News & Trending Banking News

I Was Nervous About Keeping $22,000 at an Online Bank. Here's What Changed My Mind

My concerns about safety, accessibility, and customer service were overblown.

By Ashley Donohoe, MBA, CFLP®, CFEI®, FPWMP® , Edited by Melinda Sineriz, ABFP®

Updated Nov. 13, 2026

Add Us On Google

Quick Read

I let my $22,000 emergency fund sit at a traditional bank earning just 0.01% since I worried about the safety, accessibility, and customer service at an online bank.
After learning that online banks are usually FDIC insured, offer access options, and can provide good service, I moved my money to an online savings account with a 2% APY.
Eight years later, that same online bank account offers a 3.20% APY, which is 320 times what my big bank pays and more than eight times the national average.
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.

While I now prefer keeping most of my non-bill money at an online bank, that wasn't always the case. Until late 2018, my emergency fund of about $22,000 sat in a basic savings account at a brick-and-mortar bank. A big part of this decision was about safety and accessibility concerns. After all, I trusted my bank, and I could visit a branch at my usual grocery store.

But when I realized how much interest I was missing out on, I regretted not looking into online banks sooner. My big bank account had a low 0.01% APY, while the online bank I looked at offered 2%. That huge difference meant earning about $2 versus $440 over the first year.

Ultimately, I did some research to address my initial concerns and moved my $22,000 to an online savings account that I still use today. Here's what changed my perspective on online banks, what the switch has meant for potential earnings, and what still slightly bugs me.

What I was worried about

Since it took me a long time to save up that large amount, I wanted to keep it somewhere safe and familiar. I'll admit my knowledge of online banks was limited at the time. I didn't know whether my money would be safe if the bank failed, or whether someone could easily hack into my account. Keeping so much money at some digital bank I barely knew about scared me.

And since this was my emergency fund, I worried about how easily I could access the money. I was used to quickly using a 24/7 ATM or handling transactions with a banker. I sometimes transferred money and deposited checks using my big bank's app, so I wasn't new to online banking, but I didn't know what withdrawal options online banks offered or their typical timeline.

I was also somewhat worried about how I'd get help if something went wrong. Being able to walk up to a banker was always reassuring, and I was unsure whether fully remote customer service would cut it.

What I checked

When I researched online banks, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that most carry the same FDIC insurance that big banks do, and that coverage was for far more than my $22,000. While the online bank I picked clearly displayed its FDIC coverage on its website, I could've also used the FDIC BankFind tool to verify it. This protection, along with a page explaining the online bank's security measures, gave me peace of mind that my savings would be safe.

I then looked into withdrawal options. I learned that I could transfer funds online to another bank account in as little as a business day or even request a paper check; the catch was that certain withdrawals were limited each statement cycle. The transfer timeline seemed fast enough for an emergency fund, and I usually rarely made withdrawals anyway. So, I wasn't too worried.

I also researched the online bank's customer service, which was available via chat or phone. After I saw I could get help 24/7 and had a good experience testing the online chat, I felt less anxious about going without in-person support. The service was even better than my big bank's.

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.

What it's meant for earnings

Since 2018, I've completed many transactions with my savings account, including adding money, moving funds to CDs, and making withdrawals for purchases. Additionally, since it's a variable-rate account, the APY has fluctuated many times over the last eight years. Those drops and increases often coincided with Federal Reserve rate decisions.

While pinpointing an exact earnings number for my situation is hard, here are estimates of what $22,000 could earn over 8 years based on my brick-and-mortar bank's APY and the initial and current APYs at my current online bank:

Interest earned	0.01% APY at big bank	Initial 2% APY at online bank	Current 3.20% APY at online bank
Year 1	$2.16	$440.01	$704.01
Year 2	$2.16	$448.80	$726.52
Year 3	$2.16	$457.79	$749.79
Year 4	$2.16	$466.94	$773.75
Year 5	$2.16	$476.27	$798.53
Year 6	$2.16	$485.80	$824.07
Year 7	$2.16	$495.51	$850.45
Year 8	$2.16	$505.41	$877.68
Total	$17.28	$3,776.53	$6,304.80

At the lower 2% APY, keeping $22,000 at the online bank would yield me $3,759.25 more than at the big bank. The difference jumps to $6,287.52 at the current 3.20% APY. While it's unrealistic for a variable savings APY to stay the same for 8 years, the difference is still clear.

What still gives me pause

I haven't regretted moving my savings to an online bank, though I sometimes miss withdrawing from my savings at an ATM or branch.

While my big bank gave me an ATM card, my online bank is among the many that don't offer this convenience for savings accounts. When I need to withdraw cash, I usually pull it from my traditional checking account. My online bank does offer a checking account with a debit card, but I'd still have to transfer the funds from savings first, so there's some hassle involved.

Thankfully, I rarely need to withdraw physical cash. This also isn't a universal problem with online banks, as some offer savings accounts with decent APYs and more flexibility.

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

Bottom line

My misconceptions about online banks led to my $22,000 earning a paltry 0.01% APY at a big bank for too long. After learning that my money would still be safe and accessible at an online bank, and I'd earn a higher APY of 2% to start, I moved my savings and never looked back. These days, I focus more on monitoring APY changes and fees to maximize my earnings.

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

Open Account on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

FAQs

Are online banks safe?

If you choose an online bank insured by the FDIC or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), your deposited money is safe up to the stated limits, which are typically $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, per insured institution. Online banks usually also use security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect your account.

What happens to my money if an online bank fails?

When an insured online bank fails, your money should still be safe up to the limits, and you might receive a payout or have the funds moved quickly to another bank. If you have uninsured funds beyond the limits, the FDIC says you might be able to recover some of the money, though it may be a years-long process.

How do I check if a bank is FDIC insured?

While banks often mention FDIC insurance or show signs on their websites, you can also look up the bank by name, website, or FDIC certification number via the FDIC BankFind tool. Other options include asking the bank or calling 1-877-275-3352 to speak with the FDIC.