Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » SoFi Credit Card Review 2024 – Low Fees, Nice Cashback
Advertiser Disclosure This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

SoFi Credit Card Review 2024 – Low Fees, Nice Cashback

The SoFi credit card is a simple card offering 2% cash back on purchases and low fees. You don’t need to be a Sofi customer to get the card.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

SoFi Credit Card

SoFi credit card

Rewards Plan

1-3% 3% cash back rewards on trips booked through SoFi Travel. After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases when redeemed toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi

Sign up Bonus

N/A N/A

Our Rating

3.5
3.5/5

0% Intro

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.74% – 29.74% Variable
SoFi Credit Card

SoFi credit card

Rewards Plan

1-3% 3% cash back rewards on trips booked through SoFi Travel. After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases when redeemed toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi

Sign up Bonus

N/A N/A

Our Rating

3.5
3.5/5

PROS

CONS

APR

17.74% - 29.74% Variable

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

None

Credit Requirements

Good – Excellent Credit

The SoFi credit card is a simple card offering 3% cash back rewards on trips booked through SoFi Travel. After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases when redeemed toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi, but it is designed a little differently compared to other cards with similar rewards. The card has no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee.

You can accumulate your cash back and redeem the rewards towards saving, investing or paying down a SoFi loan. While you don’t need to be a Sofi customer, this makes the card an attractive option for those with existing SoFi accounts to get the highest value rewards. 

The SoFi credit card is a Mastercard and so it comes with some additional benefits such as discounts from participating merchants and up to $1,000 in cell phone protection.

However, its value is most apparent for existing SoFi customers, as points can only be fully redeemed within the SoFi ecosystem. The lackluster welcome offer and absence of introductory APR rates may make other cash back cards more appealing for those without a strong affiliation with SoFi.

My Application Was Denied. Why? What Can I Do?

As with most credit card companies, Sofi is unlikely to give you a specific reason if your application is declined. Sofi will make a credit decision based on your credit report and the details on your application.

So, if you are declined, it could relate to your income, credit score or other factors. Fortunately, you can continue to use your Sofi checking and savings account to boost your credit report and get your finances under control. You can then consider reapplying in six months or more.

How Does The Sofi Card Integrate With Sofi Money?

One of the great things about Sofi is that all the products do integrate. In fact, you can use the cash back you earn on your credit card to save in your Sofi savings account, invest with Sofi Invest or pay down your Sofi loan.

When Should You Consider It?

The Sofi credit card and associated Sofi banking products are a great option if you want to simplify your finances.

While the card does not offer the best possible rewards, it is weighted towards helping you to save, invest or pay down debt. This can help you on your journey to financial independence.

In This Review..

Pros & Cons

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the SoFi Credit Card:

Pros
Cons
Flat Rate Cash Back
Average Cashback Rate
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer Fee
Mastercard World Elite Perks
Dependency on SoFi Accounts
Integration with SoFi Ecosystem
No Introductory APR Offers
No Foreign Transaction Fee
No Welcome Bonus

This card offers 3% cash back rewards on trips booked through SoFi Travel. After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases when redeemed toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi. 

The card's flat-rate cash back eliminates the complexity of dealing with bonus spending categories or earning limits, making it straightforward for users to accumulate rewards.

The SoFi Credit Card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for users who want to earn rewards without incurring additional expenses.

Cardholders enjoy additional perks, such as cellphone protection and savings with Lyft, DoorDash, and more, thanks to its affiliation with the Mastercard World Elite program.

For users with SoFi banking, investment, or loan accounts, the card seamlessly integrates with the SoFi ecosystem, allowing for easy redemption of rewards into various accounts.

If you enjoy traveling, you can use your SoFi Mastercard  without worrying about getting hit with exorbitant foreign transaction fees.

There are no higher earning categories or one time bonuses with this card. The card is only really favorable for those with SoFi loans, savings or investment accounts. 

So, unless you already use these products or are planning to in the future, you may find the rewards structure frustrating.

If you want to transfer a balance to your SoFi credit card, you can expect to pay a fee of $10 or 5% (whichever is higher). Additionally, there are times when SoFi does not permit balance transfers.

To maximize the benefits, users must have a SoFi Checking and Savings, loan, or investment account, limiting the card's appeal for those without an existing relationship with SoFi.

The absence of introductory APR offers may make the card less attractive for users looking to transfer balances or avoid interest charges in the initial months.

the card doesn't offer a welcome bonus, a drawback compared to competing cards offering more attractive welcome bonuses.

Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Navigating SoFi Credit Card Through the User's Eyes

As we began exploring the SoFi Credit Card through the SoFi App, we encountered a range of features designed to improve our financial experience.

The SoFi Credit Card Overview feature welcomed us with a bird's eye view of our credit card activity. It displayed key information such as the current balance, available credit, and due dates:

SoFi credit card overview

Navigating to the Transactions section, we were met with a detailed log of our credit card activity. Each transaction was neatly categorized, providing insights into where and how we spent our money.

SoFi credit card transactions view

This virtual card, accessible within the app, allowed users to make online purchases without exposing our actual card details.

SoFi Virtual Card Features

From transaction tracking to point accumulation and the added security of a virtual card, SoFi's thoughtful design and functionality made managing our credit a straightforward and rewarding aspect of our financial journey.

How To Apply For SoFi Credit Card?

You can start the application form for the SoFi Credit Card on the company website.

After you click “Apply Now”, you’ll be redirected to a basic information form. You’ll need to provide your name, state, email and set a password. At this point, if you already have a SoFi account, you can simply opt to log in.

sofi card application 2

You will then need to provide some more detailed information, starting with your address.

At this point, SoFi requires a cell phone number, so the team can send you a verification code. Once you enter the code, you will be able to continue with your application.

sofi card application 3

You’ll need to provide financial details, such as your income, current finance obligations and expenses, so the SoFi team can assess whether you qualify for the card.

You will have the opportunity to review all your details, before you submit your application. SoFi will also perform a hard credit check before making a decision.

How It Compared To Cash Back Cards With No Annual Fee?

The SoFi Credit Card, with its unique features and integration within the SoFi ecosystem. When compared to other no-annual-fee cash back cards, it presents both advantages and limitations.

Cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Citi Double Cash® Card offer a 2% flat rate cash back rate and also feature no annual fees. However, these alternatives include an introductory APR period and a welcome bonus. If you want a flat rate cashback, the Upgrade Cash Rewards, Capital One Quicksilver, and Amex Cash Magnet offers 1.5% cashback and a welcome bonus.

However, there are cards that offer higher cashback on bonus categories with no annual fee and even 0% intro APR. For example, the Blue Cash Everyday From American Express, the Capital One SavorOne, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited rewards include higher cashback for travel, dining, and even groceries, depending on the card, usually between 1X-3X points per dollar.

There are also options to get even higher cashback rates with no annual fee cards with rotating categories such as the Citi Custom Cash, Discover It Cashback or Chase Freedom Flex, all of them offer 1%-5% cashback, including a welcome bonus and 0% intro APR.

Is the SoFi Credit Card Right for You?

If you already have SoFi savings, investment or loan accounts, the SoFi credit card could be a good option for you. You can accumulate 3% cash back rewards on trips booked through SoFi Travel. After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases when redeemed toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi that can be redeemed into your account.

While this may not seem a massive amount, you could be able to chip away at your existing debt or increase your investment fund, simply with your day to day spending.

Compare The Alternatives

If you have good – excellent credit and you're looking for a cash back rewards credit card – the SoFi card is definitely a good option, but there are some good alternatives:

American express everyday card review 2021

Chase Freedom Flex

citi double cash

American Express EveryDay® Card
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card
Citi® Double Cash Card
Annual Fee
$0 . See Fees & Rates
$0
$0
Rewards
1X – 2X 2X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
1-5% 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases
1% – 5% 2% cash back rewards rate – 1% every time you swipe and another 1% upon payment.
Welcome bonus
10,000 points 10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months
$200 $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
$200 $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.7%
3%
3%
Purchase APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable
20.49%–29.24% variable
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)

FAQ

Sofi allows you to earn unlimited cash back on your purchases with very few restrictions. These exceptions are similar to other credit card brands. This means interest fees, gift cards and other cash related purchases are not likely to earn you any cash back.

You can apply online for a Sofi card and the company states that you’ll need to wait up to 30 days to process your application. This means that you may need to wait several business days to get an official approval, but this is not as quick as some other credit card providers.

Sofi does not publish the typical initial credit limits, but previous and current customers have reported starting limits of $1,000 up to as high as $25,000. Your specific credit limit will be assessed as part of the application approval process according to your income, employment status and other factors.

Sofi states on its website that applying for this card will not affect your credit score. When you apply, Sofi will only initiate a soft credit pull that does not affect your score. There will only be a hard credit pull if your application is approved and you decide to proceed.

However, Sofi does state that after evaluating your completed application and your credit report, the company may decline to offer credit. 

Review Cash Back Credit Cards

Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Disclaimers:

See offer detailswww.sofi.com/card/rewards
See terms and conditions: www.sofi.com/card/terms
*Cell Phone Insurance Protection, Mastercard ID Theft Protection™ , Lyft and Other Partner Rewards have additional terms and conditions, which can all be accessed through the World Elite Mastercard® Benefits portal. Please see the guide to benefits for details or call 1-800-MASTERCARD.

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Search
Best Cards Per Category
Offers From Our Partners

milestone card art

Annual Fee:
$175 the first year; $49 thereafter
APR:
35.90%

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

milestone card art

Annual Fee:
$175 the first year; $49 thereafter
APR:
35.90%
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.