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Jay Leno’s Two-Paycheck Savings Trick, and Where to Park the Money You Save

The habit matters, but the account holding your saved paycheck decides how much the money earns while it waits.

By Laura Hohenstein , Edited by Melinda Sineriz, ABFP®

Updated Nov. 11, 2026

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$10,000 at a 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) earns about $400 over one year, or roughly $33 a month.
The same $10,000 at the FDIC national average savings rate of 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26) earns about $38 a year, or about $3 a month.
That's a gap of about $362 a year if the money sits while you decide what it's for.
At the national average savings rate of 0.38% (as of 06/15/26), $20,000 earns $76 a year. The same balance could earn up to nine times more with a SoFi Checking and Savings account. See SoFi®'s current rate.

A second paycheck sounds amazing until real life starts calling dibs on it. Rent, groceries, insurance, debt payments, and one weirdly expensive trip to the dentist have a way of making extra money feel temporary.

Jay Leno's famous rule works because it separates spending money from saving money before the cash gets absorbed. He has described living on the smaller of two income streams and saving the larger one early in his career, then later treating television income as money that went straight into savings while he lived on stand-up work.

You don't need celebrity income for the idea to be useful. The point is to find money you can set aside, decide what job it has, and put the right portion somewhere it earns more while staying reachable.

Leno's trick is scalable

Leno's habit gets repeated because it's simple: live on one check and save the other. The exact income streams are his story, but the usable idea is yours: separate the money for current spending from the money that's meant to build breathing room.

For most households, saving an entire paycheck every time money arrives isn't realistic. You might start with income from a side gig, a bonus, a commission check, an extra-paycheck month, or 10% of each paycheck before it blends into checking.

That split matters because cash without a job gets spent quietly. Give the saved portion a destination first, and the habit has a better chance of surviving a normal month.

Find the check you can spare

Start with net pay, not gross pay, because taxes and payroll deductions don't land in your account. Then subtract money already spoken for before you decide what can move.

A quick paycheck screen looks like this:

Cover rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, debt payments, and upcoming card payments.
Keep same-week spending in checking if you'll need it before the next payday.
Name the remaining amount as the saved portion, even if it's $50 instead of a full check.

This is where Leno's big rule becomes a normal-person rule. You're looking for a repeatable surplus that can survive the electric bill, not a squeeze you'll abandon next month.

We did the research for you. Having your checking and savings accounts with the same financial institution can make money management a lot simpler. SoFi® was our 2026 award winner for Best Checking and Savings Combo because it delivers on interest and additional features.

For example, you could earn up to 4.40% APY on your savings balance with direct deposit. (3.30% APY¹ with +1.10% APY Boost) for up to 6 months on new accounts.²

SoFi also offers more special features than any other account combo we looked at: No account fees: No overdraft fees.³ No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees.⁴ Get paid up to two days early: Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier — automatically — when you set up direct deposit.⁵ Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M: Typically, single-member deposit accounts are federally insured up to $250,000. With SoFi, FDIC insurance up to $3 million on deposits is available through a seamless network of participating banks.⁶

Open an account with SoFi here.

A higher rate changes the payoff

Once you've separated saved money from spending money, the next question is where the saved money waits. A regular savings account can feel fine because the cash is technically saved. But the rate decides whether your balance does much while it's parked there.

Say you find a high-yield savings account paying a 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY). A $10,000 balance at 4.00% APY earns about $400 over one year, using simple interest for the example.

The same $10,000 at the FDIC national average savings rate of 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26) earns about $38 over one year. If you're still getting familiar with the category, here's a plain-English guide to high-yield savings accounts.

What your saved check earns

The math is the part that makes the habit feel real. Say your saved portion grows to $5,000 and you place it in a high-yield savings account paying 4.00% APY, which is within the range savers can find right now. Over one year, $5,000 at 4.00% earns about $200.

For a rough one-year estimate, use this shortcut:

$5,000 × 0.04 = $200

That formula won't capture every bit of compounding, but it's close enough to compare choices. If your saved balance is $2,500, the same 4.00% rate earns about $100 over one year. If your balance is $15,000, that same rate earns about $600 over one year.

The useful step is to use your own saved amount. Multiply that amount by the APY as a decimal, then compare the result with what your money earns where it sits now.

If you have	One year at 0.38% APY (national average)	One year at 3.80% APY (example)	You are leaving behind
$10,000	$38	$380	$342
$25,000	$95	$950	$855
$40,000	$152	$1,520	$1,368
$50,000	$190	$1,900	$1,710
$100,000	$380	$3,800	$3,420

Your money is already saved. Now see how it could be earning you hundreds per year.

Put goals here, not rent

A high-yield savings account fits money that needs safety and access more than long-term growth. Think emergency fund money, irregular expenses, estimated taxes, travel, car repairs, medical costs, holiday spending, moving money, and other goals you expect to use within one to three years.

Money for bills due this month belongs where you can reach it the same day. So if rent is due Friday or a credit card payment is scheduled tomorrow, keep that cash in checking until the payment clears. A higher rate isn't worth a late fee or an overdraft mess.

Money you won't need for five years or more deserves a separate decision. A high-yield savings account keeps cash stable and accessible, but long-term money might need a broader plan because savings rates might not keep up with your goals over that much time.

So sort the saved paycheck into three piles:

Checking for immediate bills and same-week spending.
High-yield savings for emergencies and short-term goals.
A different plan for money tied to long-term goals.

Check access before moving money

Moving money between institutions through standard ACH transfers can take one to three business days, so an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account works best when you understand how quickly transfers arrive and whether you also have same-day backup in checking.

Before a high-yield savings account becomes part of your system, check the details that affect access and earnings:

External transfer timing and daily or monthly transfer limits.
Minimum opening deposit and any minimum balance needed to earn the stated APY.
Monthly maintenance fees or other account fees.
Whether the account offers ATM access, linked checking, or another way to reach cash quickly.
Whether the rate is variable, because a 4.00% APY today could fall later.

Deposit insurance is another detail to understand before you move a large balance. FDIC insurance and NCUA share insurance generally protect eligible deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank or federally insured credit union, per ownership category, depending on where the money is held.

If you're using an online-only account, the mechanics can feel different from a branch account, but the basics are still understandable. This guide explains how an online savings account works without needing a lobby in the picture.

Automate after the bills clear

Automation turns the two-paycheck idea into something you don't have to renegotiate every payday. The safer version is to move a fixed dollar amount or fixed percentage only after scheduled bills have cleared.

If your rent, mortgage, utilities, loan payments, or card payments land early in the month, schedule the transfer a few days later. If your paycheck is split by direct deposit, you might be able to send part of each check straight to savings and the rest to checking.

Revisit the amount when income, expenses, or goals change. A good rule should fit your actual month, not the month you wish you had.

Saving for a down payment, a wedding, or next April's tax bill? That money could be earning up to 4.40% APY for up to 6 months while it sits.² Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Bottom line

Leno's trick is only half the move. Saving the extra check builds the savings account balance, but the account holding that money decides what the balance earns while it waits.

If $10,000 sits in a high-yield savings account paying 4.00% APY for one year, it earns about $400. At the FDIC national average savings rate of 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26), the same $10,000 earns about $38 over one year. Keep bill money accessible, park emergency money and short-term goals where they can earn more, and give long-term money its own plan.

Would You Spend Ten Minutes for $1,465?

That's roughly the year's difference on $40,000 between the national average and the up-to-4.00% rates available now. And ten minutes isn't a figure of speech. You just provide some information, like your name, address, Social Security number, and the account your deposit money's coming from. But rates are variable and follow the market, which is why the only number worth acting on is today's. Compare the current top accounts here.

Bank/Institution	APY Annual Percentage Yield	Bonus Offer	Open Account	Bonus Offer
AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo
5.0 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.	4.40 % APY With $0 min. balance² <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>	Limited-Time Offer: +1.10% boost on Savings APY to up to 4.40% for up to 6 months on new accounts² <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> + $50 or $400 Bonus with direct deposit.¹ <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 within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. 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 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. 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 0.80% 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 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> Terms apply.	Learn More on SoFi's secure website Member FDIC	Limited-Time Offer: +1.10% boost on Savings APY to up to 4.40% for up to 6 months on new accounts² <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> + $50 or $400 Bonus with direct deposit.¹ <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 within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. 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 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. 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 0.80% 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 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> Terms apply.
4.3 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.	4.35 % APY With $5,000 min. balance⁷ <p>Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.</p>	Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to 4.35% APY (3.75% APY⁷ <p>Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.</p> with +0.60% APY Boost) on balances of $5,000 or more for up to 6 months.⁸ <p>*This is a limited time offer available to New and Existing customers who meet the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion criteria. Accounts enrolled in the Platinum Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Boost promotion will receive a 0.60% APY boost on the Platinum Savings current standard APY tiers for 6 months following the opening of a new account or when an existing Platinum Savings account is enrolled in the promotion. The Platinum Savings APY boost will be applied on account balances up to $9,999,999.00. Account balances above $9,999,999.00 will earn the standard APY. If the standard-published APY should change during the promotion period, the APY boost will move with it, offering an account APY above the standard rate. The Promotion begins on November 3, 2026, and ends December 15, 2026. Customers enrolled in the promotion prior to the end date will receive the APY boost for the 6-month period outlined in the terms and conditions. The promotion can end at any time without notice.</p> Enter code Boost60 to qualify. $100 minimum opening deposit.	Learn More on CIT Bank's secure website Member FDIC	Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to 4.35% APY (3.75% APY⁷ <p>Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.</p> with +0.60% APY Boost) on balances of $5,000 or more for up to 6 months.⁸ <p>*This is a limited time offer available to New and Existing customers who meet the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion criteria. Accounts enrolled in the Platinum Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Boost promotion will receive a 0.60% APY boost on the Platinum Savings current standard APY tiers for 6 months following the opening of a new account or when an existing Platinum Savings account is enrolled in the promotion. The Platinum Savings APY boost will be applied on account balances up to $9,999,999.00. Account balances above $9,999,999.00 will earn the standard APY. If the standard-published APY should change during the promotion period, the APY boost will move with it, offering an account APY above the standard rate. The Promotion begins on November 3, 2026, and ends December 15, 2026. Customers enrolled in the promotion prior to the end date will receive the APY boost for the 6-month period outlined in the terms and conditions. The promotion can end at any time without notice.</p> Enter code Boost60 to qualify. $100 minimum opening deposit.
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.	4.25 % APY With $0 min. balance⁹ <p>Select Savings from Barclays Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on all balance tiers is accurate as of 10/07/2026. Rates may change at any time without prior notice, before or after the account is opened.</p>	Special Offer: Earn a $400 Bonus when you deposit at least $40,000 within 30 days and maintain that balance for 120 consecutive days.¹⁰ <p>$400 Bonus Offer: To qualify for this bonus offer, you must be a new Select Savings from Barclays customer, open an account through 1/31/2027, fund your new savings account with at least $40,000 within the first 30 days of opening the account, and maintain the balance of at least $40,000 for 120 consecutive days.  After you maintain the $40,000 balance for 120 consecutive days, the $400 bonus will be added to your account in approximately 60 days. The bonus will be applied and treated as interest for tax purposes and could require Barclays to send you a Form 1099-INT (Interest Income) and file it with the IRS for the year in which you earn the bonus.  Offer expires 1/31/2027.</p> <p>You may make multiple deposits to your account from another financial institution(s) to meet the offer requirements, provided these deposits all occur no later than 30 days after opening the new Select Savings account.  The funds deposited into your Select Savings account will earn the current annual percentage yield listed on Barclays Select Savings for the Select Savings account.  Withdrawals could affect your eligibility to earn the bonus if the withdrawal causes the account balance to drop below $40,000. The 120 consecutive days will not start until the $40,000 is deposited within 30 days from opening the account.  While there is no minimum balance required to open a Select Savings account, as described above there is a minimum balance required to earn the bonus offer. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.</p> ¹¹ <p>You'll need your current AARP membership number to open an AARP Digital Banking from Barclays account.</p><p>AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Barclays Bank Delaware (Barclays) pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some Barclays offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact Barclays directly for details.  AARP Digital Banking is provided by Barclays, Member FDIC. AARP is not a FDIC insured institution.</p>	Learn More on Barclays' secure website Member FDIC	Special Offer: Earn a $400 Bonus when you deposit at least $40,000 within 30 days and maintain that balance for 120 consecutive days.¹⁰ <p>$400 Bonus Offer: To qualify for this bonus offer, you must be a new Select Savings from Barclays customer, open an account through 1/31/2027, fund your new savings account with at least $40,000 within the first 30 days of opening the account, and maintain the balance of at least $40,000 for 120 consecutive days.  After you maintain the $40,000 balance for 120 consecutive days, the $400 bonus will be added to your account in approximately 60 days. The bonus will be applied and treated as interest for tax purposes and could require Barclays to send you a Form 1099-INT (Interest Income) and file it with the IRS for the year in which you earn the bonus.  Offer expires 1/31/2027.</p> <p>You may make multiple deposits to your account from another financial institution(s) to meet the offer requirements, provided these deposits all occur no later than 30 days after opening the new Select Savings account.  The funds deposited into your Select Savings account will earn the current annual percentage yield listed on Barclays Select Savings for the Select Savings account.  Withdrawals could affect your eligibility to earn the bonus if the withdrawal causes the account balance to drop below $40,000. The 120 consecutive days will not start until the $40,000 is deposited within 30 days from opening the account.  While there is no minimum balance required to open a Select Savings account, as described above there is a minimum balance required to earn the bonus offer. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.</p> ¹¹ <p>You'll need your current AARP membership number to open an AARP Digital Banking from Barclays account.</p><p>AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Barclays Bank Delaware (Barclays) pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some Barclays offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact Barclays directly for details.  AARP Digital Banking is provided by Barclays, Member FDIC. AARP is not a FDIC insured institution.</p>
4.6 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.	4.00 % APY With $0.01 min. balance¹² <p>Live Oak Bank Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is valid as of 10/12/2026. No minimum opening balance or deposit required. Rates may change at any time without prior notice. Customers must have a balance of $0.01 to earn interest. Fees may reduce earnings.</p>	—	Learn More on Live Oak Bank's secure website Member FDIC	—

Limited-Time Offer

2026 AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking and Savings

5.0

Open Account on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

APY

4.40%

Minimum Balance for APY

Bonus Offer

Up to $400

Why We Like It

Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $400 cash bonus¹ 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 within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. 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 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. 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 0.80% 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 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. plus a boosted up to 4.40% APY² Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. on Savings (3.30% APY¹ 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 within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. 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 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. 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 0.80% 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 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. with +1.10% APY Boost) for up to 6 months when you open a new account and set up eligible direct deposits. Terms apply.
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees.⁴ We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a>.
Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.⁵ 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.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million.⁶ 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>.
Excellent 4.3/5