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Best Bank Bonuses for September 2024

Earn hundreds of dollars by opening a bank account with Huntington Bank, SoFi, Chase, and more

The best current bank bonus is from Huntington Bank, which offers $400 if you open a new checking account and make a deposit of any amount (along with meeting some other basic requirements). The best savings account bonus is from PNC ($400), and the best business checking account bonus is from Chase ($300).

Below, you’ll find checking account bonuses, and then savings account bonuses, and then business account bonuses.

If you want to earn some easy money and don’t mind doing a bit of extra paperwork, opening a new bank account to get a cash bonus is one of the best ways to do it. You’ll have to open a new account and meet some requirements, like receiving a specific amount in direct deposits within a specific timeframe. The whole process often takes a few months, at least.

Investopedia tracks checking and savings account promotions from 23 banks. We chose the best bank account bonuses below based on bonus amounts, bonus requirements, and account details and restrictions, like fees and state eligibility. We set the following minimum thresholds to be included as a best pick: personal checking bonus offers of at least $300, with a return on deposit of at least 10%; savings account bonus offers of at least $200, with a return of at least 2%; and business checking bonus offers of at least $300, with a return of at least 4%.

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Huntington Bank : Huntington Perks Checking - $400


Huntington Bank

 Huntington Bank

  • Bonus Amount: $400
  • Promotion Expiry: Oct. 7, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Direct deposit
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a Perks Checking account through the link above: You’ll need to apply for an account directly from the offer page linked above to make sure the bonus code is applied. Alternatively, you can select “Open at Branch” to get a code emailed to you so you can open an account in person. 
  2. Receive a direct deposit within 90 days: You’ll have 90 days after you open the account to establish at least one qualifying direct deposit into your account of any amount. This is in contrast to most bank bonuses, which require a deposit of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
  3. Receive the $400 bonus: Keep your checking account open for at least 90 days. Huntington Bank will deposit the bonus into your new account within two weeks of meeting the bonus requirements.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Huntington Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Offer only available to residents of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
  • Not available if you currently have a Huntington Bank personal checking account or are currently listed on anyone else’s Huntington Bank personal checking account
  • Not available if you’ve closed any Huntington Bank checking accounts within the past six months
  • If you qualify for this offer, you may not be eligible for any other Huntington Bank promotional bonuses for the next 12 months.
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $0
  • Monthly fee: $10 per month; waived if you maintain a total balance of $5,000 in Huntington Bank accounts or receive at least $1,000 in total monthly deposits
  • ATM fees: $3.50 per withdrawal at non-Huntington Bank ATMs, not including any third-party ATM fees
  • Overdraft fees: $15 per occurrence, up to three times per day
  • International transaction fee: 3% of each debit or ATM transaction

Truist : Truist One Checking - $400


Truist

Truist

  • Bonus Amount: $400
  • Promotion Expiry: Oct. 30, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Direct deposit, transactions
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a One Checking account online with the promo code: Truist operates branch locations, but you’ll need to open this account online to earn the bonus. During the account sign-up process, enter the code given on the linked page to earn the bonus.
  2. Receive a qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more within the first 90 days: In order to qualify, the direct deposit must be from an employer or government benefits.
  3. Make 15 debit card purchases within the first 90 days: Those transactions need to be posted within 90 days, so don’t wait until the last minute.
  4. Receive your $400 bonus: Keep your account open, in good standing, and with a positive balance until you earn the bonus. Truist will deposit it into this account within four weeks after you meet the eligibility criteria.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Truist Bank Bonuses.

Not all deposits are direct deposits. A direct deposit is automatically deposited into your account on a regular basis each month, such as your paycheck or government benefits. Transfers that you make, such as between accounts or from money-transfer tools like Venmo, aren’t direct deposits.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Only available to residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
  • Not available if you’re already the primary owner of an existing Truist checking account, or if you’ve closed one since February 28, 2023
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $50
  • Monthly fee: $12, waived if you meet one of the following criteria: Receive $500 or more in direct deposits per statement cycle; maintain a total balance of $500 or more in Truist accounts; have a Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan (not including LightStream loans); have a linked Truist small business checking account; are a student under age 25; are 62 years old or older
  • ATM fee: $3 at non-Truist domestic ATMs; $5 at non-Truist international ATMs
  • Overdraft fee: $0

Citizens Bank : Various Citizens Checking Accounts - $400


Citizens Bank logo
Citizens Bank logo.
  • Bonus Amount: $300–$400
  • Promotion Expiry: Nov. 21, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Direct deposit, monthly deposits
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a new Citizens Bank checking account and your first Citizens Savings account on the same date: Open a new checking account from the linked bonus offer page. You’ll need to use the specific links on that page to qualify for this bonus, although you can choose from any of the personal checking accounts listed. 
  2. Receive a single direct deposit of at least $500 within 60 days: If you complete this step, you’ll be eligible for a $300 bonus.
  3. Make three consecutive monthly deposits of $100 or more into the savings account: To earn an additional $100 bonus, you must make monthly deposits of $100 or more into the savings account for three months, starting the month after the account is opened.
  4. Receive your $300 or $400 bonus: The time it takes Citizens Bank to deposit the $300 bonus into your account depends on the month you opened the account. If you earn the savings bonus as well, it will be deposited into your checking account four months after account opening.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Citizens Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Your account must stay open, active, and in good standing until you receive the bonus. 
  • Deposits from money transfer apps like Cash App and Venmo don’t count as direct deposits.
  • Debit card transactions include in-person and online payments using your card; online bill payments and Zelle transactions don’t count toward the bonus.
  • The bonus is not available to people who’ve been listed as the primary owner on any Citizens Bank personal checking accounts within the past six months.
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $0
  • Monthly maintenance fees: $0 to $25, depending on the specific checking account you’re opening. Most accounts that charge fees also offer waivers for completing certain activities each month, such as making deposits.
  • Overdraft fees: $35 per item, up to five times per day

Chase : Chase Total Checking - $300


Chase logo
  • Bonus Amount: $300
  • Promotion Expiry: Oct. 16, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Direct deposit
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Use the linked offer page to open a new Total Checking account: Use the link provided to open an account online, or enter your email address to get a code you can take with you to open an account at a local Chase branch. 
  2. Get at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days: This can be cumulative, so you can use several direct deposits to reach this level if needed. 
  3. Receive the $300 bonus: Chase will deposit the bonus into your account within 15 days after you meet the bonus offer requirements, so keep it open at least until then.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Chase Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Not available if you already have a Chase checking account, or have held one within the past 90 days
  • Not available if you’ve had any Chase checking account closed with a negative balance in the last three years
  • Not available if you’ve received any other Chase checking bonuses within the past two years
  • Direct deposits must be from payroll or government benefits; peer-to-peer transfers through services like Zelle don’t count.
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $0
  • Monthly fee: $12; waived if you meet one of the following criteria: Receive $500 or more in direct deposits per statement period; keep a balance of at least $1,500 at the beginning of each day in this checking account; keep an average daily balance of $5,000 or more in combined Chase deposit accounts
  • ATM fee: $3 for non-Chase domestic ATM withdrawals; $5 for withdrawals at non-Chase international ATMs
  • Overdraft fee: $34 per occurrence, up to three times per day

Wells Fargo : WF Everyday Checking - $300


Wells Fargo logo
  • Bonus Amount: $300
  • Promotion Expiry: Sept. 25, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Direct deposit
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a new account via the offer page: You can open an account directly online from the promo page above, which will generate the correct code to make you eligible for the bonus. Or, you can enter your email address to receive an offer code you can take to a local branch.
  2. Receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits: You’ll have 90 days to complete this requirement. Qualifying deposits include payments from your employer or government benefits; transfers through services like Zelle don’t count.
  3. Receive your $300 bonus: After 90 days have passed, Wells Fargo will verify your eligibility and deposit the bonus into your new checking account within the next 30 days.
Bonus Restrictions
  • This bonus can’t be combined with any other Wells Fargo account bonuses. 
  • Not available if you’re a current Wells Fargo personal checking account holder or if you’ve had an account within the past 12 months
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $25
  • Monthly fee: $10; waived if you meet one of the following criteria: Maintain a daily balance of $500 or more; receive at least $500 in direct deposits per statement period; link the account to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM card or Campus Debit card; primary account holder is between ages 17 and 24
  • ATM fee: $2.50 for non-Wells Fargo domestic ATMs; $5 for international non-Wells Fargo ATMs
  • Overdraft fee: $35 per item

PNC Bank : PNC Virtual Wallet With Performance Select Checking/Savings - $400


PNC
  • Bonus Amount: $400
  • Promotion Expiry: Oct. 31, 2024
  • Qualifications: Direct deposit

Only residents of select regions within PNC's service area are eligible for this bonus. This bonus is available to residents of ZIP code 10001, among others.

How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account via the promotional page linked above: You must open the account through the page linked above. This offer is only available to residents of select regions; you'll be prompted to enter your ZIP code to confirm eligibility.
  2. Receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $5,000 within 60 days: Qualifying direct deposits include paycheck, pension, Social Security, and other sources of regular monthly income. Wire transfers, P2P transfers via Zelle, and other transfers do not count.
  3. Receive your $400 bonus: The bonus will be deposited in your account within 60 to 90 days of meeting the requirement. Your account must remain open to receive the reward.

This bank may also offer other promotions; learn more in our PNC Bank Review.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Not eligible if you or any signer on the new account has an existing PNC Bank consumer checking account.
  • Not eligible if you or any signer on the new account has closed a PNC Bank consumer checking account within the past 90 days.
  • Not eligible if you’ve received any other PNC promotional offer in the past 24 months.
Account Fees
  • Monthly service fee: $25; can be waived if you meet any of the following conditions: $5,000 combined average monthly balance in Spend and/or Reserve accounts; $25,000 combined average monthly balance across linked PNC consumer deposit/investment accounts; $5,000 in qualifying monthly direct deposits to your Spend account during the statement period
  • Out-of-network ATM fee: No fee; up to $10 reimbursement of ATM surcharge fees from other financial institutions
  • Overdraft fee: $36 per item; limited to one per day.

SoFi : SoFi Checking/Savings - $300


SoFi

SoFi

  • Bonus Amount: $50–$300
  • Promotion Expiry: Dec. 31, 2024
  • Qualifications: Direct deposit
How to Get the Bonus 
  1. Visit the SoFi website using the link above.
  2. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings Account: Start your application using the link above.
  3. Set up direct deposit: Direct deposits must be from your employer’s payroll or benefits service to qualify for the bonus.
  4. Deposit $1,000 or more: Make total qualifying direct deposits of $1,000 or more in the first 25 days to earn a $50 bonus, or make total qualifying direct deposits of $5,000 or more during that same period to earn a $300 bonus.
  5. Get your bonus: You’ll receive the bonus within seven days of finishing the initial 25-day period.
Bonus Restrictions

The bonus is available to both new and existing members without a history of direct deposit into a SoFi checking or savings account. You must be 18 or older to open an account through SoFi. 

Account Fees
  • Monthly maintenance fee: $0
  • Overdraft fee: $0

Chase : Chase Business Complete Checking - $300


Chase bank logo

Courtesy of JP Morgan Bank

  • Bonus Amount: $300
  • Promotion Expiry: Oct. 17, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Deposit, maintain balance, transactions
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Use the link to open a new account online or at a branch: You’ll need to use the link from the bonus offer page to open an account online. If you want to open the account in person, enter your email address to receive an offer code you can bring to the branch. 
  2. Deposit $2,000 or more within 30 days: This must be of new money, so you’ll need to make these deposits from a non-Chase bank account.
  3. Maintain at least a $2,000 balance for 60 days.
  4. Complete five qualifying transactions within 90 days: Only specific transactions count, including debit card purchases, ACH transfers, wire transfers, Chase QuickAccept transfers to receive a credit or debit card payment, Chase QuickDeposit transactions, and Chase Online Bill Pay transactions.
  5. Receive your bonus within 15 days: Chase will deposit the bonus into your new checking account within 15 days of you meeting the requirements.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Chase Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Not eligible if you already have a Chase business checking account
  • Not eligible if you’ve closed another Chase business checking account within the past 90 days, or had one closed with a negative balance within the past three years
  • Not eligible if you’ve earned another Chase business checking offer within the past two years
  • Political and campaign accounts are not eligible.
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $0
  • Monthly fee: $15; waived if you meet one of the following criteria: Maintain a minimum daily ending balance of $2,000 or more; have at least $2,000 of aggregate eligible deposits at least one day before the end of the statement period; spend at least $2,000 with your Chase Ink Business Card during the most recent billing cycle
  • ATM fee: $3 for non-Chase domestic ATMs, $5 for non-Chase ATMs internationally
  • Overdraft fee: $34 per transaction

U.S. Bank : U.S. Bank Business Checking - $800


U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank logo

  • Bonus Amount: $300–$800
  • Promotion Expiry: Sept. 30, 2024
  • Bonus Qualifications: Deposit, maintain balance
How to Get the Bonus 
  1. Open a new U.S. Bank business checking account with the promotional code: Use the promo code found on the linked page above. You can open one of several checking accounts with this offer: Silver, Gold, or Platinum Checking.
  2. Deposit $5,000 to earn a $300 bonus, or $30,000 for an $800 bonus, within 30 days: The deposits must be of new money to U.S. Bank; money transferred from another U.S. Bank checking account doesn’t qualify.
  3. Maintain that balance for 60 days after opening the account: If you deposited $5,000 for the $300 bonus, you need to maintain a balance of at least $5,000. If you deposited $30,000 for the $800 bonus, you must maintain at least $30,000.
  4. Receive a bonus depending on your deposit amount: The bonus will be issued within 30 days after the month in which you complete the requirements.

This bank may offer other promotions right now as well; see more U.S. Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Only for new U.S. Bank business checking customers
  • Not eligible if you’ve had a business checking account at U.S. Bank in the past 12 months
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $100
  • Monthly fee: $0 to $30 depending on tier; may be waived by maintaining a minimum balance, collecting a certain amount of business deposits each month, or having a U.S. Bank Payment Solutions Merchant Banking account
  • ATM fee: $2.50 for non-U.S. Bank ATMs
  • Overdraft fee: $36 per item

Huntington Bank : Huntington Unlimited Business Checking - $400


Huntington Bank

 Huntington Bank

  • Bonus Amount: $400
  • Promotion Expiry: Jan. 7, 2025
  • Bonus Qualifications: Deposit
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a new Unlimited Business Checking account through the link above: You can apply online from the bank’s offer page, which will generate the right bonus code with your application. If you prefer to open the account in person, you’ll need to select “Open at a Branch” on the offer page to get the code by email. 
  2. Deposit at least $5,000 in new money into your account within 60 days: You can do this in stages, or all at once. The money must be new to Huntington Bank; it can’t come from another Huntington checking account, for instance.
  3. Keep your account open for at least 90 days: Regardless of when you move the required deposit into your account, you’ll need to keep the account open for at least 90 days from the day you opened it.
  4. Receive your $400 bonus: After you meet the bonus requirements, Huntington Bank will deposit $400 into your new checking account within 14 days. Keep your account open for at least 180 days, however, to avoid paying an early closure fee.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Huntington Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Qualifying deposits must be made with “new” money, from outside of Huntington Bank.
  • Offer only available to residents of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
  • Not available if you currently are or within the past six months have been listed as an owner on any Huntington Bank business checking accounts
  • If you earn this bonus, you may not be eligible for any other Huntington Bank sign-up bonuses for another 12 months, even if they’re for other businesses that you own.
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $0
  • Monthly fee: $20; waived if you maintain a balance of $10,000 or more in your combined Huntington Bank deposit accounts, or if you have a qualifying Huntington Bank personal checking account 
  • ATM fees: $3.50 per out-of-network withdrawal, not including any third-party ATM fees
  • Overdraft fee: $36 per item, up to three times per day. 
  • International transaction fee: 3% of any debit card or ATM transactions

Huntington Bank : Huntington Unlimited Plus Business Checking - $1, 000


Huntington Bank

 Huntington Bank

  • Bonus Amount: $1,000
  • Promotion Expiry: Jan. 7, 2025
  • Bonus Qualifications: Deposit, maintain balance
How to Get the Bonus
  1. Open a new Unlimited Plus Business Checking account: Use the link above to open an account online, or select “Open at a Branch” to get a code to take with you when you open it in person. Use the link provided on this page so the correct bonus code is applied to your account.
  2. Deposit at least $20,000 within 30 days of account opening: This must be “new” money, not from any other Huntington Bank accounts.
  3. Maintain that balance for 60 days: Keep a minimum daily balance of $20,000 for at least 60 days.
  4. Keep your account open for 90 days: This 90-day clock starts when you open your account, not when you make the qualifying deposit. However, it’s best to keep the account open for 180 days; if you close it earlier, Huntington Bank will charge you an early account closing fee.
  5. Earn your $1,000 bonus: Once you’ve met the requirements, Huntington will deposit the $1,000 bonus into your account within two weeks of the 90-day mark.

This bank may also offer other promotions; see more Huntington Bank Bonuses.

Bonus Restrictions
  • Qualifying deposits must be made with “new” money, from outside of Huntington Bank.
  • Offer only available to residents of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
  • If you have any other Huntington Bank business checking accounts, or have had any within the past six months, you’re not eligible for this bonus. 
  • Receiving this bonus can make you ineligible for future Huntington Bank business bonus offers for the next 12 months.
Account Fees/Details
  • Minimum initial deposit: $0
  • Monthly fee: $40; waived if you maintain a total balance of $50,000 or more in Huntington Bank deposit accounts, or if you have a qualifying Huntington Bank personal checking account
  • ATM fees: $3.50 per out-of-network withdrawal, not including any third-party ATM fees
  • International transaction fee: 3% of all ATM and debit card transactions

The Bottom Line

The best bank bonuses offer a chance to earn several hundred dollars without having to jump through too many hoops. Generally, the higher the offer, the steeper the requirements, so make sure you’re confident in your ability to meet them to avoid wasting your time. 

Opening a bank account to earn a bonus doesn’t mean you’re committed to the bank. Once you earn the bonus, you're free to take your money elsewhere—perhaps even to earn another bonus. Just check for any closure fees or requirements before you do so. 

Compare the Best Bank Bonuses

Promotion Bonus Amount Promotion Expiry Bonus Qualifications
Huntington Bank: Perks Checking $400 Oct. 7, 2024 Direct deposit
Truist: One Checking $400 Oct. 30, 2024 Direct deposit, transactions
Citizens Bank: Various Checking Accounts $300 to $400 Nov. 21, 2024 Direct deposit, monthly deposits
Chase: Total Checking $300 Oct. 16, 2024 Direct deposit
Wells Fargo: WF Everyday Checking $300 Sept. 25, 2024 Direct deposit
PNC: Virtual Wallet with Performance Select $400 Oct. 31, 2024 Direct deposit
SoFi: Checking/Savings $50–$300 Dec. 31, 2024 Direct deposit
Chase: Business Complete Checking $300 Oct. 17, 2024 Deposit, maintain balance, transactions
U.S. Bank Business Checking $800 Sept. 30, 2024 Deposit, maintain balance
Huntington Bank: Unlimited Business Checking $400 Jan. 7, 2025 Deposit
Huntington Bank: Unlimited Plus Business Checking $1,000 Jan. 7, 2025 Deposit, maintain balance

Other Checking/Savings Account Bonuses

These checking account bonuses didn’t make our best list, but they may be worth exploring, especially if you were considering opening an account at one of the banks below.

More Bonuses From Popular Banks

In the News: The Fed held rates steady for an eighth consecutive time at its July 31 meeting. The federal funds rate is at its highest level since 2001, but Fed officials are projecting one or possibly two rate cuts before the end of the year. CD yields closely follow the fed funds rate. Back in October, CD rates reached peaks not seen in more than 20 years, but once the Fed starts cutting rates, CD rates will fall.

After looking for a good bank account bonus, check out the institution's high-yield savings accounts and CD rates. These are directly impacted by the Fed's rate hikes. Depositing money into multiple accounts at the bank may help you maximize the amount of money you can earn on the cash you keep there.

Pros and Cons of Bank Account Bonuses

Pros
  • Can earn substantial sums

  • Access to new bank benefits

  • Requirements may be easy to meet

  • Good way to test-drive a new bank

Cons
  • Can be a hassle to switch

  • Some people are excluded

  • May require a substantial deposit

  • Bank account bonuses are taxable

Pros Explained

  • Can earn substantial sums: The best bank account bonuses are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, all for relatively little work on your part. 
  • Access to new bank benefits: Many banks offer special benefits for customers, such as discounts with certain retailers or access to car-buying programs. 
  • Requirements may be easy to meet: Some bank account bonuses don’t have too many requirements beyond opening a new account and keeping a certain amount of cash there for a set period of time. 
  • Good way to test-drive a new bank: If you’ve been thinking about switching all of your accounts to a new bank, this gives you a chance to see how it operates without committing all of your cash just yet. 

Cons Explained

  • Can be a hassle to switch: Bank account bonuses require you to meet certain conditions, which you’ll need to meet while still maintaining your current account (if you’re not switching entirely).
  • Some people are excluded: New bank account bonuses are generally only available to new customers who are depositing “new money” to the bank—i.e., cash that’s previously been stored at another bank. 
  • May require a substantial deposit: The best bank account bonuses are frequently offered for people making the largest deposits, often ranging into thousands of dollars. Not everyone has that kind of money lying around. 
  • Bank account bonuses are taxable: The IRS treats bank account bonuses the same as interest payments, meaning you’ll owe income taxes on them. The bank will issue you a 1099-INT at the end of the year for this.  

If you’re not switching banks entirely, it’s a good idea to develop strategies to maintain multiple bank accounts at once, such as by using budgeting apps or adding a task on your to-do list to check all your accounts regularly. 

Alternatives to Bank Account Bonuses

You can earn a lot of extra money relatively easily with bank account bonuses, but there are other ways to put your money to work for you as well. Here are a few choices:

  • Investing: Although you won’t earn guaranteed returns like with an FDIC-insured bank account, it’s easy for anyone to get started investing.
  • Credit card bonuses: Many banks offer credit card bonuses if you sign up for a new account and spend a certain amount of money within the first three months.
  • Savings account bonuses: Many banks also offer bonuses if you sign up for a new savings account and meet the requirements to earn the reward.
  • Passive income side hustles: The blogosphere is full of passive income ideas and how-tos that can show you how to develop small income streams with a minimal amount of effort.
  • High-yield savings accounts and CDs: Many banks—especially online banks—offer very high rates on these two types of accounts. It’s not a bonus per se, but your returns could be even higher, especially over the long term. See the best high-yield savings accounts and the best CD rates to see what you could earn.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is a Bank Account Bonus?

    A bank account bonus is a reward that banks typically use to woo new customers into opening new checking and savings accounts, but banks offer bonuses for opening other deposit account types too. Bonuses have certain requirements and limitations that you’ll need to meet, such as depositing a certain amount of money for a pre-set period of time.

  • How Do Bank Account Bonuses Work?

    Bank bonuses are essentially an incentive with strings. If you follow all the requirements carefully, the bank will pay you the advertised bonus. But miss on any one of the rules, and the bank is entitled to scrap your bonus. The onus is on you to make sure you check off all the required boxes.

    This doesn’t mean bonuses are hard to earn. They generally have two types of rules: a direct deposit requirement and a required minimum balance for a set time period. Occasionally a bonus will require both of these, but more often, it’s one or the other. If direct deposit is required, the offer will generally specify the minimum amount that needs to be deposited and within how many days of first opening your account.

    Balance requirements also specify a dollar amount—in this case, how much you have to keep on account—and a time duration. Most typically, they require the minimum balance to be held at the bank for 60 or 90 days.

    After you meet the requirements, you are entitled to your bonus. That doesn’t mean you’ll receive it instantly. Most bank bonus offers will indicate an outside date (e.g., within 30 days of meeting the bonus requirements) by which they will credit the bonus to your account.

  • Are Bank Bonuses Worth It?

    Scoring a bank bonus is like massively turbocharging the interest you can earn on your cash in the bank. The typical savings account pays less than 0.10% APY, and even the very best high-yield savings accounts in the country are paying far below 1%. In other words, it is really hard to earn much from your money right now.

    Earning a cash bonus can change that, by sending your annual percentage return into the mid to high single digits, or even double digits. Take a bonus offer of $300 on a $5,000 balance: that’s a 6% return earned in just a month. Or a $700 bonus earned on $50,000: that’s 1.8% over just two months, and is more than double what you can earn in the best savings account over a full year’s time.

    Also lucrative are the bonuses that don’t require a minimum balance, and instead focus solely on direct deposit. With no requirement for the cash that’s been deposited into the account to stay in that account, you can earn a bonus simply for the effort of changing your direct deposit instructions.

  • Why Do Banks Offer a Bonus for Opening an Account?

    You might wonder why banks are willing to pay this much to attract your business. The answer is really two-fold. First, the competition is tight in consumer banking, and banks and credit unions are almost always hungry for new customers. That’s because having enough consumer deposits on hand enables the bank to make more loans, which is where it likely makes the lion’s share of its profits.

    Second, the banks know that, in the end, they won’t have to pay that bonus amount for every customer they acquire. While you may personally be careful enough to follow all the bonus requirements successfully, others will in some way miss the mark on their end of the deal and thus be denied the bonus. So while the bank may sign up thousands of customers with a bonus offer, it will ultimately only pay bonuses to some fraction of those customers.

  • Are Bank Bonuses Taxed?

    When banks pay you a bonus, they treat that payment just like any other interest payment on your account. And when the year ends and tax season rolls around, they will send you a 1099-INT form reporting the total amount of interest and bonus you received. To the IRS, there is no distinction between these two types of payments from the bank.

    On your tax return, all of that bank income will count as interest income, which is taxed at the same rate as all of your wages and other income.

  • What Banks Are Offering Bonuses for New Accounts?

  • Can You Switch Bank Accounts for a Promotion?

    Yes, you can switch banks to get a promotional offer. Once you’ve earned the bonus, it’s yours to keep and you can close your account at any time after that if you wish.

How We Chose the Best Bank Bonuses

Investopedia is dedicated to providing consumers with unbiased, comprehensive reviews. To rate checking and savings account promotions, we collected hundreds of data points about promotional offers from 23 banks, including bonus amounts, bonus requirements, and account requirements, to ensure that our reviews help users make informed decisions about their banking needs. We set the following minimum thresholds to be included in our list of the best bank bonuses: personal checking bonus offers of at least $300, with a return on deposit of at least 10%; savings account bonus offers of at least $200, with a return of at least 2%; and business checking bonus offers of at least $300, with a return of at least 4%.

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Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.
  1. Federal Reserve. "Open Market Operations."

  2. Federal Reserve. "Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement."

  3. Internal Revenue Service. “Instructions for Forms 1099-INT and 1099-OID.”

  4. Internal Revenue Service. "Topic No. 403, Interest Received."