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January 23, 2024 by Brett Tams

Inside: Are you looking to maximize your rewards and credit card hacks? This guide will teach you the most effective methods for using your hacking, signing up for bonus rewards, and making efficient card purchases.

Credit card use extends beyond just making purchases. Savvy credit card users understand that with the right set of hacks and optimal usage, there’s a world of rewards that are ripe for the picking.

Money saved can be money earned, and this simple philosophy forms the cornerstone of these 25 credit card hacks you’ll be learning about today.

Why do credit card hacks matter? Well, I just received a $700 check for credit card rewards. That is enough to pay for a weekend trip away.

What are Credit Card Hacks?

Credit card hacks are creative strategies employed by credit card users to maximize the benefits and rewards offered by their credit cards while also potentially saving more money.

This trend has become more popular in recent years due to the rise in premium travel and cashback cards that offer lucrative ongoing rewards programs. Users who learn about these hacks can save you money on travel or just put cold hard cash back in your wallet.

With strategic approaches, these hacks provide an avenue to optimize rewards and navigate the financial landscape more effectively.

Proven Credit Card Hacks to Maximize Rewards

Tip #1 – Utilize sign-up bonuses

One of the most attractive features of credit cards is the sign-up bonuses they offer, which are essentially rewards that cardholders can earn after meeting a certain spending threshold within a specified timeframe. The bonuses can range from hundreds to even thousands of points, miles, or cash – favorably impacting your rewards balance.

To illustrate, if you take the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card, both partners in a household can get up to 50,000 extra points each as part of the sign-up bonus.

Bonus tip: Stagger your applications, so once one person gets the bonus after meeting the spending requirement, the other person can then apply and achieve the next round of bonuses.

Tip #2 – Increase credit limit

The principle behind this is simply buffering your “credit utilization ratio”, which is how much of your total available credit you are utilizing.

To illustrate how a credit limit increase will work, let’s consider an example: with a credit limit of $10,000 and a credit usage of $3,000, your utilization ratio stands at 30%. But once your credit limit increases to $15,000 with the same credit usage, your utilization ratio drops to 20% – which is a noticeable improvement.

Remember, when requesting a credit limit increase, some card issuers might execute a hard inquiry on your credit report, which could temporarily decrease your score. Hence, you should try to find out beforehand whether your issuer is likely to perform a hard or soft credit pull. Soft inquiries won’t affect your credit score, making them the preferable approach.

Tip #3 – Master balance transfers

A balance transfer, executed proficiently, can be an effective way to handle significant credit card debt. By focusing on reducing the cost of debt through lower interest rates, balance transfer can accelerate your debt repayment process while saving you considerable money over time.

This is what one of my clients did and the date when the 0% interest ended was very motivating to pay off their debt.

This process entails the shuffling of debt from one card (usually one with a high interest rate) to another card—preferably with a 0% promotional APR offer. With this interest-free period, you can focus on repaying the principal balance, hence clearing your debt faster.

As a finance expert, make sure balance transfers are only beneficial if you’re mindful of the terms, like how long your 0% rate will last and what fees are involved in the transfer to the new card.

Tip #4 – Purchase prepaid cards with credit

Need a way to spend a certain dollar amount by a certain deadline? Then, look at purchasing prepaid cards with a credit card as a strategy to earn extra rewards points. This method entails buying prepaid cards or gift cards using your credit card, and later using these prepaid cards to cover those expenses you typically will use.

In other cases, customers have reported that their credit card companies have clawed back rewards points that were initially given for gift card purchases. Double check their terms and conditions, many issuers, including American Express, explicitly exclude such transactions from earning rewards. ¹

Tip #5 – Harnessing the 15/3 Methodology

The 15/3 Methodology is a credit card hack that intends to optimize your credit utilization ratio—one of the significant factors that impact your credit score.

Here’s how it works: You pay off a majority of your card’s balance 15 days before your statement date, and then pay off the remaining balance three days before the statement date. By doing this, you create the illusion of a lower balance, which can positively impact your credit score.

There is still a debate about whether or not this strategy improves your credit card score. Paying your bill on time will definitely improve your score.

Tip #6 – Strategies to earn additional rewards through third-party programs

An often overlooked but highly effective credit card hack is utilizing third-party apps and websites that offer additional rewards when you shop at participating retailers and restaurants. These rewards are additional to the cash back, miles, or points awarded by your credit card.

One such app is Dosh, a cashback app. By linking your credit card to your Dosh account, you can earn up to 10% cash back from participating retailers on top of the rewards earned from your credit card. Similarly, apps like Drop and Bumped give users points for every dollar spent, and these points can be redeemed for gift cards.

Furthermore, many airlines and hotels participate in dining rewards programs where you’ll earn extra rewards at select restaurants. Airlines like United, Southwest, Delta, and hospitality giant companies like Marriott and Hilton actively participate in such programs.

Tip #7 – Earn a credit card sign-up bonus then canceling the card right away

Also known as credit card flipping or churning, the tactic of earning a credit card sign-up bonus and then canceling the card right away has been employed by some savvy credit card users to maximize rewards.

However, this practice isn’t as easy or beneficial as it appears. While it sounds like an accessible system to generate easy money, it comes with several potential pitfalls that could make it a risky move.

Firstly, numerous card issuers have, over the years, implemented stricter rules to deter this practice. Chase, for instance, has the 5/24 rule indicating you can have only five new credit cards within the last 24 months. ²
Repeatedly opening and closing the same card can result in a declined application or rescinded bonus and hurt your credit score-perceived as credit misbehavior by the issuer.
It can also be viewed as unethical and potentially lead to you being barred from opening accounts with that issuer in the future.

Churning can negatively affect your ability to get approved for future credit cards and loans because lenders may think you’re a risky borrower.”

Tip #8 – Develop a multi-card system

This method aims to cover all your spending by using different cards that offer elevated rewards for certain purchase categories.

For instance, we have one card that pays an unlimited flat rate of 2% on all purchases. Then, another rewards card offering increased category rewards, with travel and gas. Then a there card that rotates through various categories each quarter.

Diversifying your spending amongst several credit cards can help you to earn the maximum possible rewards. However, endowing yourself with several credit cards is not for everyone as it requires careful financial management. In some cases, the potential of overspending can outweigh the benefits.

Tip #9 – Transfer points between multiple cards

Transferring points between cards (provided they are from the same issuer) is another useful strategy whereby you can redeem them at their maximum possible value.

The goal is to make your spending work for you and maximize the rewards you can earn from daily expenses. However, people should employ this strategy responsibly and ensure they’re not overspending just to earn rewards.

In such a strategy, points on traditional cashback cards can be transferred to airline and hotel partners when you also have a transferable points card like the Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred. So, not only are you earning cashback on your purchases, but you’re also accumulating lucrative points that can be redeemed for travel.

Tip #10 – Don’t use cash

In the world of credit card rewards, cash is no longer king. Whenever feasible, you should consider using your credit cards instead of cash or debit to pay for everyday purchases. This allows you to earn rewards on purchases you’re making anyway.

The best way to implement this is for you to bills with their credit cards instead of cash or debit and set this up on autopay. This serves a dual purpose of potentially earning rewards on these payments whilst also conveying a positive message to the banks about your money management skills, leading to possible credit score improvements.

However, this method works best when your spending doesn’t increase as a result. Only use your credit card for expenses that you’d normally pay in cash and for which you already have the money set aside to pay.

Tip #11: Time your purchasing

Being strategic about when you make your credit card purchases can help you wring out some extra benefits.

One way to optimize your earning potential and maintain a healthy credit score is to plan your large purchases around your credit card’s billing cycle. Making your most significant purchases immediately after your statement date ensures that you have the longest possible repayment period, effectively offering you a short-term, interest-free loan.

Furthermore, if your issuer has a rewards cut-off at the end of a calendar year, you can make larger purchases ahead of time to push yourself into a higher rewards bracket.

Tip #12 – Make Micropayments

Rather than making one full payment, consider making multiple payments over the billing cycle, commonly referred to as ‘micropayments.’ This helps keep your running balance low and, in turn, your credit utilization ratio – the percentage of your available credit limit you’re using – also low, positively impacting your credit score.

Plus it helps to keep your checking account at a more accurate level.

Tip #13: Have your spouse apply for the same credit card

Known informally as the “two-player mode” amongst credit card hacking enthusiasts, having your spouse or partner apply for the same credit card can be an effective strategy to earn double the sign-up bonus. This approach is based on the idea that instead of just adding your spouse or partner as an authorized user to your card, they should apply separately.

For instance, if a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers a 50,000 points bonus on sign-up, both partners can potentially earn up to 100,000 points collectively, essentially doubling the bonus.

But remember, this hack should be used strategically – you should stagger your card applications and ensure each of you fulfills the spending criteria to qualify for the bonus.

Tip #14 – Importance of prompt payment

Quite possibly the hack with the most significant impact on both your credit score and your pocket, prompt payment of your credit card bill cannot be overstated.

Making on-time payments can drastically improve your credit score since your payment history is the most heavily-weighted factor that credit scoring models consider.

Plus paying your balance in full each month can help you avoid interest charges and penalties, effectively saving you money in the long run.

Tip #15 – Know What Rewards you Want

Rewards such as travel miles, discounts at partnered retailers, cashback, or access to premium experiences like airport lounges or concert tickets are available, depending on your card.

By understanding and leveraging these varied rewards, you can get the most excellent value out of your credit card expenses.

Cautionary Advice on Credit Card Hacks

While credit card hacks can undoubtedly offer substantial benefits when done right, pitfalls can ensue if one isn’t careful.

Pitfall #1 – Overspending

For starters, these hacks can inadvertently lead to overspending or unnecessary purchases. Be wary of making purchases you don’t need or can’t afford in an attempt to earn more rewards or meet the spend necessary for a sign-up bonus.

Consequently, the pursuit of credit card rewards could also lead to accumulated debt if you’re not diligent about paying off your balance in full each month. The interest that you need to pay on balances carried over can easily eat up the value of any rewards earned.

Pitfall #2 – Impact on your Credit Score

Applying for multiple cards can lead to hard inquiries on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Similarly, canceling cards after acquiring the sign-up bonus could harm your credit utilization ratio and your length of credit history, both key factors in your credit score calculation.

Additionally, irresponsible habits like ‘credit card churning’ and ‘paying for everything with credit’ may risk your relationship with card issuers. Some companies might close accounts or even ban individuals from opening new ones if they’re perceived as abusing the system.

Pitfall #3 – Don’t pay annual fees unless they’re worth it

While some of the top-tier reward and travel credit cards often come with hefty annual fees, not all of them are worth paying. This is especially true when a card’s annual fees outstrip the value of the rewards earned.

Before you sign up for a credit card with an annual fee, it’s advised to read the fine print and estimate what you can earn from it. You should evaluate whether the perks, bonuses, rewards, and credits offered offset the annual fee cost.

Personally, I don’t use any cards that have an annual fee.

Pitfall #4 – Paying interest

Credit card interest can significantly impact your overall financial health if you’re not careful. The money invested toward paying it off could be better used elsewhere – for saving, investing, or spending on your needs and desires. Hence, one of the best “credit card hacks” out there is to simply stop paying interest.

You want to focus on debt free living.

Pitfall #5 – Avoiding counterproductive habits like “balance surfing”

Balance surfing is a strategy where you continually move credit card debt from one card with an ending 0% APR promotion to another card with a new 0% APR offer. While this approach can potentially delay interest payments, it can become a dangerous cycle if you find yourself simply transferring debt instead of reducing it.

Meanwhile, the total debt remains the same. Without a consistent debt repayment strategy, this method can lead to an endless cycle of balance surfing.

What are some of the best credit card rewards and hacks for 2024?

As we venture into the new year, some credit card reward strategies remain timeless while others evolve in response to new credit card offers and updated reward programs. In 2024, here are some of the best credit card hacks worth considering:

Take Advantage of Updated Card Offers: Credit card issuers frequently update their card offers and rewards programs. Ensure you stay updated on these changes to maximize your card benefits.
Focus on Cards with Flexible Reward Categories: Some cards, like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, allow you to choose your highest cash-back category (like online shopping, dining, or grocery stores). These flexible category cards can be more advantageous as you can adapt them to your spending habits.
Leverage Rotating Categories: Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Discover it® Cash Back offer 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in various categories that rotate each quarter, once you activate. Plan your spending in advance to leverage these rotating categories optimally.
Remain Alert on Loyalty Program Partnerships: Many credit cards and airlines have partnerships with other brands. This can mean increased rewards when shopping with those brands, so always watch for new partnerships or promotions.
Revisiting Annual Fees: If your credit card perks no longer justify its annual fee due to changes in lifestyle or spending habits, consider downgrading to a no-fee card from the same issuer. This way, you can save on annual fees without closing your account which could potentially harm your credit score.
Diversify Your Rewards: While it may be tempting to concentrate all your spending on a single card, diversifying your rewards can make you earn more. Consider employing a multi-card system to maximize rewards across different spending categories.

Your credit card should be a tool to enhance your financial flexibility, not a burden that leads to financial stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Deciding whether to focus on paying off a single card or distributing payments over several cards can seem complicated, but there are a couple of methodologies to strategize your payoff.

The Debt Avalanche method suggests focusing on the card with the highest interest rate first. Once you’ve paid this card off in its entirety, you then move on to the card with the next highest interest rate. This can potentially save you more money in the long term as it targets high-interest debt first.
Alternatively, the Debt Snowball method, proposed by financial guru Dave Ramsey, recommends paying off the card with the smallest balance first, then moving on to the card with the second-smallest balance. While you may not save as much money in interest compared to the debt avalanche method, the psychological motivation of paying off a credit card balance entirely may be more important for maintaining consistent repayment.

Either method requires you to make minimum payments promptly on all cards to avoid late fees and possible credit score damage.

Getting credit card points without spending any additional money may seem like wishful thinking, but there are certain strategies that you can employ to achieve this. Strategically managing your credit cards can turn your everyday spending into reward points, miles, or cash back.

Referral Bonuses: Many credit card companies offer referral bonuses to their existing cardholders who refer friends or family members. If the person you referred gets approved for the card, you can earn bonus points.
Cardholder Perks: Credit card companies often run promotions offering bonus points for certain activities. These can range from enrolling in paperless billing, adding authorized users to your account, or completing an online financial education course. Check with your card issuer to view any current promotions.
Shopping Portals: Many credit card issuers, and even airline and hotel rewards programs, have their own online shopping portals where you can earn additional bonus points for every dollar spent. If you were already planning on making an online purchase, consider making it through these portals to earn extra rewards.
Sign-up Bonuses: Some cards offer sizeable sign-up bonuses for new cardholders who meet a required minimum spend within the first few months. Although this technically requires spending money, it doesn’t require spending more money if you use your card for purchases you were already planning to make.

While implementing certain credit card strategies can potentially earn you higher rewards or save money, they can also unintentionally harm your credit score if not executed responsibly.

Several factors can contribute to this potential downfall:

Opening and Closing Accounts: A high frequency of card applications can lead to multiple hard inquiries on your credit report, which might lower your score in the short term. Closing credit cards, especially older ones, can affect both your credit utilization ratio and the age of your credit history, two significant factors in your credit score calculation.
Carrying a Balance: Maintaining a high credit utilization ratio—i.e., carrying a large balance relative to your credit limit—can negatively impact your credit score.
Late Payments: If these deadlines are not strictly adhered to, they could result in late payments, which can seriously harm your credit score.
Excessive Spending: Some tactics lead to unnecessary spending to earn more reward points or meet an initial spend required for a sign-up bonus. Not only can this increase your credit utilization ratio and potentially lower your credit score, it can lead to debt if these balances are not paid off in time.

While both rewards cards and travel rewards cards offer perks to their users in return for spending, the primary difference lies in the kind of rewards they offer and their target user base.

A Rewards Card generally offers cash back, points, or miles for every dollar spent, redeemable in a variety of ways. This is the type of card I prefer. For example, you may redeem your accumulated rewards as cash back into your account, use them to purchase products or services, or exchange them for gift cards. The flexibility of rewards makes these cards are suitable for people with varied spending habits and prefer a variety of redemption options.
A Travel Rewards Card, on the other hand, is designed specifically for frequent travelers. These cards earn you points or miles on specific travel-related expenses, like booking flights or hotel stays. The redeemed rewards are typically used towards further travel-related expenses like airfare, hotel stays, or car rentals. Travel Rewards Cards often offer additional travel-centric perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and more.

Consider your spending habits, lifestyle, travel frequency, and preference in terms of reward redemption.

Protecting yourself from credit card fraud is an important aspect of managing your credit card usage effectively.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep a thorough watch on your credit card statements for any unauthorized or suspicious charges. Report them to your credit card issuer as soon as possible.

Use Secure Networks: When making online purchases, only shop on secure websites (look for “https” in the web address), and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for transactions.
Keep Your Personal Information Safe: It’s important to dispose of old credit card statements properly, and avoid giving out credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call and you trust the recipient.
Protect Your PIN and Password: Don’t share these with anyone, and avoid using easily guessable combinations like birth dates or the last four digits of your social security number.
Enable Account Alerts: Most banks now offer optional security alerts that can be sent via text message or email whenever a charge above a certain amount gets made to your account.
Protect Your Computer and Phone: Make sure your devices are equipped with up-to-date antivirus software and that your phone is locked with a secure password or fingerprint identification.

In case you become a victim of credit card fraud, know the steps to protect yourself – report it to your bank or credit card company immediately, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, and report it to the three major credit bureaus, requesting them to put a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your account.

Also remember, credit cards don’t have routing numbers.

Making the Most of Credit Card Hacking

When used wisely, credit card hacks and reward strategies can play a significant role in stretching your budget and rewarding your spending. These secrets of savvy credit card use — from aligning your card to your spending habits, making the most of sign-up bonuses and reward categories, to understanding the ins and outs of your credit card’s rewards structure — can help maximize your potential rewards and save money.

Personally, we use all of our credit card rewards to pay for our travel expenses.

However, it’s paramount to remember that these tips and tactics should not encourage unnecessary spending or carrying a balance. Only spend within your means, ensure you pay off your balances each month to avoid interest charges and remember to safeguard your credit score by handling credit card applications and closures cautiously.

Ultimately, credit card hacks and rewards should fit within your overall financial plan and goals, adding value to your everyday spending habits and rewarding you for well-managed financial practices.

Remember your goal is to reach your FI number.

Source

Reddit. “American Express Clawing Back Points Earned From Gift Card Purchases.” https://www.reddit.com/r/AmexPlatinum/comments/14hywaq/american_express_clawing_back_points_earned_from/. Accessed January 19, 2024.
CNN. “What is the Chase 5/24 rule?” https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/chase-5-24-rule#:~:text=The%205%2F24%20rule%20is,your%20approval%20odds%20with%20Chase. Accessed January 19, 2024.

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

January 23, 2024 by Brett Tams

Pet insurance can be a literal lifesaver if your furry friend needs emergency surgery or expensive medical treatment, but the premiums can also put a dent in your budget. NerdWallet gathered quotes from 15 popular insurers and crunched the numbers to help you find the best cheap pet insurance.

We shopped on the insurers’ websites for accident and illness plans in five cities around the U.S. Sample pets were a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cat at ages 2 and 8. Each plan had a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual coverage limit and 80% reimbursement rate. Read our full methodology.

Keep in mind that the affordability of your own rates will vary based on where you live, how much coverage you want, and your pet’s breed and age. Companies that offered the cheapest rates in our tests may not be the best fit for you.

The best cheap pet insurance companies

Below are the five companies we recommend for affordable pet insurance. Click on the company name or keep scrolling for more details on each.

Figo: Cheapest for cats.
ASPCA: Best for younger pets.
AKC: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions.

Lemonade: Cheapest for dogs

Lemonade

Seamless online experience and quick claims, but limited policy options.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Average

Ability to customize plan

Average

Lemonade

Seamless online experience and quick claims, but limited policy options.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Average

Ability to customize plan

Average

Why we picked it: Lemonade offered some of the most consistently affordable rates for dog insurance in our tests. On top of low premiums, the company also has discounts for paying your bill annually rather than monthly and for insuring more than one pet. If you have another Lemonade policy (such as homeowners, renters or life insurance), you can save even more.

Lemonade stands out for its unique “Giveback” program, which donates a portion of company profits to charities chosen by policyholders. It also shines when it comes to claim processing. After you file your claim through the app, the company uses artificial intelligence to review and pay some claims right away. (Human adjusters review the rest.)

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $49.

Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $28.

Figo: Cheapest for cats

Figo

Extensive coverage, a variety of deductibles to choose from and generous reimbursement options.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Excellent

Ability to customize plan

Excellent

Figo

Extensive coverage, a variety of deductibles to choose from and generous reimbursement options.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Excellent

Ability to customize plan

Excellent

Why we picked it: Figo was the most affordable option for many of our sample cats, and its overall average cost was the lowest of all the companies we tested. Figo also offers discounts for insuring multiple pets or serving in the military.

One unique feature from Figo is a 100% reimbursement option. If you choose this level of coverage, the company will reimburse all your vet bills once you’ve met your annual deductible. (Most pet insurers offer reimbursement options from 70% to 90%.) We also like Figo’s Pet Cloud app, which can store your pet’s digital medical records and has a 24/7 vet telehealth line.

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $54.

Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $23.

MetLife: Best for older pets

MetLife

Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Excellent

Ability to customize plan

Excellent

MetLife

Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Excellent

Ability to customize plan

Excellent

Why we picked it: With affordable rates for older pets in our tests and no maximum age limit for enrollment, MetLife is a good bet for animals who’ve left the puppy or kitten stage far behind. Depending on where you live, MetLife may offer discounts for active-duty military, veterans, first responders, health care workers or people who work in animal care. You can also save money in the first year of your policy by buying your plan online.

MetLife’s plans cover treatment for arthritis, diabetes, periodontal disease and other ailments that may crop up for older pets. The company offers a wide range of deductible options to help you customize your policy and price.

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $49.

Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $29.

ASPCA: Best for younger pets

ASPCA

Generous coverage and multiple plan options, including an accident-only policy.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Excellent

Ability to customize plan

Average

ASPCA

Generous coverage and multiple plan options, including an accident-only policy.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Excellent

Ability to customize plan

Average

Why we picked it: ASPCA, which had competitive rates for the 2-year-old dogs and cats in our tests, will cover puppies and kittens over 8 weeks old. Insuring multiple pets can get you a 10% discount.

ASPCA offers some of the most comprehensive plans in the industry, with coverage included for dental diseases, behavioral issues, alternative therapies, prescription food and even microchip implantation. If you want your policy to help pay for your furry new friend’s spay or neuter surgery, you can add the Prime preventive care package.

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $61.

Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $29.

AKC: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions

AKC

Lots of ways to customize your coverage, but the basic plan lacks benefits many other companies include.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Good

Ability to customize plan

Excellent

AKC

Lots of ways to customize your coverage, but the basic plan lacks benefits many other companies include.

Pay vet directly

Scope of coverage

Good

Ability to customize plan

Excellent

Why we picked it: AKC wasn’t the cheapest option in our tests, but in many states it offers a perk that’s almost impossible to find at any price: coverage for pre-existing conditions. While many companies will pay to treat curable issues that have been symptom-free for six months or a year, they generally won’t cover chronic, incurable conditions that developed before you bought your pet’s policy. So if you enroll a pup with diabetes or a cat with kidney disease, most companies won’t cover treatment for these issues.

AKC is the exception. Once your pet has had a plan for 365 consecutive days, the company may cover its pre-existing conditions. (This coverage isn’t available in all states.) Other bonuses include a multipet discount and a 24/7 vet helpline.

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $60.

Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $38.

Other cheap pet insurance companies

Not sure if the companies above are right for you? See sample rates for more cheap pet insurance companies below.

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs

Average of sample monthly rates for cats

What determines your pet insurance cost?

Each company has its own formula for setting prices, but the following are some of the main factors that will likely influence how much you pay for pet insurance.

Where you live. If you’re in an area with a high cost of living, vet care may be expensive, too — and your premium will go up accordingly.

Your pet’s age. Just like humans, pets tend to develop more health issues as they age. Because older pets are more likely to need veterinary care, their pet insurance will generally cost more than it would for a puppy or kitten.

Your pet’s species and breed. Dogs tend to be more expensive to insure than cats, and certain breeds cost more than others. That’s because some breeds are more susceptible to health conditions such as trouble breathing, joint problems or heart issues.

The coverage you choose. Expect higher prices for more comprehensive plans offering things like unlimited annual payouts and 90% reimbursement for vet expenses. Adding wellness coverage to pay for annual checkups and vaccinations can also run up your costs. Some insurers charge extra to cover certain expenses such as exam fees or physical therapy.

How to find cheap pet insurance

The following tips can help you get the best possible rate for your pet insurance plan.

Shop around. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not offer the best value if it comes with a higher deductible or less coverage. (A deductible is the amount you need to pay before your insurer starts reimbursing you.)

Customize your coverage. Many insurers let you tweak your price by changing your deductible, adding or reducing coverage, or opting for a different reimbursement rate. For example, you can typically lower your premium if you choose to be reimbursed for only 70% of your vet expenses rather than 80% or 90%. You could also buy an accident-only policy, which will cover injuries like broken bones or snake bites but not illnesses like cancer.

Just be sure you’re comfortable with the tradeoffs you’re making to get a lower premium. The plan may be cheaper, but you’ll be on the hook for more of your pet’s vet bills.

Ask about discounts. Some companies offer savings if you insure more than one animal, serve in the military or buy multiple insurance policies (such as pet and homeowners insurance). You may also be able to save a few bucks by paying your premium in full once a year instead of in monthly installments.

Look for employer benefits. Some companies offer pet insurance at a discounted rate to their employees. Before you choose this option, however, check with the insurer to make sure you can maintain your pet’s coverage even if you leave your current job.

How to compare pet insurance plans

Aside from price, pet insurance plans vary in what they cover and how generously they’ll reimburse your vet bills. Here are a few key things to check before you commit to a pet insurance plan.

What’s covered — and what’s not

Most accident and illness plans cover things like cancer treatments or surgery if your pet gets hurt. But there are types of coverage you can’t always count on.

Say your pet develops periodontal disease and needs to have a few teeth pulled. Some plans will cover this expense; others won’t. Still others might cover it only if you’ve bought optional dental illness coverage. Learn more about pet dental insurance.

Plans may also vary in their coverage of prescription food and supplements, treatment for behavioral issues and rehabilitative therapies.

Finally, check whether your plan will cover vet exam fees. If you bring your pet in for a sick visit, some pet insurers will pay for medication and other treatment but won’t reimburse you for the exam fee.

Reimbursement

One of the most important things to know about a plan is how it will reimburse you for your vet expenses. A handful of companies can pay your vet directly, but in most cases you’ll need to settle the bill yourself and then file a claim for reimbursement.

Check how long it generally takes the companies you’re considering to process claims. Some do so in a matter of days, while others may take up to a month.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re comfortable with your plan’s coverage limit, deductible and reimbursement rate. These factors all work together to determine how much your plan will pay toward your vet expenses.

Say you have a $500 yearly deductible and $5,000 annual coverage limit with a reimbursement rate of 80%. If your dog needs a $2,000 surgery and you haven’t paid anything toward your deductible yet, your plan would cover $1,200. Here’s the math:

$2,000 – $500 deductible = $1,500.
80% reimbursement on the remaining $1,500 bill = $1,200.

You’d still have $3,800 left of your annual limit ($5,000 – $1,200) to spend on any other treatment your pet might need that year.

Waiting periods

There’s generally a waiting period between when you buy your policy and when your coverage begins. For instance, your pet’s illnesses might not be covered for the first 14 days. Some companies have extended waiting periods for certain issues such as knee injuries or hip dysplasia. Learn more about pet insurance waiting periods.

Reviews

NerdWallet has evaluated more than a dozen major pet insurance companies to help you compare your options. Read our pet insurance reviews to see our star ratings and get details about each insurer’s plans.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 22, 2024 by Brett Tams

Home Equity, Pre-Qual, Correspondent, Verification Tools; Training and Webinars; STRATMOR on LO Habits

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Home Equity, Pre-Qual, Correspondent, Verification Tools; Training and Webinars; STRATMOR on LO Habits

By:
Rob Chrisman

7 Hours, 30 Min ago

Attention in the hallways in the early going at the IMB Conference in New Orleans is varied. LinkedIn traffic seems to have picked up for IMB companies like Draper and Kramer and Atlantic Bay, but that is hardly a scientific measure of companies being bought, buying, or exiting the business. (As always, direct questions to company representatives.) Credit costs and trigger leads are a big item; this Wednesday’s L1 Mortgage Matters session at 2PM ET features John Fleming, of John Fleming Law and the Texas MBA, discussing issues including a fine update on the trigger lead situation. Being pragmatic about handling branches that are losing money, even if the crew there has been with you for years and years, is a hot topic among owners. The last 18 months has not been the time to waffle or ignore information. Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is brought to you LoanCare. LoanCare has successfully navigated clients and homeowners through market change for 40 years. The mortgage subservicer is known for delivering superior customer experience through personalization and convenience via its portfolio management tool, LoanCare Analytics™, supporting MSR investors with a focus on customer engagement, liquidity, and credit risk.

Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software

Jonathan Spinetto COO & Co-founder at Nyfty Door, grew business from 0 loan originations two years ago when he signed with TRUV, and is projected to hit 3,000 loans a month in 2024. NYFTY door sees conversion rates over 60% with Truv and is saving 60-80% over competitors. Contact TRUV today for your income, employment, insurance, and asset verifications.

“Citi Correspondent Lending continues to foster targeted growth of our approved lender base with a focus on the expansion of our Community Lending platform. To start off the new year, we’re moving forward with full implementation of our proprietary affordable lending program, HomeRun, which features no MI, up to 97 percent LTV and as little as 1 percent borrower down payment contribution. To further compliment this rollout, our CRA pricing incentives were recently updated with enhancements to several markets, including Miami, Newark, San Jose, and Los Angeles. Learn more about HomeRun and all of the other growth opportunities Citi Correspondent Lending has to offer by contacting our National Client Services Team or completing our Prospective Correspondent Questionnaire.”

Get ready to rev your engines and network like a champion at the 3rd annual Supercar Experience, brought to you by Lender Toolkit, Reggora, Lenders One, and LodeStar! Mark your calendars for March 18th, before the kickoff of EXP24 in Vegas. We’ll take over Speed Vegas Exotics Racing, where you can unleash your inner speed demon behind the wheel of a dream supercar and connect with industry decision makers in a high-octane setting. Build valuable partnerships and expand your circle with leading mortgage minds at this one-of-a-kind event. Gain exclusive insights from and ask your questions of industry expert Rob Chrisman in a live Chrisman Commentary podcast. Plus, shake hands with Talladega Nights’ icon, Ricky Bobby himself! Experience more than just supercar thrills with an exclusive reception, delicious catering, and racetrack excitement. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to elevate your brand, fuel your EXP24 prep, and network like a boss. Secure your spot now. Shake and bake!

One of the more annoying jobs of a loan officer is putting together closing cost summaries every time a borrower looks at a new house. What if they could fire them off from their phone (accurately) without having to go into the LOS each time? All your pre-approved buyers, on your phone, integrated with the LOS. Turn your loan officers into super-awesome fireball-throwing loan officers with QuickQual by LenderLogix.

Introducing The 2024 Lender Playbook: 4 Tips to Drive Profitability in a Recovering Market. How will the coming election, housing inventory, and Fed action impact the mortgage market (and your lending success) this year? There’s a lot going on in 2024, and market recovery won’t be straightforward. The good news? You can still build a strong, forward-thinking plan for resilience and profitability. Tenured industry experts from Maxwell’s senior team helped create this guide to teach you how to reduce costs, win borrower business, and capture intermittent loan volume as it reemerges in the market. To get a leg up on the competition and build agility into your business, click here to download The 2024 Lender Playbook: 4 Tips to Drive Profitability in a Recovering Market.

Join FirstClose, Curinos and Fifth Third Bank on Thursday, February 15 for a deep dive into today’s home equity market. Take a look behind the scenes at the products and processes that fuel home equity lending, new financing options that are creating opportunities for both depository and non-bank participants and, most importantly, learn how to capitalize on this market. This one-hour online event is a must attend for anyone currently in the home equity space or thinking of entering. Register today.

STRATMOR on LO Habits

Do you ever feel like you’re living the same day over and over again? Sometimes it takes watching a 90’s comedy classic to bring us to our senses and remind us that we must keep trying new things, changing, and evolving if want to see new and different results. In his latest Customer Experience Tip, STRATMOR Customer Experience Director Mike Seminari shares some lessons Bill Murray’s character learns in the movie “Groundhog Day” and how LOs can apply it to their process in 2024. Check out “Fresh Ideas for LOs Looking for Better Results in 2024” for recommendations on how to incorporate small change habits into your daily routine to help drive more referrals and repeat business in 2024.

Webinars, Events, and Training to Wrap up January

The upcoming webinar, “California Lien Law Overview for Construction Lenders” will be hosted by Land Gorilla on Wednesday, January 24 at 10AM PT/1PM ET. In continuation of the informative construction lien law webinars covering Florida and Texas, this webinar promises more great insights and understanding into California’s specific statutory requirements. Discover faster and more cost-effective alternatives to a foundation survey. Gain insights into California’s Prompt Payment Act. Learn the significance of the Notice of Completion in California and its critical timeline that can minimize a lender’s exposure during the final disbursement. You won’t want to miss these key insights to help you effectively manage construction loans. Register now to secure your spot. All registrants will receive the webinar recording.

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “events” for conferences in the future. Of course this week we have the MBA’s IMB Conference in New Orleans.

What’s ahead for commercial real estate (CRE) markets in 2024? Join SitusAMC’s inaugural “ValTrends First Look” webinar on January 23, at 2pm ET, hosted by Senior Director of SitusAMC Insights Peter Muoio, PhD and Vice President of SitusAMC Insights Jennifer Rasmussen, PhD. Instead of looking back at the previous quarter, the new ValTrends webinar will leverage recent survey data of leading institutional and regional CRE executives to give you a forward-looking snapshot of the quarter ahead.

National MI: Highlights from the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers with Rebecca Lorenz – January 23rd at 2PM ET. Build a Prospecting Follow-Up Strategy with Kendra Lee – January 25th at 1PM ET.

Sign up for a complimentary webinar hosted by ICE to hear about AI and the future of home valuations. A panel of industry experts will discuss the ways AI-powered tools eliminate valuation bias. They’ll also cover how AI accelerates the valuation process, and ways you can look out for fraud when using AI in home appraisals. The webinar, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Home Valuations, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 2 -3 p.m. Don’t miss out on key insights: register here.

Join BankingBridge, Wednesday, January 24th, 2PM ET/11AM PT, for an insightful webinar delving into the opportunities Zillow offers to enhance lead generation and conversion for mortgage lenders. This comprehensive session is designed to guide you through the various advertising avenues available on Zillow, including the strategic use of the Zillow Mortgage Rate Table, and the nuances of both long-form and short-form leads.

Wednesday the 24th, looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2PM EST/11AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. Listen to a unique mix of age perspective, expertise, and charisma to the screen, ensuring that the information is not only educational but also entertaining. Hear from This week is fabled Austin-based attorney John Fleming discussing trigger leads and the NAR verdict.

“Mastering the Art of Mortgage Broker Engagement” is on January 24th at 10AM PST to learn best practices and strategies that wholesale lenders are using to thrive in the TPO market. This webinar will show you proven tactics and technology tools that are helping wholesale lenders create efficient sales processes that are both scalable and effective. Click here to register.

Join Real Estate Consulting (RCLCO) for this Month’s Webinar: New Year, New Trends – Compensation & Talent Management, Thursday, January 25th, 9:15AM PT / 12:15PM ET. Speakers include Ellen Klasson, Managing Director; Eric Willett, Managing Director; Adam Ostler, Principal, and Moderator Joshua A. Boren, Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives (Moderator).

Friday, January 26th, is this week’s episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”.

The California Association of Mortgage Professionals (CAMP) is presenting the 2024 Economic Forecast with Dr. Michael Frantanoni and Rob Chrisman on Tuesday, January 30th

1PM PT. “Unlock the Future: 2024 Economic Forecast Revealed! Dive into a World of Opportunities and Growth. Discover Key Insights, Trends, and Strategies for Success in the Upcoming Economic Landscape.”

“Lending operations leaders who care about increasing revenue and decreasing costs, join your tribe in this live event. On January 30th at 1pm CT is an electric panelist lineup made up of Industry leaders that are going to ‘spill the beans’ on ten strategies they are focused on to increase sales and reduce costs with minimal investment in 2024. Join Kevin Peraino, Chief Lending Officer at PRMG, Delfino Aguilar, Chief Production Officer – TPO, Kind Lending, David Lykken, Founder & Chief Transformation Officer at Transformational Mortgage Solutions, LLC (TMS), and Richard Grieser, VP of Marketing at TRUV.

Now available on the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Single Family Housing Events and Training web page under Single Family Housing Self-Paced, Pre-Recorded Training

The first self-paced training module, the Single-Family Housing Policy Handbook (Handbook 4000.1) is an evergreen presentation that walks new and/or existing stakeholders needing a refresher through Handbook 4000.1’s structure and style. It is designed to help viewers understand its benefits, where to access it online, how to read Mortgagee Letters (ML) in context, and how to locate content updates.

The second self-paced training module, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) Origination and Servicing Overview, focuses solely on the newest and final Handbook 4000.1 section that was released on October 31, 2023, and announced in a press release and FHA INFO 2023-84. It begins with a review of the new HECM section’s style and structure, consistent with the rest of Handbook 4000.1 for HECM originators, servicers, and other interested parties. Additionally, it provides viewers with an overview of some of the more recent HECM policy updates that have been incorporated into this new Handbook section, making it easier for HECM originators and servicers to locate the information needed to do with business with FHA in one place.

Capital Markets

Another week, another round of good U.S. economic news. Last week’s Michigan sentiment for January crushed expectations to register at the highest point since July 2021, strong retail sales data from December, and the lowest level of initial jobless claims in over a year. Positive economic news, coupled with diminished chances of a March rate cut, have pushed bond yields to the highest levels in a month. Americans are feeling positive about the economy, their incomes, and the outlook on prices. Notably, the increase in consumer sentiment was accompanied by another drop in year-ahead inflation expectations, which have returned to a level not seen in three years.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index for January was well ahead of estimates, hitting its highest level since July 2021 with year-ahead inflation expectations decelerating to 2.9 percent from 3.1 percent, a rate not seen in just over three years. Existing home sales decreased 1.0 percent month-over-month in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.78 million from 3.82 million in November. Sales were down 6.2 percent from the same period a year ago as high mortgage rates continue weighing on the overall level of activity, though they have not stopped prices from continuing to climb.

Last week’s batch of data, which included a mix of high consumer confidence and lower inflation expectations that points toward a soft landing for the U.S. economy and Fed Chair Powell’s war on inflation, has dropped the implied likelihood of a 25-basis points rate cut at the March FOMC meeting to 45 percent currently from over 55 percent seen at the beginning of last week. While investors continue to chip away at bets that the Fed will cut rates early and aggressively this year, there remains a significant gap in the market and Fed expectations for the fed funds trajectory this year.

It all points to a solid American economy, notably more so despite a Fed rate-tightening campaign that seemingly has broken the back of inflation. However, investors are eager to know when those rate hikes will be reversed; expect them to wait to ease, and that the market will merge with what the Fed thinks. The Fed will err on the side of being conservative.

Central banks will also be busy, with monetary policy statements and interest rate decisions expected from the Bank of Japan, European Central Bank, and Bank of Canada. In the U.S., Federal Reserve members will be in a blackout period of no public talks ahead of the next FOMC meeting on January 30-31.

This week’s economic calendar includes month-end auctions consisting of $162 billion 2-year, 5-year, and 7-year notes tomorrow through Thursday with $18 billion 2-year FRNs also on Wednesday, Fed surveys, S&P Global PMI flashes, durables goods orders, the first look at Q1 GDP (expected at 2.0 percent), new home sales, and Fed favorite PCE on Friday. Expectations are for the core PCE Price Index to increase 0.2 percent month-over-month and 3.0 percent year-over-year versus 0.1 percent and 3.2 percent previously. No Fed speakers are scheduled with the Fed in their blackout period.

Additionally, this week brings the ECB’s first monetary policy meeting of 2024 and a rate decision from the Bank of Japan. Today’s economic calendar sees just one data point with leading indicators for December. (The forecast is for unchanged which, if realized, would be the first non-negative reading in 21 months.) We begin the week with Agency MBS prices better by .125-.250, the 10-year yielding 4.09 after closing last week at 4.15 percent., and the 2-year at 4.38.

Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 22, 2024 by Brett Tams

Simple, Logical Cause and Effect

By:
Matthew Graham

Thu, Jan 18 2024, 3:50 PM

Simple, Logical Cause and Effect

Things have been fairly boring for the bond market recently. We’re in a holding pattern along with the Fed where the most abject threats from economic data have subsided, but where clear confirmation of lower rate momentum has yet to materialize. Said confirmation could only come from consistently weaker economic data. Inflation is the most important data, but the labor market is also always a consideration. Today’s labor market data involved the strongest weekly reading for jobless claims in well over a year. Thankfully for fans of low rates, this data isn’t a major market mover. That said, it was a logical market mover today, immediately nudging yields up to new 5-week highs.

- Jobless Claims
  - 187k vs 207k f’cast, 203k prev
- Philly Fed Index
  - -10.6 vs -7 f’cast, -12.8 prev
- Building Permits
  - 1.495m vs 1.48m f’cast
- Housing Starts
  - 1.46m vs 1.426m f’cast

08:45 AM

sideways to a hair stronger overnight, but now weaker after data. 10yr up 1.7bps at 4.123. MBS down 3 ticks (.09)

11:44 AM

Some resilience after the 9:30am NYSE open, but back to weaker territory now. 10s up 3.2bps at 4.138. MBS unchanged.

02:36 PM

Treasuries bounce back modestly, but still up 2.6bps on the day at 4.132. MBS down only 1 tick (0.03).

Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 21, 2024 by Brett Tams

Broker, Credit Report Fee, Flip and Bridge Products; TPO News

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Broker, Credit Report Fee, Flip and Bridge Products; TPO News

By:
Rob Chrisman

Fri, Jan 19 2024, 11:02 AM

If you’re in Chicago, the newest attraction is “the rat hole.” Here in Denver, besides the cat I saw in the airport yesterday being walked on a leash, one attraction is the National Ice Core Lab, where, you guessed it, ice sample cores from all over the world are kept for research purposes at temperatures even colder than those outside. It is around this time of year when plenty of people think about vacations or moving to warmer places… Like Phuket in Thailand. In 2023 it saw 6.24 million airport arrivals, up 88 percent from 2022, and the real estate market is booming. The island has 26 beaches and a population of 420,000. Phuket is trying to move away from over-reliance on tourism by simply selling to wealthy outsiders, often Russians: 27,000 Russians have moved to Phuket in the past 12 to 18 months, fueling a development boom. Follow the money, right? Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is brought to you by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products (nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics) unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Today’s features an interview with Polunsky Beitel Green’s Marty Green on mortgage spreads, why 2024 is a year of transition in the mortgage industry, and potential ramifications of NAR lawsuits.

Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software

Anchor Loans Launches TPO Broker Channel for Flip, Bridge, New Construction and Rental Investment Financing! With so many banks and private lenders scaling back on fix and flip and construction lending, house flippers and builders are turning to mortgage brokers and other intermediaries to help identify reliable sources of capital. National private lending leader Anchor Loans has stepped up to launch a new Third-Party Originator (TPO) Broker Channel to serve loan brokers and other third-party originators whose clients are the real estate investors and developers building and refurbishing homes for America’s buyers and renters. With 25+ years in business, $14B+ in loans funded to date and expert teams lending in 48 U.S. states, Anchor offers flexible loan programs, experience-based pricing, $100k to $10MM loan amounts, fast funding, and a speedy draw process. Mortgage brokers and loan originators can learn more here.

Lenders across the country are still looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing revenue. Start off easy with collecting credit report fees upfront. Fee Chaser by LenderLogix makes it as easy as clicking a button… literally.

Rocket Pro TPO’s recent IGNITE Live showcased a powerful line up of new product & technology solutions designed to help broker partners exceed expectations with clients and outpace its competition. If you missed it, check it out here. Mike Fawaz, Rocket Pro TPO’s EVP reminded the audience of the benefits of the lender’s free credit report offer. He also featured Product Compare, an innovative new tool available from Pathfinder by Rocket. This platform enables partners to quickly and easily identify the ideal mortgage products for every client scenario. Also, the lender introduced a special discount for partners using Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI): a leading real estate and transaction database that will immediately impact broker’s business strategies. Be sure to review the IGNITE Live video for many other updates and special offerings. Interested in learning more about a Broker or Non-Delegated Correspondent partnership? Contact Rocket Pro TPO to learn more.

Wholesale and Correspondent News

A&D Mortgage launched its innovative ITIN Mortgage Program, designed to extend homeownership opportunities to a broader community. This groundbreaking initiative offers mortgage solutions to individuals who possess an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but do not have a Social Security number, thereby catering to a previously underserved market. Tailored to meet the diverse needs of borrowers, ranging from first-time homebuyers to those seeking to invest in property, there are several attractive features such as eligibility for borrowers with minimum FICO score of 660 for Super Prime loans. A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) option is available for applicants with a minimum FICO score of 700.

Discover more information about the ITIN Mortgage Program and other services offered by A&D Mortgage.

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced that it will sunset the name of its consumer-facing website, FindAMortgageBroker.com, and replace it with Mortgage Matchup. “Mortgage Matchup will continue to be a consumer-facing website geared toward homebuyers and real estate agents and will offer both educational material around the homebuying and refinancing processes, along with a searchable database of independent mortgage brokers near them. The goal is to connect this audience with a local mortgage broker in their area and they understand the vast array of loan options available to them based on their specific financial situation.”

According to IHDA, nearly 10 percent of all first-time homebuyers use IHDA Mortgage products to help receive the additional leverage needed to bridge the gap of homeownership. An IHDAccess Forgivable loan is for both first-time and repeat homebuyers and offers a very competitive interest rate to help keep costs down over the length of the mortgage. IHDAccess Forgivable highlights include 4 percent of the purchase price up to $6,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs, forgiven monthly over 10 years and does not have to be repaid. 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with an affordable interest rate. Available to first-time and repeat homebuyers statewide. Interested homeowners can learn more about IHDAccess Forgivable and eligibility requirements by contacting any INB mortgage lender.

Rocket Pro TPO, the wholesale arm of Rocket Mortgage, has just announced updates to its ONE+ program aimed at making it easier for prospective homeowners to obtain a low-down-payment conventional mortgage. ONE+ allows buyers to make a down payment of as little as 1 percent of the home’s purchase price. The program now includes Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor. Use of the automated underwriting system could increase buyer eligibility by 16 percent, Rocket Pro TPO executive vice president Mike Fawaz said in a recorded statement.

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions DSCR Loan (Investor Cash Flow) program has been enhanced to accommodate an impressive 85 percent Loan-to-Value (LTV). Loan highlights include Purchase Only, Minimum DSCR 1.00. SFR, PUD, Condo, Multifamily 2 – 4 units. Minimum loan amount $150,000, Maximum loan amount $1 million, and minimum FICO 720.

Plaza Home Mortgage® is kicking off the New Year with improved updates to its Solutions Non-QM, DSCR, Jumbo AUS 1 and Jumbo Champion loan programs. Details are available in the updated Solutions Non-QM Program Guidelines, DSCR Investor Solutions Program Guidelines, Jumbo AUS 1 Program Guidelines, and Jumbo Champion Program Guidelines.

Citizens Correspondent National Bulletin 2024-01 includes information on Conventional Conforming Products- FNMA- Income Calculator, FNMA- Restricted Stock Income Units, Non-Taxable Income-DU, LPA Cash-Out Occupancy and Condo Eligibility, VVOE Alternatives – DU and LPA, FHA and VA Loan Limits- AUS update, USDA Product Update, Secondary Marketing Contact Info and Disaster Tax Filing Relief. See the bulletin for additional information and all lock, delivery, and purchase by dates, if required.

The average annual number of business applications rose to 4.9 million between 2020-2022. This is an 89 percent increase compared to 2005-2016. This strong and steady market of non-traditional, high-quality borrowers presents a clear opportunity for Non-QM program options. How to capitalize on this growing segment of borrowers? Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions range of products for self-employed borrowers can help you unlock this market. Bank Statement Mortgage, 12- or 24-months business or personal bank statements, Profit and Loss (P&L) statements are a valid form of income verification, non-permanent residents allowed, Closed End Second Mortgage, Borrowers receive a lump-sum payment, no restrictions on how borrowers can use the funds. Owner-occupied, second homes, and non-owner occupied.

Capital Markets

Economic data yesterday held some good news for U.S. consumers, with signs of improvement in the job market and some relief on mortgage rates. Initial jobless claims (187k) fell to the lowest level in over a year, a bigger drop than any forecaster expected. After two weeks of increases, mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in eight months, per the latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. For the week ending January 18, the 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates fell 6 basis points and 11 basis points to 6.60 percent and 5.76 percent, respectively. Both rates have fallen more than 100 basis points from the October highs. (Unfortunately, the more timely data already shows rates moving quickly higher – MND)

LOs looking for an increase in inventory in homes for sale aren’t seeing much help from builders. The overall direction of economic data recently has given Fed officials some cover to maintain their “hawkish” rhetoric. That is of little comfort to homebuilders, evidenced by housing starts falling in December for the first time since August. Housing starts showed a smaller than expected decrease in December (actual 1.460 million, expected 1.417 million).

There’s historically been theory that “an enemy of my enemy is my friend.” We’ll see. Something to keep an eye on is an expanding conflict in the Middle East. Pakistan’s military carried out targeted strikes against militant hideouts in Iran on Thursday, responding to an attack by Tehran a day earlier. Historically strife around the world leads to a flight to quality and the buying of U.S. fixed income securities. Now, not so much.

Today’s economic calendar sees some key data later this morning with existing home sales for December, a preliminary January look at Michigan sentiment, November TIC data from the U.S. Treasury, and remarks from Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Barr and San Francisco Fed President Daly. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices roughly unchanged from Thursday’s close and the 10-year yielding 4.12 after closing yesterday at 4.14 percent on little financial news.

Employment

Logan Finance Welcomes Paul Jones as SVP, Business Development! Logan Finance is happy to announce that Paul Jones has joined the organization as SVP, Business Development. “Paul is an industry giant with an uncanny ability to identify and develop winning strategies and educate the industry on the benefits and opportunities within Non-QM. We’re thrilled to have Paul join the team”, said Logan’s Chief Revenue Officer, Aaron Samples. Paul Jones has spent 30 years in Operations and Sales and he’s developed a methodology for parlaying the many aspects of Non-QM into a cohesive strategy for Account Executives and Originators. This strategy is instrumental in scaling Non-QM production, expanding referral sources, and refining customer outreach. “The spotlight is on the world of Non-QM right now, and I’m ready to help focus that spotlight on Logan,” Paul said. “We have a lot of things in play for 2024, and I’m looking forward to contributing to Logan’s exciting future.”

“Primis Mortgage was born out of a belief that we, as an industry, can do better. We decided that to do this, we needed to act like an Independent Mortgage Bank, but leverage the stability and resources of a traditional bank. And the results speak for themselves. We saw a 107 percent increase in funded loans from 2022 to 2023, and while most companies were cutting back, we decided to step up: increasing our sales staff by 160 percent in that same time period. Primis Mortgage is a place where proven all-stars come to win. Our in-house support staff averages just 22 days from ITP to Docs Out, and leadership constantly motivates and educates our loan officers to strive for continued growth. If you’re a highly-successful loan officer ready to take your career to the next level, reach out to Chris Blevins, National Sales Director.”

Last week, Sales and Operations leadership from both the Lower and Thrive Mortgage teams got together in Columbus, OH to collaborate and discuss the way forward. Not just for the merger between the two entities, but what they see for the industry. After two days together, the response was clear… this is a powerful move for both companies. The game-planning, engagement with new colleagues, and enthusiasm continues to grow as each side returned to share what they’d learned. Above all else, the most commonly referenced statement was, “It felt like we’ve known each other for years.” Ready to find out what the insiders already know? Let’s talk about how you can Thrive with Lower.

A well-capitalized IMB, based in the NJ/PA tri- state market, is seeking Loan Officers, Sales Teams, or possible acquisition opportunities of small to midsize IMBs in NJ, NY, CT, FL, PA, while expanding in MD, DC, VA, NC and SC. The IMB’s focus is a highly personable and high touch experience for LOs and Realtors. Organizationally lean, very competitive pricing, a wide array of products, and much higher LO Comp than what is offered by other larger IMBs. The focus is to attract serious loan officers who want an unparalleled service, where your voice matters and you have a seat at the table in growth. If interested, message Chrisman LLC’s Anjelica Nixt for a confidential discussion.

Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 21, 2024 by Brett Tams

An interest checking account is, as the name suggests, a checking account that earns interest. Typically, checking accounts haven’t offered this feature, while savings accounts did. However, there are a number of interest-bearing checking accounts now available that can help your cash on deposit grow.

Typically more flexible than savings accounts, interest checking can give you a financial boost if they’re a good fit for you. In some cases, however, they may have minimum requirements and other aspects that may not sync up with your money style.

Here’s a closer look at these interest-bearing checking accounts, so you can decide if one might be right for you. Learn more about:

• What is an interest-bearing checking account?

• How do interest-bearing checking accounts work?

• How much interest could you earn?

• What are the pros and cons of interest checking accounts?

What Is an Interest Checking Account?

Whether it’s called an interest-bearing checking account, interest checking account, or high-yield checking, this is a type of checking account where the account holder can earn interest. The interest rate may not be amazingly high: At the end of 2023, the rate averaged 0.70% APY, or annual percentage yield, which is the real rate one earns when compounding interest kicks in. (Occasionally, APYs of 3.00% or higher may pop up.) Even at the lower range, the interest accrued is better than nothing. Honestly, who doesn’t want to earn more interest?

There may, however, be a catch:

• Although the account will pay an APY, account holders may be required to pay monthly maintenance fees or maintain a certain account balance (say, $500 or more).

• In addition, you may be required to receive a certain number of or dollar amount of direct deposits per month or meet other criteria, such as relating to debit card usage.

• You might also have to pay a monthly account fee; again, it depends on the bank you choose. Recent research found that checking accounts had an average monthly fee of $10.77; where an interest account will fall can vary with the financial institution.

• One more point: In many cases, interest checking accounts earn less interest compared to savings accounts.Yes, a checking account has added flexibility that may be beneficial (say, unlimited transactions and debit-card and check-writing features), but it’s worth noting. You might consider a combined checking and savings account to get the best of both worlds.

💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open an online bank account.

How Do Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts Work?

These types of accounts work in a similar way to other kinds of checking accounts. Account holders can make deposits at ATMs, online, by direct deposit, or at branch locations depending on the financial institution.

As for withdrawals, account holders can make bank transfers, withdraw cash from an ATM, write a check, use bill pay, or pay for purchases with a debit card. The only difference is that, instead of earning no money on your balance, you will accrue some interest, usually on a monthly basis.

How Are Interest Checking Accounts Different Than Other Checking Accounts?

The truth is, checking account interest rates will vary depending on the type of account and the financial institution. On average, banks offer an APY of 0.07%. There are high-yield checking accounts that could pay more, but these rates are generally still lower than what you could earn with a savings account. That said, with a little online research, you might find an interest checking APY of 3.00% or higher at this time. Those couple of extra points of interest may well be worthwhile as part of your plan to grow your wealth.

Just be sure to note the account requirements, as mentioned above. If you have to keep more money in the account that is comfortable for your budget and cash flow, you could wind up incurring late fees elsewhere in your financial life.

Here’s an example:

• Perhaps you decide to pay your credit card bill late because you didn’t want your checking account balance to dip below the minimum to earn interest.

• You opt to wait for your next paycheck to hit before you send your payment to your card issuer.

• The credit card fee for the late payment is likely more than the interest you’re earning on the money in your checking account.

So in this situation, keeping your money in an interest checking account might not be a win-win for you.

Common Account Requirements for Interest Checking Accounts

When it comes to opening an interest-bearing checking account, there may be some requirements to wrangle. Keep the following factors in mind:

• Minimum-balance and other account requirements: When you open an account, some financial institutions may require a minimum initial deposit. Current offers for interest-bearing checking range from zero dollars to $500 and occasionally significantly higher amounts as a minimum deposit. Shop around to find the right account for your needs.

Plus, as mentioned above, you may need to maintain a certain balance in order to avoid fees. There may also be other rules such as the amount of transactions you can make on your debit card.

• Fees: Some interest checking accounts may charge monthly fees, as described earlier in this article, which could eat into the interest you earn. You may have to keep a higher balance in your account to avoid fees. Other fees to consider are overdraft fees, and whether you’ll need to pay third-party network fees to access certain ATMs.

• Application requirements: Depending on the financial institution, you may be required to submit documents such as your Social Security number, proof of address, and government-issued photo ID. If you want to open a checking account with a credit union, you’ll most likely need to become a member.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Interest Checking Accounts

An interest checking account may not be the best option for you. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages before opening an account.

Advantages of Interest Checking Accounts

• You’ll earn interest Most traditional checking accounts won’t pay you any interest, but with an interest-bearing one, you’ll earn high interest. That means your money will help you earn some money while it’s sitting in the account. Typical APYs can range from 0.50% to 3.00% or higher.

• You’ll have more flexibility Checking accounts tend not to have transaction limits as you may with savings accounts or money market accounts. Plus, you can use checks and a debit card, offering you more flexibility to access your money.

Disadvantages of Interest Checking Accounts

• You may have to meet certain requirements Though there are some interest checking accounts that don’t have minimum balance requirements or monthly fees, some do. That means you could be on the hook for a monthly fee if you can’t meet account requirements. In some cases, these fees could negate the amount you earn in interest.

• You may not get a high interest rate The interest you earn on a checking account tends to be lower compared to ones you earn from a high-yield savings account or money market account. But there are definitely exceptions to the rule: Some banks have offered as much as 3.00% APY or higher on interest checking accounts, so it can truly pay to shop around and see if you can snag one of those deals.

💡 Quick Tip: Are you paying pointless bank fees? Open a checking account with no account fees and avoid monthly charges (and likely earn a higher rate, too).

Where Can I Get an Interest Checking Account?

You can open an interest checking account at most financial institutions, including traditional and online banks, as well as credit unions. As mentioned before, you may be required to become a member of the credit union you want to open a checking account with.

When shopping around, look beyond interest rates. Other equally important factors to consider are:

• Account features (access to your funds, for instance; when the interest accrues)

• Account-holder benefits (are there other perks to being an account-holder, such as a sign-up bonus?)

• ATM, overdraft, and other fees

• Minimum opening deposit and account balance requirements to earn interest.

Is It Worth It to Get an Interest Checking Account?

Thinking carefully about your financial situation and goals should help you determine whether it’s worth getting an interest bearing checking account.

• For those who want to keep a decent amount of money in a checking account to ensure bills and daily transactions are taken care of, it might be worth considering. Why not earn a bit of interest if you can find an account that doesn’t charge fees?

• However, if you’re interested in having a stash of cash available for short-term or medium-term savings goals — as in, you’re not planning on making frequent withdrawals — then a high-yield savings or a checking and savings account might be the better choice.

• If your goal is to save for long-term goals like retirement or a college fund for your child, then an investment account could be the way to go.

Recommended: How to Avoid ATM Fees

The Takeaway

An interest-bearing checking account may be a good fit if you’re looking for an account for daily transactions that can grow your money a bit. It’s important to check the fine print to see if there are any minimum balance requirements and what the fees are. Comparing the potential interest to be earned with any fees that may be charged is a vital step before applying for an interest checking account.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% 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 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOBK0124008

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 20, 2024 by Brett Tams

Negative Trend Overall, But Bonds Bounced Back Today

By:
Matthew Graham

Fri, Jan 19 2024, 4:54 PM

Negative Trend Intact For Now

January has marked a modest but noticeable shift in bond market momentum and Friday provides the latest evidence. While we’re content to view most of the recent weakness as a logical byproduct of decent economic data, there’s certainly also an element of momentum that seems to be in play. Friday’s evidence comes in the form of selling pressure that began right at the 8:20am CME open. The 10am econ data added to the selling, but it has since been shaken off. We’re left with modest weakness heading into the mid-day hours, but yields are nonetheless at their highest levels in more than a month.

- Existing Home Sales
  - 3.78m vs 3.82m f’cast, 3.82m prev
- Consumer Sentiment
  - 78.8 vs 70.0 f’cast, 69.7 prev
- 1yr inflation expectations
- 5yr inflation expectations

10:10 AM

10yr yields are now up 5bps to the highs of the day at 4.192 and MBS are down 6 ticks (.19).

02:02 PM

Bouncing back into the PM hours. 10yr now up only 1.7bps at 4.159 and MBS down 3 ticks (0.09).

03:44 PM

Holding modest losses into the close. 10yr up less than 1bp at 4.149. MBS down 2 ticks (.06).

04:52 PM

Squeaking into positive territory after hours. 10yr down 1.8bps at 4.124. MBS showing a 1 tick (.03) loss, but it’s actually more like a tick or two of an improvement after accounting for illiquidity.

Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 20, 2024 by Brett Tams

To put it simply, an ACH transfer moves funds electronically from one bank account to another. The three letters ACH stand for Automated Clearing House, which is a centralized system. You might think of it as Grand Central Station for the electronic distributions of funds. The ACH network could be how your paycheck appears right on schedule in your bank account thanks to direct deposit, and it may be how you send online payments to, say, your WiFi provider.

ACH transfers play an important role in finance today, so here’s a closer look at:

• What ACH transfers are and how they were created

• The pros and cons of ACH transfers

• How secure ACH payments are

• How ACH payments compare to wire transfers.

What Is an ACH Payment?

An ACH transfer is a convenient way to move money around, without using checks, credit cards, or other methods. It enables direct deposits from employers and government benefit programs, bill payments, and external fund transfers. What’s more, ACH transfers fuel person-to-person payments. Such providers as PayPal and Venmo use the ACH network.

As mentioned above, ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. But it’s not a bricks and mortar location. It is a network that financial institutions use to aggregate transactions for processing. This processing is then typically completed three times a day on every business day.

💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Enjoy the convenience of managing bills, deposits, and transfers from one online bank account with SoFi.

How Do ACH Payments Work?

Here, you’ll learn a little more about what is ACH, the history of ACH payments, and how they work.

History of ACH

The ACH network began in the late 1960s, when a group of U.S. bankers worried about the increasing number of checks being issued and cashed. They feared that rising numbers of checks would overwhelm the banking system, and they began to explore technological solutions.

• In 1972, an ACH association formed in California to manage electronic banking transactions, with other regional ACH networks forming soon after that.

• In 1974, these regional networks formed NACHA (the nonprofit National Automated Clearing House Association) to oversee and administer the ACH network. This organization creates and enforces how this network works, while the Federal Reserve and The Clearing House actually process the transactions.

• In 1975, the Social Security Administration began testing direct deposit, which led to today’s widespread adoption. Approximately 99% of SSA’s payments are currently completed via direct deposit.

• In 2001, online and phone payments via ACH became available, a key step forward to accelerating and automating banking transactions.

• In the most recent year studied, ACH payments numbered more than 30 billion, and the total dollars transferred exceeded $77 trillion. These figures indicate how big a role ACH transfers play in global finance.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!

Categories of ACH

The ACH network processes bank transfers for both direct deposits and direct payments. Direct deposits usually include:

• Paychecks

• Government benefits

• Tax refunds

• Expenses that an employer is reimbursing an employee for

• Annuity payments

• Interest payments.

In terms of direct payments, the ACH network may process other transactions. What is an ach transfer can include:

• Online bill payments from your bank account

• Zelle

• PayPal, Venmo, and other P2P services.

Types of ACH

As you’ve already learned, ACH works both ways: incoming and outgoing payments can be processed via the ACH network.

ACH Credit

An ACH credit occurs when one party sends funds to another entity. A very familiar instance of this would be the way (if you are among the millions who have direct deposit) arrives in your designated bank account on payday. Your employer sent instructions, their bank transmitted funds to yours, and you received your money.

ACH Debit

An ACH debit, as you might expect, moves in the opposite direction. In this case, funds are pulled from one account and processed in batches to get to their destination. In the situation of a direct deposit paycheck, while the employee receives the ACH credit, the employer’s account gets debited.

Recommended: How to Calculate Savings Account Interest

What Is an Example of an ACH Payment?

You’ve just gotten the scoop on ACH credits vs. debits, but what is a specific example of an ACH payment? When Social Security payments get deposited in millions of Americans’ bank accounts monthly, that’s the ACH system at work.

Also, if you’ve set up an automated payment of a utility or other recurring bill, that may also be an example of an ACH payment in action.

Benefits of ACH Payments

So now you know what ACH transactions are and how they became so popular. Let’s look at their benefits to your daily life and banking.

• Speed. They are quick and save you time running around with checks and the like. Plus, the transactions themselves can be fast. The transfers are typically completed within one day. There may be ways offered to speed up your payment, often for a fee (such as when PayPal or Venmo offers an instant transfer).

• Convenience. It can be very convenient to have mortgage payments, utility bills, and other payments automatically deducted from a bank account. Or send money to someone via a P2P service. With ACH payments, as we noted, there’s no need to travel to the financial institution to pay the bills or to write a paper check and mail it in.

• Low cost. ACH transfers are typically free and may even actually save you money. For example, a bank may offer a lower rate on a mortgage loan or student loan if you set up an automatic ACH funds transfer for your payments. (An exception may be when a financial institution charges a nominal fee to transfer funds to another bank.)

Downsides of ACH Transfers

There are a few potential disadvantages when it comes to using ACH transfers. Specifically:

• Transaction limits. Some banks will limit how much money you can send by ACH transfer in a specific time period, or they might not accept international ACH transfers.

• Penalties for too many transactions. If you are completing ACH payments from your savings account and that account has a cap on how many withdrawals you can complete per month, you could be penalized.

• Timing matters. Not all banks send ACH transfers at the same time of day — meaning they may have a cut-off time for a transfer to be processed on the next business day. This might cause problems for people needing to pay a bill by a certain due date and/or time.

Security of ACH Transfers

You may wonder whether these electronic transactions are secure. An ACH transfer can in fact be more secure than many other payment methods.

• The reality is that paper checks can always be lost or stolen. With ACH deposits or payments, you only need to provide bank information once, when the automated transaction is set up. Contrast that with writing a check every month and mailing it.

• Regulations exist that protect consumers in the rare case of an electronic funds transfer negatively impacting their bank accounts because of fraud or error.

• ACH payments are very safe because they go through a clearing house that has strict rules about confidentiality of information. In addition, ACH transfers typically have an extremely low rate of error.

ACH Transfers vs. Wire Transfers

When thinking about these kinds of transactions, you may wonder, “What’s the difference between ACH transfers vs. wire transfers?” A wire transfer is another method of electronically transferring funds, which means this system comes with many of the same benefits as ACH transfers bring.

Consider a couple of scenarios that highlight the potential differences:

• Wire transfers may occur within one business day, with funds often available for use the same day. In many cases, though, a bank employee needs to review this largely automated process, so the funds may not be immediately visible in the recipient’s account — and international wire transfers may take more than a day.

• ACH transfers, however, are processed in clearinghouses and banks in batches. The ACH system may sometimes provide same-day transfers and is increasingly moving towards this same-day benefit being available more often.

• In general, a wire transfer cannot be reversed.

• An ACH transfer, though, can be reversed in some situations.

• A last but important point: ACH transfers are often free, while wire transfer fees can cost the person sending it up to $35 or more, and the recipient might have to pay a small fee, too.

Recommended: Can You Use Your Debit Card in Another Country?

The Takeaway

ACH transfers can speed and smooth your financial life, automatically depositing and withdrawing funds so you don’t have to deal with checks, cards, or the time it takes for money to clear. That’s why they are such a popular way to transfer funds, such as receiving one’s paycheck by direct deposit.

In addition to ACH payments, another way to ensure a smoothly functioning financial life is to partner with a bank account that offers convenient access and the tools you need most.

Better banking is here with up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How long does an ACH transfer take?

ACH transfers typically take a day, but they may take as long as three days.

What is needed for an ACH transfer?

To complete an ACH transfer, the following are needed: the name, routing number, and account number of the destination, whether the account is a business or personal account, and the amount of money to be sent.

How do I set up an ACH payment?

An ACH payment can be set up in a variety of ways. As a consumer vs. a business, you might use a payment app or see what forms of money transfers your bank uses. For instance, many use Zelle. Or you could see if the prospective recipient of your funds (say, a utility company) offers an automated payment system, which might use the ACH network.

Can you send an ACH to a personal account?

Yes, you can send an ACH payment to a personal account. For example, if you use a payment app to send a friend money for your share of a dinner out that they paid for, you would likely be sending an ACH payment.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOBK0124010

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 19, 2024 by Brett Tams

Bonds Reacting to Data. Is It Justified?

By:
Matthew Graham

Wed, Jan 17 2024, 4:53 PM

Bonds Reacting to Data. Is It Justified?

Retail Sales came out at 0.6 vs a median forecast of 0.4 and rates moved higher as a result. Is the reaction justified? In a word: yes. There is no distortion from the fact that this is December’s data because this report is seasonally adjusted. How about the fact that everything costs more, so of course Retail Sales will be higher? That’s true, actually. Inflation also inflates this data series, but inflation was 0.3% last month, which is only half the Retail Sales result. More importantly, the economists doing the forecasting know all this stuff, so even if both of these aspects led to heavy distortions, a beat is still a beat when it comes to the bond market’s reaction. 10yr yields ended the day 5bps higher at 4.106 and MBS lost nearly 3/8ths of a point.

- Retail Sales
  - 0.6 vs 0.4 f’cast, 0.3 prev

08:44 AM

Moderately weaker overnight with additional selling after Retail Sales data. MBS down 3/8ths. 10yr up 5bps at 4.102

12:32 PM

Fairly sideways since initial weakness. Trading levels are exactly the same as the last update

04:42 PM

Still exceptionally flat. MBS and Treasuries both right in line with levels from the previous updates.

Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

January 18, 2024 by Brett Tams

A credit card balance transfer is the practice of moving debt from one credit card account to another. Typically, this is done to obtain better interest rates.

Reports show that the average credit card debt is nearly $8,000. This amount may seem impossible to pay off, especially if you have high interest rates or your debt is spread across several cards. One way consumers pay down this debt is through a credit card balance transfer. But what is a credit card balance transfer?

A credit card balance transfer is the practice of moving debt from one credit card account to another. Typically, this is done to obtain better interest rates.

For example, many balance transfer credit cards offer an introductory period with APR rates as low as 0% for a set period. This introductory period typically lasts anywhere from six to 18 months. However, you may incur a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% based on the specific card details. Despite this fact, you still may be able to save money by transferring your balance to one of these specialized cards.

Before you consider transferring your balance, it’s important to understand how balance transfer credit cards work, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this option.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Credit Card Balance Transfer

Before deciding if a credit card balance transfer is right for your specific situation, it’s important to explore the advantages and disadvantages of this type of transaction.

Pros

There are a number of great advantages to transferring your debt to a balance transfer credit card.

Transferring your current credit card balances to one with interest rates as low as 0% APR during the introductory period can help you save money over time.
Obtaining a balance transfer credit card can help you consolidate several smaller credit card balances into one convenient card.
If you make on-time monthly payments, you can take advantage of the 0% APR to pay your debt down faster.

Cons

There are also a few disadvantages you should consider before opening a new balance transfer credit card.

Many balance transfer credit cards charge a balance transfer fee that typically ranges from 3% to 5%. While this may seem like a small amount, it could equate to $30 to $50 per $1,000 you transfer. However, the benefits of lower interest rates could easily outweigh this extra fee.
Once the introductory period is over, your APR will revert to the higher standard rate. It’s important to compare this rate to your current interest rates before transferring your balance. If you’re not careful, you could end up with higher rates for future purchases or any unpaid balance at the end of the introductory period.
Due to the benefits of balance transfer credit cards, many credit card companies require applicants to have good to excellent credit.

How Do Credit Card Balance Transfers Work?

Before you can transfer your credit card balance, you must apply and be approved for a new balance transfer credit card. Many credit card companies require applicants to have very good or excellent credit scores to qualify. You can use Credit.com’s Free Credit Score tool to check your credit score to ensure you meet the company’s credit requirements.

Be sure to compare your options to determine which balance transfer credit card option is right for you. When making this comparison, there are a few factors you should consider:

Length of introductory period
Balance transfer fees
Standard APR rates
Annual fees
Other costs and fees
Credit limit

Once you choose the right card, you must take steps to transfer one or more of your current credit card balances. Some credit cards provide convenience checks to make it easier to transfer your balances to your new account. If this is the case, you can simply use these checks to pay off your current balances and the amount will automatically transfer to your new account.

Before using these checks, make sure they are specifically for balance transfers. Otherwise, these funds may not transfer correctly.

You can also handle the balance transfer process online using your credit card app or by contacting your new credit card company by phone. When making this transfer, you must have all the relevant information about your current account, such as issuer name, account number and amount to transfer. It could take a few weeks to finalize this transfer.

Things to Consider About Balance Transfer Credit Cards

While balance transfer credit cards certainly have their advantages, there are several factors you should consider when making this decision.

First, once you transfer your balance to your new credit card, it’s crucial to make on-time payments and meet all other conditions. Failure to do so could jeopardize your low introductory APR. Additionally, late credit card payments could negatively impact your overall credit health.

Secondly, keep in mind that your credit card company won’t alert you when your introductory period is coming to an end. If you’re not careful, the standard interest rates could take effect before you have time to pay down your balance.

Finally, you may want to compare credit card balance transfers with other viable options. For instance, if you can’t pay off your current credit card balance within the introductory period, it may make more sense to obtain a personal loan.

Now that you know what a credit card balance transfer is, you can more easily decide if this is the right option for you. Before you make any decision, you may want to get a better understanding of your current financial status. Use Credit.com’s Free Credit Report Card to get a full view of the factors most affecting your credit score.

Source: credit.com

What are Credit Card Hacks?

Proven Credit Card Hacks to Maximize Rewards

Tip #1 – Utilize sign-up bonuses

Tip #2 – Increase credit limit

Tip #3 – Master balance transfers

Tip #4 – Purchase prepaid cards with credit

Tip #5 – Harnessing the 15/3 Methodology

Tip #6 – Strategies to earn additional rewards through third-party programs

Tip #7 – Earn a credit card sign-up bonus then canceling the card right away

Tip #8 – Develop a multi-card system

Tip #9 – Transfer points between multiple cards

Tip #10 – Don’t use cash

Tip #11: Time your purchasing

Tip #12 – Make Micropayments

Tip #13: Have your spouse apply for the same credit card

Tip #14 – Importance of prompt payment

Tip #15 – Know What Rewards you Want

Cautionary Advice on Credit Card Hacks

Pitfall #1 – Overspending

Pitfall #2 – Impact on your Credit Score

Pitfall #3 – Don’t pay annual fees unless they’re worth it

Pitfall #4 – Paying interest

Pitfall #5 – Avoiding counterproductive habits like “balance surfing”

What are some of the best credit card rewards and hacks for 2024?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Making the Most of Credit Card Hacking

Source

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The best cheap pet insurance companies

Lemonade: Cheapest for dogs

Lemonade

Lemonade

Figo: Cheapest for cats

Figo

Figo

MetLife: Best for older pets

MetLife

MetLife

ASPCA: Best for younger pets

ASPCA

ASPCA

AKC: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions

AKC

AKC

Other cheap pet insurance companies

Average of sample monthly rates for dogs

Average of sample monthly rates for cats

What determines your pet insurance cost?

How to find cheap pet insurance

How to compare pet insurance plans

What’s covered — and what’s not

Reimbursement

Waiting periods

Reviews

Home Equity, Pre-Qual, Correspondent, Verification Tools; Training and Webinars; STRATMOR on LO Habits

Option 1: Copy and send this link

Simple, Logical Cause and Effect

Broker, Credit Report Fee, Flip and Bridge Products; TPO News

Option 1: Copy and send this link

What Is an Interest Checking Account?

How Do Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts Work?

How Are Interest Checking Accounts Different Than Other Checking Accounts?

Common Account Requirements for Interest Checking Accounts

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Interest Checking Accounts

Advantages of Interest Checking Accounts

Disadvantages of Interest Checking Accounts

Where Can I Get an Interest Checking Account?

Is It Worth It to Get an Interest Checking Account?

The Takeaway

Negative Trend Overall, But Bonds Bounced Back Today

What Is an ACH Payment?

How Do ACH Payments Work?

History of ACH

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!

Categories of ACH

Types of ACH

ACH Credit