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 .
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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.
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.
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
Compare Savings Accounts
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CIT Bank Platinum Savings - $300 Bonus
- Qualify for a $300 cash bonus with a minimum deposit of $50,000
- This limited-time offer to qualify for a $225 cash bonus with a minimum deposit of $25,000 or a $300 bonus with a minimum deposit of $50,000 is available to New and Existing Customers who meet the Platinum Savings promotion criteria. The Promotion begins on September 23, 2025, and can end at any time without notice.
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY925 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. 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 qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/12/2026, 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, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
UFB Portfolio Savings - Earn up to 3.90% APY
- Earn up to 3.90% APY.*
- No monthly maintenance fees.
- No minimum deposit required to open an account.
- Access your funds 24/7 with easy-to-use digital banking tools.
- Enjoy peace of mind with FDIC insurance up to the maximum allowance limit – Certificate #35546.
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 4.00% APY
- No fees
- $1 minimum deposit
- FDIC insured
| Term | CD Rates |
|---|---|
| 3 Month | 4.00% APY |
| 4 Month | 3.50% APY |
| 6 Month | 3.50% APY |
| 9 Month | 3.40% APY |
| 12 Month | 3.30% APY |
12-Month High-Yield CD - 4.10% APY
- $1 minimum deposit
- No fees
- 24/7 online access to funds
- NCUA insured
12-Month No-Penalty CD - 3.90% APY
- $1 minimum deposit
- 24/7 online access
- Federally insured by NCUA
Featured Checking Account Bonus
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Bank of America Advantage Banking - Up to $500 Cash Offer
- The cash offer up to $500 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 1/31/2026.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days.
Cash Bonus Total Qualifying Direct Deposits $100 $2,000 $300 $5,000 $500 $10,000+ - If all requirements are met 90 days after account opening, Bank of America will attempt to deposit your bonus into your new eligible account within 60 days.
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- 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.
HSBC Premier - Earn Up to $3,000
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Discover what an HSBC Premier relationship can offer you
- Easily open an account online, from the comfort of your home.
- Manage your international banking needs across different time zones, with 24/7 support.
- Unlock Premier in one country and you can live, work and travel with Premier status around the world with HSBC
- Manage your money safely and easily around the world - from Global Money Transfers to multi-currency needs.
- New to the U.S.? Build your U.S. credit history with one of our credit cards. Or, if you're buying a new home, you can use your international credit history to apply.
Here's how the offer works:
- Earn one or more cash bonuses1 when you open an HSBC Premier2 checking account by September 30, 2025, AND complete additional qualifying activities:
- $500 Direct Deposit Cash Bonus when you set up recurring monthly direct deposits of $10,000 or more for 3 consecutive months; and/or
- $1,000 New Money Cash Bonus when you deposit or invest3 $100,000 or more and maintain balances for 3 consecutive months; and/or
- $1,500 Mortgage and New Money Cash Bonus when you complete a new HSBC U.S. residential mortgage application by September 30, 2025, with mortgage funding by December 31, 2025, AND deposit or invest $200,000 or more and maintain balances for 3 consecutive months. Customers who qualify for the $1,500 cash bonus will automatically qualify for the $1,000 cash bonus.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus
- Get a $325 new checking customer bonus when you open an Everyday Checking account and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits.
- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Member FDIC
Key Select Checking® - $500 Bonus
- Open a Key Select Checking® account online by December 19, 2025.
- Make the minimum opening deposit of $50, plus a total of $5,000 or more in eligible direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Your $500 cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting requirements. Account must not be closed at the time of gift payment.
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