First, thank you for listening to our @Sofi earnings conference call in such detail (see below 👇).
Second, you accurately captured issues with credit cards that must be solved in my quote.
Third—and unstated but clearly observed— some banks and lenders don’t actually want revolving credit card balances to amortize down. If there were no revolving balances, ceteris paribus, they would lose a significant amount of money due to the cost of rewards. Our @SoFi personal loans not only carry rates (10–12%) that are up to half of typical credit card rates, but they also amortize and help borrowers get out of debt—ironically similar to our private refinanced student loans when compared to federal student loans, which in some cases last until death.
For many banks and lenders, credit cards have effectively become “subscription credit.” Some customers payments are almost entirely interest each month, with very little principal reduction. In some cases, they pay just enough to keep the line open so they can rely on unused credit for “emergencies,” while avoiding delinquency and the loss of access to that unused portion of the line.
Another issue I mentioned is reward points. We just introduced the SoFi Smart Card, which offers rewards only on groceries—specifically, 5% back on grocery spending. Why? Because people need to eat. We’ve effectively made food 5% more AFFORDABLE.
People who use the Smart Card are essentially given a 5% discount on something they must spend on in perpetuity. Who else is cutting the cost of food by 5% without providing other reward incentives that encourage spending beyond one’s means? Our decision to offer 5% back on groceries was 100% purposeful—focused on non-discretionary spending.
From your tweet:
“@anthonynoto during the most recent SoFi fireside chat discussing the predatory nature of credit cards:
‘It’s a dichotomy—banks are supposed to help you, but they give you these reward points like a drug you keep chasing, without realizing you’re building a balance you’re not going to pay off.
You’re getting charged 20–25% interest, and most people don’t realize they’re paying that much.
And so we’re going after those people and refinancing them down from 25% to 12%."
Paul Pierce earlier today 😬 😬
“If the Celtics lose Game 2 at home, I’m walking here tomorrow, 15 miles! In my robe, no shoes on, barefoot… Put the house on this game!”
(Via @SpeakOnFS1)