Banking Bank Reviews

SoFi vs. Chase [2025]: More Perks vs. In-Person Customer Service

Both SoFi and Chase offer banking features to help you manage your money. SoFi earns a higher APY and doesn't charge as many fees, but Chase provides in-person support and more accounts.

Updated Oct. 14, 2025
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SoFi
SoFi
  • checkmark icon
    No account fees on SoFi Checking and Savings
  • checkmark icon
    Competitive APYs
  • checkmark icon
    Member perks like free financial planning and loan discounts
  • checkmark icon
    Highly-rated, unique mobile app
  • checkmark icon
    Investment options (including fractional shares)12
VS
Chase Bank
Chase Bank
  • checkmark icon
    Wide range of bank accounts to choose from
  • checkmark icon
    5,000+ branches and 15,000+ ATMs
  • checkmark icon
    Member FDIC
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Our view

Online-only SoFi® stands out from other companies by offering competitive APYs on its checking and savings accounts, and it provides access to thousands of ATMs nationwide. Chase, on the other hand, offers the convenience of a large, traditional bank with branches throughout the U.S. as well as a wide range of account options.

When it comes to SoFi vs. Chase, I like both banking options (and personally use a Chase account linked to a different online bank). Where one falls short, the other tends to step up. This is why I recommend using both to manage your money if you're interested in both options. You could keep your savings balance in SoFi's combined checking and high-yield savings account, for example, while using Chase for convenient access to your money and in-person support.

How we evaluate products

Compare SoFi and Chase


SoFi Checking and Savings

Chase Total Checking®
Best for
  • Earning a high interest rate + avoiding monthly fees3
  • In-person support + more accounts
Number of branches 0 5,000+
Number of fee-free ATMs 55,000+ through the Allpoint Network4 15,000+
Mobile app ratings (out of 5)
  • 4.8 on Apple App Store
  • 4.3 on Google Play
  • 4.8 on Apple App Store
  • 4.5 on Google Play
Products offered
  • Combined checking and savings accounts
  • Loans
  • Credit cards
  • Investing
  • Insurance
  • Estate planning in partnership with Trust & Will
  • Business accounts
  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Credit cards
  • Loans
  • Home loans and HELOCs
  • Investing
  • Estate planning
  • Military banking
  • Student banking
  • Business banking
FDIC insurance Yes5 Yes
Visit SoFi Visit Chase

Checking accounts compared

Monthly fee Minimum opening deposit
SoFi Checking and Savings $0 $0
Chase Total Checking® $15 or $06 if:
  • Electronic deposits totaling at least $500 monthly

    Or

  • Average daily balance of $1,500

    Or

  • Average daily balance of $5,000 across qualifying Chase accounts
$0
Chase Secure Banking $4.95 or $0 if:
  • Electronic deposits totaling at least $250 monthly
$0
Chase Premier Plus Checking $25 or $0 if:
  • Average daily balance of at least $15,000

    Or

  • Qualifying Chase mortgage enrolled in automatic payments

    Or

  • Military member or veteran with a qualifying military ID
$0
Chase First Banking $0 with a linked Chase parent account $0
Chase High School Checking $0 with a linked Chase parent account $0
Chase College Checking $0 while in school (5 years max); $15 or $0 after graduation if:
  • Electronic deposits totaling at least $500 monthly

    Or

  • Average daily balance of at least $1,500
$0
Chase Sapphire Banking $25 or $0 with an average beginning day balance of at least $75,000 across qualifying Chase accounts $0
Chase Private Client Checking $35 or $0 if:
  • Average daily balance of at least $150,000

    Or

  • Linked qualifying Chase account or Platinum Business Checking account
$0

When comparing SoFi and Chase checking accounts, I would recommend SoFi for most people. It earns up to 0.50% APY7 on checking balances when you simply set up direct deposits. For reference, the national average rate on checking accounts is just 0.07% (as of 9/15/25) APY. It doesn't charge monthly maintenance, minimum balance, or overdraft fees,8 and SoFi doesn't require a minimum balance to open an account. SoFi Checking and Savings is one of the best rewards checking options.

Chase doesn't have minimum balance requirements either, but it does have monthly account fees on most of its accounts. However, Chase will waive the fee for all of its accounts if you meet certain criteria, such as maintaining a minimum average daily balance or linking to other qualifying Chase accounts.

Chase charges a $34 overdraft fee per covered transaction.9 But that doesn't mean I would never recommend Chase over SoFi for checking. Chase offers more account options than SoFi, including accounts for children and teens, making it the better choice for families. Each Chase checking account, including those for children and students, includes a debit card. Chase is also the best option if you frequently deposit cash or need in-person assistance since it has physical branches. To deposit cash with SoFi, you need to visit a retailer that offers Green Dot services, and you may incur a $4.95 fee per deposit.

Editor's note
With eligible Chase checking accounts, you can enable Overdraft Assist. This waives overdraft fees if your account is overdrawn by less than $50 or you bring your balance to less than $50 overdrawn before the end of the next business day. Many big banks offer similar services with their own limits and requirements.

Read our SoFi review | Read our Chase review

5.0
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2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY10with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.11 FDIC Insured.5
Learn More
4.3
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Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer
When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.12 FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 1/21/2026.
Learn More

Savings accounts compared

Monthly fee APY
SoFi Checking and Savings $0 Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances with qualified direct deposit or 1.00% (as of 01/24/25) APY on savings balances without direct deposit
Chase Savings $5 or $0 if:
  • Account holder is under 18

    Or

  • Average beginning day balance of at least $300

    Or

  • Auto save transfers of at least $25 each month

    Or

  • Link a qualifying Chase account
0.01% (as of 04/04/25)
Chase Premier Savings $15 or $0 if:
  • Average beginning day balance of at least $15,000

    Or

  • Link to a qualifying Chase account
0.01%-0.02% (as of 04/04/25)

When it comes to savings accounts, SoFi wins again. SoFi Checking and Savings earns up to 3.80% APY on savings balances with qualified direct deposit, and you may qualify for an even higher rate with a promotional savings boost. SoFi Checking and Savings is a combined checking and savings account, which can also be a perk because it means not having to transfer funds between accounts when you want to spend or save. However, you may see it as a disadvantage that SoFi doesn't provide distinct checking and savings accounts.

Chase, on the other hand, offers two savings account options, but both have very poor APYs on all balances. The national average rate on savings deposits is currently 0.4% (as of 9/15/25), so 0.01% (as of 04/04/25) (on Chase Savings) is extremely low. But it's worth noting that this rate isn't altogether uncommon compared to savings rates with other big banks, which aren't known for offering the most competitive yields.

In addition, you'll pay a monthly maintenance fee with either Chase savings account unless you meet the requirements to have the fee waived. SoFi does not charge monthly maintenance fees, so this one is a no-brainer.

Other banking products

In addition to checking and savings accounts, both SoFi and Chase have other banking products.

SoFi

SoFi offers a wide range of loans, including mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), home equity loans, personal loans with a wide range of approved uses, and private student loans. The company, which (unsurprisingly) got its start as a lender, can also help you refinance certain types of student loans, including Parent PLUS loans, medical resident or professional loans, and law and MBA loans.

On top of this, SoFi provides three credit card options, including the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card, which earns 2% on all other purchases. SoFi also offers a range of investing options, including retirement accounts, automated investing, and self-directed investing. SoFi® Invest is a great choice for beginners who want access to many asset classes.

However, SoFi doesn't offer two popular banking products: certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market accounts (MMAs).

Earn a Rare 1% IRA Match on Contributions and Rollovers
Self-directed or automatic IRA account built around your risk tolerance and tax needs. Get a 1% match on every dollar you contribute and roll over. Terms apply.13
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Chase

Chase offers an exceptionally wide range of credit cards that include options for rewards, travel, and business. The Chase Sapphire Reserve®, one of its most popular, comes with an annual fee of $795 and earns 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠ (including The Edit℠), 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases. Chase credit cards often compete with cards from other big issuers like Capital One and Discover. Chase also offers home and auto loans, personal loans, and investing accounts in partnership with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.

Chase provides other banking products as well, setting it apart from SoFi. Its CDs require a $1,000 minimum deposit, but you can find lower minimums and higher APYs with many online banks and financial technology (fintech) companies. It also provides business management accounts, including business checking, small business loans, and merchant services to help you process payments.

ATM and branch access

In terms of ATM access, SoFi wins, hands down. Through the Allpoint Network, SoFi has access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Fee-free ATMs are also found in popular stores like Target, Walgreens, and CVS, making them convenient to access.

Chase only has around 15,000 ATMs nationwide and doesn't charge a fee at Chase-branded ATMs. However, you will likely pay a $3 fee on top of any fee the ATM owner charges when you use an out-of-network ATM. Chase waives the $3 fee for Chase Sapphire Checking and Premier Savings account customers.

Customer service and support

SoFi

SoFi's support is available by phone or chat after you log in to your account.

Phone:

1-855-456-SOFI (7634)

Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST

Friday through Sunday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST

Chat:

Log in to your account to chat with a virtual assistant 24/7

The SoFi Help Center also offers a collection of articles to help you find answers to questions and resolve problems (though this can be a frustrating way to get solutions, in my experience).

Chase

Chase has an extensive customer service network, offering support via phone, email, and in-person visits to local branches.

Phone:

1-800-935-9935 for existing accounts

1-877-CHASEPC (242-7372) for mobile or online banking technical support

In person:

Find a local branch

Email:

Sign in to your account and use the Secure Message Center

Like SoFi, Chase also has an extensive library of help articles and self-service options through the Personal Banking Resource Center.

FAQs

Can I open both SoFi and Chase accounts?

Yes, you can have both SoFi and Chase accounts. In general, I find it more effective to use both online and traditional banks, as you can take advantage of the higher annual percentage yields and lower fees at online banks while still enjoying the in-person convenience of a traditional brick-and-mortar bank.

Are my deposits safe at both SoFi and Chase?

Both SoFi and Chase are FDIC-insured, which protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type. SoFi's Insured Deposit Program offers up to $3 million in FDIC coverage through its network of partner banks.5

Does SoFi or Chase have better budgeting tools?

SoFi has better online tools for calculating student loans and repayments. Chase offers mortgage and auto financing calculators, as well as the Chase Budget tool, through its mobile app. This tool enables users to create a budget based on their monthly income and planned expenditures.

Bottom line

When it comes to SoFi vs. Chase, many people could benefit from using both. And, if you're comparing the two, you might already be interested in both. I'd recommend keeping the majority of your savings in a SoFi account to take advantage of its high APYs and using Chase for times you want the option to visit a branch. That way, you can maximize your interest earnings and still get in-person support when you need it. But, if you want to choose one, consider SoFi if you don't need branch banking, as it charges fewer fees and provides more perks and benefits.

As you compare institutions and bank accounts, pay attention to the APYs offered, especially savings rates, as well as monthly fees, overdraft protection, and balance requirements.

5.0
info
Financebuzz awards badge
2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo
SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits
  • Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY10with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.11
  • No account, overdraft, or monthly fees3
  • Get your paycheck up to two days early14
  • Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million5
Open an account with SoFi® here
4.3
info
Chase Total Checking® Benefits
  • Get a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities; offer valid through 1/21/202612
  • Access to more than 15,000 ATMs and more than 5,000 branches
  • Monthly Service Fee as low as $0 when you meet qualifying electronic deposits or account balance minimums6
  • Member FDIC
Open an Account

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