Ready for a bank account upgrade? It’s time to cash in on the best bonuses in town!
From cold hard cash to rewards that make your heart sing, we’ve got the scoop on the top bank account bonuses currently on offer.
So, say goodbye to boring banking and hello to a financial partner that truly rewards you. Get ready to score big with the ultimate guide to the best bank account bonuses.
Are you ready to find out how much of a bonus you’re eligible for by opening a new bank account? Let’s get started with our top pick, a $275 bonus from Fifth Third.
Sign up for a Fifth Third Bank checking account to take advantage of their diverse range of products and top-performing mobile app. No hidden fees, No minimum balance. Simply boost your experience with their generous sign up bonus of $225, making Fifth Third a smart choice for your banking needs.
Best Bank Account Bonuses and Promotions
Finding bank bonuses on your own can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure how it all works.
Here are some real bank bonuses you can take advantage of, some of which don’t even require a direct deposit:
- Open an account and set up qualifying direct deposit within 25 days.
- Open account and set up direct deposit within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
- Make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of account opening.
1. SoFi – up to $250 Promotion
SoFi has introduced an enticing offer for both new and current customers of SoFi Checking & Savings, where they can earn a bonus of up to $250.
To be eligible, customers must establish a direct deposit, which can be done anytime before the promotion’s expiration.
The bonus is tiered, meaning the amount earned increases with the amount of the direct deposit:
Direct Deposits within 25 days | Cash bonus |
---|---|
$1,000 – $4,999 | $50 |
$5,000 or more | $250 |
Plus, earn up to 4.20% APY, free overdraft coverage, no account fees, and get paid up to 2 days early.
2. Fifth Third Bank – $225 Bonus
Fifth Third Bank is one of the largest banks in the US.
Right now you can earn $225 when opening an eligible Fifth Third checking account and making direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of account opening.
This is Fifth Third Bank’s most popular check account with no minimum balance required and no minimum deposit to open your account.
The $225 bonus will be added to your new account within 10 business days of completing the easy qualifying activity of setting up direct deposit.
Sign up for Fifth Third Bank to take advantage of their diverse range of products and top-performing mobile app.
Boost your experience with their generous sign-up bonus, making Fifth Third a smart choice for your banking needs.
> Apply now to earn up to a $225 bonus from Fifth Third Bank
3. Chase Secure Banking℠– up to $100 Bonus
A $100 bonus is yours if you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days. You can count Zelle payments toward this amount.
There is a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee that can’t be waived, but you won’t have to make a minimum deposit necessarily. As long as you have enough to fund your 10 transactions, you’ll make the cut.
This account also includes no fees for overdrafts, cashier’s checks, or money orders.
Once you complete the requirements, however, you should receive your Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days.
4. Axos Bank – $150 Bonus
Open an Axos Bank Rewards Checking by 6/30/2023 to take advantage of up to $100 in rewards. You will need to use the code RC100 to claim this offer.
To qualify for this Axos bank promotion, you must open your new Rewards Checking account and have qualifying direct deposit(s) that total at least $1,500.00 within a single calendar month during the first three (3) calendar months your account is open, including the month in which your account was opened.
This is an easy bonus to claim, and the $100 bonus will be delivered to your Rewards Checking account within 30 days following the 90-day waiting period.
5. Chase Total Checking® – up to $200 Bonus
With over 16,000 ATMs and nearly 5,000 branches to choose from, it’s no wonder Chase remains a favorite among its clients.
If you’re new to Chase and open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn up to $200 for your business.
To complete the requirements for this consumer checking account, set up a direct deposit within 90 days. This deposit must come from a paycheck, pension, or government benefits. Payments from Venmo and Zelle are ineligible.
There is a $12 monthly fee for your new account, but you can avoid it with certain actions. For example, if you post $500 total per month in direct deposits or other payments, you won’t be charged. You can also keep a balance of $1,500 or more at the beginning of each day or maintain an average daily balance of $5,000 or more across your deposit accounts.
Chase doesn’t offer free paper checks with this account. You’re also subject to a $34 overdraft fee. However, if you do complete the requirements of this promotion, you’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days.
6. Chase Business Complete Checking℠ – up to $500 Bonus
This is one of the better business checking promotions currently available from Chase. Simply maintain a minimum balance of $2,000 for 60 days after opening your new business account to earn $300 in bonus cash.
Or you can earn $500 with qualifying deposits including total deposits of at least $15,000.
You’ll also need to make 5 qualifying transactions within the first 90 days and have those funds front and center within the first month.
Chase makes it easy to save for your business with the Chase Business Complete Banking℠ account.
You can open the account online or enroll in person by entering your email and receiving a promotional code.
Once you complete the requirements for the bonus, your bonus will be credited to your account within 15 days.
7. Upgrade – $200 Bonus
You’ll earn a $200 welcome bonus when you apply for an Upgrade Card and then open a new Rewards Checking account.
To be eligible for this promotion, you’ll need to sign up for their Upgrade Card first. This card is a cross between a credit card and line of credit.
Next, you’ll need to open a free Rewards Checking account. Finally, you’ll only have to make three transactions with either your Upgrade Card or your new debit card.
All things considered, this is a bonus that requires little effort to earn. While it’s possible opening a line of credit results in a hard credit pull, we have seen Upgrade only do soft pulls based on customer input.
Compared to other cash offers, this one is significantly higher and does not have any requirements such as a direct deposit, minimum balance, or monthly fees. It’s a legit offer.
8. Axos Investing – $200 Bonus
With consumers self-directing their stock buying now more than ever, several large banks are looking to adapt and offer these services.
Given this, Axos is enhancing its investment platform: Axos Self-Directed. With this service, users can enjoy commission-free trades.
It competes with Chase, Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and TD Ameritrade, as well as online brokerages such as Robinhood.
Axos is giving new customers of its Self-Directed Trading or Managed Portfolio services a $200 incentive for a limited time. The deposit amount has now been reduced to its smallest level ever, so go check it out!
All you have to do is once your account is open, you’ve got 60 days to deposit as little as $2,000. And if you’ve got a Self-Directed Trading account, you must complete at least two trades.
You did it. $200 will be deposited into your new account after your first two trades.
9. Acorns – $10 bonus
Acorns is one of the most popular micro-investing platforms. Acorns lets you turn your spare change into investments by stacking up your change over time and with the Acorns “round-up” feature. With Acorns, you can invest at your own pace in smart portfolios and maximize your growth and costs $3 per month.
Acorns also provides a checking account which has many of the features of a traditional bank account including, direct deposit, mobile check deposit, a debit card for you or your kids and fee-free withdrawal from over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs around the world.
Sounds like fun? Sign up for Acorns, collect your $15 and double your money by investing. You can also get a registration bonus through here.
10. Robinhood – Free stock
Robinhood offers free investing for everyone with commission-free investing, plus the tools you need to put your money in motion. Sign up and get your first stock for free worth up to $200.
And more free stock (up to a $200 value) every time one of your friends opens a Robinhood account from your promotional link. That’s up to $1,000 in free stock every year.
If you join through this link, you’ll earn a specified dollar amount and be able to pick your gift stock from a list of 18 of America’s leading companies.
The value of the fractional share may be anywhere between $5.00 and $200 and fluctuates based on market movements.
11. Live Oak Business Savings – Business Savings – $300 Bonus
Banking online is easy with the Live Oak Business Savings account. This account allows you to earn up to 4.00% APY without a deposit minimum.
Opening a bank account with Live Oak does require you to submit both personal and business information, including the bank account from which you’ll be transferring funds.
Once this bank account is verified, you can transfer money between accounts. You can also deposit funds through the mobile app, mail, or even use a wire transfer.
Overdrafts are $25 per and you won’t be able to use a connected checking account from Live Oak or an ATM card.
If you are interested, you can see the $300 welcome bonus details here.
12. Bank of America – Checking Account– $100 Bonus
There are a ton of Bank of America promotions, just like this one. You’ll need to enter code DNB100CIS in order to earn $100 from opening a new account with Bank of America. This bank requires you to deposit at least $1,000 into that account within 90 days of opening it, and you’ll need anywhere from $25 to $100 for a minimum deposit.
The minimum deposit required depends on which type of account you choose from the following:
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking
- Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking
- Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking
There are ways to avoid the monthly maintenance fees, which range from $4.99 to $25 per month depending on account type. However, you will need to take advantage of this offer before December 31st to qualify for this low entry offer.
13. Citigold – Checking Account – up to $2,000 Bonus
Citigold offers one of the top bank account bonuses, of up to $2,000 in rewards. You’ll need to deposit at least $300,000 into your account to receive this amount, but even a balance of $10,000 to $29,999 can earn you $200.
Opening your account is easy: you have to be at least 18 years old and meet the minimum balance requirements. To earn your $2,000 in rewards, you’ll need to open your new Citigold Checking Account with a deposit of $10,000 or more within 20 days. Maintain that balance for 60 days to receive your cash bonus 30 days after you complete the requirements.
14. Citi Priority Account – Checking Account – up to $2,000 Bonus
You can also earn up to $2,000 if you open a Citi Priority Account with some of the same requirements as the Citigold Checking Account. If you don’t maintain a monthly balance of $30,000 or more in your direct deposit, retirement, and investment accounts, you will have to pay a $30 monthly maintenance fee.
15. Citizens Bank – Checking Account – up to $400 Bonus
Residents of the following states are eligible to earn up to $400 by opening a new Citizens Bank account:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington D.C.
Accounts must have a direct deposit of $500 or more within 60 days to get $300. You can also earn an additional $100 just by using your debit card for purchases. For every transaction within the 60 days, you’ll get $2 in rewards, up to $100.
16. Columbia Bank Advantage Plus Checking – Checking Account – up to $200 Bonus
If you have $1,000, you can deposit it into your new Columbia Bank Advantage Plus Checking account to earn a $200 bonus. You’ll also have to make at least 10 debit card transactions or maintain a $500 balance to waive the $9 service fee. Bonuses are credited within 60 days of completing the requirements.
17. Discover Bank – Savings Account – up to $200 Bonus
Looking for savings account bonuses? Discover Bank offers its new customers the opportunity to escape monthly maintenance fees, insufficient fund fees, and minimum opening deposits by opening an account by December 15. You can earn a high rate of interest on your savings accounts as well.
You’ll need to deposit at least $15,000 within the first month of opening your account to receive $150. If you deposit $10,000 more than that in the same time period, you can earn $200 in rewards, which are credited to your account within 30 days.
18. Fidelity Bank – Banking – up to $525 Bonus
A minimum of $25 is required to open a new Fidelity Bank account. You’ll also need to set up a direct deposit to earn. Rewards of $200 require you to make 15 transactions per month, sign up for EZ Statements, enroll in online banking, and direct deposit at least $2,500 or more for 3 consecutive months.
You can also receive $200 for opening a Money Market account MMDA at the same time and depositing $15,000 or more. If you use your Fidelity Visa Debit Card 60 times over 3 consecutive months, in addition to your 15 transactions above, you can earn an additional $100.
Opening your account online, in addition to all these actions, will round out your bonus to $525. You can also waive the $7 monthly fee associated with the Reliance Checking account by maintaining a balance of $1,500 or more, direct depositing $400 or more per month, or performing 10 transactions or more in 30 days.
19. FirstBank Bloom – Banking – $300 Bonus
Residents of Colorado, Arizona, and California can take advantage of a $300 bonus for opening a new account with FirstBank Bloom. This bank account must be opened by December 31st to qualify, as well as have at least one deposit of $500 or more for 3 consecutive months. You’ll also have to keep the account open for a year if you want to keep the bonus.
20. Fulton Bank – Simply Checking Account– $200 Bonus
Fulton Bank might say no to minimum balances, transaction requirements, and annual fees, but it says yes to new customers with a $200 welcome bonus. You’ll have to open your account with $25 to start and set up direct deposits of $500 or more within the first 60 days of opening your account. Plus, you’ll need to make at least 15 debit card transactions within the first 60 days as well to spend $300 or more in total.
21. HSBC – Premier Checking – $500 Bonus
Open your new Premier Checking account from HSBC by February of next year to earn $500. Direct deposits of at least $10,000 or more are required from a third party for 90 consecutive days from the second full calendar month after account opening.
You may be subject to a monthly maintenance fee. However, the $500 bonus is deposited into your account within 8 weeks of completing the requirements for this reward.
22. Huntington – Perks Checking – $200 Bonus
As long as you can keep your account open for 90 days and make deposits of at least $1,000 or more within 60 days, you can earn $200 from Huntington Perks Checking. This discount applies to residents of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, or Wisconsin who open their accounts online or in person.
23. Huntington – Platinum Perks Checking – $300 Bonus
If you’re able to deposit at least $25,000 within 60 days of opening your new bank account, you should bank with Huntington Platinum Perks Checking. This bank requires you to keep your money in the account for 90 days, but you can waive the maintenance fee if you meet certain conditions.
24. PNC Bank – Banking – up to $400 Promotion
Open an account with PNC Bank by Halloween to earn up to $400 in rewards. You’ll need to deposit at least $2,000 to earn $200 and $5,000 to earn $400. There are 3 tiers within this promotion, with different direct deposit accounts and account types.
25. PSECU – Banking – up to $250 Promotion
Open a PSECU account by December 31 to earn up to $250 in rewards. The Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union requires you to set up direct deposits within 30 days of opening your account, with at least $200 required per deposit. There are little to no associated fees for this account, which is open to Pennsylvania residents.
26. Sandy Spring Bank – Banking – up to $200 Promotion
A whopping $200 is up for grabs for new customers of Sandy Spring Bank, which is offering this reward for opening an account and establishing a direct deposit of $500 or more within the first 45 days of opening the account. You’ll have to deposit at least $500 for the next 4 months to qualify for the $200. Within 125 days, you should receive your reward, but only if you’re a resident of certain states. See Sandy Spring Bank’s website for more details.
27. South State Bank – Checking Account – $200 Promotion
Register for a new checking account before the end of the month to earn $200. You’ll have to make a minimum of 15 purchases with your South State Bank debit card within 60 days, as well as have a monthly total of $250 direct deposit or a preauthorized automatic draft of $25. Residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia are eligible.
View offer at South State Bank
28. Teachers Federal Credit Union – Banking – up to $400 Promotion
Earn up to $400 by opening a new account and directly depositing at least $2,500 within the first 2 months of opening your new Teachers Federal Credit Union account. Enroll in digital banking and eStatements with offer code OFFER400 by September 30th to take advantage of this bonus, which allows you to earn an additional $100 by spending $500 in purchases with your new debit card within 60 days.
View offer at Teachers Federal Credit Union
29. UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Checking Account – up to $250 Bonus Reward
Residents of Collin County, Texas can receive $50 for opening a qualifying checking account with UNIFY Financial Credit Union and signing up for recurring ACH direct deposits of at least $500 or more each month. Complete these tasks within 60 days of opening the account to earn $50 towards your $150 amount.
You can earn the final $50 by completing transactions with your UNIFY Visa Debit Card within the first 2 months of opening it, to bring your rewards to $150 total. Each transaction gets you $1 in bonus rewards as long as the transactions are above $5.
There are no minimum balances required, and you’ll also get a free membership to the Surfrider Foundation or Friends of Hobbs. Note, the offer expired on 12/31/21 but the bank bonus page is still live.
30. Wells Fargo – Checking Account – $300 Bonus Reward
Open an Everyday Checking account online by depositing $25 or more by June 27, 2023. Receiving a total of $1,000 in direct deposits within the first 3 months will qualify you for a $200 bonus. Plus, you can waive the $10 monthly fee if you complete one of four stipulations. Two common ones include keeping an account minimum of $500 and receiving that same amount in direct deposits each period.
31. BMO Harris Bank – Checking Account – up to $500 Bonus
Earning up to $500 is easy with BMO Harris Checking. You’ll need to act fast, though, as the promotion ends at the end of October.
Open a BMO Harris Smart Advantage Account to earn up to $300 in rewards. You’ll have to make $4,000 or more in qualifying deposits. Plus, you can waive the minimum balance requirements and monthly fees by signing up for paperless statements. Go online or visit a local branch to apply.
If you open a BMO Harris Smart Premier Account, you can earn up to $500. You’ll need to maintain a $10,000 minimum daily balance or a $25,000 combined balance between your accounts. A deposit of at least $7,500 is required within 90 days of opening your account to receive your bonus of $500 within 100 days of completing the requirements.
32. Alliant Credit Union – Checking Account – $100 After a Year
Alliant Credit Union allows you to earn up to $100 if you open a new account by the end of 2023. If you deposit $100 per month for the next year, they will reward you with the $100 bonus once you’ve hit the 12-month mark.
To be eligible for this reward, you do have to make your first transfer within 30 days of opening your account. However, you can avoid monthly maintenance fees by opting for eStatements.
If savings is a goal of yours, this checking account from Alliant Credit Union can help you save $1,200 in one year, with the added bonus of $100 bringing your yearly savings to $1,300 total. That’s enough to knock out some heavy credit card debt if necessary.
Expired Bank Bonuses
The following best bank account bonuses have expired:
Albert – $150 Bonus [EXPIRED]
Besides these everyday perks, Albert is also offering new customers the chance to earn $150 when they open an Albert account and link it via direct deposit. If you deposit at least $200 into your account and spend at least $100 every 30 days for 3 months, you’ll receive the $150 bonus.
When you take a minute to consider this perk, the numbers tend to work out. A $200 up-front investment is a low entry barrier to overcome. Plus, if you direct deposit your paychecks into your Albert account, even spending $100 a month on groceries for 3 months can qualify you for the $150 bonus.
Revolut – Banking – $10 Bonus [Expired]
Revolut Bonus Link – Start growing your money by banking without fees and get a $10 bonus for doing so.
Here’s a present from Revolut which is one of the easiest checking account bonuses right now to claim. You can now unwrap $10 on them. That’s right, get $10 with all newly approved accounts.
Revolut gives you a $10 bonus upon account approval after using the Revolut card. Testing this offer, I received $10 instantly through this link after opening account and making a qualifying transaction of at least $1.
Just finish the two minute application and take its award-winning tools and platform for a spin. Make your first virtual or physical Revolut card payment to receive $10 credited to your Revolut account.
Bank of the West Checking – Checking Account – $250 Bonus [Expired]
Bank of the West’s $250 bank bonus offer expires September 30th, so hurry to take advantage of these earnings by opening a checking account and depositing $1,000 or more per month within the first 90 days.
Bank accounts with Bank of the West have no monthly fees or minimum balances (besides the one above). These accounts are only available in select states, including California, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. See Bank of the West’s website for more details.
View offer at Bank of the West
UMB Bank – Banking – up to $300 Bonus Reward [EXPIRED]
Fund your new UMB Bank account with $100 or more to receive a $300 reward. You’ll also need to receive direct deposits of more than $2,000 within 60 days of funding your account, maintain your account for 130 days, and act before September 30th, when this perk expires.
Eligible customers are residents of Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, or Texas.
What Are Bank Account Bonuses
Banking account bonuses vary from one company to the next, but many include some sort of perk for opening up an account. These banks want to earn your business, so they may offer you a cash bonus when you sign up for a new checking account.
Bank promotions are a great way to earn extra money just by having a bank account. Typically you don’t have to jump through a lot of hoops to open a bank account, though you should read the fine print carefully before you sign on the dotted line.
It’s also important to verify your eligibility for a new checking account cash bonus. Most banks will stipulate what you need to do to earn the bonus. However, you can also clarify any concerns or questions you might have with the banker if/when you open a checking account in person.
You can also open a new checking account online and still take advantage of these offers. In fact, some banks may waive any fees associated with opening an account if you sign up through these particular promotions.
Are Bank Bonuses Worth It?
Stretching our dollars further is top of mind for most folks these days. Bank bonuses can be a lucrative way to open a checking account and get rewarded for it, depending on which bank you choose. At the same time, finding these promotions and then figuring out which ones fit your lifestyle can be a difficult task.
Our guide breaks through all the terms and conditions jargon to bring you some of the best bank bonuses and promotions you can take advantage of today. While several of them do have a time limit on them, you should take advantage of these offers sooner rather than later (as long as it makes sense, of course). You can easily earn a few extra dollars to put towards your savings just by signing up for a new checking account.
FAQs
Bank account bonuses can be worth it as long as it makes sense for your situation. If you’re looking for a new bank, that’s a great time to take advantage of a welcome bonus. However, you shouldn’t move money around a lot just to earn a few extra hundred dollars.
Keep track of all your checking accounts with Mint to achieve your financial goals.
Citi offers one of the best bank bonuses out there. You can earn up to $2,000 for their Priority Account, but you can also earn $500 with the BMO Harris Smart Premier Account. Fidelity Bank will also award you with up to $525 if you qualify.
Qualifications for each bank account promotion differ, so be sure to read the fine print. You can also call and speak with a representative for help with any questions you might have. Be sure to note both the actions you’ll need to take, as well as how much time you have to complete them.
Bank Your Bonus to Increase Your Savings
Taking advantage of a bank account bonus can help you earn extra money without having to do much in return. We hope you’ve found this article useful in finding bank account promotions you can profit from just by opening a new account. There’s a lot of money out there for the taking, it just takes knowing where to look.
If you’re still looking for more promotions, consider looking at the best app bonuses we’ve rounded up.
Other Bank Promotions:
- Get spotted up to $250 without fees
- Join 10+ million people using the finance super app
- Banking with instant discounts on gas, food delivery, groceries and more
- Start investing, saving, and budgeting for free