How round-ups add up
Round-up apps and bank features move the spare change from each card purchase into savings or investments. A $3.40 coffee becomes $4.00 and 60 cents is saved. Because cents are spread evenly, the average round-up is about 50 cents per purchase.
Yearly savings = purchases per week × average round-up × 52
At 15 purchases a week, that is about $390 a year. Invested at 7% for ten years, it grows to about $5,600. Many apps let you multiply round-ups by two or three, which scales the result in the same proportion.
Is it worth it?
Round-ups are a painless way to start, especially for people who find saving hard. Watch for monthly app fees, though: a $3 monthly fee on $390 a year of savings takes almost 10%. Once the habit is in place, a fixed automatic transfer usually saves more.
Common questions
How much can you save with round-ups?
Typically $200 to $600 a year, depending on how often you use your card.
What is the average round-up?
About 50 cents per purchase.
Do round-up apps charge fees?
Some do. Compare the fee with what you expect to save.
This calculator gives estimates for planning. Real returns, rates and prices change, so treat the result as a guide rather than a promise. Read how we build and check our calculators.