rewrite this title What Is SoFi, and Are Its Credit Cards Right for You? – NerdWallet

The company issues three credit cards:

All three card options are currently available through invitation only. This means that to apply for them, you must receive an email offer. To be considered for a credit card email offer, you must be a SoFi member and opt into marketing communications from the company. You can also log into your SoFi account to see whether you’re eligible for any credit card offers.

Here’s a closer look at SoFi’s credit card offerings.

SoFi’s $0-annual-fee Everyday Cash Rewards Credit Card earns bonus rewards mainly on food-oriented everyday spending. Cardholders can earn:

The card also earns 3% cash back on travel bookings made through the SoFi travel portal.

Rewards can be redeemed, at a value of 1 cent per point, for statement credit or distributed across other SoFi products including SoFi checking and savings accounts, investing accounts and eligible SoFi loan payment products.

As of this writing, the card doesn’t offer a general welcome bonus for all cardholders. SoFi says applicants can receive a welcome offer, but that offers will vary depending on an applicant’s credit and SoFi member history.

Note that although the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card doesn’t charge an annual fee, some existing holders are now charged a $10 monthly fee. According to SoFi, cardholders who are impacted by this change were notified before Jan. 10, 2026, and new applicants won’t be charged a monthly fee.

As of this writing, the card doesn’t offer a welcome bonus.

Like all SoFi credit cards, the SoFi Essential Credit Card earns 3% back when used for purchases made through the SoFi Travel Portal. Beyond that, though, the card doesn’t earn rewards. That’s because it’s geared toward those who want to build or improve their credit scores.

The $0-annual-fee SoFi Smart Card doesn’t operate like a typical credit card — it’s a charge card. This means that you can’t carry a balance from month to month like you can with a regular credit card.

It earns an unlimited 5% cash back rewards at grocery stores, including grocery store delivery purchases, as well as 5% cash back on travel (excluding air travel) booked through SoFi.

The card is exclusively available to SoFi Plus members. Membership costs $10 a month and comes with additional exclusive perks like a 2% match on SoFi Invest IRA contributions, 4.00% APY on SoFi banking accounts, and access to SoFi’s wealth financial planners, among others.

SoFi cards are most useful for those who are already in the SoFi ecosystem and have other SoFi accounts, allowing them to take full advantage of redemption options.

The cards’ rewards are on par with some of the best offers on the market. But you’ll need a SoFi membership and an email invitation to apply in most cases, which is limiting.

Non-SoFi members would be better off with a general rewards card not tied to a specific company or brand.