SoFi Banking Services and Features Review

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SoFi offers a range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.

Their checking account comes with a debit card, mobile check deposit, and access to over 55,000 ATMs nationwide.

You can also earn interest on your savings account, with rates that are competitive with other online banks.

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Earnings and Growth

SoFi Technologies maintained its strong momentum in the fourth quarter, with net revenue increasing 19% from a year ago to $734.1 million.

The loan platform business was a major contributor to this growth. Net income jumped by 148% to $61 million, thanks to the firm's ability to control costs as it gained scale.

This impressive financial performance is a testament to SoFi's ability to manage its expenses effectively, allowing it to reap the benefits of its growing business.

Valuation and Overview

SoFi's valuation metrics show a significant difference compared to its peers. The company's Price/Earnings (Normalized) ratio is 106.07, which is much higher than SYF's 10.64 and DFS's 10.87.

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SoFi's online banking services offer a range of benefits, including access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint ATM network. This convenience is a major advantage for customers.

The company's Insured Deposit Program provides protection for up to $2 million in deposits, exceeding the traditional FDIC insurance limit. This added security gives customers peace of mind when banking with SoFi.

Here's a comparison of SoFi's valuation metrics with its peers:

Valuation

Valuation is a critical aspect of evaluating a company's worth, and it's essential to understand the various metrics used to determine this value.

Looking at the price/earnings ratio, we can see that SOFI has a significantly higher ratio than SYF and DFS, with a normalized price/earnings ratio of 106.07.

The price/book value ratio is another important metric, and in this case, SOFI has a ratio of 2.65, while SYF has a ratio of 1.74 and DFS has a ratio of 3.00.

Expand your knowledge: Lpl Financial Quarterly Earnings

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A high price/book value ratio can indicate that a company is overvalued, but it's essential to consider other factors as well.

Here's a breakdown of the valuation metrics for these three companies:

The price/sales ratio is another important metric, and in this case, SOFI has a ratio of 6.65, while SYF has a ratio of 1.71 and DFS has a ratio of 2.82.

Banking Overview

SoFi is a digital bank that offers a range of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, personal loans, student loans, mortgages, and credit cards. You can manage your finances online or through their mobile app.

SoFi has a vast network of fee-free ATMs, with over 55,000 locations through the Allpoint ATM network. This means you can withdraw cash without incurring any fees.

SoFi's Insured Deposit Program protects your deposits up to $2 million, which is a significant amount of protection. Any money beyond this limit will be transferred to FDIC-insured accounts at partner banks.

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SoFi offers a high-yield checking and savings account with no fees, backed by the FDIC. This means your deposits are insured up to $250,000.

SoFi has also launched a cash management checking and savings account, Samsung Money by SoFi, in partnership with Samsung Pay. This account comes with a digital and physical debit card.

SoFi's banking technology platform is used by multiple banks and fintech brands in the US and Latin America. They also provide API access to their technology, helping businesses launch financial services.

Here are some of the key features of SoFi's banking services:

Digital Banking

SoFi's digital banking experience is top-notch. You can manage your accounts primarily through online and mobile banking, and the bank's mobile app is rated 4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store and 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store.

The SoFi mobile app user experience includes many essential banking features, such as making mobile check deposits, finding ATMs, and setting alerts for managing bill payments.

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With over 55,000 fee-free ATMs in the Allpoint ATM network, you'll have plenty of options for accessing your cash. The Allpoint ATM network is a huge perk for SoFi customers.

SoFi Checking and Savings members can protect up to $2 million in deposits through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program, which is a great safety net for your hard-earned money.

Here are some key features of SoFi's digital banking platform:

  • Mobile check deposits
  • Fee-free ATMs
  • Bill payment alerts
  • Insured deposits up to $2 million

Banking Services

SoFi offers a range of banking services, including high-yield checking and savings accounts with no monthly service fees.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on your savings balances with direct deposit or qualifying deposits of $5,000 or more per month.

One of the best features of SoFi's banking services is the ability to protect up to $2 million in deposits through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program.

SoFi also offers a cash management account with a digital and physical debit card, which can be linked to your SoFi Checking and Savings account.

If this caught your attention, see: Sofi Savings Account Transaction Limit

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With SoFi Checking and Savings, you'll have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint ATM network.

Here are some key features of SoFi Checking and Savings:

SoFi's banking services are designed to help you save and invest, with features like early direct deposit and joint account availability.

However, it's worth noting that SoFi doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM providers' fees, and you may be subject to a $4.95 fee for depositing cash at Green Dot locations.

Trust and Fees

SoFi's fee structure is straightforward and transparent, making it a great option for those who want to avoid common bank fees.

The SoFi Checking and Savings Account has no monthly service fee and no inactive account fees, which is a huge relief for anyone who's had to deal with pesky bank fees in the past.

SoFi also offers a SoFi Credit Card with $0 annual fee, although be aware that there's a cash advance fee of $10 or 5% of the total advance amount, and a late payment fee of up to $41.

With SoFi Active Invest, you can rest easy knowing there are no advisory fees and no commission fees, although there is a $20 IRA closing fee and a $15 insufficient funds fee to be mindful of.

A different take: Sofi Cash Advance

Is Trustworthy?

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SoFi's trustworthiness is backed by its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which evaluates companies on their business practices and customer complaint handling.

At Business Insider, we use a 5-star rating system to evaluate products, considering various features like interest rates and ATM network size/fees for bank accounts.

Our review of SoFi Checking and Savings combined our methodologies for savings and checking accounts, highlighting its flexibility as a single account option.

We also examine distinct features for different products, such as annual fees and rewards rates for credit cards, and fees and term options for personal loans.

Fees and Financial Benefits

SoFi offers a range of financial products with varying fees and benefits. The SoFi Checking and Savings Account has no monthly service fee and no inactive account fees, making it a great option for those who want to avoid common bank fees.

If you're looking for a credit card with no annual fee, the SoFi Credit Card is a good choice, with a cash advance fee of $10 or 5% of the total advance amount and a late payment fee of up to $41.

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SoFi Active Invest has no advisory fees and no commission fees, but there is a $20 IRA closing fee and a $15 insufficient funds fee to be mindful of.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key fees and benefits to consider:

  • No monthly service fee for SoFi Checking and Savings Account
  • No inactive account fees for SoFi Checking and Savings Account
  • No annual fee for SoFi Credit Card
  • $10 or 5% cash advance fee for SoFi Credit Card
  • Up to $41 late payment fee for SoFi Credit Card
  • No advisory fees for SoFi Active Invest
  • No commission fees for SoFi Active Invest
  • $20 IRA closing fee for SoFi Active Invest
  • $15 insufficient funds fee for SoFi Active Invest

Investing and Credit

SoFi is a great option for beginners looking to start investing. You can trade stocks and ETFs through SoFi, and in January 2024, they announced customers would be able to invest in mutual funds, money market funds, and alternative investment funds.

One of the best things about SoFi's investing platform is that it has low minimum opening requirements and no account or trading fees. This makes it easy to get started and start building your investment portfolio.

SoFi's investing platform also offers a range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and alternative investment funds. With SoFi, you can invest in a variety of assets to help you reach your financial goals.

On a similar theme: Halifax Stocks and Shares Isa

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SoFi's banking services, including SoFi Checking and Savings, offer a range of benefits, including the ability to qualify for SoFi Plus and earn up to $300 in cash bonuses.

Here are some key benefits of SoFi's banking services:

  • Qualify for SoFi Plus by opening SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposits
  • Up to $300 cash bonus with SoFi Checking and Savings
  • No account or trading fees for investing

Active Invest

SoFi Active Invest is a great platform for US investors who are looking for an intuitive online trading experience. It offers commission and fee-free trades of stocks and exchange-traded funds.

You can open an account with $0 and start investing with as little as $1. SoFi Active Invest also offers $5 fractional shares, making it easier to invest in your favorite stocks.

One of the benefits of SoFi Active Invest is that it has no account or trading fees, and low fees to own funds. You'll also have access to certified financial planners to help you make informed investment decisions.

However, it's worth noting that SoFi Active Invest doesn't offer tax-loss harvesting, an advanced investing technique that can help you save on taxes. Additionally, it only uses market orders, so you won't be able to set stop-loss orders.

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If you're a beginner investor, SoFi Active Invest is a solid choice. You can also qualify for SoFi Plus by opening SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposits, which offers perks like discounts and rewards.

Here are some key features of SoFi Active Invest:

Cons

SoFi has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to managing your finances. One major con is that the bank declines purchases if you overdraw by more than $50 on SoFi Checking and Savings.

This can be a hassle, especially if you're not keeping track of your account balance. I've seen friends get caught off guard by unexpected overdraft fees.

If you're looking to apply for a credit card, you might be disappointed to know that other online banks have more credit card options available. SoFi's selection is somewhat limited.

One specific area where SoFi falls short is with student loans. The minimum loan amount is $1,000, which might not be feasible for everyone.

Interest Rates

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SoFi offers competitive interest rates on various financial products, including savings accounts and personal loans. You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings balances and Vaults when you set up direct deposits or deposit $5,000 or more every 30 days.

The interest rate on SoFi's savings accounts is 1.00% APY if you don't meet the direct deposit or deposit requirements. SoFi checking balances earn 0.50% APY.

SoFi's personal loan interest rates range from 8.99% to 29.99% fixed, with a 0.25% AutoPay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. The loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000.

Here's a breakdown of the interest rates on SoFi's financial products:

Credit Card

The SoFi Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a hassle-free cash-back credit card with no annual fee. It offers 2% cash back on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

You can earn rewards on all purchases, and they can potentially grow when you invest them through SoFi. The card also has automatic deposit available to your SoFi accounts, and it includes zero fraud liability protection and cell phone protection up to $1,000.

Here's an interesting read: Wells Fargo Cash Back Visa Signature Card

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One of the best features of the SoFi Credit Card is its lack of fees. You won't have to worry about annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or origination fees. It's a great option for those who want a simple and straightforward credit card experience.

Here are some key features of the SoFi Credit Card:

  • Earn 2% cash back on every purchase
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Automatic deposit available to SoFi accounts
  • Zero fraud liability protection and cell phone protection up to $1,000
  • Rewards can potentially grow when invested through SoFi

If you're searching for a credit card with no annual fee that lets you earn 2% cash back on purchases, the SoFi Credit Card is definitely worth considering.

Personal Loans Review

SoFi is a strong personal loan lender for those with high credit scores, offering perks like no fees required. Their personal loans have a fixed interest rate ranging from 8.99% to 29.99% with all discounts applied.

You'll get a 0.25% AutoPay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. With loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, SoFi is a great option for those who need a larger loan.

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SoFi's loan term lengths range from 2 to 7 years, allowing you to choose a repayment plan that suits your needs. You can usually receive your money in a few business days after your application is approved.

Here are the key benefits of SoFi's personal loans:

  • A high maximum loan limit of $100,000
  • No fees required, aside from interest
  • A competitive APR, with discounts applied

However, keep in mind that SoFi has a high minimum credit score requirement and a high minimum loan amount of $5,000. Additionally, they don't offer in-person support, so you'll need to manage your loan online or over the phone.

Expansion, Challenges, FTC Charges

SoFi's expansion into new products like mortgages and personal loans was a key part of its growth strategy in 2014.

The company raised $80 million in a Series C round led by Discovery Capital Management with participation from Peter Thiel, Wicklow Capital, and existing investors.

By March 2015, SoFi was offering mortgages in over 20 states, up from its initial launch that included under ten states in October 2014.

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SoFi's funding milestones were impressive, with the company funding over $2 billion in loans by April 2015, including student loan refinancing, mortgages, personal loans, and MBA loans.

In May 2016, SoFi became the first startup online lender to receive a triple-A rating from Moody's, a significant achievement for the company.

By October 2016, SoFi had funded over $12 billion in total loan volume and had 175,000 members.

However, SoFi also faced challenges, including allegations of sexual harassment and skirting risk and compliance controls, which led to the resignation of CEO Mike Cagney in September 2017.

SoFi settled Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges in October 2018, agreeing to stop making false claims about savings from student loan refinancing.

The FTC alleged that SoFi had been making such false claims since April 2016, and the company was prohibited from misrepresenting to consumers how much money consumers will save or have saved using its products.

Business Model

SoFi's business model has evolved significantly since its inception. The company originally utilized an alumni-funded lending model that connected students and recent graduates with alumni and institutional investors via school-specific student loan funds.

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This model allowed investors to receive a financial return while borrowers received rates lower than the federal government offered. As a result, SoFi was able to minimize defaults by focusing on low-risk students and graduates.

SoFi's focus on digital banking methods has enabled the company to operate without physical branches. This approach has been successful, allowing SoFi to expand its offerings to include mortgages, mortgage refinancing, personal loans, auto loans, credit cards, stock investing, insurance, estate planning, and bank accounts.

SoFi's largest source of revenue comes from its lending division, which generates income from net interest, securitization sales, and whole loan sales. The company's technology platform division also generates income via Galileo's customer services, including platform access and card management services offered in the form of APIs.

SoFi's financial services division generates income from transaction and management fees, share lending, and other sources.

Additional reading: Stearns Lending

Lending

SoFi offers a variety of lending services, including personal loans, student loans, home loans, and loan refinancing.

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One of the standout features of SoFi's lending services is the lack of fees on their loans, aside from interest. This is a big plus for borrowers who want to avoid extra charges.

SoFi's loan platform business has been growing rapidly, with a 148% increase in net income to $61 million in the fourth quarter. This is a testament to the company's strong momentum and ability to control costs.

SoFi's student loans offer highly competitive APRs, ranging from 4.64% to 15.86% variable and 3.54% to 14.83% fixed (with AutoPay discount). This makes them a great option for students who need to finance their education.

Here are some key features of SoFi's student loans:

  • No origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees
  • Highly competitive APR
  • Several options for repayment term length
  • Quick application process

SoFi's home loans offer a convenient online experience for conventional mortgage borrowers. They also recently started offering FHA and VA loans, and will accept credit scores as low as 600 on both of these mortgages.

Mortgages and Loans

SoFi offers a range of loan options, including personal loans and loan platforms that contribute to its strong revenue growth. Its net revenue increased 19% from a year ago to $734.1 million.

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For personal loans, SoFi offers competitive APRs, with rates ranging from 8.99% to 29.99% fixed, and no fees required. You can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000, with loan terms ranging from 2 to 7 years.

SoFi's loan platform business has been a major contributor to its growth, and it's a good option for those with high credit scores.

Loan Platform Expands with $2B Fortress Agreement

SoFi Technologies has made a big move in its loan platform business, expanding its capabilities with a $2 billion agreement with Fortress Investment Group. This partnership will help SoFi serve more members and diversify its revenue streams.

The loan platform business is a key part of SoFi's strategy to meet the financial needs of its members. With this agreement, SoFi will be able to originate loans on behalf of third parties, in addition to referring pre-qualified borrowers to loan origination partners.

SoFi's loan platform business has been growing strong, with continued demand for its services. This partnership with Fortress will help SoFi tap into that demand and expand its capabilities.

See what others are reading: Citizens Business Bank

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SoFi's loan platform business offers a range of benefits to its members, including competitive APRs and no origination fees. Members can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 with loan terms ranging from 2 to 7 years.

The partnership with Fortress is a significant step forward for SoFi's loan platform business. It will enable SoFi to originate more loans and expand its reach to more members.

Here are some key benefits of SoFi's loan platform business:

  • Competitive APRs
  • No origination fees
  • Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000
  • Loan terms range from 2 to 7 years

Mortgages and Loans

SoFi is an excellent lender for borrowers who want competitive APRs. It's also a great lender for those who don't want to worry about fees.

SoFi offers student loans for undergraduate and graduate degrees, with options for repayment term length, including five, seven, 10, or 15 years. These loans have no origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees.

You can apply for SoFi loans through your computer or mobile device, and customer service is available via phone, mail, and social media. The loan minimum is $1,000, and the maximum is up to 100% of the cost of attendance.

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Here are the loan details for SoFi's undergraduate and graduate student loans:

SoFi also offers a bonus of up to $250 for undergraduate borrowers with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This can be a great incentive for students who meet this criteria.

Mortgages Review

SoFi Home Loans is a convenient online mortgage lender for conventional mortgage borrowers looking for an easy online experience.

It's great to know that SoFi offers a great rate personalization tool, which can help you find the best mortgage rate for your needs.

SoFi also allows low scores on VA loans, making it a good option for borrowers with lower credit scores.

If you're a previous customer, you may be eligible for member benefits, which can be a nice perk.

SoFi doesn't offer USDA loans, so you may want to explore other options if you're looking for a USDA loan.

Here are some key features of SoFi Home Loans:

  • Easy to use
  • Great rate personalization tool
  • Allows low scores on VA loans
  • Member benefits available to previous customers

Banking Technology

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SoFi is a provider of digital banking software to multiple banks and fintech brands in the U.S. and Latin America.

The company's technology platform offers API access, supporting banks in processing credit card payments and helping businesses launch financial services.

SoFi's platform is available to multiple banks and fintech brands, making it a significant player in the digital banking space.

Here are some of the regions where SoFi's peer-to-peer lending services are available:

  • United States
  • China
  • Singapore
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Digital Experience and Usability

SoFi is an online-only bank, which means you'll have to manage your accounts primarily through online and mobile banking.

The bank's mobile app is highly rated, with 4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store and 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store.

You can make mobile check deposits using the SoFi mobile app, which is a convenient feature for managing your finances on the go.

The app also allows you to find ATMs, which is useful for accessing cash when you need it.

Setting alerts for managing bill payments is another essential feature available in the SoFi mobile app.

Banking Technology Platform

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SoFi is a provider of digital banking software to multiple banks and fintech brands in the U.S. and Latin America. The company also provides API access to its technology platform, supporting banks in processing credit card payments and helping businesses launch financial services.

SoFi's technology platform is a robust tool that enables banks to offer a range of financial services to their customers. This includes credit card payments, which can be processed quickly and securely through SoFi's API.

SoFi's banking technology platform is not limited to the U.S. and Latin America; it also serves banks and fintech brands in other regions, including Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

SoFi's technology platform is a key part of its business, and it has helped the company establish itself as a leading provider of digital banking software.

If this caught your attention, see: Financial Technology Partners

Ratings and Reviews

SoFi has received high ratings from Business Insider, with an overall score of 4 out of 5. This is based on their evaluation of various products and services offered by SoFi.

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Their banking service received a rating of 4.25 out of 5, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users. On the other hand, their credit card service received a lower rating of 3.5 out of 5.

SoFi's product offerings include banking, personal loans, student loans, invest, credit card, mortgages, and trustworthiness. Here's a breakdown of their ratings in these areas:

It's worth noting that SoFi offers a 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction for borrowers who make automatic monthly payments. This benefit requires payments to be deducted from a savings or checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score does SoFi require?

SoFi requires a minimum credit score of 680 for approval, but having a co-borrower with strong credit may also be an option. Check your credit score before applying to see if you meet this requirement.

What are the cons of SoFi?

SoFi has a few drawbacks, including no physical branches for in-person banking and a fee for cash deposits. Additionally, SoFi's account options are limited, with no separate checking and savings account choices.

Carole Veum

Junior Writer

Carole Veum is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial journalism. Her work has appeared in several notable publications, covering a range of topics including banking and mergers and acquisitions. Veum's articles on the Banks of Kenya provide a comprehensive understanding of the local financial landscape, while her pieces on 2013 Mergers and Acquisitions offer insightful analysis of significant corporate transactions.

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