When you cross a checkpoint, any rings collected during the level will be banked. If you die, you will still get those rings. However, banking the rings will leave Sonic unprotected. Get new rings immediately after a passing checkpoint to regain protection. When you are using a piggy bank companion and you get hit, you will get some rings that are sent directly to your bank, and not your current inventory. However they award these rings each time you get hit. To earn easy extra rings, play a level with a piggy bank companion and intentionally get hit. Then, collect at least one ring in the level and get hurt yourself. You will earn free rings from the piggy bank companion each time.