This comprehensive guide will help you maximize your financial gains through the best bank bonuses, promotions & offers, providing detailed insights and comparisons to help you find the most lucrative opportunities.
- Go straight to BEST CHECKING ACCOUNT bonuses now
- Go straight to BEST SAVINGS ACCOUNT bonuses now
- Go straight to BEST BUSINESS ACCOUNT bonuses now
- See our curated list of the VERY BEST CHECKING & SAVINGS ACCOUNT bonuses here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Find Lucrative Bank Bonuses: Promotions ranging from $100 to $3,000+ for new accounts with banks like Chase, BMO Bank, Wells Fargo, and and more. Here is a sample from our list of 100+ offers.
Hundreds of Promotions:
Strategic Sign-Ups: Combining several account types and bonuses from different banks can yield hundreds to thousands of dollars annually without impacting your credit score due to typically only soft credit inquiries.
Criteria and Requirements: Most personal checking account bonuses require a direct deposit, whereas business and savings accounts might not. It’s crucial to choose accounts with bonuses you can realistically attain.
Constant Updates: The landscape of bank bonuses is always changing. Bookmark this page and staying informed. We will help you capture the best deals.
Why Bonuses Exist: Banks offer sign-up bonuses to stand out in a crowded market, attract new customers, and manage their interest rate strategies more flexibly than with deposit interest rates.J
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION: WHY ARE BANK BONUSES WORTH YOUR ATTENTION?
Have you ever wondered if those bank bonus offers you see could genuinely make you money and kickstart your new account with a cash boost? With banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and online giants like Axos offering upwards of $100 to $3,000+ just for signing up or meeting simple criteria, the answer is a resounding yes. A checking account bonus is a monetary incentive offered by banks to attract new customers to open specific checking accounts. But, how do you navigate this lucrative landscape without getting lost in the fine print or missing out on the best deals?
Let’s take a look into the essentials of bank bonuses, from trending offers to the smartest strategies for claiming your cash.
Want to maximize your bank bonus earnings? Don’t miss our comprehensive guide: The Ultimate Guide to Bank Bonuses: Strategies, Tips, and Must-Read Articles.
ABOUT OUR LIST OF BEST BANK BONUSES
Listed below are the best promotions from the biggest banks in the nation, such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, Regions Bank, TD Bank, Citibank, and many others.
You’ll also find the best bonuses from online banking providers and apps available to everyone nationwide, including Capital One, Axos, and CIT Bank to name a few.
These bank bonuses can earn you $100, $200, $300, $400, $500, and on up to $3,000+. Many users combine several account types and different banks to earn hundreds and thousands of dollars every year. Comparing the annual percentage yield APY is crucial in evaluating these offers.
Promotional offers are not limited to traditional checking or savings accounts; money market account options also come with attractive bonuses and benefits.
Among the competitive offers, SoFi Checking and Savings stand out with up to $300 bonus for new and existing customers who set up direct deposits and an impressive APY of up to 4.60%, all without the burden of monthly maintenance fees.
READ MORE: FIND THE BEST FREE PERSONAL CHECKING ACCOUNTS HERE AND THE BEST BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNTS HERE
Unlike with credit cards, applying for checking accounts usually only triggers a Soft credit inquiry that doesn’t affect your credit. Because of this, taking advantage of promotions from several different banks is a great way to make hundreds to thousands of dollars and typically only costs us our time.
Most personal checking account bonuses will require direct deposit, while business and savings account bonuses do not. Go for accounts with the highest bonuses, but be sure you are able to meet the direct deposit requirements.
READ MORE: YOU CAN FIND THE BEST BANK PROMOTIONS THAT DON’T REQUIRE DIRECT DEPOSIT HERE
This page is constantly updated with the most current offers. We keep up with hundreds of offers. You may want to start with our best of lists first.
Bookmark this page and check back often for the best bonuses.
READ MORE: FIND THE BEST FREE PERSONAL CHECKING ACCOUNTS HERE AND THE BEST BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNTS HERE
Unlike with credit cards, applying for checking accounts usually only triggers a Soft credit inquiry that doesn’t affect your credit. Because of this, taking advantage of promotions from several different banks is a great way to make hundreds to thousands of dollars and typically only costs us our time.
Most personal checking account bonuses will require direct deposit, while business and savings account bonuses do not. Go for accounts with the highest bonuses, but be sure you are able to meet the direct deposit requirements.
READ MORE: YOU CAN FIND THE BEST BANK PROMOTIONS THAT DON’T REQUIRE DIRECT DEPOSIT HERE
This page is constantly updated with the most current offers. We keep up with hundreds of offers. You may want to start with our best of lists first.
Bookmark this page and check back often for the best bonuses.
TRENDING BANK BONUSES
BEST CHECKING ACCOUNT BONUSES
BMO Checking Account $350 Cash Bonus* – Ends 5/2/25
UPDATE: BONUS OFFERS ARE BEING UPDATED Looking for an easy way to earn a cash bonus* while opening a new...
Chase Private Client Bonus: Up To $3,000 Promotion – Ends 7/16/2025
Secure up to a $3,000 Chase Private Client bonus by opening a new checking account and completing qualifying activities. Click...
KeyBank Key Smart Checking® $300 Bonus Promotion – Ends 10/17/25
Selecting a checking account that matches your lifestyle and provides tangible benefits can significantly impact your banking experience. KeyBank introduces...
Chase Checking Bonus: $300 Chase Total Checking® Offer [Nationwide] – Ends 7/16/2025
Discover the latest Chase checking bonus offer: New customers can earn a $300 bonus by opening a qualifying Chase Total...
Upgrade Rewards Checking $200 Bonus With Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions* If you're looking for a...
Upgrade Rewards Checking $200 Bonus With Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions* Everyone loves the opportunity to...
Chase College Checking℠ Coupon: $100 Bonus Offer – Ends 7/16/2025
Earn a $100 bonus when you open a new Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60...
Chase Secure Banking℠ Account $100 Bonus – Ends 7/16/2025
Find updated promotions and offers for the Chase Secure Banking℠ account here. Get a $100 bonus when you open a...
Chime Sign Up Bonus: $100 Welcome Offer & Referrals [Nationwide]
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank,...
BEST SAVINGS ACCOUNT BONUSES
Live Oak Bank Promotion: Earn 4.10% APY Personal Savings Account (Nationwide)
Live Oak Bank is offering a competitive 4.10% APY. With attractive terms and a straightforward process, this promotion is an...
CIT Bank Platinum Savings: Earn 4.00% APY (Nationwide)
CIT Bank is offering a fantastic promotion for new and existing customers who open a Platinum Savings account. You can...
Barclays Tiered Savings Account: Earn Up to 4.10% APY
Are you looking to make your savings work harder for you? Discover how you can earn a competitive APY with...
Raisin Savings Network $250 Savings Bonus & High Yield APYs
Are you on a quest to find the best home for your savings, where they can grow securely and efficiently?...
CIT Bank Savings Connect Earns 3.90% APY (Available Nationwide)
The CIT Bank Savings Connect account is a very competitive online savings account option. See the current rate details below....
Quontic Bank High Yield Savings Account Earns 3.85% APY (Nationwide)
Get a great rate for the Quontic Bank High Yield Savings Account. Quontic bank is a digital bank and is...
Axos One: High-Interest Savings and Checking Bundle Without the Hassle
Explore how Axos One’s bundled savings and checking accounts simplify banking, offering high APYs without the hassle of hidden fees!...
UFB Portfolio Savings & UFB Portfolio Money Market Accounts Earn Up To 4.01% APY
Earn up to 4.01% APY with UFB Portfolio Savings and UFB Portfolio Money Market accounts. Enjoy competitive rates, no maintenance...
BEST BUSINESS ACCOUNT BANK BONUSES
OFFERS FROM THE BIGGEST U.S. BANKS
MORE TOP OFFERS & UPDATES
Find more bank pages below with new offers and updates. They’re sorted by the most popular at the top.
There are hundreds of additional offer pages. Click the Load More button at the end to keep them coming.
WHY DO BANKS HAVE SIGN-UP BONUSES?
Curious about why banks have sign-up bonuses? Let’s break it down:
Standing Out from the Crowd: There are heaps of banks out there, right? These bonuses are their way of saying, “Pick me, pick me!” It’s their strategy to grab attention in a competitive marketplace.
Customer Acquisition: Bonuses are like a tasty lure for potential customers. This helps them get more customers and more deposits.
Interest Rate Play: It’s a strategic play banks make when interest rates start climbing. They lend out money at a higher interest rate than what they offer to depositors. So, while they’re raking in more money, they keep customers happy with these bonuses.
Keeping Things Simple: Giving a bonus is much easier to manage than raising the deposit interest rate. It’s a one-time deal instead of a continuous commitment.
READ MORE: SEE THE NATION’S BEST SAVINGS RATES HERE
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR INCLUDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEES
Wondering what to watch out for when you’re eyeing those bank sign-up bonuses? Not everything that glitters is gold, my friend. Here’s the lowdown:
Reading Between The Lines: Bank bonuses are not always as fantastic as they seem. Are you really up for fulfilling all the requirements? Be cautious of bonuses that come with sky-high minimum balance demands or monthly fees that could nibble away at your bonus bucks. Considering the minimum deposit is crucial as it outlines the initial requirement to qualify for a bonus. Additionally, understanding the minimum opening deposit is key to knowing what’s needed to open your new account.
Finding Your Perfect Match: If a checking account is what you’re after, make sure it fits with your banking needs. For example, if you need to hit up branches and ATMs often, check if there are plenty of them around your neck of the woods.
Going Digital: With online banking being the new norm, be sure to look for a bank or credit union that’s got their digital game on point.
The Interest Factor: Looking for a new savings account? Think about whether you might be better off with another bank that offers a higher interest rate (see the nation’s best rates here). It’s like weighing instant gratification versus long-term benefits. The monthly maintenance fee and monthly maintenance fees can significantly impact the net benefit of a bonus, making it important to understand how these fees work and if they can be waived. Additionally, the monthly service fee is another factor to consider when assessing the cost of maintaining a new account.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A BANK ACCOUNT
Opening a bank account has never been easier. Many financial institutions now offer the convenience of applying for bank accounts online, eliminating the need for a time-consuming visit to a local branch. This is particularly true for the enticing bank bonuses we’ve highlighted, most of which can be accessed through a straightforward online application process.
Signing up for a bank account is a breeze, though the exact steps can vary slightly from one bank to another. It’s crucial to follow the bank’s specific requirements closely to ensure a smooth account opening experience. Missing a step could lead to delays, with some banks requiring a minimum waiting period of 30 days to rectify any issues.
ARE BANK ACCOUNT BONUSES TRULY WORTH IT?
Taking advantage of bank promotions can be rewarding, provided the bonuses are substantial and the associated requirements manageable. When exploring bank account bonuses, it’s essential to understand the financial commitment and time investment needed. Often, these bonuses require customers to make qualifying direct deposits within a certain timeframe, which are typically electronic payments such as paychecks, pensions from an employer, and government benefit payments.
Our meticulously curated list of bank bonuses comes with detailed breakdowns of these requirements, allowing you to make informed decisions about which offers are genuinely worth pursuing. We focus on selecting bonuses with reasonable criteria that promise real value, thus the ones on our list are worth considering from our humble opinions.
THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF BANK BONUSES & PROMOTIONS
It’s important to remember that bank bonuses are not free money in the eyes of the IRS. Bonus money received from opening a new account is taxable as regular income. Most financial institutions will issue a Form 1099-INT or 1099-MISC if your earnings exceed $600 in a tax year, ensuring you’re prepared come tax season.
WHAT ABOUT REFERRAL BONUSES
While bank referral bonuses are less common than the traditional signup incentives for new accounts, they do exist. These bonuses reward you for bringing new business to the bank, offering another avenue to earn. Although there are less bank referral bonuses than for other products, we will share any noteworthy referral bonus opportunities on our blog, alongside the more typical signup bonuses.
Referral bonuses aren’t limited to banking; they’re a staple in various products and services. For those interested, we’ve compiled a list of the best referral bonuses outside of banking, including lucrative sign-up bonuses from cash back shopping portals like Rakuten, Topcashback, and RebatesMe.
SHOULD YOU SWITCH BANKS FOR A NEW ACCOUNT BONUS?
The allure of a new account bonus can be tempting, but it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential hassles of switching banks. Before making a move, thoroughly review the bonus offer’s details, paying close attention to any requirements for maintaining the account to qualify for the bonus. A common requirement for earning a new account bonus is setting up a qualifying direct deposit, which must meet certain criteria to be considered valid. In many cases, the rewards can be significant enough to warrant the switch, provided you’re prepared to meet the bank’s conditions.
Earning bank bonuses has been a lucrative hobby for many, including all of us on the MoneysMyLife team. If it works for your situation, switching banks and accumulating new account bonuses can be a great way to earn extra cash. Understanding the importance of qualifying direct deposits is crucial, as meeting this requirement can significantly influence the decision to switch banks for a bonus.
OUR FINAL TAKE ON BANK BONUSES
Bank account bonuses can be a smart financial move for those who do their homework and understand the commitments involved. Whether you’re opening a new checking or savings account, or considering a switch for a lucrative bonus, stay informed by following our blog to guide you to the best opportunities in banking and help you make clear, informed decisions.
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I recently transferred money from my TD Ameritrade account to my credit union and noticed it showed as ACH direct deposit. This also worked at my Wells Fargo bank account. My stock account allows me to connect up to five bank account to my stock account. Keeping one as my regular banking account I can have four bank bonuses working at a time. I set up monthly withdraws from my stock account to fund the direct deposit requirements of the banks offering the bonuses. Then use bill pay to send a paper check to my wife. she deposits the money into our joint account. I send the money back to my stock account to fund the next months cycle. With this method I plan to collect at least 8 bonuses in a year. Most $200 offers require $500 monthly direct deposits. I will make two direct deposits on the first of the month and the other two at the middle of the month. Using $1,000 seed money I plan to collect $1600 in bonuses. After a year I will take my seed money out and be able to continue using the bonuses to continue the process as long as I can find offers. When my wife found out what I am doing and wants in, so we opened her a stock account and she is getting started. We plan to open a joint stock account to expand our bonuses in a fe months with the bonuses we are working on now.
How has this been working out for you? Update please! I am considering making transfers from TDAmeritrade too but I’m not sure if that qualifies as a direct deposit..
Thank you!!!
Thank you for sharing valuable information. Lots of links. I bookmark this page and will check the best bonuses. Thanks for the update!
I am an existing Wells Fargo customer but my husband just opened up a checking account for the new customer sign up bonus. I want to help him make the deposit minimum by having my checks deposited into his account. My work will not let me deposit into his account without being an authorized user. Since I am already an existing customer, can he still get the bonus if he adds my name to his bank account?
Beware of the $500 KeyBank Offer – RETQ0119. If you call the Customer Service number and request to get something in writing to confirm the offer is available nationwide you will eventually be told that is an invite only offer – after being told it is available to nationwide by the first person that answers the phone! Don’t waste your time or tie up your money!!!
always a curve ball with these banksters. check their ratings and comments.
12/28/18 HSBC has extended their $350 Bonus Offer through 3/29/19.
Thanks and have a great new year!
Thanks for sharing; I think I’ll go for the Chase and HSBC ones.
Love the website, it would be interesting to see whom can earn the most $$$ in bank bonuses annually.
Do people have to go into the branch to open new accounts in order for the referee to get the $50 referral bonus?
pj question is referring to **Chase Bank, if people have to go into the branch to open their new accounts in order for the referring person to get the referral bonus?
The US Bank offers says they are available in Utah. However, when I enter my zip code it comes back with “not available in your area.” There are branches here in Utah.
I’ve been getting the same feedback from several people. Let me try to see how they’re targeting with this offer. I wish it was more straightforward.
Tony, I just got the renewed $200 1st Bank bonus offer via junk mail.
Wells Fargo just was fined for opening Millions of FRAUDULENT accounts. I wouldn’t reward them with my business!
Tony, First Bank Anywhere Account ,$200 bonus offer, is NOW $500 direct Deposit OR $500 Visa Debit Card purchases within first 60 days of account being opened.
Many thanks for the notice; missed that small detail!
For Washington state residents only, BECU has a $100 member referral bonus to open a new account. The best part is there is no direct deposit required; just make at least five debit transactions or deposit $500 in a rolling month. BECU does a soft pull on credit check. I’ve posted my unique referral code below; please respond if you use it as there is a limit of five referrals per member.
PROMO CODE 100REF16
UNIQUE REFERRAL CODE 595319
Details: https://www.becu.org/news/2016/Sept/deals-and-discounts/refer-a-friend-and-get-$100
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully you’ll get a little bonus money for this : )
Do you know if the Charles Schwab Checking account ever has sign-up bonuses?
Hi Karen, it’s been a few years since the last $100 bonus offer. It’d be awesome if it rolls around again, as this is seriously one of the best for fee-free ATM use!
Great list. Thanks for this!