This article was subjected to a comprehensive fact-checking process. Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field.
Prepaid debit cards have become relatively popular in recent years. According to Pew Charitable Trusts, 5% of adults use a prepaid debit card at least once a month.
Whether you want an alternative to a credit card, don't want a checking account, or are having trouble getting approved for a bank account, a prepaid debit card can be a worthy alternative. But many prepaid cards charge hefty fees, which makes them difficult to justify compared to a free checking account. The best prepaid debit cards charge fewer fees, or at least provide enough value to make the costs worth it.
Let's take a look at what a prepaid debit card is, how a prepaid debit card works, and what you should consider when you're deciding whether a prepaid debit card is right for you.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Up to $300New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Minimum Opening Balance
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Why We Like It
Earn a $50 or $300 bonus and up to 4.00% APY1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> on your money with eligible direct deposit
Limited-Time Offer: +0.70% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.00% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
There are a lot of prepaid debit cards on the market, and we did a lot of research to find the best prepaid cards based on a variety of factors.
For starters, we focused on cards that either don’t have a monthly fee, make it possible to waive the monthly fee, or offer enough value to make up for it. We limited the cards that charge a fee to use it for purchases, but some cards that offer this option have other benefits that make up for it.
We also looked at the benefits some of these cards offer, including several free reloading options, multiple ways to transfer money, spending rewards, savings options, and more.
Comparing the best prepaid debit cards
There are several financial institutions that offer prepaid debit cards, but as with credit cards and even the best checking accounts, not all of them are created equal. As you look for the right fit for you, here are our top five prepaid debit cards to help get you started on your search.
Direct deposit; mobile deposit (standard waiting periods)
Bluebird
Editor's note
Bluebird American Express Prepaid Debit Cards are being discontinued as of June 2, 2026. These cards are no longer available for purchase.
Best for low fees
Card details
Monthly fee: $0
ATM network: 38,000 MoneyPass ATM locations
Bluebird by American Express is one of the least expensive prepaid debit cards available. There's no monthly fee or a fee to activate the card, but you must purchase and activate it online, there's no option to buy one in a retail store any longer.
Free reload options include direct deposit; cash or debit card at Family Dollar; and online with mobile paper check deposits. Keep in mind that there's a 10-day waiting period with mobile deposits. If you want your money faster (within minutes), there's a fee of 1% or 5% of the check amount (with a $5 minimum), depending on the type of check.
You can also add cash at select retail stores, but there's a fee of up to $3.74 at Walmart and up to $3.95 at other retail locations. The card's ATM fee is $2.50 for out-of-network ATMs, but there are more than 38,000 free locations in the MoneyPass ATM network.
Bluebird is FDIC insured through its partner, Pathward, N.A.
In addition to low fees, the card offers many perks including:
The Regions Now Card is a reloadable prepaid card with a low monthly fee and that allows users to earn cash back. The minimum load is $10 and there's no fee to reload the card, nor is there an inactivity fee, which I find nice since you may only want a prepaid card for certain situations.
What sets this card apart is its cash back offers through Regions Offers. If you activate offers before you shop and use your prepaid debit card to check out, you'll earn cash back directly to your card.
There's no overdraft feature on the card, so you don't have to worry about going over your balance and you can waive the monthly fee by using your card for at least seven transactions a month. You can also set up direct deposit for no fee, or use the mobile deposit feature for a fee of 1% to 4% of the check amount.
Monthly fee: $9.95 or $5 with monthly direct deposit of at least $500
ATM network: Can use any ATM (for a fee)
The Netspend prepaid card works with 130,000 partners in its reload network including 7-Eleven, CVS, Dollar General, Walgreens, and Family Dollar so you don't have to go far to find somewhere to reload your card.
You can use your prepaid card in any store or online and can check your balance anytime by logging into your account center. I also like that Netspend offers "Anytime Alerts" that lets you know of any transactions occurring on your card.
A few unique features the card includes are:
Payback Rewards: These are automatic deals sent to you based on your regular spending. The more you use your card and activate offers, the more you will get.
Purchase Cushion: If you're short $10 or less on a purchase, Netspend may cover the cost and take it from your next reload.
The downside is there are many fees, including a $3.95 reload fee and $2 ATM withdrawal fee, which can get pricey if you use it often. There is also a $2 signature or PIN purchase fee.
The Netspend Prepaid Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., and Republic Bank & Trust Company, Members FDIC.6 <p>Upon successful activation and registration of the Account, funds on deposit at Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, are insured up to the standard maximum deposit insurance limit. Coverage limit is subject to aggregation of all of Accountholder’s funds held on deposit at Pathward, N.A.</p>
<p>The Netspend Debit Account is a deposit account established by Pathward®, National Association, Member FDIC. Ouro Global, Inc. is a service provider to Pathward, N.A.</p>
Monthly fee: $9.95 or $5 with monthly direct deposit of at least $500
ATM network: 750+ locations
The ACE Elite Visa Prepaid debit card offers all the features of a traditional bank account, and you can even open a free high-yield savings account linked to your debit card and earn up to 5.00% (as of 11/12/25) APY on up to $1,000 saved.
ACE has 750+ ATM locations for ATM transactions and if you set up direct deposit, you get paid up to two days early. ACE has an online account dashboard and mobile app so you can check your balance 24/7 and if any friends or family have an ACE prepaid card, you can transfer money to them for free.
To withdraw cash, you have a few options, each which has a fee:
Withdrawal method
Fee
Any financial institution
$3
At any reload location
The greater of 2.75% of amount withdrawn or $4
ATM (domestic)
$2.95
To add money to your account, you'll incur the following fees:
Deposit method
Fee
Direct deposit
$0
Cash reload at reload location
Up to $3.95
Standard mobile deposit
$0
Expedited mobile deposit
2% to 5% of check amount
The ACE Elite Visa Prepaid card is issued by Pathward, N. A., Member FDIC.
Can set up Anytime Alerts to stay updated on your account transactions
Direct deposit is free
Cons
Fees for most transactions
Charges 4% foreign transaction fee
What's the difference between a prepaid card and debit or credit card?
The primary difference between a prepaid debit card and a regular debit card is that a regular debit card is tied to a checking account with a bank or credit union. You can spend up to the amount of cash you have in your bank account, typically with an option for overdraft protection if you want it.
In contrast, prepaid debit cards typically only allow you to use money you've loaded onto the card. Although it's possible to overdraft on a prepaid card account, most prepaid card issuers don't allow it.
Prepaid debit cards also aren't the same as secured credit cards, primarily because they don't offer a line of credit that you can use and pay off over and over again. With a secured credit card, you're required to submit a deposit to get approved, but that money is only used as collateral for your credit line, and it's returned to you when you close the account, or possibly sooner than that.
That said, prepaid cards typically run on the same payment networks as credit cards and traditional debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Options that didn't make our list
Choosing the right prepaid card is a big decision as there are many factors to consider. Here are a few others that didn't make our "top list" but you may want to consider:
FamZoo: FamZoo is a prepaid debit card and personal finance app for kids, teens, and families. It has a $5.99 monthly fee, allows reloads at most major retailers and allows direct deposit. The plan is geared toward kids and teens, while keeping families on the same page financially. Funds are FDIC insured.
Serve American Express: American Express offers a few Serve prepaid cards including a free direct deposit, cash back, or free reload card. Each includes free direct deposit and easy cash reloads at CVS, Dollar General, and Walmart. Depending on the prepaid card, it may be FDIC insured through Pathward, N.A. or through American Express National Bank.
Alternatives to prepaid debit cards
Although prepaid debit cards offer some benefits you may not be able to get with a credit card or traditional debit card, they're not the right fit for everyone. Here are some potential alternatives to consider.
Second-chance bank accounts
If you're looking at prepaid cards because you can't get approved for a checking account, consider second-chance bank accounts. Banks and credit unions that offer these accounts understand it can be tough to get approved if you have negative marks on your ChexSystems report. This system chronicles your banking history like the credit bureaus keep track of your credit history.
A few of the best banks that offer these types of accounts include Green Dot Bank, Radius Bank, and Wells Fargo. Also, look at community banks and credit unions in your area for more options.
Chime®
Chime is a financial technology company that operates primarily online, and it offers some great account options that differ from traditional bank accounts.7 <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. <br></p>
A Chime® Savings account8 <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p> doesn't charge a monthly fee or foreign transaction fee.9 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p> You may be able to receive your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit,10 <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p> and you'll also have the option to save more by automatically setting aside a percentage of your paychecks into your Chime savings account.11 <p>You can automatically transfer part of your direct deposits of $1 or more from your Checking Account into your selected Chime account(s).</p> You can also round up every purchase you make on your debit card to the nearest dollar, with the difference deposited into your savings account.12 <p class="">Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account. <br></p>
Tip
Keep in mind that you must have a Chime® Checking Account in order to be eligible for a Chime Savings Account.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2026 AWARD WINNERBest Checking for Bad or No Credit
Chime® Benefits
Get no fee overdraft up to $200 with SpotMe®13 <p>SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.</p><br>
<p>Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
Get paid up to 2 days earlier than you would with some traditional banks10 <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p>
24/7 live support with a real human
FDIC insured through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC
4.9
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
AWARD WINNERBest Online Checking
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Use Cash App As Your All-in-One Financial Services Platform
Bank14 <p>Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p><p class="">Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Direct Deposit provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p> without all the fees—save, send, and spend your money the way you want.15 <p class="">Your balance is eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met. Cash App is a financial services platform, and not an FDIC-insured bank. Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement">terms and conditions</a>. </p> Get paid up to 2 days early – up to 2 days earlier than most banks16 <p>Your first deposit may take longer depending on your employer.</p>
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Bank of America Advantage Banking
Up to $500 cash offer. Click ‘Learn More' for more details. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Enjoy $400 as a new Chase checking customer
When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.17 <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 4/15/2026.
Before 2019, there were a lot of concerns about safety and fraud protection with prepaid debit cards. However, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enacted regulations in April 2019 that provide consumers with many of the same protections as credit and debit cards.
For example, you're not liable for more than $50 if someone uses your card without your permission, as long as you report it promptly after you discover the fraud. Prepaid cards may also be insured by the FDIC in certain circumstances.
In general, the best way to stay safe with a prepaid debit card is to take the same fraud prevention precautions as you would with any other payment method.
Do all prepaid cards require a Social Security number?
In most cases, you'll need to provide a Social Security number when you apply for a prepaid debit card. Although this information won't be used to run a credit check, card issuers may check your banking history. There are some prepaid debit cards that don't require a Social Security number, but they're few and far between.
Are prepaid debit cards traceable?
Yes. Because your name is on the prepaid debit card account, transactions can be traced back to you, as with a credit or regular debit card.
Bottom line
The best prepaid debit cards can provide an excellent alternative to credit cards and bank accounts. You won't be subject to annual fees or credit card interest charges with a prepaid debit card. Although you won't find any truly fee-free prepaid cards, there are some that charge fewer fees than others, and some also provide benefits that can make those fees worth it.
As you try to determine which prepaid card is right for you, consider our top options and also do your own research to compare and contrast. This process will help you find the right fit for you. If you don't find a prepaid debit card that works for you, consider reviewing our list of the best second chance bank accounts to see if there's a different sort of product that fits your financial needs.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
AWARD WINNERBest Online Checking
High APY of up to 4.00% on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults
Access to a large ATM network18 <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>
Advertiser and Editorial Disclosures
Advertiser Disclosure
FinanceBuzz is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some or all of the offers that appear on this page are from third party advertisers from which FinanceBuzz receives compensation. For example, we may receive compensation when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
FinanceBuzz does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information, including rates and fees, is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The credit card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which FinanceBuzz receives compensation such as banks or CardRatings.com.
Editorial Policy
The FinanceBuzz editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make financial decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
FinanceBuzz makes money when you click the links on our site to some of the products and offers that we mention. These partnerships do not influence our opinions or recommendations.
FinanceBuzz reviews and rates products on a variety of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Whenever possible we test each product and include our honest, firsthand experience using it. Read more about how we rate products.
Partners are not able to review or request changes to our content except for compliance reasons. Financial products are highly regulated so we work closely with partners to make sure the information we have on our site is accurate and includes any required legal language and disclaimers.
We aim to make sure everything on our site is up-to-date and accurate as of the publishing date, but we cannot guarantee we haven't missed something. It's your responsibility to double-check all information before making any financial decision. If you spot something that looks wrong, please let us know.
Advertiser Disclosure
All About Privacy is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Privacy receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Privacy does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.