What Counts as a Direct Deposit for SoFi Bonuses?
SoFi counts employer payroll, government benefits, and ACH pushes from select fintechs as qualifying direct deposits. P2P transfers and external bank ACH pulls do not count.
What SoFi Officially Requires
From SoFi's offer terms: "Receive direct deposits totaling $5,000 or more (for the $400 bonus) or $1,000 or more (for the $50 bonus). After your first Eligible Direct Deposit posts, SoFi totals Eligible Direct Deposits received over the next 25 calendar days. P2P transfers and external ACH transfers are not eligible." SoFi defines a qualifying direct deposit as one from an employer, payroll provider, or government benefits program.
Direct Deposit Methods 15
Each card shows a transfer source with community-verified results. Click to see individual data points with links to the original reports.
Data sourced from r/churning and Doctor of Credit. View all data points across every bank →
What Does NOT Count at SoFi
How to Verify Your Deposit Counted
SoFi labels qualifying deposits as "Direct Deposit" in the transaction history. Non-qualifying ACH transfers show up as "Deposit" or "ACH Transfer" without the Direct Deposit label. The 25-day window starts when the first qualifying deposit posts, not when the account opens. You can track your progress inside the SoFi app under the bonus offer details. SoFi is typically fast on payout once the window closes, often within one business day of completing the requirement.
Related Guides
What is a direct deposit?
How direct deposits work and why banks require them for bonuses.
ACH push vs. ACH pull
Why the direction of your transfer matters for triggering bonuses.
Does Zelle count as direct deposit?
Why Zelle almost never works for bank bonus requirements.
What is an ACH transfer?
The banking system that processes most electronic transfers.