Looking for the Best Checking Account Bonuses? Start Here.
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Many banks offer a nice cash bonus when you open a new checking account. Find out how to qualify for the best bank promotions available now.
PRO TIP: If you have $100k+ to deposit, one of the best checking account bonus can be found with HSBC Premier:
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Featured Offer
PRO TIP: If you're eager for a new checking account bonus, one of our recommended choices is Chase Bank. You can get a $300 bonus when you open a new Chase Total Checking® account and make at least $500 in direct deposits within the first 90 days.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Checking bonus FAQs
- How are checking account bonuses paid out?
Your checking account bonus will usually be deposited straight into your new account after completing the qualifying requirements. This may take a few days to several weeks.
- Can I get the bonus if I banked with the bank before?
In general, checking bonuses are for new customers only. But if you have been a customer in the past, you may still qualify. Read the terms carefully.
For example, Chase lets you apply if have not closed an account within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. But you can only receive one new checking account opening related bonus every two years.
- What is a qualifying direct deposit?
Qualifying direct deposits usually include electronic deposits of paychecks from an employer, pension, or Social Security/government benefits. Transfers from another bank account or person-to-person payments do not count. Check the fine print on the bank's website for specific details.
- Can I close the account after receiving the bonus?
Many banks have terms that say you must keep your account open for a certain period after receiving the bonus. If you close it too early, the bank may take back the bonus. This is to prevent people from opening and closing accounts just for the bonus.
- Do I have to pay taxes on checking bonuses?
Yes, checking account bonuses are typically classified as interest income and, therefore, are taxable. The bank may issue a Form 1099-INT, but even if they don't, you're required to report it on your tax return.
What to Look for in a Checking Account
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- Monthly Fees: Some banks offer free checking accounts. Others have a fee which can be waived as long as you meet requirements like setting up direct deposit. Figure out how much you might have to pay for your checking account.
- Other Banking Fees: Fees for overdrafts, wire transfers, and ATMs vary from bank to bank. It's a good idea to compare these fees before you decide on an account.
- Accessibility: If you often use the ATM or visit a local branch, make sure your bank is available near you. If you mostly handle your banking online, this won't matter as much.
- Security: Make sure your bank is FDIC insured. This protects your money up to $250,000 if the bank ever defaults.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $400 Bonus
- Monthly Fee: Waive the $6.95 Monthly Maintenance Fee with one of the following:
- Are 24 and under, 65 and over or a member of the military (must self-disclose), OR
- Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000+, OR
- Keep average account balance of $1,500+, OR
- Hold an eligible U.S. Bank credit card, OR
- Qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards™ tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium or Pinnacle)
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- Monthly Fee: $12 or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period:
- Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNow℠ network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network,
- OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account,
- OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
- ATMs: 15,000+ Chase ATMs
Key Smart Checking® - $300 Bonus
- Monthly Fee: $0
- ATMs: Visit them at any of their convenient branches and 40,000 KeyBank ATMs and Allpoint ATMs nationwide. $0 KeyBank and Allpoint® ATM access nationwide with your KeyBank Debit Mastercard®
What You Need to Open a Checking Account
You'll need to have some basic information handy when you open a new checking account:
- Driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Social Security Number
- Proof of address (lease or utility bill)
- Personal info (name, date of birth, address, phone number, email)
- Money for opening deposit if required
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®
- Banking that helps you stay within your balance.
- No monthly maintenance fee each statement cycle when you meet one of the following: an owner of this account is under the age of 25 or maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Rewards Checking Plus - Up to 2% Cash Back
- Up to 2% cash back on purchases.
- No monthly fees
- Get paid up to 2 days early.
- Maximize your rewards with direct deposit.
Compare Savings Accounts
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High-Yield Savings Premier - 4.96% APY
- No account activity or maintenance fees
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- FDIC insured
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 4.70% APY
- 4.70% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
- 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
Compare CD Interest Rates
If you want to save money and don't need it soon, consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD). You will need to put in a fixed amount of money for a fixed amount of time. In exchange, you will get interest rates that are usually higher than the average savings account.
High-Yield CD Rates - Up to 4.05% APY
- No fees
- $1 minimum deposit
- FDIC insured
| Term | CD Rates |
|---|---|
| 3 Month | 4.05% APY |
| 5 Month | 3.85% APY |
| 6 Month | 3.75% APY |
| 9 Month | 3.00% APY |
| 12 Month | 3.00% APY |
Certificate of Deposit
- 4.10% APY for 12-month term
- 3.80% APY for 18-month term
- 3.50% APY for 36-month term
- 3.40% APY for 5-year term
CIT Bank Term CDs - Up to 3.50% APY
- Up to 3.50% APY
- $1,000 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
| Term | CD Rates |
|---|---|
| 6 Month | 3.00% APY |
| 1 Year | 0.30% APY |
| 13 Month | 3.50% APY |
| 18 Month | 3.00% APY |
| 2 Year | 0.40% APY |
| 3 Year | 0.40% APY |
| 4 Year | 0.50% APY |
| 5 Year | 0.50% APY |
Featured Checking Account Bonus
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Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $400 Bonus
Earn up to $400 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposit(s) totaling $3,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $200 or $5,000 or more to earn $400
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
HSBC Premier - Earn Up to $2,500
Start an HSBC Premier relationship today. You'll enjoy premium banking with both local and global benefits and access to wealth solutions offered through HSBC Securities, (USA), Inc*.
You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities.
- Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Discover® Cashback Checking - Up to $30/Month Cashback
Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month, for a total of up to $30 cashback per month. Discover Cashback Debit checking account has no minimum balance requirement, no fees, and free online bill pay. See website for details.
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