MoneyLL Archives - Hanover Mortgages

May 19, 2022

Can an Immigrant Who Is Undocumented Open a Bank Account?

If you’re a fresh arrival to the United States, you’ll be glad to know that even if you’re undocumented, opening a bank account is possible. Which is very good news; after all, taking care of bills and everyday purchases is a lot easier — not to mention safer — when your cash is safely stashed in a checking account.

However, you will have to follow certain steps and perhaps a work-around or two. Probably the most important is that you’ll just need to provide an alternative for the Social Security number you don’t have. You may well find that a Tax Identification Number, or ITIN, along with the other required identification, can get the job done.

Let’s take a closer look at how an undocumented immigrant can open a bank account and the benefits of doing so.

What Do Immigrants Need to Open a Bank Account?

Like anyone else who opens a bank account, immigrants will need to provide and verify basic identifying information, such as their name and date of birth, using government-issued identification. This requirement may be met by a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or consular ID — and you’ll likely need to provide two different types of identification.

In addition, you’ll need to prove your residence. This can probably be done by presenting a utility bill, lease contract, or other official statement that includes your current address.

Finally, you’ll need either a Social Security number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (ITIN). As an immigrant, the latter may be easier to obtain.

So, to recap, to open a bank account, you’ll want to check the eligibility requirements of the financial institution to which you’re applying, but you’ll probably need:

• Official identification documentation

• Proof of address

• An SSN or ITIN

• Anything else the bank might require (such as a minimum opening deposit)

What Is an ITIN?

We mentioned an ITIN as an option to an SSN above. You may wonder what exactly that is. Here’s the scoop: ITIN is short for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It’s an official form of identification that the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) issues to immigrants in order to make it possible to file taxes.

But your ITIN has other perks, too — such as allowing you to open a bank account with financial institutions that accept this form of identification instead of an SSN. These days, there are plenty of banks that fit that category, but you should always contact the bank you’re considering to verify that they’ll process an account application without an SSN.

Keep in mind, too, that you aren’t automatically issued an ITIN once you arrive in the U.S. In order to obtain one, you’ll need to apply for one with the IRS directly. You can do this by mail or in person.

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How to Open a Bank Account With an ITIN Instead of a SSN

Here’s the good news: Once you have an ITIN, opening a bank account using it in place of an SSN should be a fairly straightforward process. You’ll simply supply that number instead of your SSN on that part of the application. If you apply online, the application process may take only a few minutes.

💡 Recommended: Can You Open a Bank Account Online?

The rest of the application will involve the bank gathering documentation, accepting your opening deposit, and issuing your bank account number and debit card. The process of establishing the account may take a couple of days. In addition, you may need to wait a week or more to receive your debit card in the mail.

And then, voila: You’re the proud owner of a U.S. bank account!

Benefits of Opening a Bank Account for Undocumented Immigrants

If you’ve been doing most of your financial transactions in cash for a while, you may wonder if going through the steps it takes to open a bank account is even worth it.

For many immigrants, it definitely is. A bank account makes it safer and easier to store and use your money. What’s more, it can also help you establish history and move toward legitimizing yourself as an American resident.

Personal Safety

Carrying cash is always risky. If you accidentally drop some (which can easily happen while you’re lugging bags in one hand and a coffee in the other), it’s gone forever. That’s not to mention the risk of others eyeing your cash. Paper money is liable to theft, and carrying large amounts of cash could even put you at risk of physical violence.

Having a checking account makes it possible to store larger amounts of money with a lower risk level. You’ll still be able to access cash when you need it using an ATM or your debit card. For these reasons, opening a bank account could increase your level of physical safety as an immigrant.

Establishing History

Opening a bank account shows people that you’re here on at least a semi-permanent basis, and may even help you establish state residency. While the process of naturalization is, of course, long and complex, having a bank account can be one small step toward legitimizing your status as a U.S. resident.

Ability to Save Money

Most banks offer both checking and savings accounts—the latter of which is an excellent vehicle for building up a rainy day fund. Having a separate savings account makes it a lot easier to put some money “out of sight, out of mind” so you’re prepared for an emergency. And, of course, it’s a lot more secure than stuffing cash into a coffee can or under the mattress.

Earning Interest

In addition to being physically safer, bank accounts also give you an edge against inflation. Here’s why: Many of them make it possible to earn interest on your balances—even on a checking account. The interest you earn might be pretty low, but it’s still better than no growth at all. Plus, it’s a low-risk investment given that money in a legitimate bank account is FDIC-insured up to $250,000.

The Takeaway

While it may take a few extra steps, it’s totally possible for an undocumented immigrant to open a bank account. You may just have to apply for an ITIN to use in place of your SSN, but once you get that taken care of, you’ll have access to a safe, potentially interest-earning place to stash your cash.

When shopping around for where you’d like to bank, may we suggest one option? SoFi Checking and Savings, which offers both kinds of accounts with no pesky monthly fees. If you set up direct deposit, you’ll earn 1.25% APY on your balances. (That’s at least 33 times the national average interest rate for a checking account, just in case you’re keeping score.)

Come see how simple and money-smart banking with SoFi can be.

FAQ

How do undocumented immigrants open a bank account?

An undocumented immigrant will need an alternative to the Social Security number, or SSN, in order to open a bank account. This number is called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, and you can apply for one through the RIS.

Can I open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN?

Unfortunately, you’ll likely need one or the other of these official, identifying numbers in order to open a bank account.

Can a U.S. citizen open a bank account abroad?

Yes, but it can be tricky. Many U.S. citizens have offshore bank accounts, though the process of applying for one may vary depending on which country you’re hoping to open an account in. It can involve a lot of paperwork, and starting this kind of account may have tax ramifications in both the U.S. and the foreign country in question.

Photo credit: iStock/Bilgehan Tuzcu

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 1.25% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on all account balances in their Checking and Savings accounts (including Vaults). Members
without direct deposit will earn 0.70% APY on all account balances in their Checking and Savings accounts (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change
at any time. Rate of 1.25% APY is current as of 4/5/2022. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

May 16, 2022

Guide to Dental Loans

Finding out you need dental work can be scary — and scary expensive. Still, the pain and the price could get even worse if you put off getting care. And sometimes delaying just isn’t an option.

If you don’t have enough money stashed away in your emergency fund, and your insurance won’t cover all your costs, you may want to chew on the pros and cons of taking out a dental loan.

What Are Dental Loans?

Medical financing loans are personal loans that are used to pay for a variety of medical expenses, including dental work and related expenses.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the upfront cost of a root canal or crown, or you expect to pay a substantial amount over time for braces, aligners, or implants, a dental loan can be a quick and convenient way to get the financing you need.

With a dental loan, you can borrow money to pay for your care, then make monthly payments until the loan balance is paid off.

How Do Dental Loans Work?

Dental loans are usually unsecured personal loans, which means you don’t have to put up collateral to secure the loan. Approval for a loan for dental work will be based on your creditworthiness.

If you qualify, you’ll receive a lump sum of money that’s to be repaid in monthly installments consisting of principal and interest. Since dental loans typically have fixed interest rates, your payments should be the same amount each month throughout the repayment period.

What Can Dental Loans Be Used For?

You typically can use a personal loan to pay for just about anything as long as it’s legal and within the terms of your loan agreement. For example, you can use a personal loan to pay for wedding expenses, home improvements, or legal fees.

Costs related to your dental care are included in common uses for personal loans. These might include treatment — even for expensive elective or cosmetic procedures that may not be covered completely or at all by dental insurance, over-the-counter or prescription medications you might require, transportation. You can even use the funds for the milkshake and soup you might need after your procedure.

Here are approximate costs for some common procedures that could be paid for with a dental loan:

Porcelain Crown

The cost of a crown can vary based on the materials used to make it, as well as the size, shape, and location of the tooth that’s being replaced. Costs for an all-porcelain crown can range from $800 to $3,000. Dental insurance may cover some of that expense, unless the crown is strictly for cosmetic purposes.

Whitening

A basic teeth cleaning may be covered by dental insurance as part of your annual exam. But an in-office teeth bleaching (which can cost $300 to $500 or more) or a laser whitening (which averages $1,000), likely won’t be covered by insurance.

Root Canal

The cost of a root canal could range from about $700 to $1,800 if you don’t have dental insurance. The cost can depend on several factors, including which tooth is being worked on and if the work is done by a specialist. Insurance may take the cost down to between $200 and $1,500.

Aligners

Teeth aligners can be pretty pricey no matter which type you buy, but if you go with an in-office treatment, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $8,000. At-home brands range from about $1,200 to $3,300. Your insurance provider may pay for some of those costs, but you should check your coverage before ordering.

Veneers

Veneers can range from $470 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on the type and how much prep work is involved. The cost generally is not covered by dental insurance.

Typical Dental Loan Application Process

Your dentist may offer an in-house financing plan to help with costs — especially if he or she specializes in cosmetic procedures. Or the practice may partner with a lender who provides these types of loans. You aren’t obligated to use your dentist’s financing plan, but you may want to check out what the practice is offering. You also can go online to compare dental loan offers from traditional and online lenders.

Compare Offers: Choosing the Right Loan

When you start shopping for loans for dental work, you can go to individual lenders’ websites to see what they have to offer or use a comparison site to conveniently check out multiple lenders.

Getting prequalified with a few different lenders can help you get the clearest idea of what’s available and what’s best for your needs. Lenders typically use a soft credit pull during the prequalification process, so it won’t affect your credit score.

Here are a few things to watch for as you shop for financing:

Annual Percentage Rate

A loan’s annual percentage rate (APR) tells you the amount of interest you can expect to pay on your loan over the course of one year, including any fees or charges you might incur. Because it gives you a complete picture of the cost of the loan (as opposed to just looking at the interest rate), the APR can be a useful tool for comparing various loan offers.

Recommended: APR vs. Interest Rate

Fees

Fees can add up quickly, and they can add to the cost of your loan. Some common fees to look out for could include an application fee, origination fee, late payment fee, returned payment fee, and a prepayment penalty. Low-fee or fee-free loans may save you money over the life of the loan.

Loan Amounts

Some lenders may have loan minimums that require you to borrow more than you need. Before you go loan shopping, you may want to get dental procedure cost estimates to get an idea of how much you’ll have to borrow. Then you can look for lenders who are willing to lend that amount.

Loan Terms

Another important factor to consider is the loan term, or how long you’ll be given to repay the money you’ve borrowed. Of course, you’ll want to find a loan term that feels comfortable (a longer-term can equal lower payments). But a longer-term also could increase the amount you pay in interest over the life of the loan. You may want to think about how the loan length could affect your future financial goals.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you settle on a particular personal loan for dental work, you may want to check out the lender’s eligibility requirements. In the process of checking your personal loan rate, most sites will review your credit scores, credit history, income, and other personal financial information to determine whether you qualify for a particular interest rate or other loan terms.

Many lenders will accept a fair credit score (a FICO® Score of 580 to 669 is considered fair), but a good FICO Score (670 to 739) could qualify you for a more favorable interest rate and other terms. If you have a poor score (lower than 580), lenders may consider you to be a high lending risk, which could affect your eligibility. You may be able to find a loan, but the interest rate will likely be more expensive.

Approval and Funding Timeline

If you can’t get your treatment until you can pay for it — and you need it soon — a quick approval time and rapid funding also could be an important considerations. One of the major pluses of using an online lender can be the convenience and fast application time. If you have all your information ready, it can be easy to apply using an online form. And if you qualify, the money generally can be available within a few days.

Customer Service

Does the lender have a reputation for good customer service? You may want to check into how various lenders deal with consumer questions and problems. At the same time, you can see if there are any perks to building a relationship with a lender that might benefit you in the future.

Applying for a Dental Loan

If you find a lender and loan terms you like, and you’re ready to apply, your next step will be to complete a formal application. You can expect to be asked to verify your identity, income, and current address, and it can make things easier if you gather up the necessary documents ahead of time. You’ll probably need your driver’s license, Social Security number, recent pay stubs and/or bank statements, and a utility bill or some other proof of address.

Once you apply, most lenders will do a hard credit check, which may cause your credit score to drop by a few points temporarily. The lender will evaluate your ability to repay the loan and, if you qualify, your loan will be funded.

Pros and Cons of Dental Loans

Whether you need money for a one-time emergency procedure or for a series of treatments that could add up to a big expense, a dental loan may be an option worth considering. Here are some pros and cons that could help you decide if a personal loan makes sense for your situation:

Pros

Convenient Online Comparison

Applying for a personal loan online can be convenient and quick. Many lenders offer personal loans that can be used for dental treatment, so you can shop for the loan amount and terms that best suit your needs.You may be able to get your approval within a few hours (maybe even a few minutes) and you could receive your money within a few days.

Competitive Terms

If you have a solid credit history, a stable income, and fair or better credit scores, you may qualify for a competitive interest rate and a repayment period you feel comfortable with. (The interest rate on a dental loan is typically lower than the interest rate on a credit card.)

Fixed Payments

With a dental loan, borrowers typically receive a lump sum of money that is repaid in fixed monthly payments. This can make it easier to budget and manage your payments.

Cons

Fees and Penalties

Some dental treatment loans come with fees and penalties that can drive up the overall cost of borrowing. You may be able to keep your costs down, though, by finding a low- or no-fee loan.

Alternatives May Cost Less

If you can qualify for a credit card with a low or 0% promotional rate for purchases, it may be a less expensive way to borrow money — at least for a while. Zero-interest credit cards charge no interest during an introductory period, which typically lasts from six to 18 months. Paying the balance in full within the promotional period is essential to making the most of an offer like this.

Fixed Payments

Having a fixed monthly payment can make budgeting easier, but it doesn’t provide flexibility if you can’t make that payment for some reason. A different financing option, such as a credit card, might offer more adaptable minimum monthly payments.

Pros and Cons of Dental Loans

Pros	Cons
Easy to compare lenders online.	Some dental loans have fees and penalties that can increase the overall cost.
Terms are competitive and interest rates are generally lower than on credit cards.	Alternatives like credit cards with a 0% interest introductory rate may be less expensive.
Fixed monthly payments can make it easy to budget for the expense.	Fixed payments don’t allow for budget shortfalls.

Alternatives to Personal Loans

If you can’t afford the dental work you need, there are options besides dental loans that you might want to check out. A few to consider include:

Credit Cards

If you already have a low-interest credit card, you may want to compare the interest you’d pay if you used that card vs. the cost of a dental loan. Or you might want to consider the pros and cons of applying for a low or 0% introductory-rate credit card — if you think you can pay off the balance during the designated promotional period. If you end up using a high percentage of your available credit, however, your credit score could be negatively affected.

Dental Office Financing

Your dentist may offer some type of in-house financing to patients who can’t afford the treatments they want or need. The practice might partner with a lender that offers loans for dental procedures, for example, or the dental office might suggest a medical credit card with a low or 0% introductory rate. These offers may be worth reviewing and comparing to similar options, as long as you’re clear on all the repayment terms.

Grants

There are grant programs aimed at helping seniors, adults and children living in low-income households, and those who have special needs. The Dental Lifeline Network is a nonprofit organization that provides access to dental care for people who can’t afford it. Some dentists also may offer partial grants to attract new patients who need extensive and expensive treatment.

Explore Personal and Dental Loans with SoFi

A dental loan can be a quick and convenient solution if you need cash to pay for an unexpected dental procedure or an elective treatment you’ve been thinking about for a while (like braces, aligners or implants). Whether you’re considering an expensive cosmetic procedure or you need a crown or root canal ASAP, SoFi may offer a personal loan rate that works for your unique financial situation.

There are no fees with SoFi Personal Loans, and borrowers have access to customer support seven days a week. The application can be completed online, and you can check your rate in just one minute.

Take the pain out of dental costs and check your rates on a personal loan from SoFi

FAQ

What credit score do you need for dental implant loans?

Many lenders will offer a dental loan to a borrower with a fair credit score. (A FICO Score of 580 to 669 is considered fair). But a good FICO Score (670 to 739) could improve your interest rate and other terms. If you have a poor score (lower than 580), lenders may consider you to be a higher risk, which could affect your eligibility.

Can you get your teeth fixed with no money?

You may be able to find a research clinic or university dental program that provides free services to volunteer patients who need care. And some dental practices may occasionally offer free care to low-income patients. There are also grants that could help cover costs.

Can you put dental work on a credit card?

Yes, you can use a regular credit card or a medical credit card to pay for dental work. But if you come close to using up the balance on your card, it could affect your credit utilization ratio, which can have a negative impact on your credit scores.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), and by SoFi Lending Corp. NMLS #1121636 , a lender licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law (License # 6054612) and by other states. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. A hard credit pull, which may impact your credit score, is required if you apply for a SoFi product after being pre-qualified.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Photo credit: iStock/Sanga Park
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Source: sofi.com

May 15, 2022

Guide to Cross-Collateralized Loans

One type of loan that isn’t often discussed is cross-collateralized, also known as cross-collateral loans, which is a type of secured loan. If someone is looking to take out multiple loans through the same financial institution, it’s important that they understand what cross-collateralization is and when it can happen.

So, what is a cross-collateralized loan? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Cross-Collateralization?

Cross-collateralization involves a borrower using an asset they already used as collateral on a loan as collateral again for a second loan. Collateral is an asset that acts as a loan guarantee. If the borrower fails to make their loan payments, the lender has the option to seize the collateral or to force the sale of the collateral to recoup its losses.

In short, cross-collateralization involves using the same collateral for one loan to serve as collateral for another loan at the same time.

Recommended: Using Collateral on a Personal Loan

How Does Cross-Collateralization Work?

The way that cross-collateralization works is that the same form of collateral is used to back more than one loan. The collateral used needs to guarantee the loan value. For example, if someone takes out an auto loan, the car (which equates to the value of the loan) is used as collateral. For cross-collateralization to work, that car also needs to be worth the same or more than the value of the second loan.

A common example of cross-collateralization is a second mortgage. If someone takes out a second mortgage on their home, the home is going to be used as collateral for both the primary mortgage used to purchase the home and the new second mortgage.

While cross-collateralization can involve using the same type of asset against one another, it doesn’t have to happen this way. For example, a lender can use a borrower’s car as collateral for a new loan that isn’t an auto loan, even though the car is already being used as collateral for the auto loan.

When Is Cross-Collateralization Used?

It’s more common to come across cross-collateralization in practice at credit unions and auto lenders. Unlike banks, credit unions are owned by the members of the credit union. To help protect this group against various losses, credit unions often use cross-collateralization to gain some extra security. Credit unions tend to have more favorable loan terms than larger financial institutions and banks, and members may secure those better terms by agreeing to cross-collateralization.

An example of this would be if a credit union member wants to finance their car through their credit union. Fast forward six months, and they want to take out an unsecured loan with a low-interest rate. The reason the credit union can offer an unsecured loan to the member at such a great rate is because they are actually securing the loan with the existing collateral from the member’s car loan.

The lender is legally obligated to disclose cross-collateralization, and the borrower must consent. It’s important to ask about cross-collateralization practices when taking out a new loan, however. A lender could include a clause in the loan agreement allowing it to cross-collateralize any collateral you used on any loan with that lender, and the wording in such a clause can vary by lender.

Once a form of collateral is being used to secure multiple loans, the borrower can’t sell that collateral. This means that a borrower who thinks their vehicle is securing only their auto loan may be unable to sell the vehicle if it is acting as collateral for another loan, whether or not the lender informed them verbally that cross-collateralization was happening.

How Can You Get Out of Cross-Collateral Loans?

Getting out of a cross-collateralized loan without paying it off in full can be very difficult. And it may not be as simple as transferring the loan to another lender. It’s usually quite challenging and expensive to move a cross-collateral loan to another lender, which can leave a borrower stuck with whatever rates and terms were offered to them when they took out the loan. That’s why it’s a really good idea to read the fine print of any loan agreements before signing and confirming whether a bank or credit union plans to start a cross-collateral loan.

Pros and Cons of Cross-Collateral Loan

Pros	Cons
Typically easy to qualify for	Larger risk of losing collateral
Potentially low cost	Tied to just one lender
Allows borrowers to leverage existing assets	Unfavorable terms may unchangeable without a change in lender

There are some major advantages and disadvantages associated with cross-collateral loans that are worth taking into consideration before signing any loan documents.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of a cross-collateral loan include:

• Ease of qualification. Because cross-collateral loans are secured, they can be easier to qualify for than unsecured loans, for which the lender takes on more risk. Applicants with low credit scores may find it easier to qualify for this type of loan than some others.

• Lower cost. General cross-collateral loans tend to be less expensive than unsecured loans. This type of loan tends to come with lower interest rates, which could equal savings over the life of the loan, and longer repayment terms, which could lower monthly payments but increase total interest cost.

• Allows borrowers to leverage existing assets. Cross-collateral loans use an asset that is already trapped in an existing loan, and allows the borrower to get more value out of it by using it to ensure more loans.

Drawbacks

There are some serious downsides associated with cross-collateral loans that are worth thinking carefully about.

• Larger risk. If the borrower isn’t able to repay their debts, the lender can seize the asset acting as collateral.

• Tied to just one lender. With a cross-collateral loan, multiple of the borrower’s assets are being financed through one lender which can make it hard and expensive to ever switch to a lender offering more favorable terms.

• Unfavorable terms. Collateralized loans, especially cross-collateral loans, can have stricter terms to meet in order to protect the lenders on subsequent loans.

Cross-Collateralization and Bankruptcy

Cross-collateralization can become particularly complex during bankruptcy. For example, a borrower of a cross-collateral loan (using their car as collateral) who files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy will be required to either reaffirm the debt or surrender their car. If they choose to reaffirm the debt and that loan is with a financial institution that has secured other sources of debt to the car, then they will need to pay off all of those debts in order to keep their car. Don’t forget, that borrower may not even be aware that some of their loans were cross-collateralized.

How cross-collateralization affects bankruptcy depends on the type of bankruptcy filed. Anyone dealing with cross-collateralization complications during bankruptcy may find that consulting a bankruptcy attorney will help them determine what their next steps should be.

Recommended: Getting Approved for a Personal Loan After Bankruptcy

Applying for SoFi’s Personal Loans

For someone looking for an alternative to a cross-collateralized loan with their existing bank or credit union, taking out an unsecured personal loan through a different financial institution may be one option to consider. Personal loans can be used to finance a variety of purchases, with the exception of higher education expenses and home purchases, typically.

SoFi Personal Loans offer fixed rates, no fees, and a variety of repayment terms.

Check your rate on a personal loan from SoFi

FAQ

Is cross-collateralization legal?

Yes, cross-collateralization is legal. Many banks and credit unions practice cross-collateralization.

Who can and can’t cross-collateralize?

Borrowers who already have a secured loan at a financial institution may qualify for cross-collateralization. Lenders don’t always inform borrowers verbally that they are participating in cross-collateralization, so it’s worth confirming whether or not this is happening before taking on a second loan through the same lender.

Can you get out of cross-collateralization?

A major downside of cross-collateralized loans is that once a borrower has multiple sources of debt through the same lender that are cross-collateral loans, it can be difficult to move them to another lender. Paying off the loan is usually the best option for getting out of this type of loan.

Photo credit: iStock/mapodile
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Source: sofi.com

May 14, 2022

Guide to Refinancing Your Student Loans After Marriage

After getting married, you’ll start to merge your life, your home, and possibly your finances with your partner. As you plan for the future, it’s helpful to consider the implications of student loans and marriage—which can affect your credit, your ability to get a home mortgage, and even the repayment of your student debt.

Consolidating your federal loans or refinancing student loans after marriage may be options to consider as you begin handling finances in your marriage and working together to reach your financial goals

Student Loans and Marriage

There are currently over 45 million borrowers in the U.S. and the total amount of student loan debt is $1.7 trillion. So the odds are high that either you or your partner may have student loans. As you begin planning for your financial future together, it’s helpful to look at how marriage can affect student loan payments.

Recommended: What is the Average Student Loan Debt?

What Happens to Student Loans When You Get Married?

If you haven’t already had a conversation about student loans and marriage before tying the knot, you and your partner should sit down and discuss your individual student loan debt: how much you have, whether you have federal or private student loans, as well as what your balances, payment status, and monthly payments are. It’s important to share this information since getting married may change your debt repayment plans.

If someone has federal student loans and is on an income-based repayment (IBR) plan when they get married, for example, their monthly payments may increase post-marriage as income-based repayment plans are determined by household income and size. Depending on how a couple chooses to file their taxes, the government may take a new spouse’s salary into account when determining what the borrower’s monthly payments should be.

Because federal student loan borrowers on an income-based repayment plan have to recertify each year, the current year’s income is taken into account which may be higher after marriage if both spouses work. If the borrower’s new spouse doesn’t earn income then they may actually see their monthly payment requirements drop as their household size went up, but their household income remained the same.

Household income also affects how much student loan interest a borrower can deduct on their federal taxes. It’s worth consulting an accountant if a newly married couple needs help figuring out where they stand financially post-marriage.

It’s also important to be aware of how marriage affects your credit score as how someone manages their student loan debt is a factor. Since spouses don’t share credit reports, marrying someone with bad credit won’t hurt your credit score. That said, when it comes time to apply for a loan together, a bad credit score can make getting approved harder—which is another reason it’s key to get on the same page about repaying any debt on time.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

Refinancing Student Loans After Marriage

Refinancing student loans gives borrowers the chance to take out a new student loan with ideally better interest rates and terms than their original student loan or loans. Some borrowers may choose to consolidate multiple student loans into one newly refinanced loan to streamline their debt repayment process.

The result? One convenient monthly payment to make with the same interest rate and the same loan servicer instead of multiple ones.

As tempting as it may be to combine debt with a spouse and work toward paying it off together, married couples typically cannot refinance their loans together and each spouse would need to refinance their student loans separately. But even though a couple can’t refinance their student loan debt together, they’ll still want to be aware of what’s going on with their partner’s student loans.

Recommended: Top 5 Tips for Refinancing Student Loans in 2022

How to Refinance Student Loans After Marriage

Refinancing student loans after marriage looks the same as it does before marriage and is pretty straightforward. The student loan borrower will take out a new loan, which is used to repay the original student loan.

Ideally, this results in a better interest rate which will help borrowers save money on interest payments, but this isn’t a guarantee. Before refinancing, it’s important that borrowers shop around to find the best rates possible as factors like their credit score and income can qualify them for different rates.

Borrowers have the option of refinancing both federal and private student loans, but it’s worth noting that refinancing a federal student loan into a private one removes access to valuable federal benefits like income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness for public service employees.

Refinancing vs. Consolidating Student Loans After Marriage

Borrowers can choose to refinance or consolidate their student loans before or after marriage.

If a borrower has multiple federal student loans, then they can choose to consolidate their different loans into one Direct Consolidation Loan. This type of loan only applies to federal student loans and is offered through the U.S. Department of Education.

This type of loan takes a weighted average of all of the loans consolidated to determine the new interest rate, so generally this is an option designed to simplify debt repayment, not to save money. If a borrower chooses to consolidate through a private lender, they will be issued new rates and terms, which may be more financially beneficial.

Consolidating through a private lender is a form of refinancing that allows borrowers to take out one new loan that covers all of their different sources of student loan debt. While some private lenders will only refinance private student loans, there are plenty of private lenders that refinance both private and federal loans. As mentioned earlier, refinancing a federal loan means losing access to federal protections and benefits.

Refinancing can be advantageous if the borrower is in a better financial place than they were when they originally took out private student loans. If they’ve improved their credit score, paid down debt, and taken other steps to improve their financial picture, they may qualify for a better interest rate that can save them a lot of money over the life of their loan.

Another option in refinancing student loans after marriage is co-signing a partner’s loan. Doing so may mean that you can leverage greater earning power and possibly better credit, but it also means both partners are responsible for the loan, and can put one partner at risk in the event of death or divorce.

Student Loan Refinancing With SoFi

SoFi refinances both federal and private student loans, which can help borrowers save because of our flexible terms and low fixed or variable rates. Borrowers won’t ever have to worry about any fees and can apply quickly online today.

Learn more about refinancing student loans with SoFi.

FAQ

What happens when you marry someone with student loan debt?

If someone’s new spouse has student loan debt, this indirectly affects them. While the debt won’t be under their name or affect their credit score when it comes time to apply for credit products with their spouse (such as a mortgage loan) their credit score and current sources of debt will likely be taken into account.

Is one spouse responsible for the other’s student loans?

No one spouse is directly responsible for their spouse’s student loans, but it’s important to work together to pay off student loan debt. Again, once it comes time to apply for a joint loan, any student loan debt can have an effect on eligibility.

Does getting married affect student loan repayment?

Getting married can affect student loan repayment if a borrower is on an income-based repayment plan for their federal student loans. This type of repayment plan takes household size and income into account when determining what the borrower’s monthly payment should be. If their spouse brings in an income they may find their monthly payments are higher, but if their spouse doesn’t have an income their payments may become smaller.

Photo credit: iStock/South_agency

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IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO REFINANCE FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS PLEASE BE AWARE OF RECENT LEGISLATIVE CHANGES THAT HAVE SUSPENDED ALL FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS AND WAIVED INTEREST CHARGES ON FEDERALLY HELD LOANS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 DUE TO COVID-19. PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER THESE CHANGES BEFORE REFINANCING FEDERALLY HELD LOANS WITH SOFI, SINCE IN DOING SO YOU WILL NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR THE FEDERAL LOAN PAYMENT SUSPENSION, INTEREST WAIVER, OR ANY OTHER CURRENT OR FUTURE BENEFITS APPLICABLE TO FEDERAL LOANS. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Notice: SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers such as Income-Driven Repayment plans, including Income-Contingent Repayment or PAYE. SoFi always recommends that you consult a qualified financial advisor to discuss what is best for your unique situation.
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May 12, 2022

What Is Bond Valuation?

Bond valuation is a way of determining the fair value of a bond. Bond valuation involves calculating the present value of the bond’s future coupon payments, its cash flow, and the bond’s value at maturity (or par value), to determine its current fair value or price. The price of a bond is what investors are willing to pay for it on the secondary market.

When an investor buys a bond from the issuing company or institution, they typically buy it at its face value. But when an investor purchases a bond on the open market, they need to know its current value. Because a bond’s face value and interest payments are fixed, the valuation process helps investors decide what rate of return would make that bond worth the cost.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how bond valuation works, and why it’s important for investors to understand.

How Bond Valuation Works

First, it’s important to remember that bonds are generally long-term investments, where the par value or face value is fixed and so are the coupon payments (the bond’s rate of return over time) — but interest rates are not, and that impacts the present or fair value of a bond at any given moment.

To determine the present or fair value of a bond, the investor must calculate the current value of the bond’s future payments using a discount rate, as well as the bond’s value at maturity to make sure the bond you’re buying is worth it.

Some terms to know when calculating bond valuation:

• Coupon rate/Cash flow: The coupon rate refers to the interest payments the investor receives; usually it’s a fixed percentage of the bond’s face value and typically investors get annual or semi-annual payments. For example, a $1,000 bond with a 10-year term and a 3% annual coupon would pay the investor $30 per year for 10 years ($1,000 x 0.03 = $30 per year).

• Maturity: This is when the bond’s principal is scheduled to be repaid to the bondholder (i.e. in one year, five years, 10 years, and so on). When a bond reaches maturity, the corporation or government that issued the bond must repay the full amount of the face value (in this example, $1,000).

• Current price: The current price is different from the bond’s face value or par value, which is fixed: i.e. a $1,000 bond is a $1,000 bond. The current price is what people mean when they talk about bond valuation: What is the bond currently worth, today?

The face value is not necessarily the amount you pay to purchase the bond, since you might buy a bond at a price above or below par value. A bond that trades at a price below its face value is called a discount bond. A bond price above par value is called a premium bond.

How to Calculate Bond Valuation

Bond valuation can seem like a daunting task to new investors, but it is not that onerous once you break it down into steps. This process helps investors know how to calculate bond valuation.

Bond Valuation Formula

The bond valuation formula uses a discounting process for all future cash flows to determine the present fair value of the bond, sometimes called the theoretical fair value of the bond (since it’s calculated using certain assumptions).

The following steps explain each part of the formula and how to calculate a bond’s price.

Step 1: Determine the cash flow and remaining payments.

A bond’s cash flow is determined by calculating the coupon rate multiplied by the face value. A $1,000 corporate bond with a 3.0% coupon has an annual cash flow of $30. If it’s a 10-year bond that has five years left until maturity, there would be five coupon payments remaining.

Payment 1 = $30; Payment 2 = $30; and so on.

The final payment would include the face value: $1,000 + $30 = $1,030.

This is important because the closer the bond is to maturity, the higher its value may be.

Step 2: Determine a realistic discount rate.

The coupon payments are based on future values and thus the bond’s cash flow must be discounted back to the present (thanks to the time value of money theory, a future dollar is worth less than a dollar in the present).

To determine a discount rate, you can check the current rates for 10-year corporate bonds. For this example, let’s go with 2.5% (or 0.025 as a decimal).

Step 3: Calculate the present value of the remaining payments.

Calculate the present value of future cash flows including the principal repayment at maturity. In other words, divide the yearly coupon payment by (1 + r)^t, where r equals the discount rate and t is the remaining payment number.

$30 / (1 + .025)¹ = $29.26

$30 / (1 + .025)² = 28.55

$30 / (1 + .025)³ = 27.85

$30 / (1 + .025)⁴ = 27.17

$1030 / (1 + .025)⁵ = 1,004.87

Step 4: Sum all future cash flows.

Sum all future cash flows to arrive at the present market value of the bond : $1,117.70

Understanding Bond Pricing

In this example, the price of the bond is $1,117.70, or $117.70 above par. A bond’s face or par value will often differ from its market value — and in this case its current fair value (market value) is higher. There are a number of factors that come into play, including the company’s credit rating, the time to maturity (the closer the bond is to maturity the closer the price comes to its face value), and of course changes to interest rates.

Remember that a bond’s price tends to move in the opposite direction of interest rates. If prevailing interest rates are higher than when the bond was issued, its price will generally fall. That’s because, as interest rates rise, new bonds are likely to be issued with higher coupon rates, making the new bonds more attractive. So bonds with lower coupon payments would be less attractive, and likely sell for a lower price. So, higher rates generally mean lower prices for existing bonds.

The same logic applies when interest rates are lower; the price of existing bonds tends to increase, because their higher coupons are now more attractive and investors may be willing to pay a premium for bonds with those higher interest payments.

Is Investing in Bonds Right for You?

Investing in bonds can help diversify a stock portfolio since stocks and bonds trade differently. In general, bonds are seen as less risky than equities since they often provide a predictable stream of income. All investors should at least consider bonds as an investment, and those with a lower risk tolerance might be better served with a portfolio weighted highly in bonds.

Performing proper bond valuation can be part of a solid research and due diligence process when attempting to find securities for your portfolio. Moreover, different bonds have different risk and return profiles. Some bonds — such as junk bonds and fixed-income securities offered in emerging markets — feature higher potential rates of return with greater risk. “Junk” is a term used to describe high-yield bonds. You can take on higher risk with long-duration bonds and convertible bonds. Some of the safest bonds are short-term Treasury securities.

You can also purchase bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and bond mutual funds that own a diversified basket of fixed-income securities.

The Takeaway

Bond valuation is the process of determining the fair value of a bond after it’s been issued. In order to price a bond, you must calculate the present value of a bond’s future interest payments using a reasonable discount rate. By adding the discounted coupon payments, and the bond’s face value, you can arrive at the theoretical fair value of the bond. A bond can be priced at a discount to its par value or at a premium depending on market conditions and how traders view the issuing company’s prospects.

Owning bonds can help add diversification to your portfolio. Many investors also find bonds appealing because of their steady payments (one reason that bonds are considered fixed-income assets). When you open an online brokerage account with SoFi Invest, you can build a diversified portfolio of individual stocks as well as exchange-traded bond funds (bond ETFs). You can also invest in a range of other securities, including fractional shares, IPOs, crypto, and more. Also, SoFi members have access to complimentary professional advice. Get started today!

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May 11, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to Credit Card Protection and How to Use It

Credit cards can offer a number of additional protections, including if you were to lose your job or otherwise become unable to pay your bills. Some credit card protections, like travel insurance, are perks of the card included in the annual fee. For others, like credit card payment protection, you may have to opt in and pay an additional fee.

Read on to learn more about the types of credit card protection you can get, how they work, and when they may be worth it.

What Is Credit Card Protection?

Credit cards may offer various forms of protection in their perks and benefits. These protections can help protect your purchases and ensure you don’t pay for charges that aren’t yours. They can also help you in a dispute with a vendor. For example, if you ordered an item that never made it to you, and the merchant won’t give you a refund, you could invoke a credit card chargeback with your credit card company.

Perhaps the most common form of protection associated with the term ‘credit card protection’ is credit card payment protection insurance. This is an insurance plan that you can opt into for a monthly fee that would offer protection if something were to happen that prevented you from paying your bills.

Recommended: Charge Cards Advantages and Disadvantages

Types of Credit Card Protection

Some of the types of protection that may be available on credit cards include:

• Fraud protection

• Return protection

• Price protection

• Purchase protection

• Travel insurance

• Car rental insurance

Read on for more details on each of these forms of credit card protection.

Fraud Protection

A key part of what a credit card is, fraud protection is a big reason why people use credit cards over debit cards or cash. If someone were to steal your credit card number or your physical card, fraud protection shields you from being responsible or liable for charges.

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, creditors cannot “take actions that adversely affect the consumer’s credit standing until an investigation is completed.” This means that all credit card companies will launch an investigation if fraud occurs, during which you will not be held liable (though make sure to make your credit card minimum payment so you don’t incur late fees or a ding to your credit during the investigation).

Some credit card companies may go beyond that and offer even more fraud protection, including $0 liability. (The FCBA caps liability in case of fraud at $50 if the thief presents the card. The liability is $0 if the card is not physically present, as in the case of someone stealing a credit card number and using it online).

While fraud protection can offer peace of mind, it’s also important to be proactive about recognizing fraud. If you lose your credit card, call your issuer to have the card frozen. And always let your issuer know ASAP if you notice a charge that isn’t yours.

Return Protection

Return protection is another form of purchase protection offered by some credit cards. It allows you to return an item for a set period of time defined in your membership agreement. This return window may offer more leeway than that of the merchant you made the purchase from (for example, 90 days instead of 30 days.)

There are exclusions to what can and can’t be returned. Further, there also may be a cap on the cost of the item being returned, as well as an annual cap per card, though it depends on how your credit card works specifically.

Price Protection

Have you bought something, only to see the item go on sale a few weeks later? That’s where credit card price protection comes in. With this perk, you may be able to receive a refund for the difference in price if you purchased something with your card.

Generally, it’s your responsibility to track price drops. And your issuer may have certain terms, such as limiting the protection to price drops within a set time period. Price protection also may exclude certain types of purchases, such as tickets to sporting events or concerts.

Purchase Protection

Similar to return protection, purchase protection can help protect you if purchases are lost or damaged, or services aren’t rendered or delivered as expected. Generally, you would bring the issue up with the merchant or service provider. But if they don’t initiate a refund, then you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. This process initiates what’s called a credit card chargeback.

There may be limitations and exceptions to purchase protection. It can be a good idea to talk directly with the merchant before reaching out to your credit card company.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be a big reason to put a trip on a credit card. In fact, some card issuers offer insurance as a perk for using the card.

The specifics of travel insurance depend on the card issuer, but it may include insurance for lost luggage, or coverage for trip interruption or cancellation. In general, these insurance policies may not be as comprehensive as a standalone policy, but they can provide some peace of mind when planning a trip.

Car Rental Insurance

Car rental insurance is another type of insurance offered as a credit card perk. If you rent a car with the credit card, the card may provide insurance protection in case of damage. Generally, this includes collision/loss damage waiver coverage.

Car rental insurance through your credit card may allow you to forego the insurance options offered by the car rental agency. However, as with any insurance policy, it’s a good idea to read the fine print to know exactly what is and is not covered.

How Credit Card Protection Works

Most protections are part of the overall perks and benefits of the card. But credit card payment protection is a little bit different. It’s generally an opt-in program that offers protection if you are no longer able to pay your credit card bill. The protection offered can be short term, such as for a life event like a change in employment, or long term, extending for 12 to 24 months in the event of a job loss or hospital stay.

Usually, credit card payment protection carries an additional monthly fee. Also note that payment protection doesn’t let you off the hook from paying the bill down the road. Rather, for a set period of time, your credit card issuer would offer a break on making payments or lower your minimum payments due, as well as pause any fees. Your issuer will continue to report your account in good standing during that time.

Tips to Keep Your Credit Card Safe

Protection programs can give you peace of mind. But losing a credit card or dealing with fraudulent activity can be stressful regardless of what protections you have in place. It can also potentially open the door to identity theft, which could potentially harm your credit.

That’s why it’s smart to set up some smart security behaviors. Read on for some tips for how to keep your credit card safe.

Practice Credit Card Protection From Day One

When you’ve applied for a credit card, keep an eye out for the card to arrive in the mail. It should come in between five and 14 days; your issuer may provide a timeline.

If you don’t receive your card within that time period, call your issuer. They will issue you a new one. And as soon as you do get your card, follow the steps to set it up for use.

Keep Your Account Number Private

Don’t write down your credit card account number. Also consider whether or not you want to save payment information online. While it can be convenient, it could leave your information vulnerable. If you are using your credit card to make a payment, make sure that you are doing so through an encrypted service.

Keep Your Information Current

Make sure that the email address, mailing address, and telephone number on file with your card issuer are up to date. That way, you are aware of any communication between you and your card issuer. Further, this will prevent a new card from being delivered to the wrong address.

Be Careful With Your Receipts

While federal law prohibits how much credit card information is on receipts, this may not be true in other countries. If you’re traveling abroad, it may make sense to be even more mindful about how you dispose of receipts.

Secure Your Devices and Networks

Being mindful of how and when you use your credit card online can help you avoid fraud. Using your own network, rather than public WiFi, can be one security step. It can also be helpful to check that a website uses encryption for payment.

Protect Yourself Online

When you’re using a credit card for payment, it’s important to be cyber-savvy. Scams to try to obtain your information or your credit card number are not uncommon.

You’ll want to be on the lookout for phishing attempts. If a merchant or bank asks you to email your credit card number, call the merchant directly. Know that banks will never ask for sensitive information over email.

Additionally, pay attention to any odd links, misspellings, or emails that include a link. Instead of following the link within the email, consider manually typing in the URL of a website.

Check Your Account Often

It can be good to get in the habit of regularly checking your credit card balance. Doing so a few times a week, instead of just waiting for a statement to come out, can alert you to fraud as soon as it happens. And remember, a fraudster could steal your information even if your physical card has always remained in your possession.

Report Lost Cards and Fraudulent Activity Right Away

If you see something odd on your credit card balance, let your card issuer know right away. The same goes if you can’t find your credit card.

Even if you’re 99% sure your card is somewhere in your house or car, it can be a good idea to call your card issuer. In some cases, they can freeze your card. This means that you’ll be able to unfreeze it once you’ve found it, without getting a new card and a new card number.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

What Does Credit Card Payment Protection Cover?

In general, credit card payment protection insurance has restrictions regarding when it applies, and it may require documentation.

Some reasons you may be able to request long-term credit card payment protection may include:

• Job loss

• Disability

• Hospitalization

• Death of a child, spouse, or domestic partner

• Leave of absence (for family or child care, or for military duty)

• Federal or state disaster

Meanwhile, you may be able to get short-term protection for the following reasons:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Graduation

• Childbirth

• Adoption

• Retirement

• New job and job promotion

• A move to a new residence

Situations that may not qualify for payment protection include incarceration or voluntarily leaving your job, such as to pursue higher education.

Pros and Cons of Payment Protection

Is payment protection right for you? That depends. The opt-in program usually costs an additional fee. Plus, while paying your full balance each month is ideal, you could potentially pay the credit card minimum payment if you were going through hard times to keep your account in good standing, though your annual percentage rate (APR) would still apply.

In many cases, it may make sense to focus on bringing down your balance so your minimum payment is relatively low. That way, if the worst were to happen, you might still have wiggle room in your budget to handle minimum payments.

Pros of Payment Protection	Cons of Payment Protection
Gives you a breath on monthly payments	Will incur an additional monthly fee, adding to your balance
Offers peace of mind	May be other assistance options with no added cost
Helps protect your credit in the event you can’t make payments	Generally limited to two years of assistance
Pauses your credit card’s fees	Limits on what qualifies for protection insurance to kick in

Is Credit Card Payment Protection Worth It?

Weighing the pros and cons of credit card payment can help you assess whether it makes sense for you. If you carry a very high balance and are in the process of paying it down, payment protection may give you peace of mind — especially if you don’t have a good APR for a credit card. But keep in mind that you could potentially switch to minimum payments during a hard time and still maintain your payment history.

To decide whether credit card payment protection is right for you, read the fine print and assess how the fees would impact your overall financial picture. Also take into consideration your current financial situation, your savings account balance, and the general stability and security of your job and lifestyle.

Credit Card Protection Scams and How to Avoid Them

As credit cards offer protection, scammers see opportunities — and these can be tailored, beyond just credit card skimming. There are several credit card protection scams that may target card holders, including:

• Phone scams offering loss protection for a fee. Some scammers have been calling people and telling them they may be liable for charges beyond $50 on their credit card. They then try to get people to buy loss protection and insurance programs. If you get this call, know that credit cards include fraud protection at no additional fee — plus, your liability is limited to $50 by law. Call your credit card company if you have any questions about its fraud protection programs.

• Scams claiming your account has been compromised. In this case, the scammer will ask you to provide personal details, such as your credit card number, claiming your account has been compromised. Don’t ever give sensitive credit information over text or email. If someone calls claiming to be your credit card company, call the company directly from the number on the back of the card, instead of any number you may get during a call.

• Fraudulent text alerts. Scammers also may send text messages asking for your CVV number on a credit card to “fix” a security problem. A real credit card company would never ask for this information.

• Fake account protection offers. Any account protection should come directly from your credit card company, not from a third party. If you receive these offers, don’t take them up on it.

The Takeaway

Credit card protection can be one of the great benefits of using a credit card. While some credit card protections are standard, including fraud protection, it can be helpful to weigh what protection offers are important to you and what you’ll get the most use out of if you’re adding on any others. With credit card payment protection insurance, for instance, you can get protection if something were to happen that prevented you from paying your bills, but you’ll owe an added monthly fee.

Protections are just one of many factors to consider when it comes to choosing a credit card. The SoFi Credit Card, for instance, allows you to earn rewards, lower your APR with regular on-time payments, and enjoy protections like cell phone protection and Mastercard ID theft protection.

Learn more and apply for a credit card online today with SoFi.

FAQ

Are there limits to credit card payment protection?

There may be limits on what qualifies for credit card payment protection, and your issuer may need to see proof of hardship. Further, there may be a time limit on how long credit card payment protection is offered.

Is there a time limit on credit card payment protection?

Generally, issuers have a time limit for credit card protection policies. These vary between issuers, but may be as short as several months or as long as two years, depending on the circumstances.

Should I get credit card payment protection insurance?

Credit card protection insurance may incur an additional fee, unlike other protection options offered as part of your overall perks and benefits within your card. That fee can add to your balance. If your credit card balance is at or near $0, credit card payment protection insurance may not be necessary.

Photo credit: iStock/9dreamstudio

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May 9, 2022

How to Invest in Agriculture

Many people think of investing in agriculture as owning farmland and operating a farm. Many investors overlook this business area when deciding where to put their money because they don’t see themselves toiling the land. But there are various options to invest in agriculture without being a farmer.

Farmland investing is just one way to invest in agriculture. Additionally, investors can invest in farming-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs) or trade commodities to take advantage of the agricultural markets.

What Are Agriculture Investments?

Investing in agriculture is more than just owning some farmland and working the land. Agriculture can be an alternative investment that diversifies an investor’s portfolio. Investors can get exposure to agriculture and farming by investing in businesses involved in the whole farming process, from the seeds in the ground to the distribution of products to grocery stores.

4 Ways to Invest in Agriculture

1. Agriculture Stocks

Investors can put money into various publicly-traded companies that provide services in the farming industry. These agribusiness firms range from those involved in actual crop production — though many crop producers are privately held — to companies in the farming support businesses. The farming support businesses include companies that make fertilizer and seeds, manufacture farming equipment, and process and distribute crops.

Companies in the agriculture industry include, but are not limited to:

• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM): A large food processing and commodities trading firm

• Deere & Company (DE): Known as John Deere, this company manufactures agricultural machinery and heavy equipment

• Corteva, Inc. (CTVA): An agricultural chemical, fertilizer, and seed company

• The Mosaic Company (MOS): A large company that produces fertilizer and seeds

• AppHarvest Inc (APPH): A small-cap company involved in indoor farms and crop production

2. Agriculture ETFs and Mutual Funds

Investors who don’t want to pick individual stocks to invest in can always look to mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to the agricultural industry. Agriculture-focused mutual funds and ETFs invest in a basket of farming stocks, commodities, and related assets, allowing investors to diversify farming exposure.

3. Farm REITs

Farm and agricultural real estate investment trusts (REITs) own farmland and lease it to tenants who do the actual farming. REITs that invest in farmland can be a good option for investors who want exposure to farmland without actually owning a farm.

This type of investment can provide investors with various benefits. For example, a REIT is a type of liquid asset, meaning an investor can quickly sell the investment on the stock market. In contrast, if an investor were actually to own farmland, trying to sell the land could be a drawn-out and complex process. Other benefits include regular dividend payments and geographical and crop diversification.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Investing in REITs

4. Commodities

Agricultural commodities are the products produced by farms, like corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Trading commodities can be a profitable, though risky, endeavor. Investors who trade commodities look to take advantage of the market’s volatility for short-term gains. Usually, this is done by trading futures contracts, though large investors may actually purchase and sell the physical commodities.

Commodity trading can be risky, especially for a novice investor. ETFs with exposure to commodities may be better for investors with lower risk tolerance.

Recommended: Why Is It Risky to Invest in Commodities?

Benefits and Risks of Investing in Agriculture

Benefits

One of the significant benefits of agriculture investments is that people always need to eat, so there will usually be some demand support for businesses in the industry. Because of this, some investors view the sector as somewhat recession-proof and a good way to diversify a portfolio.

Another benefit is that farmland REITs and certain agriculture stocks can provide passive income through regular dividend payouts. Additionally, farmland investments can provide a hedge against rising inflation.

Risks

The agricultural and farming sector can be fickle, as it’s subject to various risk factors that can impact investments. Uncertainties stemming from weather to government policies to the global commodities markets can cause volatile swings in prices and income that affect investments in the sector.

Here are some risks facing agricultural investments:

• Production risk: Major weather events, crop diseases, and other factors can affect the quantity and quality of commodities produced.

• Market risk: The global markets for commodities can affect farming and agricultural business as prices can swing wildly, making crop production and agribusiness demand uncertain.

• Financial risk: Farms and related businesses often use debt to fund operations, so rising interest rates and credit tightening can hinder companies in the industry.

• Regulatory risk: Changes in taxes, regulations, subsidies, and other government actions can impact agricultural businesses and investments.

Are Agriculture Investments Right for You?

It might seem like agriculture investments are risky, but with that risk comes reward. If an investor’s risk tolerance allows for it, agricultural investments can provide diversification in a portfolio.

The Takeaway

Fortunately for investors who want to put money into the agriculture sector, they don’t necessarily need to buy a farm. Several investment vehicles can fit their needs to get exposure to farming. Farmland REITs, agribusiness stocks, and farming and commodity ETFs can be options to build wealth in the farm business.

Investing in agriculture doesn’t have to be as hard as owning a farm and working the land. Investors can start investing in agriculture by trading stocks and ETFs for as little as $5 with SoFi Invest®.

Check out how to start investing with SoFi today.

FAQ

Is agriculture worth investing in?

Agricultural investments can help diversify a portfolio. Depending on what areas of the agriculture business you invest in, the assets can produce steady income and long-term capital gains.

How much should I invest in agriculture?

Determining how much you should invest in any asset class depends on your financial goals and personal risk tolerance. It would be best if you didn’t put too much of your money into the agriculture sector; you want a diversified portfolio.

How do I invest in a farm?

Buying a farm can be difficult; you would need a lot of capital for a down payment, just like any other piece of real estate. If you want exposure to farmland, agriculture and farm-related REITs can be a good option, especially for retail investors.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages
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Source: sofi.com

May 7, 2022

How to Identify a Credit Card Skimmer and Protect Yourself

Unfortunately, credit card fraud is all too common, accounting for 393,207 of the nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft in 2020. There are many different ways for identity theft to occur. One hazard to look out for is the credit card skimmers that are most commonly lurking at ATMs or gas station pumps.

To help protect yourself against theft, keep reading to learn what credit card skimmers are, how to spot a credit card skimmer, and what to do if your credit card is skimmed.

What Is a Credit Card Skimmer?

Credit card skimming is a form of theft that occurs when someone installs a small electronic device, known as a credit card skimmer, into a card reader. This device can read and collect information from a credit card when someone makes a purchase. The skimmer does this by reading the magnetic strip on a debit or credit card, which provides the full name on the credit card as well as the credit card number and credit card expiration date.

Credit card skimmers have been around since 2015. They are most commonly attached to gas station pumps, ATMs, and other types of machines that accept payments from both secured and unsecured credit cards as well as debit cards.

Identifying Credit Card Skimmers

Knowing how to check for credit card skimmers is a great way to protect against potential theft. Especially when using an outdoor payment machine like a gas pump or ATM, take a look at the card reader for signs of a credit card skimmer. See if the card reader is sticking out at an angle or looks any different from other nearby card readers. Also check if the card reader is loose or the keypad is unusually bulky.

When skimmers first came into play, it was easier to spot a credit card skimmer as the card reader often appeared to be tampered with or wiggled when used. Today, skimmers can fit snugly over the scanner, which makes it much harder to tell if something is amiss.

In the instance that all seems well with the card scanner at a gas station, double check the pump. If a gas pump is open, unlocked, has had the tamper-evident security tape altered or removed, or anything else seems amiss, it’s a good idea to use a different pump.

If possible, it’s best to use a credit card pump that has an encrypted credit card reader. Ideally, use one that has an illuminated green lock symbol near the credit card reader — this symbolizes that it’s been encrypted.

What Happens When a Credit Card Is Skimmed

When a credit card skimmer reads a magnetic strip on the back of a credit or debit card, it can obtain the cardholder’s full name, credit card number, and the credit card expiration date. Sometimes, scammers add a small camera into the equation in order to watch someone enter their PIN number when using a debit card. Really, one of the few things that’s safe is the CVV number on a credit card, which is why it’s so important to keep this secure.

Once the thief has this information in hand, they can use the card anywhere that accept credit card payments. They may have access to the cardholder’s bank account and could steal their identity. Or, the thief can sell the information on the dark web.

Protecting Yourself From Credit Card Skimmers

If you’re old enough to get a credit card, it’s critical to know how to use it responsibly and safely. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind to avoid falling prey to credit card skimmers.

Use NFC or Supervised ATMs

To help avoid coming into contact with a card skimmer, try to use payment terminals that are supervised by security cameras or skip using the card reader altogether and make a Near Field Communication(NFC) payment. NFC payments are secure transactions made with a smartphone, allowing you to avoid swiping your card at all.

Check and Recheck the Keypad

When it comes to how to spot a credit card skimmer, remember to check the keypad for any signs of tampering. These days it’s a bit harder to identify when a keypad has a skimmer on it, but if anything seems amiss, use another payment machine or go inside the gas station or bank to make a transaction or withdrawal.

Don’t Leave Your Card Unattended

Whenever possible, make a transaction or withdrawal inside of a gas station or bank. The odds of a criminal accessing inside payment terminals with a clerk watching are much lower compared to outside payment terminals. It only takes criminals a few seconds to add a skimmer to an outside payment terminal where no one is watching.

Just like taking the time to compare the APRs on credit cards, spending a few extra minutes going inside to buy gas or take out cash can pay off. It could help you avoid countless hours of dealing with identity theft as a result of credit card skimming.

Use Credit Cards With a Chip

If you’re familiar with what a credit card is, you’ll know that most new credit cards come with a “chip” that allows consumers to make payments without actually swiping their credit card. With an EMV chip, it’s possible to simply tap a credit card instead of swiping it to make a payment, which helps avoid credit card skimming.

Be Vigilant

If someone does need to use an outdoor ATM or gas pump, use one that is close to the building and preferably in the line of sight of an attendant, security guard, or security cameras. The more hidden a payment terminal is, the more likely it is that there is a credit skimmer placed on it. Also make sure to be aware of your surroundings when using any exterior payment terminals.

Sign Up for Credit and Debt Alerts

One way to catch fraud is to sign up for alerts that send a notification any time a purchase is made with the card. After all, it’s unlikely a fraudster’s activity will result in a negative balance on a credit card.

By receiving an alert right when a purchase is made, you can confirm whether or not you made it. If you believe an unauthorized purchase was made, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.

Check Your Account Regularly

To be extra vigilant, double check debit and credit card statements frequently to make sure that no unauthorized charges slipped through the cracks. It can be easier to stay on top of charges if you check in throughout the month rather than waiting until you receive your credit card statement and being shocked that you’re almost at your credit card limit due to unauthorized spending.

Can You Get a Refund if Your Card Gets Skimmed?

If you realize your credit card or debit card has been skimmed, check in with your bank or credit card issuer about next steps. You should also put a freeze on your credit report to ensure that the fraudsters aren’t applying for new credit cards in your name. In some cases, you may need to file a police report.

The credit card issuer or bank will have fraud protections in place and should refund you for any money lost. These protections are an important part of how credit cards work. Still, the sooner you cancel the cards and stop the fraud, the better. Most top credit cards have zero-liability policies that will refund the full amount of the fraudulent charges. If they don’t, the maximum liability anyone has as a consumer is $50.

The Takeaway

Skimmers are unfortunately all too common. With a debit card, consumers aren’t entitled to as much protection regarding theft, so it’s helpful to use a credit card whenever making purchases at an outdoor payment terminal that’s vulnerable to skimmers. Still, it’s important to know how to spot credit card skimmers so you can hopefully avoid them.

It can also help to have a credit card with security measures in place and a zero-liability policy. The SoFi Credit Card, for instance, offers cell phone protection as well as Mastercard theft protection, which can help detect potential fraud. You can easily apply for a SoFi credit card today.

FAQ

What does a credit card skimmer do?

Credit card skimmers illegally collect information from credit and debit cards. Skimmers are typically attached to outside payment terminals like ATMs or gas stations.

Are card skimmers illegal?

Yes, credit card skimmers are illegal. This is why credit card issuers are creating new technology like chips to help make purchases more secure.

How common is credit card skimming?

Unfortunately, credit card skimming is all too common. Out of the nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft in 2020, 393,207 cases were due to credit card fraud.

Photo credit: iStock/greyj

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
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May 5, 2022

$10,000 Personal Loan: Everything You Need to Know

Consumers in the U.S. have access to a variety of financing options from sources including traditional banks, local credit unions, and online lenders. Personal loans provide borrowers with funds in an initial lump sum, which is typically paid back in monthly payments. In the market currently, lenders are offering personal loans ranging from $1,000 up to much larger amounts in the $100,000 range.

Personal loans are generally categorized as a type of installment loan along with auto loans, student loans, and others. Each installment paid to the lender is allocated between the principal amount and interest based on the specific rates and conditions in the loan agreement.

The majority of personal loans are unsecured, meaning that the agreement is not backed by an asset that serves as collateral. For example, the financial institution that provides a car loan has the security of knowing that they can repossess the vehicle to offset losses if the borrower fails to make the payments as required by the agreement.

Personal loans are largely distinct from most types of installment loans such as car or student loans because the funds can be used for a variety of discretionary purposes.

Reasons to Get a $10,000 Personal Loan

Many prospective borrowers are attracted to personal loans because of the freedom and flexibility that they offer compared to some alternatives. Some people will seek a personal loan when an unforeseen expense arises, such as costly car repairs or major medical expenses. A borrower may use a $5,000 personal loan for a vacation or wedding, for example.

In many cases, a personal loan may be used as a tool for consolidating other debts. For example, assume you have a $10,000 balance between two credit cards, each having an interest rate of 17%. A consumer might be able to secure a $10,000 personal loan with a 9% interest rate to pay off the much higher interest credit cards.

Unlike credit cards, recipients of a personal loan will often find that they have more options when spending their funds because they are not limited exclusively to retailers, contractors, or other service providers that have chosen to accept credit cards. Many small businesses or companies operating in highly competitive sectors with meager profit margins are often reluctant to accept credit cards and incur the required processing fees that may range from 1.5% to 3.5%. The funds from a personal loan are usually deposited directly into your checking account, which allows you the flexibility of paying with cash or a check.

$10,000 Personal Loan Terms

Depending on the lender, the repayment periods typically range from 12 months to 84 months — but longer terms are possible. For example, a $50,000 personal loan could potentially have a 120-month (10-year) term.

Personal loan applicants generally can find a personal loan with terms that are sufficient for maintaining affordable monthly payments. Keep in mind that ongoing affordability should be considered with the understanding that more total interest will accrue when the repayment term is extended.

When calculating the overall costs of a personal loan, considering several factors including the principal amount borrowed, interest rate, fees, and the loan term is a good idea.

$10,000 Personal Loan Monthly Payments

Personal loans are typically repaid over a multi-year term through monthly payments. The cost of the monthly payments is influenced by the interest rate that applies to the specific loan. Interest rates are essentially the fees charged by the lender for providing the loan.

The lowest interest rates are typically offered to consumers with a good to excellent credit history and may also be influenced based on other factors including their current income. Generally speaking, lenders may increase their interest rates based on their perception of the applicant’s heightened risk.

The following chart shows the impact that interest rates have on the monthly payment and also how choosing a longer-term loan can increase the overall cost of the loan.

Principal	Interest Rate	Loan Term	Monthly Payment	Total Interest Paid
$ 10,000	6.0%	24 months	$ 443.21	$ 636.95
$ 10,000	10.0%	24 months	$ 461.45	$ 1,074.78
$ 10,000	6.0%	48 months	$ 234.85	$ 1,272.81
$ 10,000	10.0%	48 months	$ 253.63	$ 2,174.04

The interest rates that apply to personal loans are generally fixed, which means the monthly payment will remain the same. To a lesser extent, variable personal loan rates also are offered by lenders.

Variable-rate loans are influenced by a variety of market conditions such as median personal loan interest rates and index changes. While borrowers may prefer fixed-rate options, some variable-rate loans may have low interest rates and be very attractive.

$10,000 Personal Loan Fees

In addition to interest, some lenders charge origination fees that will also increase the overall cost of the loan.

The combination of the interest rate and any applicable fees is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of the loan. Calculating the APR is necessary for determining the true cost of the loan. Recent federal data indicates that the average APR of a 24-month personal loan is 9.09%.

It’s important for applicants to closely review the terms of any potential loan agreement. For example, a lender may charge a late fee when payments are not received on time, and some may have prepayment penalties that apply if a borrower pays off the loan ahead of schedule.

What Credit Score Do You Need To Get a $10,000 Personal Loan?

A consumer’s credit score is a three-digit number that a lender will reference to determine an applicant’s creditworthiness. Although some specialized, industry-specific credit scoring models might vary slightly, the currently accepted scale ranges from 300 to 850. Your credit score is calculated largely based on your credit history because past consumer behavior tends to be a reasonable indicator of future performance.

Transunion, one of the three primary credit reporting agencies or bureaus, summarizes credit scores as follows:

• 300 to 600: Very Poor

• 601 to 657: Poor

• 658 to 719: Fair

• 720 to 780: Good

• 781 to 850: Excellent

No universally accepted or standard credit score needed for getting a personal loan. Keep in mind that $10,000 represents a larger than average personal loan amount, which recently has varied from $5,000 to $7,500 among different lenders. Because lenders recognize the increased risks associated with larger amounts, they are much more likely to scrutinize an applicant’s credit history and might boost the interest rates accordingly.

Can You Get a $10,000 Personal Loan With Bad Credit?

Lenders that provide personal loans usually have internal policies and guidelines pertaining to what they deem as bad credit and any limitations or thresholds. Fox Business recently reported that borrowers seeking a $10,000 loan “typically need a score of 620.”

To summarize, applicants with bad credit that are seeking to secure a loan in the $10,000 range may have significantly fewer options and could expect to encounter APRs of 20% or more.

How Long Does It Take to Get a $10,000 Personal Loan?

Personal loans are known for offering fast processing — or funding — times, particularly among online lenders. Many lenders today offer same-day or next-day funding of personal loans. Applicants should be properly prepared with the documentation necessary to confirm their identity, address, and income, as well as current bank statements.

Requirements for a $10,000 Personal Loan

Requirements will vary across lenders. However, qualifying for a $10,000 personal loan typically requires a credit score that exceeds 600, an active checking account that facilitates electronic transactions, and a steady, verifiable income source.

Top $10,000 Personal Loan Lenders

Lender	Minimum Credit Score	APR Range	Loan Amounts
SoFi	680	4.99% to 18.13%	$5,000 to $100,000
LightStream	660	2.49% to 19.99%	$5,000 to $100,000
Marcus	N/A	6.74% to 19.74%	$3,500 to $40,000
Upgrade	580	5.94% to 35.97%	$1,000 to $35,000
Discover	660	5.99% to 24.99%	$2,500 to $35,000

The Takeaway

If you’re considering a personal loan, it’s a good idea to take the time to compare the various options available, as the market is competitive. Those with less-than-perfect credit are likely to encounter significantly fewer choices when seeking a $10,000 loan and may receive offers with high interest rates and fees.

SoFi Personal Loan rates are competitive with other lenders in today’s market. With fixed rates and a variety of terms to fit many budget constraints, a personal loan from SoFi might work for you.

Check your personal loan rate at SoFi

FAQ

What is the monthly payment on a $10,000 personal loan?

The monthly payment on a $10,000 personal loan will fluctuate based on your credit score, the loan’s interest rate and fees, and the term of the loan, among other factors.

Do I need at least a 620 credit score to get a $10,000 loan?

There is no formal minimum credit score needed for getting a personal loan. Different minimums may apply across the various institutions that offer personal loans in the $10,000 range. Those with a 620 credit score are likely to find some options for a $10,000 personal loan; however, the interest rates and fees may be high.

How long will it take to get a $10,000 loan?

Fast-funding options including same-day and next-day loans are common in today’s personal loan market. As long as you are prepared with some basic documentation that verifies your identity, address, and income, rapid approval and funding may be available.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. A hard credit pull, which may impact your credit score, is required if you apply for a SoFi product after being pre-qualified.
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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), and by SoFi Lending Corp. NMLS #1121636 , a lender licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law (License # 6054612) and by other states. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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May 4, 2022

Can I Use a Personal Checking Account for Business?

If you’re a busy small business owner who’s wondering if it’s OK to use your personal checking account for your business, the answer is yes. Probably. At least for a little while.

But you may find there are complications and risks involved if you mix your personal and business funds in one account for very long. It can make record-keeping a challenge, for one thing, especially when it comes to doing taxes. And you may be able to better protect yourself legally if you keep your business and personal funds separate. Let’s take a look at:

• The features of business checking accounts and personal checking accounts

• The differences between these two types of bank accounts

• The risks of using your personal bank account for business

• The advantages of having a separate business bank account

Let’s start learning!

What Is a Business Checking Account?

A business checking account is a separate bank account intended to manage financial transactions related to your business, including making deposits and withdrawals, paying bills, and transferring money. Some expenses you might use your business account for include:

• Office equipment and supplies

• Rent and utilities

• Transportation costs (gas, parking, tolls, or public transportation expenses)

• Car payments and insurance (if you have a car you use for business)

• Consulting and marketing costs

• Paying employees (if you have any)

• Tax payments and insurance premiums

What Is a Personal Checking Account?

A personal checking account is designed for managing an individual or couple’s finances. It can be used for depositing and withdrawing money, paying bills, and transferring money to family members. (Wondering the difference between a personal checking account vs a savings account? The latter usually pays more interest, may have higher minimum deposits, often doesn’t provide checks or a debit card, and in some cases may have transaction limits.)

It may be tempting, especially as a new business owner or sole proprietor, to think, “Can I use my personal account for business?” and proceed to buy a laptop, office supplies, or new business cards with it. But commingling business and personal funds can get confusing. Having to sort things out can make bookkeeping a major headache and cause problems when it’s time to claim business-related tax deductions.

What’s the Difference Between Business and Personal Checking?

There may be some important differences in how a bank sets up its business and personal checking accounts, including:

Documentation

The documentation required to sign up for a business account may vary a bit from what you’d need for a personal account. For example, depending on how your business is structured, along with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security number, and photo identification, you may have to provide a business license, LLC agreement, articles of incorporation, or a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate.

Minimums

Coming up with enough money to open a business account may not be as daunting as you think. The amount it takes to get started varies by bank, but many require only a $25, $50, or $100 deposit to get started. However, banks generally require a higher minimum balance for a business account if you want to avoid maintenance and other fees.

Transaction Fees

You also may see a transaction fee added to your costs if you go over a maximum number of transactions for the month in a business account. The number of free transactions you’re allowed typically is based on your average monthly balance. If you expect your business to have multiple banking transactions each month, that’s a cost you’d want to consider.

Premium Benefits

Banks generally offer the same protections and benefits to business accounts as they provide for personal accounts, including round-the-clock fraud monitoring, account alerts, and liability protection for unauthorized transactions. But there may be additional business-specific perks available for business accounts — especially larger accounts. Check with your prospective business bank to find out more.

Debit Cards

With a personal account, you’ll likely receive a debit card for your personal use (and one for a joint account holder, if you have one). With certain business accounts, you also may be allowed to get debit cards for your employees so they can make purchases or ATM withdrawals on behalf of the business.

Credit Card Payments

If your business account is a “merchant account,” you may be able to take debit and credit card payments from clients or customers. This requires a different kind of business account, however, rather than a typical business checking account, so inquire at your bank.

Ready for a Better Banking Experience?

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account and start earning 1.25% APY on your cash!

Can I Use My Regular Checking Account for Business if I’m a Sole Proprietor?

If your small business is a sole proprietorship, you can legally operate using only your personal bank account. But you may want to check your account’s terms and conditions to be sure your bank allows you to use a personal account for business transactions. You may have to open a separate account if you’re asking customers to make payments to a company name that’s different from your own.

Can I Use My Personal Checking Account for Business if I Have an LLC or Corporation?

Yes, it may be tempting to use your personal checking account if you operate your business as a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. But take note: You are legally required to separate your personal and company finances. You could use a separate personal account to establish that split, or you may want to consider the benefits of using a business account instead. (If you’re applying as an LLC or corporation, some banks may require that you use a designated business account.) So in this case, you likely do want to have that separate business account to stay on the right side of the law.

Risks of Using a Personal Checking Account for Business

Using your personal checking account may seem like the easiest way to handle business transactions — especially if your business is small or you’re just starting out. But there are risks involved, including:

Tax-Related Liabilities

One of the factors the IRS uses to distinguish between a hobby and business activities is whether you carry on the activity in a businesslike manner and “maintain complete and accurate books and records.” It’s critical for business owners who claim business income and deductions on their income taxes to keep their company’s financial transactions separate from their personal transactions. It can be much harder to do that — and prove that you’re doing it — if you’re working out of one account. It can be close to impossible to reconstruct what you were paying for and when if you ever have to account for past business spending out of your personal account.

Business-Related Liabilities

You can form an LLC or corporation in an effort to protect your personal assets from business-related liabilities. But if you mix business and personal funds in one account and a court decides you aren’t actually treating your business as a separate entity, you still may be at risk.

Loss of Credibility

If you’re hoping to grow your business, not having a business-only bank account could hurt your potential. Some clients and investors may be reluctant to make payments to a personal bank account — especially if your business has a different name. It also may be challenging to apply for a small business loan if you haven’t established a professional relationship with your bank. And if you have to show paperwork to set up a client, investor, or lending arrangement, having business-only bank statements could be a lot less confusing (and, um, personal).

Benefits of Using a Business Checking Account for Business

Using a business checking account may not be a legal requirement in all situations, but it could have benefits for you and your business, including:

Simplified Record-Keeping

Unless you’re a meticulous record-keeper, it can be difficult to keep business and personal finances separate. Maintaining separate bank accounts could prevent costly errors, keep you out of trouble with the IRS, and make your life as the company bookkeeper a lot less complicated.

Tracking Performance

If you use small business bookkeeping software, you may be able to link it with your business bank account to quickly check your cash flow, monitor transactions, build your budget, and create financial projections. That won’t be possible if your business transactions are mixed with your personal transactions, however.

Building Legitimacy

Using a business account for your transactions could help clients, vendors, and others you deal with think of you as a legitimate businessperson instead of someone with a side hustle. (Have you ever heard the expression “dress for the job you want”? It holds true for banking, too. Having a separate business account could help you present yourself as a serious professional.)

Building a Brand

Growing your brand might take more than just your sparkling personality, business savvy, and an irresistible Instagram feed. You may need money, and that means convincing lenders that you’re a good risk. A well-managed separate business bank account can help you build a relationship with your bank and a reputation for creditworthiness.

The Takeaway

Using separate accounts for your personal and business finances could make sense — even if you’re a new business or a sole proprietor. It can make record-keeping easier for tax preparation and other business purposes and give your business added credibility with customers, vendors, and lenders. In some cases (LLCs, we’re talking to you!), it’s legally required, so don’t overlook this important step in building your business.

While we’re on the money topic, how are your personal accounts doing lately? If you’d like simpler and more reward-rich banking, take a look at SoFi Checking and Savings® . We’re currently offering a 1.25% APY to customers who sign up for an online bank account with direct deposit. That’s a whopping 41 times the average rate right now. More benefits: SoFi doesn’t charge overdraft, minimum balance, or monthly fees, and SoFi members have access to free tools that can help with budgeting and tracking their money as they work toward their goals.

Check out everything SoFi Checking and Savings has to offer.

FAQ

Can I use a separate personal checking account for my business?

If you use a second personal account to separate your funds, you may lose out on some business-specific tools and perks that are offered exclusively through business accounts. If you are not legally required to have a business account, you might opt for a separate personal account, you may receive other benefits — such as a higher interest rate or lower fees. Either way, you’d be accomplishing the primary goal of dividing your personal and business funds.

Can I transfer money from my personal account to my LLC?

Yes, you can transfer money from your own account to the LLC’s account. It‘s important, though, to keep clear documentation of the transaction.

Do I need a business bank account if I’m self-employed?

It isn’t a legal requirement, but you may want to separate business and personal funds to simplify your record-keeping and keep transactions separate for income-tax preparation and other accounting purposes.

Photo credit: iStock/JNemchinova

SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 1.25% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on all account balances in their Checking and Savings accounts (including Vaults). Members
without direct deposit will earn 0.70% APY on all account balances in their Checking and Savings accounts (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change
at any time. Rate of 1.25% APY is current as of 4/5/2022. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Any SoFi member who receives $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits into their SoFi Money account over the preceding 30 days will be eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Overdraft coverage only applies to SoFi Money accounts and is currently unavailable for Samsung Money by SoFi accounts. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances for SoFi Money are also ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
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Source: sofi.com