folks who wouldn’t be able to avoid monthly maintenance fees at most big competitor banks.
BMO Harris Smart MoneyTM Account: Is a $5 monthly maintenance fee worth it for no overdraft fees, ever? If you occasionally dip into the red, probably yes. And there’s no maintenance fee if you’re under age 25, making this a solid student checking account.
BMO Harris Premier™ Account: BMO’s fanciest checking account entitles you to relationship benefits like up to $25 in monthly out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement and 0.50% off your home equity line’s interest rate. Benefits increase with your total BMO deposit balance.
Like all banks, BMO charges some account fees beyond the headline monthly maintenance fees (where present). Here’s how the Smart Advantage Account’s fee schedule looks:
Fee Type
Fee Amount
Monthly Maintenance Fee
$0
Allpoint and BMO Harris ATM transactions
$0
Non-BMO ATM transactions
$0
Paper statements
$2, but $0 when you opt into paperless
Check images
$3, but $0 when you opt into paperless
Overdraft fee
$15, but $0 when you opt into overdraft services
Minimum opening deposit
$25
Savings Builder Account
The Savings Builder Account is BMO Harris Bank’s standard savings account. There’s a $25 minimum opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fee.
Savings Builder’s defining feature is a $5 reward for each month you save at least $200 during the first year. Save $200 per month for all 12 months of the first year from account opening and you’ll clear a cool $60 in extra cash.
Moving forward, the Savings Builder Account has a negligible yield — just 0.01% APY. First-year deposit bonus aside, it’s not suitable if you’re looking for a high-yield savings account. On the bright side, it doesn’t have the usual savings account transaction limit. You’re free to make as many withdrawals as you like without incurring a penalty.
Money Market Account
BMO Harris Bank’s money market account has a higher yield than the Savings Builder Account. However, the yield requires a paired Premier checking account, and your actual return depends on how much you have on deposit across all BMO accounts.
To get the best rates — 2.00% higher than the baseline — you need at least $250,000 in deposits with BMO. And you need at least $10,000 in the money market account to avoid the $10 monthly maintenance fee.
Needless to say, this one’s better if you have a lot of cash on hand.
Certificates of Deposit
BMO Harris Bank offers standard CDs with terms ranging from three months to 60 months (five years). All require a minimum opening deposit of $1,000 and charge interest penalties if you withdraw principal before maturity.
BMO’s standard CD rates are not competitive. The longer-term products earn less than 0.50%, compared with 4.00% APY or higher at the best online banks for CDs.
BMO does offer CDs with competitive rates though. These special CDs, as they’re known, earn upwards of 4.00% APY on terms ranging from 13 to 59 months. They require a minimum deposit of $5,000, but if you can swing that, they’re well worth it.
You can structure select CDs as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and enjoy tax-deferred or tax-free growth.
Individual Health Savings Account
BMO Harris Bank is one of relatively few banks that offer direct-to-consumer health savings accounts (HSAs). If you’re enrolled in an individual or family high-deductible health plan (HDHP) not through your employer, a BMO Harris Bank HSA can help you save for planned and unplanned medical expenses — or save for retirement if you stay healthy.
BMO’s HSA is delivered by Lively, a leading provider of individual HSAs. There are no ongoing or hidden service fees or monthly fees — you pay nothing out of pocket for the account — and you can withdraw money at any time to cover eligible health care expenses without paying taxes. Your contributions may be tax-deductible as well.
Credit Cards
BMO Harris Bank has four consumer credit cards, although its lineup has changed in the past and could in the future:
BMO Harris Bank Platinum Rewards Mastercard®. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas and groceries, up to $2,500 in combined purchases each calendar quarter. Plus, get 10% bonus points on your cardmember anniversary each year (based on prior-year spending) and 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 12 months from date of first transfer (must be completed within 90 days from date of account opening).
BMO Harris Bank Premium Rewards Mastercard®. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining, hotels, and airfare, up to $2,500 in combined spend each calendar quarter, plus 15% bonus points on your anniversary. The same first-year balance transfer promotion applies, but there’s a $79 annual fee after the first year.
BMO Harris Bank Cash Back Mastercard®. Get 5% cash back on eligible streaming and cable/satellite TV purchases and 3% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases, up to $2,500 in combined spend per calendar quarter. Plus, get up to $400 in cellphone protection (restrictions apply) and the same first-year balance transfer deal.
BMO Harris Bank Platinum Mastercard®. If you need to finance a major purchase, this is your card. Enjoy 0% APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers.
Loans and Lines of Credit
BMO Harris Bank offers a full lineup of loans and lines of credit:
Mortgage loans, including fixed-rate and variable-rate conventional loans, jumbo loans, and specialty loans like VA and FHA mortgages
Home equity products, including home equity loans and lines of credit
Specialty property loans for bank-owned properties — BMO is one of the few banks that connects consumers with distressed property opportunities
Unsecured personal loans and lines of credit
Savings secured loans — borrow against your savings balance
Credit-builder loans — ideal for people just beginning their credit journeys
Auto loans
Private student loans and student loan refinancing
Premier customers may qualify for rate discounts and other benefits on select loan products.
Wealth Management Services
BMO Harris Bank has a team of in-house wealth advisors who offer financial planning and investment management services customized to your needs. One thing to note here: BMO doesn’t have a self-directed brokerage, so if you prefer to manage your own funds, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Mobile Banking App
The BMO Harris mobile banking app is compatible with Android and iOS devices. It’s capable of handling most everyday banking functions, including online bill pay, money transfers, and statement review.
Advantages of BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank has a lot going for it. These are its most notable advantages.
Actually Has a Free Checking Account With No Minimum Balance. BMO Harris Bank is one of the few big banks that has a truly free checking account: the Smart Advantage Account. Most competitors require you to jump through some sort of hoops to avoid a monthly fee or impose age-based restrictions you can’t avoid.
Offers a Health Savings Account for Individuals. BMO Harris Bank’s individual HSA is another rarity among big banks. And it’s backed by Lively, a leader in the HSA space.
Built-in Free Overdraft Protection With Smart Money. BMO’s Smart Money Account doesn’t charge for overdrafts, period. Call it complimentary overdraft protection — it’s a big deal if you sometimes cut it close.
Impressive Range of Deposit Accounts and Loans. BMO Harris has three checking accounts, several savings products, and just about every major type of consumer loan you can imagine. It’s a one-stop shop for consumer financial products and services.
Competitive Rates on Special CDs. If you can meet the $5,000 minimum balance requirement, BMO’s special CDs are a great deal. Yields range from 2.00% to 3.00% annual percentage yield and appear responsive to changes in benchmark interest rates.
Disadvantages of BMO Harris Bank
Consider these potential drawbacks before opening an account with BMO Harris Bank.
Poor Savings Account Yields. BMO’s Savings Builder Account has a very poor yield. It’s not even worth talking about, frankly — if you’re in the market for a high-yield savings account, look elsewhere.
Standard CD Rates Aren’t Competitive. BMO’s standard CD rates aren’t competitive either. Fortunately, as long as the special CDs are available, you don’t have to bother with them.
Special CDs Have High Minimum Balance Requirements. BMO’s special CDs have high minimum balance requirements ($5,000). If that’s tough for you to swing, you may need to look elsewhere for competitive CDs.
Premier Benefits Have High Balance Requirements. BMO’s Premier relationship tiers offer lots of potentially valuable perks and benefits, but you have to hold up your end of the bargain by bringing tens of thousands of dollars to the table. The juiciest perks are reserved for people with at least $250,000 in eligible BMO accounts.
Is BMO Harris Bank Legit?
Yes, BMO Harris Bank is legit. It’s the eighth largest bank in North America by assets and serves more than 12 million customers on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. It has been in business for nearly 200 years and has paid dividends to shareholders for virtually all of that time — dividends that have steadily increased over the decades.
For U.S.-based customers, BMO Harris Bank is a Member FDIC institution, which means eligible deposits are insured up to statutory limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. When you open a checking, savings, money market, or CD account with BMO Harris, you can rest assured that your money is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government — up to $250,000 per account type.
Final Word
BMO Harris Bank is a full-service financial institution that has been in business for hundreds of years and serves millions of customers in the U.S. and Canada. It’s accessible through a network of physical branches (mostly in the Midwest and Southwest), through thousands of in-network ATMs, and online and through the BMO Harris Bank mobile app from anywhere.
BMO Harris Bank stands out for several reasons. It has one of the best no-maintenance-fee checking accounts of any big bank. It offers a comprehensive lineup of savings products, although its actual savings accounts don’t have competitive yields. And it’s basically a one-stop shop for consumer credit, from credit cards and auto loans to mortgages and education financing.
If you’re in the market for a new bank, I’d encourage you to give BMO Harris Bank serious consideration. It’s not perfect, to be sure, but it’s better than most.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
@media (max-width: 1200px)
body .ns-buttons.ns-inline .ns-button-icon width: 100%; .ns-inline .ns-button –ns-button-color: #000000;
Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.
In Best Low-Risk Investments for 2023, I provided a comprehensive list of low-risk investments with predictable returns. But it’s precisely because those returns are low-risk that they also provide relatively low returns.
In this article, we’re going to look at high-yield investments, many of which involve a higher degree of risk but are also likely to provide higher returns.
True enough, low-risk investments are the right investment solution for anyone who’s looking to preserve capital and still earn some income.
But if you’re more interested in the income side of an investment, accepting a bit of risk can produce significantly higher returns. And at the same time, these investments will generally be less risky than growth stocks and other high-risk/high-reward investments.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
Determine How Much Risk You’re Willing to Take On
The risk we’re talking about with these high-yield investments is the potential for you to lose money. As is true when investing in any asset, you need to begin by determining how much you’re willing to risk in the pursuit of higher returns.
Chasing “high-yield returns” will make you broke if you don’t have clear financial goals you’re working towards.
I’m going to present a large number of high-yield investments, each with its own degree of risk. The purpose is to help you evaluate the risk/reward potential of these investments when selecting the ones that will be right for you.
If you’re looking for investments that are completely safe, you should favor one or more of the highly liquid, low-yield vehicles covered in Best Low-Risk Investments for 2023. In this article, we’re going to be going for something a little bit different. As such, please note that this is not in any way a blanket recommendation of any particular investment.
Best High-Yield Investments for 2023
Table of Contents
Below is my list of the 18 best high-yield investments for 2023. They’re not ranked or listed in order of importance. That’s because each is a unique investment class that you will need to carefully evaluate for suitability within your own portfolio.
Be sure that any investment you do choose will be likely to provide the return you expect at an acceptable risk level for your own personal risk tolerance.
1. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
Let’s start with this one, if only because it’s on just about every list of high-yield investments, especially in the current environment of rising inflation. It may not actually be the best high-yield investment, but it does have its virtues and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Basically, TIPS are securities issued by the U.S. Treasury that are designed to accommodate inflation. They do pay regular interest, though it’s typically lower than the rate paid on ordinary Treasury securities of similar terms. The bonds are available with a minimum investment of $100, in terms of five, 10, and 30 years. And since they’re fully backed by the U.S. government, you are assured of receiving the full principal value if you hold a security until maturity.
But the real benefit—and the primary advantage—of these securities is the inflation principal additions. Each year, the Treasury will add an amount to the bond principal that’s commensurate with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Fortunately, while the principal will be added when the CPI rises (as it nearly always does), none will be deducted if the index goes negative.
You can purchase TIPS through the U.S. Treasury’s investment portal, Treasury Direct. You can also hold the securities as well as redeem them on the same platform. There are no commissions or fees when buying securities.
On the downside, TIPS are purely a play on inflation since the base rates are fairly low. And while the principal additions will keep you even with inflation, you should know that they are taxable in the year received.
Still, TIPS are an excellent low-risk, high-yield investment during times of rising inflation—like now.
2. I Bonds
If you’re looking for a true low-risk, high-yield investment, look no further than Series I bonds. With the current surge in inflation, these bonds have become incredibly popular, though they are limited.
I bonds are currently paying 6.89%. They can be purchased electronically in denominations as little as $25. However, you are limited to purchasing no more than $10,000 in I bonds per calendar year. Since they are issued by the U.S. Treasury, they’re fully protected by the U.S. government. You can purchase them through the Treasury Department’s investment portal, TreasuryDirect.gov.
“The cash in my savings account is on fire,” groans Scott Lieberman, Founder of Touchdown Money. “Inflation has my money in flames, each month incinerating more and more. To defend against this, I purchased an I bond. When I decide to get my money back, the I bond will have been protected against inflation by being worth more than what I bought it for. I highly recommend getting yourself a super safe Series I bond with money you can stash away for at least one year.”
You may not be able to put your entire bond portfolio into Series I bonds. But just a small investment, at nearly 10%, can increase the overall return on your bond allocation.
3. Corporate Bonds
The average rate of return on a bank savings account is 0.33%. The average rate on a money market account is 0.09%, and 0.25% on a 12-month CD.
Now, there are some banks paying higher rates, but generally only in the 1%-plus range.
If you want higher returns on your fixed income portfolio, and you’re willing to accept a moderate level of risk, you can invest in corporate bonds. Not only do they pay higher rates than banks, but you can lock in those higher rates for many years.
For example, the average current yield on a AAA-rated corporate bond is 4.55%. Now that’s the rate for AAA bonds, which are the highest-rated securities. You can get even higher rates on bonds with lower ratings, which we will cover in the next section.
Corporate bonds sell in face amounts of $1,000, though the price may be higher or lower depending on where interest rates are. If you choose to buy individual corporate bonds, expect to buy them in lots of ten. That means you’ll likely need to invest $10,000 in a single issue. Brokers will typically charge a small per-bond fee on purchase and sale.
An alternative may be to take advantage of corporate bond funds. That will give you an opportunity to invest in a portfolio of bonds for as little as the price of one share of an ETF. And because they are ETFs, they can usually be bought and sold commission free.
You can typically purchase corporate bonds and bond funds through popular stock brokers, like Zacks Trade, TD Ameritrade.
Corporate Bond Risk
Be aware that the value of corporate bonds, particularly those with maturities greater than 10 years, can fall if interest rates rise. Conversely, the value of the bonds can rise if interest rates fall.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
4. High-Yield Bonds
In the previous section we talked about how interest rates on corporate bonds vary based on each bond issue’s rating. A AAA bond, being the safest, has the lowest yield. But a riskier bond, such as one rated BBB, will provide a higher rate of return.
If you’re looking to earn higher interest than you can with investment-grade corporate bonds, you can get those returns with so-called high-yield bonds. Because they have a lower rating, they pay higher interest, sometimes much higher.
The average yield on high-yield bonds is 8.29%. But that’s just an average. The yield on a bond rated B will be higher than one rated BB.
You should also be aware that, in addition to potential market value declines due to rising interest rates, high-yield bonds are more likely to default than investment-grade bonds. That’s why they pay higher interest rates. (They used to call these bonds “junk bonds,” but that kind of description is a marketing disaster.) Because of those twin risks, junk bonds should occupy only a small corner of your fixed-income portfolio.
High Yield Bond Risk
In a rapidly rising interest rate environment, high-yield bonds are more likely to default.
High-yield bonds can be purchased under similar terms and in the same places where you can trade corporate bonds. There are also ETFs that specialize in high-yield bonds and will be a better choice for most investors, since they will include diversification across many different bond issues.
5. Municipal Bonds
Just as corporations and the U.S. Treasury issue bonds, so do state and local governments. These are referred to as municipal bonds. They work much like other bond types, particularly corporates. They can be purchased in similar denominations through online brokers.
The main advantage enjoyed by municipal bonds is their tax-exempt status for federal income tax purposes. And if you purchase a municipal bond issued by your home state, or a municipality within that state, the interest will also be tax-exempt for state income tax purposes.
That makes municipal bonds an excellent source of tax-exempt income in a nonretirement account. (Because retirement accounts are tax-sheltered, it makes little sense to include municipal bonds in those accounts.)
Municipal bond rates are currently hovering just above 3% for AAA-rated bonds. And while that’s an impressive return by itself, it masks an even higher yield.
Because of their tax-exempt status, the effective yield on municipal bonds will be higher than the note rate. For example, if your combined federal and state marginal income tax rates are 25%, the effective yield on a municipal bond paying 3% will be 4%. That gives an effective rate comparable with AAA-rated corporate bonds.
Municipal bonds, like other bonds, are subject to market value fluctuations due to interest rate changes. And while it’s rare, there have been occasional defaults on these bonds.
Like corporate bonds, municipal bonds carry ratings that affect the interest rates they pay. You can investigate bond ratings through sources like Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch.
Fund
Symbol
Type
Current Yield
5 Average Annual Return
Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund
VIPSX
TIPS
0.06%
3.02%
SPDR® Portfolio Interm Term Corp Bond ETF
SPIB
Corporate
4.38%
1.44%
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF
HYGH
High-Yield
5.19%
2.02%
Invesco VRDO Tax-Free ETF (PVI)
PVI
Municipal
0.53%
0.56%
6. Longer Term Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
This is another investment that falls under the low risk/relatively high return classification. As interest rates have risen in recent months, rates have crept up on certificates of deposit. Unlike just one year ago, CDs now merit consideration.
But the key is to invest in certificates with longer terms.
“Another lower-risk option is to consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD),” advises Lance C. Steiner, CFP at Buckingham Advisors. “Banks, credit unions, and many other financial institutions offer CDs with maturities ranging from 6 months to 60 months. Currently, a 6-month CD may pay between 0.75% and 1.25% where a 24-month CD may pay between 2.20% and 3.00%. We suggest considering a short-term ladder since interest rates are expected to continue rising.” (Stated interest rates for the high-yield savings and CDs were obtained at bankrate.com.)
Most banks offer certificates of deposit with terms as long as five years. Those typically have the highest yields.
But the longer term does involve at least a moderate level of risk. If you invest in a CD for five years that’s currently paying 3%, the risk is that interest rates will continue rising. If they do, you’ll miss out on the higher returns available on newer certificates. But the risk is still low overall since the bank guarantees to repay 100% of your principle upon certificate maturity.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
7. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
Do you know how banks borrow from you—at 1% interest—then loan the same money to your neighbor at rates sometimes as high as 20%? It’s quite a racket, and a profitable one at that.
But do you also know that you have the same opportunity as a bank? It’s an investing process known as peer-to-peer lending, or P2P for short.
P2P lending essentially eliminates the bank. As an investor, you’ll provide the funds for borrowers on a P2P platform. Most of these loans will be in the form of personal loans for a variety of purposes. But some can also be business loans, medical loans, and for other more specific purposes.
As an investor/lender, you get to keep more of the interest rate return on those loans. You can invest easily through online P2P platforms.
One popular example is Prosper. They offer primarily personal loans in amounts ranging between $2,000 and $40,000. You can invest in small slivers of these loans, referred to as “notes.” Notes can be purchased for as little as $25.
That small denomination will make it possible to diversify your investment across many different loans. You can even choose the loans you will invest in based on borrower credit scores, income, loan terms, and purposes.
Prosper, which has managed $20 billion in P2P loans since 2005, claims a historical average return of 5.7%. That’s a high rate of return on what is essentially a fixed-income investment. But that’s because there exists the possibility of loss due to borrower default.
However, you can minimize the likelihood of default by carefully choosing borrower loan quality. That means focusing on borrowers with higher credit scores, incomes, and more conservative loan purposes (like debt consolidation).
8. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are an excellent way to participate in real estate investment, and the return it provides, without large amounts of capital or the need to manage properties. They’re publicly traded, closed-end investment funds that can be bought and sold on major stock exchanges. They invest primarily in commercial real estate, like office buildings, retail space, and large apartment complexes.
If you’re planning to invest in a REIT, you should be aware that there are three different types.
“Equity REITs purchase commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties,” reports Robert R. Johnson, PhD, CFA, CAIA, Professor of Finance, Heider College of Business, Creighton University and co-author of several books, including The Tools and Techniques Of Investment Planning, Strategic Value Investing and Investment Banking for Dummies. “Income is derived primarily from the rental on the properties, as well as from the sale of properties that have increased in value. Mortgage REITs invest in property mortgages. The income is primarily from the interest they earn on the mortgage loans. Hybrid REITs invest both directly in property and in mortgages on properties.”
Johnson also cautions:
“Investors should understand that equity REITs are more like stocks and mortgage REITs are more like bonds. Hybrid REITs are like a mix of stocks and bonds.”
Mortgage REITs, in particular, are an excellent way to earn steady dividend income without being closely tied to the stock market.
Examples of specific REITs are listed in the table below (source: Kiplinger):
REIT
Equity or Mortgage
Property Type
Dividend Yield
12 Month Return
Rexford Industrial Realty
REXR
Industrial warehouse space
2.02%
2.21%
Sun Communities
SUI
Manufactured housing, RVs, resorts, marinas
2.19%
-14.71%
American Tower
AMT
Multi-tenant cell towers
2.13%
-9.00%
Prologis
PLD
Industrial real estate
2.49%
-0.77%
Camden Property Trust
CPT
Apartment complexes
2.77%
-7.74%
Alexandria Real Estate Equities
ARE
Research Properties
3.14%
-23.72%
Digital Realty Trust
DLR
Data centers
3.83%
-17.72%
9. Real Estate Crowdfunding
If you prefer direct investment in a property of your choice, rather than a portfolio, you can invest in real estate crowdfunding. You invest your money, but management of the property will be handled by professionals. With real estate crowdfunding, you can pick out individual properties, or invest in nonpublic REITs that invest in very specific portfolios.
One of the best examples of real estate crowdfunding is Fundrise. That’s because you can invest with as little as $500 or create a customized portfolio with no more than $1,000. Not only does Fundrise charge low fees, but they also have multiple investment options. You can start small in managed investments, and eventually trade up to investing in individual deals.
One thing to be aware of with real estate crowdfunding is that many require accredited investor status. That means being high income, high net worth, or both. If you are an accredited investor, you’ll have many more choices in the real estate crowdfunding space.
If you are not an accredited investor, that doesn’t mean you’ll be prevented from investing in this asset class. Part of the reason why Fundrise is so popular is that they don’t require accredited investor status. There are other real estate crowdfunding platforms that do the same.
Just be careful if you want to invest in real estate through real estate crowdfunding platforms. You will be expected to tie your money up for several years, and early redemption is often not possible. And like most investments, there is the possibility of losing some or all your investment principal.
Low minimum investment – $10
Diversified real estate portfolio
Portfolio Transparency
10. Physical Real Estate
We’ve talked about investing in real estate through REITs and real estate crowdfunding. But you can also invest directly in physical property, including residential property or even commercial.
Owning real estate outright means you have complete control over the investment. And since real estate is a large-dollar investment, the potential returns are also large.
For starters, average annual returns on real estate are impressive. They’re even comparable to stocks. Residential real estate has generated average returns of 10.6%, while commercial property has returned an average of 9.5%.
Next, real estate has the potential to generate income from two directions, from rental income and capital gains. But because of high property values in many markets around the country, it will be difficult to purchase real estate that will produce a positive cash flow, at least in the first few years.
Generally speaking, capital gains are where the richest returns come from. Property purchased today could double or even triple in 20 years, creating a huge windfall. And this will be a long-term capital gain, to get the benefit of a lower tax bite.
Finally, there’s the leverage factor. You can typically purchase an investment property with a 20% down payment. That means you can purchase a $500,000 property with $100,000 out-of-pocket.
By calculating your capital gains on your upfront investment, the returns are truly staggering. If the $500,000 property doubles to $1 million in 20 years, the $500,000 profit generated will produce a 500% gain on your $100,000 investment.
On the negative side, real estate is certainly a very long-term investment. It also comes with high transaction fees, often as high as 10% of the sale price. And not only will it require a large down payment up front, but also substantial investment of time managing the property.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
11. High Dividend Stocks
“The best high-yield investment is dividend stocks,” declares Harry Turner, Founder at The Sovereign Investor. “While there is no guaranteed return with stocks, over the long term stocks have outperformed other investments such as bonds and real estate. Among stocks, dividend-paying stocks have outperformed non-dividend paying stocks by more than 2 percentage points per year on average over the last century. In addition, dividend stocks tend to be less volatile than non-dividend paying stocks, meaning they are less likely to lose value in downturns.”
You can certainly invest in individual stocks that pay high dividends. But a less risky way to do it, and one that will avoid individual stock selection, is to invest through a fund.
One of the most popular is the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat ETF (NOBL). It has provided a return of 1.67% in the 12 months ending May 31, and an average of 12.33% per year since the fund began in October 2013. The fund currently has a 1.92% dividend yield.
The so-called Dividend Aristocrats are popular because they represent 60+ S&P 500 companies, with a history of increasing their dividends for at least the past 25 years.
“Dividend Stocks are an excellent way to earn some quality yield on your investments while simultaneously keeping inflation at bay,” advises Lyle Solomon, Principal Attorney at Oak View Law Group, one of the largest law firms in America. “Dividends are usually paid out by well-established and successful companies that no longer need to reinvest all of the profits back into the business.”
It gets better. “These companies and their stocks are safer to invest in owing to their stature, large customer base, and hold over the markets,” adds Solomon. “The best part about dividend stocks is that many of these companies increase dividends year on year.”
The table below shows some popular dividend-paying stocks. Each is a so-called “Dividend Aristocrat”, which means it’s part of the S&P 500 and has increased its dividend in each of at least the past 25 years.
Company
Symbol
Dividend
Dividend Yield
AbbVie
ABBV
$5.64
3.80%
Armcor PLC
AMCR
$0.48
3.81%
Chevron
CVX
$5.68
3.94%
ExxonMobil
XOM
$3.52
4.04%
IBM
IBM
$6.60
5.15%
Realty Income Corp
O
$2.97
4.16%
Walgreen Boots Alliance
WBA
$1.92
4.97%
12. Preferred Stocks
Preferred stocks are a very specific type of dividend stock. Just like common stock, preferred stock represents an interest in a publicly traded company. They’re often thought of as something of a hybrid between stocks and bonds because they contain elements of both.
Though common stocks can pay dividends, they don’t always. Preferred stocks on the other hand, always pay dividends. Those dividends can be either a fixed amount or based on a variable dividend formula. For example, a company can base the dividend payout on a recognized index, like the LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate). The percentage of dividend payout will then change as the index rate does.
Preferred stocks have two major advantages over common stock. First, as “preferred” securities, they have a priority on dividend payments. A company is required to pay their preferred shareholders dividends ahead of common stockholders. Second, preferred stocks have higher dividend yields than common stocks in the same company.
You can purchase preferred stock through online brokers, some of which are listed under “Growth Stocks” below.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
Preferred Stock Caveats
The disadvantage of preferred stocks is that they don’t entitle the holder to vote in corporate elections. But some preferred stocks offer a conversion option. You can exchange your preferred shares for a specific number of common stock shares in the company. Since the conversion will likely be exercised when the price of the common shares takes a big jump, there’s the potential for large capital gains—in addition to the higher dividend.
Be aware that preferred stocks can also be callable. That means the company can authorize the repurchase of the stock at its discretion. Most will likely do that at a time when interest rates are falling, and they no longer want to pay a higher dividend on the preferred stock.
Preferred stock may also have a maturity date, which is typically 30–40 years after its original issuance. The company will typically redeem the shares at the original issue price, eliminating the possibility of capital gains.
Not all companies issue preferred stock. If you choose this investment, be sure it’s with a company that’s well-established and has strong financials. You should also pay close attention to the details of the issuance, including and especially any callability provisions, dividend formulas, and maturity dates.
13. Growth Stocks
This sector is likely the highest risk investment on this list. But it also may be the one with the highest yield, at least over the long term. That’s why we’re including it on this list.
Based on the S&P 500 index, stocks have returned an average of 10% per year for the past 50 years. But it is important to realize that’s only an average. The market may rise 40% one year, then fall 20% the next. To be successful with this investment, you must be committed for the long haul, up to and including several decades.
And because of the potential wide swings, growth stocks are not recommended for funds that will be needed within the next few years. In general, growth stocks work best for retirement plans. That’s where they’ll have the necessary decades to build and compound.
Since most of the return on growth stocks is from capital gains, you’ll get the benefit of lower long-term capital gains tax rates, at least with securities held in a taxable account. (The better news is capital gains on investments held in retirement accounts are tax-deferred until retirement.)
You can choose to invest in individual stocks, but that’s a fairly high-maintenance undertaking. A better way may be to simply invest in ETFs tied to popular indexes. For example, ETFs based on the S&P 500 are very popular among investors.
You can purchase growth stocks and growth stock ETFs commission free with brokers like M1 Finance, Zacks Trade, Wealthsimple.
14. Annuities
Annuities are something like creating your own private pension. It’s an investment contract you take with an insurance company, in which you invest a certain amount of money in exchange for a specific income stream. They can be an excellent source of high yields because the return is locked in by the contract.
Annuities come in many different varieties. Two major classifications are immediate and deferred annuities. As the name implies, immediate annuities begin paying an income stream shortly after the contract begins.
Deferred annuities work something like retirement plans. You may deposit a fixed amount of money with the insurance company upfront or make regular installments. In either case, income payments will begin at a specified point in the future.
With deferred annuities, the income earned within the plan is tax-deferred and paid upon withdrawal. But unlike retirement accounts, annuity contributions are not tax-deductible. Investment returns can either be fixed-rate or variable-rate, depending on the specific annuity setup.
While annuities are an excellent idea and concept, the wide variety of plans as well as the many insurance companies and agents offering them, make them a potential minefield. For example, many annuities are riddled with high fees and are subject to limited withdrawal options.
Because they contain so many moving parts, any annuity contracts you plan to enter into should be carefully reviewed. Pay close attention to all the details, including the small ones. It is, after all, a contract, and therefore legally binding. For that reason, you may want to have a potential annuity reviewed by an attorney before finalizing the deal.
15. Alternative Investments
Alternative investments cover a lot of territory. Examples include precious metals, commodities, private equity, art and collectibles, and digital assets. These fall more in the category of high risk/potential high reward, and you should proceed very carefully and with only the smallest slice of your portfolio.
To simplify the process of selecting alternative assets, you can invest through platforms such as Yieldstreet. With a single cash investment, you can invest in multiple alternatives.
“Investors can purchase real estate directly on Yieldstreet, through fractionalized investments in single deals,” offers Milind Mehere, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Yieldstreet. “Investors can access private equity and private credit at high minimums by investing in a private market fund (think Blackstone or KKR, for instance). On Yieldstreet, they can have access to third-party funds at a fraction of the previously required minimums. Yieldstreet also offers venture capital (fractionalized) exposure directly. Buying a piece of blue-chip art can be expensive, and prohibitive for most investors, which is why Yieldstreet offers fractionalized assets to diversified art portfolios.”
Yieldstreet also provides access to digital asset investments, with the benefit of allocating to established professional funds, such as Pantera or Osprey Fund. The platform does not currently offer commodities but plans to do so in the future.
Access to wide array of alternative asset classes
Access to ultra-wealthy investments
Can invest for income or growth
Learn More Now
Alternative investments largely require thinking out-of-the-box. Some of the best investment opportunities are also the most unusual.
“The price of meat continues to rise, while agriculture remains a recession-proof investment as consumer demand for food is largely inelastic,” reports Chris Rawley, CEO of Harvest Returns, a platform for investing in private agriculture companies. “Consequently, investors are seeing solid returns from high-yield, grass-fed cattle notes.”
16. Interest Bearing Crypto Accounts
Though the primary appeal of investing in cryptocurrency has been the meteoric rises in price, now that the trend seems to be in reverse, the better play may be in interest-bearing crypto accounts. A select group of crypto exchanges pays high interest on your crypto balance.
One example is Gemini. Not only do they provide an opportunity to buy, sell, and store more than 100 cryptocurrencies—plus non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—but they are currently paying 8.05% APY on your crypto balance through Gemini Earn.
In another variation of being able to earn money on crypto, Crypto.com pays rewards of up to 14.5% on crypto held on the platform. That’s the maximum rate, as rewards vary by crypto. For example, rewards on Bitcoin and Ethereum are paid at 6%, while stablecoins can earn 8.5%.
It’s important to be aware that when investing in cryptocurrency, you will not enjoy the benefit of FDIC insurance. That means you can lose money on your investment. But that’s why crypto exchanges pay such high rates of return, whether it’s in the form of interest or rewards.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
17. Crypto Staking
Another way to play cryptocurrency is a process known as crypto staking. This is where the crypto exchange pays you a certain percentage as compensation or rewards for monitoring a specific cryptocurrency. This is not like crypto mining, which brings crypto into existence. Instead, you’ll participate in writing that particular blockchain and monitoring its security.
“Crypto staking is a concept wherein you can buy and lock a cryptocurrency in a protocol, and you will earn rewards for the amount and time you have locked the cryptocurrency,” reports Oak View Law Group’s Lyle Solomon.
“The big downside to staking crypto is the value of cryptocurrencies, in general, is extremely volatile, and the value of your staked crypto may reduce drastically,” Solomon continues, “However, you can stake stable currencies like USDC, which have their value pegged to the U.S. dollar, and would imply you earn staked rewards without a massive decrease in the value of your investment.”
Much like earning interest and rewards on crypto, staking takes place on crypto exchanges. Two exchanges that feature staking include Coinbase and Kraken. These are two of the largest crypto exchanges in the industry, and they provide a wide range of crypto opportunities, in addition to staking.
Invest in Startup Businesses and Companies
Have you ever heard the term “angel investor”? That’s a private investor, usually, a high net worth individual, who provides capital to small businesses, often startups. That capital is in the form of equity. The angel investor invests money in a small business, becomes a part owner of the company, and is entitled to a share of the company’s earnings.
In most cases, the angel investor acts as a silent partner. That means he or she receives dividend distributions on the equity invested but doesn’t actually get involved in the management of the company.
It’s a potentially lucrative investment opportunity because small businesses have a way of becoming big businesses. As they grow, both your equity and your income from the business also grow. And if the business ever goes public, you could be looking at a life-changing windfall!
Easy Ways to Invest in Startup Businesses
Mainvest is a simple, easy way to invest in small businesses. It’s an online investment platform where you can get access to returns as high as 25%, with an investment of just $100. Mainvest offers vetted businesses (the acceptance rate is just 5% of business that apply) for you to invest in.
It collects revenue, which will be paid to you quarterly. And because the minimum required investment is so small, you can invest in several small businesses at the same time. One of the big advantages with Mainvest is that you are not required to be an accredited investor.
Still another opportunity is through Fundrise Innovation Fund. I’ve already covered how Fundrise is an excellent real estate crowdfunding platform. But through their recently launched Innovaton Fund, you’ll have opportunity to invest in high-growth private technology companies. As a fund, you’ll invest in a portfolio of late-stage tech companies, as well as some public equities.
The purpose of the fund is to provide high growth, and the fund is currently offering shares with a net asset value of $10. These are long-term investments, so you should expect to remain invested for at least five years. But you may receive dividends in the meantime.
Like Mainvest, the Fundrise Innovation Fund does not require you to be an accredited investor.
Low minimum investment – $10
Diversified real estate portfolio
Portfolio Transparency
Final Thoughts on High Yield Investing
Notice that I’ve included a mix of investments based on a combination of risk and return. The greater the risk associated with the investment, the higher the stated or expected return will be.
It’s important when choosing any of these investments that you thoroughly assess the risk involved with each, and not focus primarily on return. These are not 100% safe investments, like short-term CDs, short-term Treasury securities, savings accounts, or bank money market accounts.
Because there is risk associated with each, most are not suitable as short-term investments. They make most sense for long-term investment accounts, particularly retirement accounts.
For example, growth stocks—and most stocks, for that matter—should generally be in a retirement account. While there will be years when you will suffer losses in your position, you’ll have enough years to offset those losses between now and retirement.
Also, if you don’t understand any of the above investments, it will be best to avoid making them. And for more complicated investments, like annuities, you should consult with a professional to evaluate the suitability and all the provisions it contains.
FAQ’s on High Yield Investment Options
What investment has the highest yield?
The investment with the highest yield will vary depending on a number of factors, including current market conditions and the amount of risk an investor is willing to take on. Generally speaking, investments with the potential for high yields also come with a higher level of risk, so it’s important for investors to carefully consider their options and choose investments that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Some examples of high-yield investments include:
1. Stocks: Some stocks may offer high dividend yields, which is the annual dividend payment a company makes to its shareholders, expressed as a percentage of the stock’s current market price.
2. Real estate: Investing in real estate, either directly by purchasing property or indirectly through a real estate investment trust (REIT), can potentially generate high returns in the form of rental income and appreciation of the property value.
3. High-yield bonds: High-yield bonds, also known as junk bonds, are bonds that are issued by companies with lower credit ratings and thus offer higher yields to compensate for the added risk.
4. Private lending: Investing in private loans, such as through peer-to-peer lending platforms, can potentially offer high yields, but it also carries a higher level of risk.
5. Commodities: Investing in commodities, such as precious metals or oil, can potentially generate high returns if the prices of those commodities rise. However, the prices of commodities can also be volatile and subject to market fluctuations.
It’s important to note that these are just examples and not recommendations. As with any investment, it’s crucial to carefully research and consider all the potential risks and rewards before making a decision.
Where can I invest my money to get high returns?
There are a number of places you can invest your money to get high returns. One option is to invest in stocks, which typically offer higher returns than other investment options. Another option is to invest in bonds, which are considered a relatively safe investment option.
You could also invest in real estate, which has the potential to provide high returns if done correctly. Finally, you could also invest in commodities, such as gold or silver, which can be a risky investment but can also offer high returns.
What investments can I make a 10% return?
It’s difficult to predict exactly what investments will generate a 10% return, as investment returns can vary depending on a number of factors, including market conditions and the performance of the specific investment. Some investments, such as stocks and real estate, have the potential to generate returns in excess of 10%, but they also come with a higher level of risk. It’s important to remember that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results, and that all investments carry some degree of risk
A qualified terminable interest property, or QTIP, trust lets a person control where their assets ultimately go if their spouse outlives them. When the first spouse dies, the trust supports the surviving spouse; when the surviving spouse dies, the remaining assets go solely to the first spouse’s chosen beneficiaries.
QTIPs are estate planning tools that couples can use for two primary purposes: to protect certain beneficiaries financially if a surviving spouse remarries or has other children, and to reduce estate taxes (though estate taxes typically apply to large estates only).
QTIP trusts are a type of testamentary trust, which means they take effect once the grantor — the creator of the trust — dies. The income the surviving spouse gets from the trust generally isn’t subject to estate tax. They’re also irrevocable, meaning they can’t be changed after they’re signed and funded.
Pros and cons of a QTIP trust
Advantages
Provides for a surviving spouse. QTIPs ensure a spouse continues to have income for life.
Irrevocable. QTIP trusts can’t be changed, which can be a drawback if your family or financial situation changes significantly.
Protects inheritance for beneficiaries. QTIP trusts preserve assets for the grantor’s children, even if the surviving spouse remarries or has children from a previous relationship.
Can be complex for the trustee to manage. The trustee of the estate must file tax documents accordingly and manage the assets according to the grantor’s wishes.
May reduce estate tax. This trust delays estate tax until the second spouse dies because it qualifies for the marital tax deduction.
Restrictive. This may be a benefit in some cases, but a QTIP trust limits the surviving spouse to the income of the trust assets; it doesn’t allow them access to the principal.
Best for: Ease of use. Cost: One-time fee of $159 per individual or $259 for couples. $19 annual membership fee thereafter.
Best for: Users who want an all-inclusive experience. Cost: $99 per year for Starter plan. $139 per year for Plus plan. $209 per year for All Access plan.
Best for: State-specific legal advice. Cost: $89 for Basic will plan. $99 for Comprehensive will plan. $249 for Estate Plan Bundle.
What is the purpose of a QTIP trust?
QTIPs have three main jobs.
1. Financial security for surviving spouses
QTIP trusts provide income to a surviving spouse for life while preserving the rest of the inheritance for the grantor’s original beneficiaries (usually children from a previous marriage). Both spouses can create QTIP trusts, though only one will take effect for the surviving spouse.
2. Estate tax reduction for high net worth couples
QTIP trusts qualify for the IRS marital estate tax deduction, which allows the surviving spouse to receive assets without paying federal estate taxes. The estate tax is assessed (if the estate is large enough to trigger estate tax in the first place) after the second spouse dies.The federal estate tax ranges from rates of 18% to 40% and generally only applies to assets over $12.06 million in 2022 or $12.92 million in 2023.
3. Certainty
Because a QTIP trust is irrevocable, the surviving spouse can’t change the amount they receive or take the principal out of the trust and give it to other people. Generally, the surviving spouse receives the interest earned on the assets in the trust only; they usually will also have access to any houses or property in the trust, but they won’t be able to sell the property. The principal and property ownership are reserved for the first spouse’s intended beneficiaries.
How do you set up a QTIP trust?
To create a QTIP trust, you’ll make a QTIP election on IRS estate tax return form 706. List the chosen assets (called the “qualified terminable interest property”) and their value on Part A of Schedule M.
There are a few requirements:
The surviving spouse must be a U.S. citizen. If they are not, you might be able to set up a Qualified Domestic Trust instead.
The surviving spouse must receive income from the QTIP trust at least once a year.
You must appoint a trustee to manage the trust. The trustee can be a family member, attorney or other trusted person. Due to the purpose of a QTIP trust, it’s best if this person isn’t your spouse.
If the assets in the trust aren’t generating income, the surviving spouse has the right to require the trustee to convert them into “profitable property” (i.e., something that does produce income).
QTIPtrust vs. Grantor retained annuity trust
The main difference between a QTIP trust and a grantor-retained annuity trust, or GRAT, is who inherits the assets and when. A GRAT is an irrevocable trust in which the grantor puts assets into a trust that pays an annuity back to the grantor.
When the grantor dies, the GRAT’s assets and capital gains go to the beneficiaries. Because the trust is irrevocable, it’s technically not part of the grantor’s estate and so the grantor’s death typically doesn’t trigger estate tax (if one is warranted).
Best for: Ease of use. Cost: One-time fee of $159 per individual or $259 for couples. $19 annual membership fee thereafter.
Best for: Users who want an all-inclusive experience. Cost: $99 per year for Starter plan. $139 per year for Plus plan. $209 per year for All Access plan.
Best for: State-specific legal advice. Cost: $89 for Basic will plan. $99 for Comprehensive will plan. $249 for Estate Plan Bundle.
QTIP trust vs. marital trust
The main difference between a QTIP and a marital trust is when non-spouse beneficiaries inherit the assets. A marital trust divides assets between a surviving spouse and other beneficiaries (usually children) when the grantor dies.
A QTIP trust, on the other hand, only passes assets to final beneficiaries once the surviving spouse dies. Also, a marital trust gives the surviving spouse more control over a portion of the assets; a QTIP trust typically restricts the surviving spouse to the income generated from the assets.
The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.
Scroll through TikTok’s finance feed and you’ll come across viral videos on “infinite banking.” The concept is making a splash on social media, fueled by celebrities like rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
But infinite banking is nothing new. The term was coined by economist Nelson Nash in the 1980s and outlined in his 2000 book, “Becoming Your Own Banker: Unlock the Infinite Banking Concept.” The strategy involves tapping into the cash value of certain life insurance policies like whole life and treating it as a personal bank.
Nash promoted infinite banking as a path to financial freedom and wealth creation. But it’s a little more complicated than Waka Flocka Flame and TikTokkers claim.
How infinite banking works
Whole life insurance policies usually last your entire life and have a cash value component that grows at a guaranteed rate over time. This rate of return varies among insurers, but it’s typically around 5%, Barry Flagg, a chartered life underwriter in Tampa, Florida, and the founder of the life insurance research company Veralytic, said in an email.
Once your policy has accumulated enough cash value, you can begin to take out loans against the funds — and that’s where the concept of “banking on yourself” comes in.
When you pay your life insurance premium, a portion goes to the policy’s cash value component. Infinite banking takes it one step further: Policyholders pour extra money into the cash value to speed up growth. They then treat it as a personal line of credit and borrow against the policy’s cash value to pay for large purchases instead of relying on traditional lenders or dipping into savings.
But cash value life insurance can be complex and pricey, and infinite banking is a nuanced concept. For these reasons, it’s best suited to high net worth individuals with a high risk tolerance to match, Flagg says.
Turning your policy into a personal bank
This strategy has perks. For example, you don’t have to qualify for a cash value loan in the same way you do for traditional loans. The money within cash value policies is liquid, and there’s no requirement to repay the loan by a set date — or at all. If you don’t, though, your insurer will subtract the amount you borrowed from the policy’s death benefit, leaving your beneficiaries with a lower payout when you die.
Under infinite banking, the cash value is collateral for the loan and the life insurance policy is tied to it. This means you risk losing your coverage if you don’t watch the cash value closely. Insurers charge interest on cash value loans, too.
“If you were truly borrowing from yourself, you wouldn’t be paying yourself interest,” says Daphne Jordan, an Austin, Texas-based certified financial planner and wealth adviser at Pioneer Wealth Management Group.
What’s more, infinite banking is expensive. For example, a healthy 40-year-old man can expect to pay $7,028 per year on average for a $500,000 whole life policy, according to Quotacy, an online life insurance brokerage. In most cases, he’d pay premiums every year for the rest of his life.
The financial obligations don’t stop there. Infinite banking only works when policyholders overfund the cash value. For a 40-year-old man in good health, that means contributing money beyond the $7,028 paid in annual premiums. It’s common practice in infinite banking to allocate around 10% of your income to the cash value each month, which is no small commitment.
Another downside of infinite banking is time. It can take years or even decades to build the cash value you need to start taking out loans without penalty.
Think about your priorities
The primary purpose of life insurance is to leave money to your loved ones when you die, not build wealth.
For Jordan, wealth creation is a science, and it starts with taking care of the basics.
Think paying off debt like student loans and credit cards and building an emergency savings fund. Aim to open a high-yield savings account at a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., or FDIC, or at a credit union backed by the National Credit Union Administration, or NCUA, and save enough money to cover three months of living expenses.
Focusing on your retirement comes next. Jordan recommends directing at least 10% of your income into a tax-advantaged retirement account, like a 401(k) or Roth IRA, before exploring something like infinite banking.
“When you’re on an airplane, they always tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others,” Jordan says.
“The way you do that with building wealth is to get rolling on saving for the unexpected and saving for your future self.”
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
When you look at Peerform reviews you first need to understand the difference between conventional loans and peer to peer loans. While traditional loans come from a bank and can take months to get done, P2P loans are done through a platform that connects investors and borrowers.
Peer-to-Peer lending sites are rapidly becoming preferred destinations for both borrowers and investors. Peerform is a newer member of the P2P Market and it provides opportunities for both borrowers and investors to get better rates than what they can get from banks or other traditional loan and investment sources.
About Peerform
Peerform was founded in 2010 by Wall Street executives with backgrounds in finance and technology. They started the platform because they realized that traditional lenders like banks seemed unwilling to provide loans for individual and small business owners.
The solution was to create a peer-to-peer lending platform that would bring both borrowers and loan investors together. This would also give investors an opportunity to earn much higher interest rates on their investments than what they could get through traditional bank investments like savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit.
The platform is able to offer lower rates to borrowers, and higher rates to investors, because it lacks the physical infrastructure and employment base that banks have. The reduction in operating costs from running a technology driven online lending platform could be passed on both borrowers and investors.
Peerform is headquartered in New York City and has been featured in major media outlets, such as Time and The Street. Peerform is currently eligible to make loans to residents in the 36 following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Loans made on Peerform are underwritten by Cross River Bank, a federally insured New Jersey chartered bank and FDIC member.
Borrowing Through Peerform
The Peerform borrowing process is quick and simple, and you can use the loan proceeds for just about any purpose, including for business related needs.
Here are the highlights of the Peerform lending process:
Loan purpose. Peerform makes personal loans that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, major purchases, car financing, business purposes, medical expenses, moving and relocation, wedding expenses, vacation, home buying, or other needs.
They also have a category referred to as a “green loan”. That’s where you take a personal loan and use it to purchase alternative energy equipment for your home. This typically can be something like solar panels for heat and hot water, or even the generation of electricity.
Loan amounts. Peerform will make loans that range in size $1,000 and $25,000.
Loan terms. All loans made through Peerform are for a term of 36 months. All loans are also fixed rate, installment loans that will be fully paid off at the end of the term. Peerform does not offer any other loan terms at this time.
Minimum borrower qualifications. In order to qualify for a loan with Peerform, you must have:
A minimum credit score of 600
No delinquencies, bankruptcies, tax liens, judgments, or non-medical related collections in the past 12 months
A minimum of one revolving account ever opened
A maximum debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of not more than 40% (not including mortgage debt)
A minimum of one open bank account
Although you don’t need to be employed, you do need to have an income which can be documented and verified. Also in regard to income, if you’re married, your spouse’s income cannot be used to qualify for the loan. Peerform provides personal loans, so you cannot include a cosigner for qualification purposes, nor make joint applications.
The loan application process. Peerform’s loan application uses a five step process:
Registration – This is an online registration that you can complete within a few minutes
Personal loan selection – After completing the online registration, the platform will review your information, and offer loan terms or alternatives.
Personal loan listing – After you have selected the loan terms that you want, your loan request is listed on the platform so that it can be evaluated by potential investors.
Verification – You will be asked to submit documentation that supports the information that you supplied in your registration form, or that will be needed to verify your identity.
The loan registration process will ask you to provide basic information, such as the loan amount you are requesting, the purpose of the loan, your credit score range, your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address, and annual salary and wages. You will then be asked to create a password.
Once you complete the registration form, you will be informed immediately if you qualify for a loan, and what the rate for that loan will be. Again, all loans are for a term of 36 months.
If you accept the offer, your loan request will be placed on the platform for investors to review and consider if they want to invest in it. You will also be taken through a step-by-step process to complete your application. Making application does not have any impact on your credit score.
Identity verification will involve you uploading copies of one of the following: your drivers license, military ID with photo, passport with photo, or US federal or state government ID. You will also be asked to verify your income. This will include two recent pay stubs, but they may also request recent tax returns and/or a copy of your bank statements.
Loan funding. In a best case scenario, your loan funds will be available shortly after the loan is put on the personal loan listing platform. However, all listed loans can remain on the platform for up to two weeks, which is known as the two-week listing period. You can track investor interest in your loan during the process.
But it is possible that your loan will not be fully funded within the two-week listing period. If it isn’t, you can either accept a lower loan amount (up to the amount funded), or you may need to reapply.
Interest rates and fees. Just like Lending club loans, interest rates with Peerfrom range between 7.12% APR and 29.99% APR. Rates are based on your Peerform Grade, and broken down into four alphabetic groups, each with its own rate range:
AAA, AA+, AA, A+ and A: 7.12% APR to 13.94% APR (credit score range: 700+)
BBB, BB+, BB, B+ and B: 14.86% APR to 19.44% APR (credit score range: 680 – 699)
CCC, CC+, CC, C+ and C: 20.87% APR to 26.92% APR (credit score range: 600 – 679)
DDD and DD+: 28.33% APR and 29..99% APR (credit score range: not indicated)
There are no application fees. There are however origination fees, typically 5.00% of the loan amount on all loans grades, except Peerform Grade loans AAA (1.00%), AA+ (2.00%) and AA (3.00%). The origination fee is deducted from your loan proceeds. For example, if your loan is $10,000, and the origination fee is 5.00%, you will receive net loan proceeds $9,500. The origination fee is payable only if the loan is issued.
The preferred loan repayment method by Peerform is by direct debits from your bank account. But you do have an option to pay by paper check. If you do, there is a $15 check processing fee for each check.
Late payments are assessed a fee of 5% of the monthly payment, subject to a $15 minimum per occurrence. There is also an unsuccessful payment fee in the event that your payment is refused. That fee is $15 per unsuccessful attempt, or a lesser amount as determined by state law.
There are no prepayment penalties in the event that you want to make a partial or full early payment on your loan.
Loan payments. You can repay your loan either by automatic draft from your bank account, or by mailing in monthly checks. However, Peerform does charge a fee of $15 per payment if you pay by check. There is no charge if you pay by automatic bank draft.
Site security. Peerform follows bank level security protocols, which includes encrypting and storing sensitive data in dedicated 24 hour maintain servers, which are protected with firewalls and housed in a secure facility. Servers are equipped with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate technology to ensure encryption.
You also don’t need to concern yourself with the fact that investors will have access to your personal information. They will get only the information needed for investment purposes, but will not have access to any information that personally identifies you. In that way, you can apply for a loan anonymously, and not concern yourself that the information is available to someone who is either unintended or inconvenient, and certainly not for general public consumption.
Investing Through Peerform
If Peerform is a great place to get a loan, it’s also a rich source of investment opportunities.
Here is how investing through Peerform works:
Investor qualifications. In order to invest on Peerform, you must be an accredited investor. That’s an investor who is either high income or high net worth, or both, and who is generally recognized as a sophisticated investor who understands risk, knows how to invest into it, and is prepared to lose all of his or her investment (the temperament factor).
According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, an accredited investor is defined as anyone who…
earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years, and reasonably expects the same for the current year, OR
has a net worth over $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse (excluding the value of the person’s primary residence).
.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-106border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;This differs from other P2P lenders. Prosper loan investors are allowed to start with as little as $25 to get started.
Investments offered. Peerform offers two types of investment products, whole loans and fractional loans. Whole loans are just what the name implies – you’re buying an entire loan. These investments are typically offered to institutions. Fractional loans are portions of loans, that are offered to individual investors.
These are not unlike investments on other P2P sites in which you can either invest in an entire loan, or in small pieces of many loans, commonly called notes.
All loans available for investment on Peerform are subject to analysis by the Peerform Loan Analyzer. The tool uses a highly advanced and dynamic algorithm for pricing loans. It uses empirical methods rather than filters (which are used on most P2P platforms) in order to better calculate consumer credit risk.
Custom portfolio. The portfolio enables you to diversify by customizing your investments to meet your needs. You can set investment goals, and the customization tool will outline how to invest your capital in order to reach your investment goals in the most concise way.
Fraud protection. Loan fraud is not uncommon and increases loan defaults, so Peerform takes extra steps to weed it out. In addition to requiring documentation to verify the borrower’s identity and income on the loan registration form, Peerform also uses both proprietary methods and commercially available licensed technologies and solutions to both detect and prevent fraud.
This includes third-party services such as Lexis Nexis for user identification, TransUnion for credit checks, and OFAC compliance.
Peerform also verifies that there is a variation of no more than 10% in the income stated by the borrower on the registration form, and that which is proven by the income documentation. If needed, IRS Form 4506T will be completed and sent to the IRS to verify the borrower’s income tax records. A small debit is taken from the borrower’s bank accounts, and verified by the borrower to make sure that the bank account is valid. The borrower’s phone number and email IP location are also verified.
Investment returns. Peerform offers rates of between 6.44% and 28.33% (net of origination fees). This rate range refers to returns before deducting for loan defaults, so your actual returns will be something less. .
Summary
Peerform is one of a growing number of P2P lending sites that also offers investment opportunities. The platform is using cutting edge technology to set the most accurate loan rates, which will also reduce the number of defaults that lowers the investment return on so many P2P lending sites.
We’re all used to hearing that if we want to get ahead in life, you need to get a college education.  Today I want to talk about an idea that is rarely discussed. The idea that education can negatively affect your bottom line! Education And Wealth: Millionaires Are Well Educated Now before we get too […]
Coined in 2003, the term HENRY, or âHigh Earner Not Yet Rich,â refers to people who make an above-average salary but still donât manage to accumulate much wealth. The term is said to apply to one of two groups of people: 1) millennials who make between $100,000 and $200,000 per year, or 2) families that […]
The post Investing as a HENRY (High Earner, Not Rich Yet) appeared first on SoFi.
Discover the benefits and drawbacks of Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking – the checking account for teens, young adults, and those with a checkered banking history.
Wealth advisors are a subset of the greater financial advisor world, and they typically (but not exclusively) help high-net worth individuals or families manage their assets, and plan for the future. Wealth advisors, or wealth management advisors, usually work with wealthy people or families with at least $1 million in liquid assets (i.e. not including […]
The post Guide to Wealth Advisors & What They Do appeared first on SoFi.