Citizens Bank is offering a substantial savings bonus that could put up to $500 in your pocket—but you’ll need to act fast. This limited-time offer runs from September 12-27, 2025, and requires some serious cash to maximize.
Want the best bank bonuses nationwide? Check out our top picks here—including huge offers from BMO and Chase that you won’t want to miss!
How to Earn Your Bonus
Two Bonus Tiers Available:
$250 Bonus:
- Deposit $10,000+ in new money to a Citizens savings account
- Maintain that balance through December 31, 2025
$500 Bonus:
- Deposit $30,000+ in new money to a Citizens savings account
- Maintain that balance through December 31, 2025
Essential Requirements:
- Must have or open both checking and savings accounts between 9/12/25-9/27/25
- Qualifying deposit must post by October 1, 2025
- Available for both personal and business accounts
- Bonus paid by January 31, 2026
Trending Checking Account Deal:
The Fine Print That Matters
What Counts as “New Money”:
- External funds not currently on deposit with Citizens or Citizens Access
- Must be a single deposit (not multiple smaller deposits)
- Cannot be internal transfers from existing Citizens accounts
Account Requirements:
- Both checking and savings accounts must remain open and active
- Checking account must maintain a balance greater than zero
- If checking account closes early, you forfeit the savings bonus
- Only one savings account per customer eligible
Balance Maintenance:
Here’s the key detail most people miss: your total savings balance (existing balance + new deposit) must be maintained through December 31, 2025. If your balance drops into a lower tier, you’ll only receive the lower bonus amount.
Timeline Breakdown
- Account Opening Window: September 12-27, 2025 (only 16 days!)
- Deposit Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Balance Maintenance: Through December 31, 2025
- Bonus Payment: By January 31, 2026
Trending Savings Account Deal:
Account Options and Fees
Citizens Quest Checking & Savings:
- No minimum opening balance required
- Quest Checking: $25 monthly fee (waived with $5,000 monthly deposits OR $25,000 combined balance)
- Quest Savings: Low APY of 0.02% across most tiers
Business Account Option:
- Same bonus structure applies to business checking and savings
- Similar requirements and timeline
Why This Offer Is Challenging
Let’s be honest: this bonus requires significant capital and comes with tight restrictions. The 16-day account opening window is extremely short, and the single-deposit requirement means you need to have $10,000-$30,000 readily available in external accounts.
Potential Pitfalls:
- Short enrollment window creates urgency pressure
- High balance requirements for extended period
- Monthly fees could eat into bonus value
- Low savings account interest rates
Tax Implications
The bonus will be reported to the IRS as income and deposited into your checking account labeled as “Balance Builder Bonus.”
Bottom Line
This is a high-dollar bonus offer, but it’s designed for customers with substantial liquid assets. If you have $10,000-$30,000 sitting in low-yield accounts elsewhere, this could be worthwhile—but only if you can commit to the balance requirements through year-end.
The math: Even with potential monthly fees, earning $250-$500 in four months represents a strong return on your deposit.
Key Decision Factors:
- Do you have the required funds in external accounts?
- Can you maintain the balance through December 31st?
- Are you comfortable with the tight timeline?
Remember: You have until September 27, 2025, to open both accounts, and your qualifying deposit must post by October 1, 2025. Don’t wait if you’re considering this offer.
See the Best Checking & Savings Account Bonuses and Start Earning Free Cash Today
See more bank bonus offers here:
- Best Citizens Bank Bonuses, Promotions of September 2025
- Citizens Bank’s $500 Bonus In-Branch Offer CT, DE, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA, D.C., MD, FL] – Ends 8/23/25
- Citizens Bank Bonus: Up To $400 Checking Promotion – Ends 8/26/25
- Earn Up To 3.50% APY Citizens Access’ Best Online CD Rate, 3.70% APY Savings (Nationwide)
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