Best Bank Bonus
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- Last Updated: Monday, 17 February 2025 16:39
- Published: Tuesday, 01 September 2020 23:00
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Best Bank Bonus:
You should never open any bank account, unless you are getting a one time bonus of at least $300. Banks give offers for opening both checking and savings accounts. It's not worth the trouble of opening/closing the account, and then paying 25% tax on that amount, all of that for $200 or so.
Usually I'm a big fan of bank bonus, as you can get a lot more effective interest by getting bank bonus instead of chasing yields. However, many of these bank bonus offers require you to desposit handsome amount (avg $10K) in bank and leave it for 6 months or so, while giving you almost nothing in interest. If you are not getting an effective rate of over 5% with the bank bonus (or getting a bonus of over $300), I do not even consider it worth your time and money switching banks. Bank bonus deals are most beneficial when fed interest rates are close to 0%. The link below all bank bonus offers and is updated daily: https://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/best-bank-promotions/
Here are some regular ongoing bank account offers that are available most of the times. Their offer amounts vary, but the offers will be there at least couple of months every year. These are available nationwide, don't have too many requirements, and as such are easy to do.
- Chase: Chase has been known to give $300 bonus for savings account and $300 bonus for checking account, provided you open both of them together. this offer is available most of the times, so you should be able to claim this offer at least once every two years, one for yourself, and one for your spouse for a total of $1200. Requires you to deposit $15K or so in savings account. Still OK, as you get over 5% return, if you close a/c just after 6 months. Wait for this particular offer to pop up, and don't bite on any other inferior offer. This offer is still going on as of Aug-Dec, 2019.
- Bank of America: They have Checking account offer of $300. Usually they are targeted, and I've gotten them couple of times. However they are not that common for general public. I guess they send this offer to you if you have a credit card with them, and meet their internal criteria.
- Wells Fargo: I had very rarely seen any offer from Wells Fargo (really stingy bank). However last 2 or 3 years, they have upped the ante and up until June 2020, offered $400 bonus for opening checking account. Every year, you will find $200 offer for opening their accounts. Wait for at least $300 bonus offer before jumping in.
- Citi: Never ever open a bank account here. You will have to fight for the rest of your life to get your bonus. Even after providing proof, they don't respond. Still if you want to proceed, here are the details => They will usually send you targeted "60K thank you points" bonus, if you have credit card with them. This offer is better than their cash offer, as points are not interest, and so no 1099 is sent out. However, they still require you to deposit decent amount (anywhere from $10K to 50K).
- Capital One: Capital One is known to give around $50 offer on their checking/savings accounts from time to time (once a year). But since 2018, I haven't seen any offer in that range. Bite on Capital One offers only when they are $500 or so, since looks like they would disqualify you for the bonus, if you held that particular account anytime in the last 3 years or so. Read the fine print, and make sure you would qualify for the bonus before you jump in.
- American Express: They are right there with Discover in offering a very good customer service and a good yield. Their offers are generally targeted, and are sent out if you have a credit card with them. They send lower offers initially. Don't bite on those, wait for better offers. I've gotten offer for $350 on new savings account, after depositing $25K with an APY of 2.2% in September, 2022.
- Discover: Discover Bank is from same Discover credit card company. They are one of the best in credit card and banking. However, their checking/savings bonus are once per lifetime, so once you have taken advantage of the bonus, you are done. They used to offer $200-$300 offers in the past, so bite only when you get that kind of amount. I haven't seen anything decent in the last few years, since 2018.
- 05/23/2024: Std $200 bonus for $25K in deposit (you can just deposit and withdraw it in a couple of days, and still qualify for the bonus. No need to keep it there long term). Link => https://www.doctorofcredit.com/discover-savings-150200-bonus-1500020000-deposit-new-exp-103117/
Besides these 4 large banks (and Capital One, etc), many other smaller bank give you bonuses too. Sometimes these are available nationwide, but most of the times regional banks limit these offers to particular region. I'll list any such offers on the Deals page of the website
Below are few banks which offer you $250 or more for opening accounts with direct deposit, and with no other qualifying activities. Most of these offers are listed under deals section too:
NOTE: you may not always have to do a real direct deposit. With many banks, an ACH transfer done from another brokerage firm or bank also counts as Direct deposit. See this link below for what bank transfers count as DD for promo purposes:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/knowledge-base/list-methods-banks-count-direct-deposits/
TAXES: Many banks consider Bank bonus as Misc income, and hence send out 1099-MISC (or 1099 INT) only if your bonus value exceeds $600. Some of these banks are Truist, etc. They are listed under specific deals if this applies to the particular bank,
Regional Bank Deals from 2024 onwards):
These are regional bank deals, that are available only in selected states or selected branches. I'll mostly be putting deals for Texas.
- 01/16/2025: Sunward $225 bonus for opening Quick Cash or Money Manager Checking account with DD of $500+ for 2 consecutive months. Also needs to make at least 1 debit transaction within 90 days. Valid only in NM, CA, AZ, TX, CO.Also available $75 referral bonus to the person referring, which stacks with this $225 bonus. Not the best offer though. Expiry unknown.
- 09/25/2024: M&T Bank $500 bonus with DD of $1K+. In CT, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV Only. Referral of $50 via ReferLive available too. Expires 25 Oct, 2024.
- 07/23/2024: Altra FCU $300 bonus. Online and in MN, WI, TN and TX only. People from other states are also getting approved though. No DD required (only 10 debit card transactions needed). Online applications are erroring out, try multiple times with diff browsers. No monthly fees. Expires July 26, 2024.
- 06/01/2024: Independent Financial $300 bonus. Online or in person in branches in OK and TX only. Online applications are going to review, so better to apply in branch. Limit one per household.
- 05/22/2024: Legacy Bank $500 bonus. Only in person in branches in Dallas, TX. One per household.
- 05/19/2024: TTCU $500 Checking bonus. Selected branches only in OK state only.
- 05/08/2024: First United Bank $250 bonus. OK and TX states Only.
National Bank Deals (from 2025 onwards):
These are national bank deals, that are available for everyone. I used to have these deals in separate section before 2025, but will now have it in this section. For deals before 2025, see in section "Deals until 2024" later below. These deals seem to come and go, or the bonus amounts keeps changing. So, keep checking as I may not have updated the details.
- 01/31/2025: Bank of Hope has $388 bonus with $1000+ in DD within 90 days.
- 01/29/2025: Chartway FCU $300 bonus with $500 in deposits (NO DD required) + 10 debit card purchases. Opening a/c may require additional verification (selfie, etc)
- 01/07/2025: One Finance (or One app) has $125 bonus ($200 bonus as of 01/27/2025) from Rakuten with $500+ in DD, One app also has offers on walmart, where you can make extra $20, $15, etc by using their checkout option. Lower bonus but pretty easy as Rakuten is reliable with offer money.
- UPDATED 02/03/2025 => Bonus is now to $250. Highest so far. May not last long. Take screenshots of the offer too.
- UPDATED 01/27/2025 => Bonus is now to $200. Definitely take advantage, as it's the highest so far. May not last long. Already expired as of 01/29/2025.
- Link => https://www.doctorofcredit.com/one-finance-review-get-up-to-3-apy-with-direct-deposits-25-signup-offer/
- 01/02/2025: PSECU $300 checking bonus (Nationwide). If you live outside of Pennsylvania, you do have to join Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) for $20 which is paid for by PSECU, no nothing out of your pocket. 2 DD of $500+ required. There's a hard Pull, so not worth it for most of us. Expires 12/31/2025 (valid for 1 full year !!).
- 12/30/2024: Relay Financial Bank $150 bonus (for business a/c only). $150 easy bonus if you have a business. Just deposit $100 by Jan 15, 2025 and get $150. Expires 01/15/2025.
- 12/28/2024: Premier CU $300 bonus. Only $500 DD needed to get the bonus. It might be for Colorado State only, as people OOS are getting "under review" emails. Expires 12/31/2024
- 12/28/2024: First Tech FCU $300 bonus. $5K+ DD per month required for a minimum of 3 months. Bonus is reliable as comments state ppl have gotten bonus in past with no issues. Still active as of 02/16/2025.
Deals until 2024:
2024:
10/26/2024: Open a Checking a/c at Alliant CU with $500+ DD - get $150 via rakuten => expires Nov 2, 2024 (Now $200 as of 12/27/2024) Back to $150 as of 01/06/2025
It's different than previous offer where you got $200 for opening CD and $100 for opening savings a/c. People got both last time. This is for checking a/c. Only for new customers. If you participated in previous offer, I doubt you may use this.
Checking Offer: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rakuten-alliant-credit-union-100-10000-checking-bonus/
01/06/2025 => Savings a/c offer is live, which pays you $100 bonus after you deposit $100 per month for 12 months. Same as what was offered before. Swagbucks/Mypoints portal gives you ~$75 in points. However, SB/MP is risky as points are never guaranteed.
Savings Offer => https://www.doctorofcredit.com/alliant-credit-union-100-ultimate-opportunity-savings-account-no-direct-deposit-required/
10/01/2024: Bank of America - $300 bonus for $2K+ in direct deposit within first 3 months (nationwide) => expires Jan 31, 2025
This offer is available nationwide and to everyone. Open the checking a/c and make $2K+ DD to get $300. This is the highest offer as their usual offer is $200. $300 is mostly targeted offer, but now it's public. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-america-100-checking-bonus-public-nationwide/
NOTE: There's another $500 offer for opening another checking a/c and depositing $15K in it. It's not worth it, as you lose interest worth $250. So, you are ultimately only getting $250 for opening a new a/c, which seems low.
09/25/2024: Laurel Road - $300 bonus + $20/month for $2.5K+ in direct deposit (nationwide, open to non-nurses too) => expiry unknown
This offer is available nationwide and to everyone. Open the checking a/c and make $2.5K+ DD to get $300. Then $2.5K per month to get $20/month for next 12 months. Not a great offer, as interest is basically 0. Details here:
09/10/2024: BMO Harris - $500 + $100GC for $7.5K+ in direct deposit within first 3 months (nationwide) => expires Oct 31, 2024
This offer is available nationwide 0in the past, it was only available in selected states). Open "BMO relationship account" to get $500 bonus. To get extra $100 GC, meet with a BMO banker in person or on phone.Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/il-wi-mn-in-az-fl-ks-mo-bmo-harris-350-checking-300-savings-bonus/
09/02/2024: Quorum Federal Credit Union - $300 for $1K+ in direct deposit in 60 days (nationwide) => expiry unknown
This offer is very easy money and won't last long. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/quorum-federal-credit-union-300-checking-bonus-available-nationwide/
09/01/2024: US Bank - $450 (+ ~$100 in SB) for $8K+ in direct deposit in 3 months (only in selected states) => expires Sept 26, 2024 expires Apr 26, 2025. Keeps getting extended
This offer is repeat from 2023 with a lower bonus now. It's an ongoing offer, and is offered most of the times with expiry date moving forward. Last year it was for $600. You also get $100 from Swagbucks (SB) or MyPoints (MP). However SB or MP is not guaranteed, it's a hit or miss. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/u-s-bank-450-100-checking-bonus/
Simple requirement => Same as previous offer. have direct deposit setup for a total of $8K within 90 days + signup for online banking. Must use promo code 2024JUL. Leave > $1500 in there to avoid monthly fees. The qualifying checking account may be opened Nationwide. If you are in Florida, New York or some other state where it doesn't allow you to open an account (i.e Texas), open a Brokerage account first to start a relationship, and then open the checking account. Not worth it if not in your state, as opening/closing brokerage a/c requires a higher bonus than what you are getting here.
IMP: Positive change is that anti-churning language now says 12 months instead of 24 months ((can’t have had an account within the past 12 months to get the bonus). That means you can get the bonus almost every year.
08/31/2024: Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union (FIGFCU) - $250 for $5K+ in direct deposit per month for 3 months (nationwide) => expiry unknown
This offer is available nationwide by joining ACC (no fees required). Tougher requirements. Use promo code NMHYC. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/farmers-insurance-federal-credit-union-figfcu-250-checking-bonus/
To get 5% interest on balances up to $5K, you need to have 10+ debit purchases, $1K in ACH every month and be enrolled in e-delivery. After getting the bonus, I would close this account as collecting this interest requires more work than other high yield checking a/c require you to do. There's also a savings a/c that gives 3.5% which is also not worth getting.
08/28/2024: Open a CD at Alliant CU - get $200 via rakuten => expiry unknown
There is an offer on rakten site too for $200 when opening a min 3 month CD with > $1000. Only for new customers.
Offer: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rakuten-alliant-credit-union-open-cd-get-100-10000-back/
Separately, there’s also a $100 bonus for opening an Alliant savings account. It's not worth as it requires depositing $100 every month for 12 months to get this.
06/20/2024: Axos Bank Rewards checking account - ($125 via rakuten) + $500 for direct deposit => expires July 31, 2024
There is an offer on swagbuks site too for $150 in SB. However, SB payouts never came from the last promo, so don't go with SB. Instead go with rakuten. If you already took advantage of previous offer for $300 this year, you are not eligible for this one (terms exclude bonus to only one per customer per year for any kind of checking account).
Offer: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/axos-bank-500-checking-bonus-150/
- To get $125 from rakuten:
- Follow the link: https://www.rakuten.com/axosbank.com
- Use promo code RC500. You just need to open any Bank Account to get the bonus. Minimum deposit > $250. Need to keep account opened for > 6 months
- To get $500 from Axos:
- Once you have clicked on the link, open the "Rewards checking account". with promo code RC500
- Set up a direct deposit of $1,500 per month and earn $100 bonus per month (up to $500).
- Minimum daily balance needs to be > $3K starting from day 1 (or else you will miss first month bonus). That's ok, as you will still have 5 more months to get $500.
05/06/2024: BMO Relationship Checking account - $500 for $7.5K in direct deposit => expires Sep 9, 2024
Bonus had been $600 in the past, so not the best. Deal is nationwide now. DD needs to be done within 90 days. There's also a saving a/c promo, where you get $5/month bonus for increasing your savings balance by $200 every month for 1st 12 months. Extra $60 if you can do that every month.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/il-wi-mn-in-az-fl-ks-mo-bmo-harris-350-checking-300-savings-bonus/
NOTE:There's a $25 checking a/c fee per month. The only way to avoid is to open the month on the first of the month. They waive fees for 1st 2 months. The 3rd month, you ask them to waive the fee for you. The 4th month you downgrade the a/c to "Smart Advantage Checking" which has no fees. You should downgrade after your bonus posts. If not possible to downgrade, get your daily balance > $10K to avoid fees.
03/10/2024: Axos Bank checking and savings account - ($175 via swagbucks) + $300 for direct deposit => expires July 31, 2024
This is an offer to bite on only if you get the $175 via Swagbucks. The terms exclude getting both bonus at the same time, but folks have gotten both in the past.
Offer: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/axos-bank-300-checking-bonus/
- To get $175 (17,500 SB) from swabucks.:
- Follow the link: https://www.swagbucks.com/?f=11&q=axos
- No promo code needed. You just need to open any Bank Account to get the bonus. Minimum deposit > $750. Need to keep account opened for > 6 months
- After opening via the link, change product type by shifting through Axos’ menu from Rewards checking to CashBack checking
- To get $300 from Axos:
- Once you have changed product type to Cashback checking, enter the code: "FREEDOM300".
- Even though it says "open Cashback Checking and Best Savings bundle", multiple CS have confirmed that only Checking account is needed for the bonus. Safe to open both.
- Set up a direct deposit of $1,000 per month and earn $100 bonus per month (up to $300)
You will know if both offers stack by the end of 30 days, when SB credits you. Make sure, SB shows as tracked, The default account that shows up via SB link "Rewards checking" is NOT eligible for $300 bonus, so be sure to change product type.
UPDATE: Swagbucks never gave the money for any of the accounts. Reading on DoC, they denied payout to almost everyone. So, risky to go with with SB for any of these large payouts. Instead use, other cashback portals as TCB, Rakuten, etc, which are reliable.
03/01/2024: Sofi Hybrid checking and savings account - ($200 via swagbucks, $250 $350 via Rakuten) + $300 for direct deposit => expiry unknown
This is same offer since 2022. It's there almost all the times. The bonus amount keeps varying from $400 - $500. You can look for more details in the earlier deals from Sofi.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/sofi-checking-5000-direct-deposit-required/
UPDATE 08/19/2024 => Rakuten is offering $350 when using their portal. So, total of $650 which is highest ever.
UPDATE 05/06/2024 => Rakuten is offering $250 when using their portal. So, total of $550 which was highest ever.
NOTE: This account is not churnable for DD bonus. So, if you have done it once, even if you close the account, you will never get the bonus again. The cashback portal offer may be churnable if you go via some other shopping portal as Swagbucks, Rakuten, Mypoints, etc, where you haven't done it before. It has been confirmed via comments by someone who has done it multiple times.
By ShwantheShawn comments on 08/19/24 =>
So, not worth your time, if you have already gotten the bonus in the past. Only worth it for shopping portal bonus if the bonus is large enough.
02/28/2024: Truist - $400 for $500+ in direct deposit (only in selected states) => expires June 26, 2024 expires Apr 30, 2025
UPDATE 11/04/2024 => New promo code: DC2425TR1400, extended through 4/30/25. New Eligibility Date: who closed previous accounts before 10/31/23 are eligible now. Check latest requirements from link below (NOTE: requirements have changed to $1000+ deposit in atleast 2 DD within 120 days and no debit card transactions required. Makes it easier to qualify. Need only $500+ deposit to waive the monthly fees).
This offer is back from 2023, but now had reduced bonus of $400 compared to $500 before. Details here:
Requirements have changed from before => have direct deposit setup for a total of $500 (NOT $1K) AND Complete 15 debit card purchases (NEW requirement) within 90 days. Use new promo code TRUIST400DC24. Leave > $1500 in there to avoid monthly fees. The qualifying checking account must be opened in a Truist branch in one of the following states or online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, GA, FL, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.
NOTE: If you have done this bonus before in 2023, you should have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 2/28/23 to be eligible to participate.
See previous offer from 2023 below for more details.
TAX: Truist doesn't send out 1099-MISC tax forms, if the amount of bonus is < $600. As per comments by Matt B on this link, "they consider the bonuses as misc income so they issue 1099 MISC if you receive more than 600 in bonuses. I did the personal and business truist bonuses and I got two 1099 MISC for $400 each". Link => https://www.doctorofcredit.com/which-banks-send-out-tax-form-1099-discussion-post-for-2023-tax-forms/
01/29/2024: Elements Financial Credit Union => $400 bonus for Checking account (nationwide) => expires Mar 25, 2024 already expired in Feb 2024
First offer of 2024, and NOT too great. Limit is one per household, so spouses can't apply. Use Code: CHECK400 or you won't get the offer. Also, has $5 monthly fee, unless you keep $10K or have direct deposit. You need to have 2 real DD of > $500 by Mar 25th, 2024. They seem to be strict about real DD. After meeting the requirement of 2 Direct deposit, switch to DD of $50 or so per pay period. That way you won't lose much in interest and will avoid he $5 monthly fee. Account needs to be open for 6 months. No interest.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/elements-financial-credit-union-400-checking-bonus/
2023:
11/05/2023: Capital One - $1500 bonus for $100K+ in deposit in Savings account (nationwide) => expires Dec 6, 2023 => Still active as of 04/04/2024
You get $300 bonus on $20K deposit, $750 for $50K deposit or $1500 bonus on $100K+ deposit on their Online Savings account. This money needs to be held for 90 days. You get 4.3% APY.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/capital-one-300-1500-savings-bonus-requires-20000-100000-deposit/
So, in 4 months you get $1400 in interest + $1500 bonus = $3000 on $100K in 4 months. If you leave for 12 months, then you don't make any money, as it implies an effective APY of 6%, which you can get elsewhere (see in checking accounts)
11/05/2023: CIBC - $500 bonus for $50K+ in deposit in Savings account (nationwide) => expires Dec 19, 2023
You get $250 bonus on $25K deposit, or $500 bonus on $50K deposit on their Agility Online Savings account.This money needs to be kept until Mar 18, 2024. Enroll in e-statements too. You get 5% APY.
So, in 4 months you get $800 in interest + $500 bonus = $1300 on $50K in 4 months. If you leave for 12 months, then you don't make any money, as it implies an effective APY of 6%, which you can get elsewhere (see in checking accounts)
There's also a $200 bonus for opening a iCan or Choice checking account (It has been higher at $300 in the past, so not sure if it's worth it). There's no DD or any other requirement for this checking account bonus.
https://us.cibc.com/en/personal/checking.html
10/20/2023: Chime - $245 $250 in SwagBucks for $200+ in direct deposit within 30 days (nationwide) => expires Oct 31, 2023 extended to Nov 30, 2023 Feb 29, 2024 Mar 31, 2024
UPDATE 12/05/2024: $300 Bonus available through TopCashback. Only 1 DD of $200 required within 30 days. SB/MP are offering $400 now, but risky. TCB has much more reliable CB than Swagbucks, and a higher offer.
Link => https://www.topcashback.com/-chime-/
ORIGINAL OFFER: This is thru swagbucks, and NOT thru Chime directly. So, you need to have Sawgbucks account, and need to wait for 70 days after meeting the requirement to get SB.
Requirement: Download chime app. 500 SB awarded immediately on opening the account. You must have at least two (2) consecutive qualifying payroll direct deposits of at least $200 each to your Chime account to earn 24,000 SB. The first payroll direct deposit must be received within 30 days of your account signup date. Details here:
UPDATE: SB amount varies between 24K SB to 25K SB depending on the offer at that time. I did end up getting my Chime SB, but I had to provide extensive proof, as it didn't come automatically. It showed "tracked" and then after a month it disappeared from my tracking history. Took 1 month of back and forth emails after the 3 month period to finally get it. Read recent comments on DoC on others having similar issue. So, don't count it as slam dunk. Some People have reported getting double the SB (48500) during Jan, 2024, even though the offer was only for 24500 SB.
UPDATE 03/18/2024: $10 bonus for tipping someone $10 or more. Valid 03/18/2024 - 03/20/2024. Details => https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chime-pay-10-to-anyone-get-10-back-from-chime-limit-1/
10/01/2023: Wells Fargo - $325 for $1K+ in direct deposit within 90 days (nationwide) => expires Nov 13, 2023. extended to Jan 16, 2024 Apr 9, 2024 May 21, 2024
There was similar offer in 2020 and 2022 with $400 and $300 respectively. They seem to have this once a year. Not worth waiting for $400 as the have kept on extending this deal since the start of the year. No EATF, but wait 6 months before closing. This account doesn't cost anything to keep active.
Same requirement as before => have direct deposit setup for a total of $1K within 90 days. Leave >$500 in there to avoid monthly fees. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/wells-fargo-325-checking-bonus-available-online/
Savings Account offer; There's a Savings account offer that pays you $225 for $10K in deposit for 90 days. Might as well combine this, and close both accounts together. This nets you $100 after accounting for lost interest.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/wells-fargo-225-savings-bonus-with-10000-deposit/
09/15/2023: American Express - $250 bonus for $500+ in direct deposit by Dec 10, 2023 (nationwide for Amex Credit card members only) => expires Oct 31, 2023
There has been no public offer from Amex for bank accounts, this is the first time they are doing it. So, dive in if you already have Amex Credit card and had it for more than 3 months. If you aren't a Amex Credit card holder, don't bother as by the time you become eligible, this promo will be gone.
NOTE: There's a separate $300 sign on bonus for opening Savings account, but that is targeted. Don't open Savings Account unless Amex sends you such an offer.
Same requirement as before => have direct deposit setup for a total of $500 by 10th Dec, 2023. No monthly fees to worry about. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/american-express-250-checking-bonus/
05/01/2023: UMB checking account $400 offer (only valid in select states). => expires Sept 30, 2023 (extended to Nov 30, 2023)
UMB offer is back from 2021 with a higher bonus of $400, when you open UMB value checking account, and do $2.5K+ in direct deposit within 60 days. Min opening requirement is $100, and account needs to remain open for 90 days. Takes min of 60 days for bonus to post after meeting requirements. $1500 avg balance is needed to avoid $8 monthly fees. Do NOT open the "select checking account" as it has higher requirements, yet gives you the same bonus. It's valid in only these states: Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.
Many ACH transfers are triggering the bonus, so Direct deposit may not be absolutely needed. Try doing ACH into UMB thru other banks that you have accounts with, and see if the bonus posts. Bonus is posting pretty fast, so worth doing it. More details below:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/az-co-il-mo-ne-ok-ks-tx-umb-bank-400-checking-bonus/
UPDATE: The bank is asking people to take selfie, declining applications for no reason and more pain (NOT any more as of Oct 2023). Not worth keeping it open after getting the bonus. People are reporting getting their bonus though.
CHURNABLE: This offer is churnable, meaning you can get this offer, even if you had participated in previous offers from UMB. From one of the comments on DoC "Both P1 and P2 have received UMB bonuses in the past. I believe you can churn as long as it’s a different offer each time. - mothman69"
03/31/2023: PNC - $400 bonus for direct deposit (nationwide ??) => expires June 30, 2023 (extended to August 31, 2023) (extended to Oct 31, 2023) extended until 01/02/2024
This deal is around most of the times. The expiry date keeps getting extended. As of Apr, 2023, the expiry date is June, 2023. Same bonus and same requirements as before. Seems to be valid nationwide, though it does ask for your pincode before starting the application.
Don't go for $200 bonus, go for $400 one. Simple requirement for $400 bonus => Open "Virtual Wallet with Performance Select" and have direct deposits totaling $5K within 60 days. Chase bank, Schwab brokerage and ACH from quite a few other places counts as DD (see comments in DoC). To avoid $25 monthly fee, keep > $5K in account all the time. No early closure penalty, so close it after getting your bonus, as they pay no interest.
Details here: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/pnc-up-to-250-400-checking-bonus/
03/17/2023: TBK - $600 bonus for direct deposit + other activities (only in selected states) => expires May 27, 2023
This deal is back from 2022. Same bonus and same requirements as before.
Simple requirement for $500 bonus => have 3 direct deposits totaling $12K within 120 days. Other $100 bonus requires more activities. ACH from few other places counts as DD (see comments in DoC). Only valid in CO, IA, IL, KS & TX.
Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/co-ia-il-ks-tx-tbk-bank-600-checking-bonus/
03/03/2023: US Bank - $600 for $10K+ in direct deposit in 3 months (only in selected states) => expires Apr 11, 2023
This offer is the highest so far. Last year it was for $500. You also get $35-$50 from Swagbucks or MyPoints. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/u-s-bank-600-checking-bonus-plus-35-49-portal/
Simple requirement => have direct deposit setup for a total of $10K within 90 days + signup for online banking. Must use promo code 2023MAR. Leave > $1500 in there to avoid monthly fees. The qualifying checking account may be opened Nationwide. If you are in Florida, New York or some other state where it doesn't allow you to open an account, open a Brokerage account first to start a relationship, and then open the checking account
01/25/2023: Truist - $400 for $1K+ in direct deposit (only in selected states) => expires Apr 14, 2023, extended to July 25, 2023
This offer is back from 2022, but now had reduced bonus of $400 compared to $500 before. Details here:
Simple requirement => have direct deposit setup for a total of $1K within 90 days. Use promo code CHKQ123TRUIST1. Leave > $1500 in there to avoid monthly fees. The qualifying checking account must be opened in a Truist branch in one of the following states or online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, GA, FL, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.
Error: When opening the account, most people end up with Error: Unfortunately, this service is unavailable right now. Code: 1002- 1". It asks you to go to a branch. However, offer is online only, and people at branch don't know how to open it online. This error usually means something in your application didn't match their criteria. In my case, it was the address. Don't choose their suggested address, stick with your manually entered address (also be careful with Lane vs Ln,Drive vs dr, as their system seems to be matching with the exact addr that is in their database, any variation is rejected). Also, addr where you are living, should be > 2 years (even if you have lived there for < 2 year, enter that you have lived there for over 2 years). If these don't work, try some other changes. Mine went thru with Addr change after getting this error code 3 times in a row with 3 different computer/browsers.
UPDATE (May, 2023): Many are reporting getting bonus with no issues in as little as a month. Also, regular ACH from Chase, Schwab brokerage, etc are working. So, easy free money. If after doing ACH, you don't get bonus within 30 days, go with regular DD. Anyone who held an account with Truist, BB&T/SunTrust as of 01/20/2022 is not eligible. I got mine too automatically within a month.
UPDATE (Jan, 2023): Many are reporting issues opening, getting locked out, etc, so seems risky to invest time in it.
01/13/2023: Chase Checking + Savings Account $900 offer => Expires Apr 19, 2023 Expires Jan 24, 2024 Expires Apr 17, 2024 Expires July 24, 2024 Expires Apr 16, 2025
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/targeted-chase-900-checking-savings-bonus/
This offer from chase is the highest ever (historically in the last 20 years), so bite on it. For you and your spouse, it's $1800 of free money. You need to get the code via email, and then use that to open the account. Get the code now, in case they run out of codes. You will have until Apr 19, 2023 to use the code. You have to click on the link on the Doc site above using Incognito mode (or private mode), else it just brings you to chase.com, which shows regular offer of $600. Don't bite on $600 offer as that's also going on in parallel (that offer is shown below under 2022).
NOTE: You can keep applying for this offer every 2 years from coupon enrollment date, provided you have closed your prior checking+savings a/c.
UPDATE: If you had applied for thr prior bonus of $600, and you are still within 21 days since you applied, and haven't received any bonus yet, you may send "secure message" to chase (using their website) with the new $900 bonus code, and they will attach the new code. More details:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/does-chase-match-a-checking-or-savings-bonus-yes-for-21-days/
EXTENDED: This offer keeps on getting extended every time it expires (offer valid all of 2023, and still active in 2024 and 2025). As of 2025, it's been there for over 2 years. With interest rate elsewhere being 5.5%, and chase giving 0%, you effectively lose $300 in interest in 3 months, so your real profit is only $600 - Taxes. Still Not bad, since most checking + savings combo don't give you more than $600.
2022:
10/18/2022: FNBO Checking Account + Savings Account $500 offer (selected states and zip codes only) => Expires 11/15/2022
This offer is for First Nantional Bank of Omaha. It is only in selected states, and in selected zip codes (zip codes where they have branches). You get $300 from checking account + $200 from savings account. From the comments, looks like the bank isn't very reliable while applying.
10/15/2022: Bank OZK Checking Account + Savings Account $500 offer (selected states and in branch only) => Expires Nov 5, 2022
This is only in selected states only, and in selected branches only. You get $450 from checking account + $50 from savings account. There is no direct link, so call your branch and confirm the offer before you drive up there. From the comments, looks like people have successfully gotten the bonus in the past.
Here's the link of he flyer from a branch location: https://imgur.com/a/Z8BfE9l
Looks like all branches have this offer, and they know about it. Both spouses can open in the same visit. Offer expires Nov 5, so get in before then.
Requirments:
Checking A/c: $5K or more in 2 or more direct deposit + a0 debit card purchases (POS) within 90 days. Need to have $2500+ daily avg balance to keep account fee free.
Savings A/c: Balalnce should be $750+ on day of bonus deposit, need ?FIXME? minimum balance to keep account fee free
Though I had never heard of this bank, it's a big bank with $25B in assets which makes it bigger than all credit unions except top 5 => https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/bank-ozk.html
09/20/2022: Regions Bank Checking Account $450 offer (selected states only) => Expires Sept 30, 2022 => EXPIRED
This is only in selected states only, and you have to live within 50 mile footprint of a branch. You get $400 from bank + $50 from referral. The person who is referred does get $50, while not sure if the person referring gets anything. There are lots of referral links in comments section here: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/regions-bank-200250-checking-bonus-al-ar-fl-ga-il-ia-ky-la-ms-mo-nc-sc-tn-tx/
UPDATE (Sept 25, 2022): Not sure if they will honor any bonus. Customer Service reps state that you must have received this code personally delivered to you, else they won't honor it. Even though the online application allows it, bonus may be in jeopard. Will have to wait and see.
09/09/2022: Axos Bank Checking Account ~$365 offer => Expires Nov 7, 2022 => EXPIRED (as of Oct 19, 2022):
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/axos-bank-100-checking-bonus-direct-deposit-not-required/
This offer is $300 from Axos Bank and $65 from swagbucks. Read the section on "cashback websites" to find out how swagbucks works. DD has to > $7K in any 30 day period in the first 3 months. Capital One, Charles Schwab, Sofi, etc work as DD. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/knowledge-base/list-methods-banks-count-direct-deposits/#Axos_Bank
Close after 6 months to avoid Early termination fee.
07/20/2022: Chase Checking + Savings Account $600 offer => Expires Apr 19, 2023
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-600-checking-savings-bonus/
This offer from chase was pretty standard before 2020. Now it has come back after a long time. This is the best offer from Chase (historically), so bite on it. For you and your spouse, it's $1200 of free money. You need to get the code via email, and then use that to open the account. Get the code now, in case they run out of codes.
UPDATE (10/10/2022): The above link says the offer has been extended to Jan 25, 2023, Apr 19, 2023 which is right. But the link takes you to an offer of $200 for checking and $100 for savings. Or sometimes it shows the $600 offer, but keeps on looping onto itself. So, most likely the site is getting fixed. It's always better to get the code emailed to you ahead of time.
UPDATE (01/13/2023): Use $900 offer from Chase (shown above) instead of using this. You get extra $300 with exactly the same requirements.
05/15/2022: Capital one bank 360 checking account $250 offer => Expires Jun 21, 2022
Capital One offered up to $400 for checking account in 2020, so if you didn't take advantage of that, this might be your best bet. People who took advantage of that offer, can't apply for this offer. You need to make 2 direct deposits each of $250 or more within 75 days of account opening in order to qualify for the bonus. When opening the new account, you need to enter promo code "BONUS250" (by clicking + sign for code) or you won't get the bonus. They also have an additional requirement that you should not have had an active 360 checking account with them anytime after 1st Jan, 2019 (i.e as long you never had a Capital One 360 checking account or if you had one but closed it before 1st Jan, 2019, you would be eligible for the bonus). NOTE: Even if you had other checking or savings account with them, you would still qualify for the bonus. Be sure to close out the account as soon as you get the bonus, so that when the bonus comes next time around, you may qualify for the next bonus.
05/02/2022: Sofi Hybrid checking and savings account - ($75 via slickdeals or $175 via swagbucks) + $300 for direct deposit => expires May 31, 2022
This is an improved offer from last year. You now get $300 for Direct Deposit, though the direct deposit amount is larger at $5K+. Simple requirement. You can go via swagbucks which gives you 17500 points (euqiv to $175). It's as swagbuck points for which you don't get 1099 tax statement. Do a direct deposit of $5K in first 30 days, and you will get full $475 bonus (vis swabucks) or $375 bonus (via slickdeals). Interest rate is also high at 1.25% with DD (as of April, 2022). Here's the link to DD form:
https://www.sofi.com/banking-service/api/public/v1/directDepositForm
Swagbucks offer: Go with the swagbucks offer.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/sofi-checking-5000-direct-deposit-required/
Make sure your Direct deposit is the first deposit in the account (don't deposit any money when opening the account). Just let the DD be the first money to hit the account. You need to hit $5K within 30 days of first DD hitting the account.
In case you don't have swagbucks, open one by clicking on my referral link below. We both get $3 (300 Swagbucks) each, when you earn at least 300 SB in first 30 days.
Referral link: https://www.swagbucks.com/p/register?rb=20277812
Slickdeals offer: Don't go with this as it's $100 lower. Also, you do have to install slickdeals extension in your browser, which isn't something which is comfortable to some people.
Details here:
Sofi Referral link: Below is my SoFi referral link. If you use that to open the account, both of us get $15 each. Comments on DoC say that referral stacks with Swagbucks offer above, but I've no way of confirming. I'm not even sure how can I be referred, when you open the acount using SoFi link on swagbucks portal. For now, just avoid using my referral link below, if you want to get the $175 offer from swagbucks above with no risk.
Referral link: https://sofi.app.link/RzLverWjDpbhttps://sofi.app.link/RzLverWjDpb
https://sofi.app.link/RzLverWjDpbhttps://sofi.app.link/RzLverWjDpbhttps://sofi.app.link/RzLverWjDpb
03/15/2022: TBK - $600 bonus for direct deposit + other activities (only in selected states) => expires Jun 18, 2022
Simple requirement for $500 bonus => have 3 direct deposits totalling $12K within 120 days. Other $100 bonus requires more activities. Only valid in CO, IA, IL, KS & TX.
Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/co-ia-il-ks-tx-tbk-bank-600-checking-bonus/
02/10/2022: Truist - $500 for $1K+ in direct deposit (only in selected states) => expires Apr 30, 2022
Simple requirement => have direct deposit setup for a total of $1K within 90 days. Use promo code TR1CHK22B. Leave > $1500 in there to avoid monthly fees. Details here:
The qualifying checking account must be opened in a Truist branch in one of the following states or online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, GA, FL, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.
UPDATE (Mar, 2022): Many are reporting not receiving the bonus, so seems risky to invest time in it.
02/01/2022: Wells Fargo - $300 for $1K+ in direct deposit (nationwide) => expires Mar 31, 2022
Simple requirement => have direct deposit setup for a total of $1K within 90 days. Leave >$500 in there to avoid monthly fees. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/wells-fargo-300-checking-bonus-available-online/
01/16/2022: Amerant Bank - $500 for $25K+ deposit (only in TX, FL) => expires Apr 30, 2022
Simple requirement. Leave $25K in there for atleast 90 days, and have direct deposit setup. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/tx-fl-amerant-bank-250-500-checking-bonus/
Use referlive to get $50 referral bonus for both the referrer and the one referred. More details in "bank accounts" section. You don't need to have an account at Amerant to refer someone to Amerant. You just need to have registration (i.e account on referlive)
https://www.referlive.com/amerant
2021:
10/25/2021: Sofi Money account - ($75 via slickdeals or $175 via swagbucks) + $100 for direct deposit => expiry unknown
Simple requirement. You can go via swagbucks which gives you 17500 points (euqiv to $175). It's as swagbuck points for which you don't get 1099 tax statement. It barely makes it to $300 threshold i've for banking bonuses in general. It used to $125 for Direct deposit, but now is reduced to $100. Do a deposit of $1K in first 30 days, and you will get full $275 bonus or $175 bonus.
Swagbucks offer: Go with the swagbucks offer.
Data point suggests you do get it. Make sure your Direct deposit is the first deposit in the account (don't deposit any mney when opening the account). Just let the DD be the first money to hit the account.
Slickdeals offer: Don't go with this as it's $100 lower, and has same risk as swagbucks. Also, you do have to install slickdeals extension in your browser, which isn't something which is comfortable to some people.
Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/sofi-money-75-slickdeals-bonus-possible-75-stack/
10/22/2021: Kabbage (by Amex) $300 Checking Account (Business) Bonus offer (Nationwide) => expires 12/15/2021
Simple requirement, Get $300 after you complete a total of 5 debit card purchases within 45 days of account opening.However, a lot of readers complain about closed accounts, more verification requests, etc, etc. This account does have 1.1% APY on a checking account on up to $100K, which is high in today's environment.
Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/kabbage-by-amex-1-10-checking-account-on-balances-up-to-100000/
NOTE: This looks to be business accounts only, as I don't see any option to proceed without providing your business details. Readers on slickdeals.net claim that you can just call yourself "sole proprietor" even if you have no business (-It is a business checking account but you can just use your social and call yourself a sole proprietor.) => looks like that works !!
10/10/2021: Fifth third Bank $300 Checking Bonus offer (only selected states => Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia) => expires 12/31/2021
Simple requirement, Need Direct deposit of $500 or more within 60 days of account opening. Bonus is guaranteed as Fifth third is pretty good with bonuses getting posted automatically. However, limited to very few states.
Details here:
06/13/2021: Monifi $250 Checking Bonus offer => expires 06/30/2021
To receive the $250 bonus, receive 2 qualifying direct deposits of at least $1000 each within 90 days of account opening. Looks like people are getting extra $25 for manually moving $100 from Monifi’s “Spend” account to the “Save” account. It's credited as "$25 savings goal promotion". Any ACH transfer from any bank (Capital One, Schwab brokerage, Chase, etc) is counting as Direct Deposit, so no need of doing DD from your employer.
Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/monifi-250-checking-bonus-available-nationwide/
Direct link to the offer:
The link has the option for downloading app, so this promo is only valid for applying thru app. Later, you can login thru their website on desktop. There are too many issues with this bank, where transactions are not showing up, or accounts are getting closed for no reason. However, if your account remains open, then the bonus is pretty fast and is credited within couple of days. So, worth the risk.
UPDATE: 05/16/2021 => On applying, it says that they are not accepting applications anymore. So, maybe dead.
06/06/2021: Hancock Whitney Bank $300 Checking Bonus offer (only valid in selected states). => expires 06/30/2021
To receive the $300 bonus, receive a qualifying monthly direct deposit of at least $250 by 8/31/2021. Offer is valid in LA, MS, FL, AL, & TX only. Offer is valid in selected cities of these states, so not everyone living in these states is eligible. You will know that once you enter your zipcode on the offer link below. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/targeted-la-ms-fl-al-tx-hancock-whitney-bank-300-checking-bonus/
This is the link for $300 offer to get a promo code via email, only then can you sign up:
https://www.hancockwhitney.com/communitychecking-300-2021
Looks like this is a branch only offer. Also from the comments by Tom, looks like this is a sneaky bank, and will charge you with fees wherever possible. So, learn from him, and play your game right. Deposit at least $1600 at time of account opening, and sign up for paperless statements right while in the bank. Close your bank account 7 months after account opening, and don't bring your balance to $0 before closing your account.
05/31/2021: Comerica Bank $200 and $500 offer (only valid in TX and MI). => expiry unknown
Comerica Bank has 2 offers: a $200 offer and a $500. $200 is valid in TX only, while $500 offer is valid in MI and TX. Details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/az-mi-tx-ca-comerica-bank-200-checking-bonus/
This is the link for $200 offer:
https://www.comerica.com/campaigns/personal/access-checking-200.html
This is the link for $500 offer:
https://www.comerica.com/campaigns/personal/platinum-circle-500.html
Looks like you should be able to do both offers, but there's no data point yet. Personally, $200 is lot easier to do, since no money is tied up into it. Also, looks like you need to do real Direct Deposit to get $200. One nice thing about this bonus may be that the bonus is not treated as interest, and hence no tax form issued (based on comments on DoC website).
There's also a referral bonus going on where both parties get $50 card. Free money. If you need referral from me, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. asking for refrral, and I'll be glad to send you a link. Open the account only by using the link. Not sure how it works if the account is opened in branch. Details here:
https://www.comerica.com/personal-finance/Referlive.html
UPDATE: Application got denied online, asked to apply in branch. Applied in branch, manager knew nothing about bonus. Anyway received the bonus within 2 months from date of opening (after meeting read Direct deposit requirements). I didn't have to contact anyone.
EXPIRED: 05/01/2021: UMB checking account $300 offer (only valid in select states). => expires May 22, 2021
UMB is offering $300, when you open UMB select checking account, and do $2K in direct deposit within 60 days. It's valid in only these states: Branches are in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.
Many ACH transfers are triggering the bonus, so Direct deposit may not be absolutely needed. Try doing ACH into UMB thru other banks that you have accounts with, and see if the bonus posts. Bonus is posting pretty fast, so worth doing it. More details below:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/az-co-il-mo-ne-ok-ks-tx-umb-bank-300-checking/
UPDATE 05/22/201: UMB is posting bonuses within a day of meeting the requirement. That's the fastest bonus I've ever seen. So, all negative comments regarding bonuses taking a long time may be an issue of the past, but not this time. ACH from other banks, brokerage, works fine for bonus (You don't need to do a DD). Look in the comments section above to find out which ACH transfers are triggering bonuses for folks.
EXPIRED: 04/01/2021: BBVA checking+savings account $250 offer (only valid in select states). PROMO code for online: SBOL2021=> expires Apr 30, 2021
BBVA Bank is offering $250 bonus on opening a checking and savings account. Checking account has a $200 bonus and requires a direct deposit of $500 or more by June 30, 2021. There's also a $50 savings account bonus if you have $1K on June 30, 2021. Both accounts need to be open for at least 1 year. The promo code for online is: SBOL2021, while for in branch it's SB2021. If you apply thru swagbucks, you get 5000 SB (redeemable for at least $50) for opening the checking account (Link: https://www.swagbucks.com/?f=11&q=bbva). However, looks like when you apply thru swagbucks, the promo code shows as invalid. So, you could not stack the $50 swagbucks offer with the $250 offer. This offer from BBVA used to be valid nationwide in the past, but this time, they are giving the bonus to residents of these 7 states only: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. Though the bonus itself is low and is not valid nationwide, but not too many offers right now. It is churnable every 36 months, and no restrictions per household, so all members of household can apply. Note: the income is taxable. More details here:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bbva-200-checking-50-savings-bonus-available-online-nationwide/
EXPIRED: 02/09/2021: US Bank Checking account $400 offer => expires Mar 31, 2021
US Bank is offering $400 bonus on opening a checking account and doing direct deposit of $4K or more in 2 or more direct deposits. A lot of people are getting error in the last step, so not sure what's going on. Also, even though the offer seems nationwide, not sure if is limited to locations where US Bank has branches. It's the best bonus for US bank and can be churned in future, so no harm applying and getting free $400 (minus tax). Note: the income is taxable. More details here:
2020:
EXPIRED: 11/14/2020: Capital one bank 360 checking account $400 offer => Expires Jan 26, 2021
https://slickdeals.net/f/14548025-capital-one-earn-a-400-bonus-with-360-checking?v=1
Capital One offered up to $500 for checking/savings account in the past, but I haven't seen anything anything in that range in the last 2-3 years. This may as best as it gets. You need to make 2 direct eposits totaling $1K or more within 60 days of account opening in order to qualify for the bonus. When opening the new account, you need to enter promo code "BONUS400" (by clicking + sign for code) or you won't get the bonus. They also have an additional requirement that you should not have had an active 360 checking account with them anytime after 1st Jan, 2018 (i.e as long you never had a Capital One 360 checking account or if you had one but closed it before 1st Jan, 2018, you would be eligible for the bonus). NOTE: Even if you had other checking or savings account with them, you would still qualify for the bonus. Be sure to close out the account as soon as you get the bonus, so that when the bonus comes next time around, you may qualify for the next bonus.
This offer may be pulled earlier if too many people sign up, so I would advise to jump on it now instead of waiting. There aren't too many $400 bank offers lying around in 2020.
EXPIRED: 10/21/2020: Skyone bank checking/savings $700 offer
This is one of the best offers out there to get $700 + $25 Amazon gift card. This was the best bonus offer after a long dry spell of 6 months. Unfortunately the offer expired in just a couple of days.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/skyone-200-checking-700-savings-bonus/
EXPIRED: 06/01/2020: HSBC Offer:
-
HSBC checking account offer for $700 with direct deposit totaling $5K/per month for 6 consecutive months. Open the one with the $700 offer (3% cash back) as $475 offer (Exclusive Welcome Deposit offer) gives you much less with almost same requirements. $700 offer gives you 3% on your direct deposit amount for 6 months. You can move the cash from checking to any other savings account which gives you higher interest rate, as the bonus doesn't require you to keep that money in HSBC account.
https://www.us.hsbc.com/checking-accounts/campaigns/premier-checking
There's also a slickdeals offer for getting $125 thru paypal. Might as well as take advantage of this, while you are opening the checking account, so that you can move move any money in checking account to this savings a/c to get 1% interest. This $125 is non taxable as it's not interest, and not offered by hsbc. So, total bonus would be $825 minus tax, not too bad in this non existent interest rate environment.
Both offers end by Jun 30, 2020.
EXPIRED: 04/17/2020: Wells Fargo Bank Offer:
-
$400 bonus with direct deposit
https://bonusoffer.wf.com/bonusoffer
pretty simple requirements. Make Direct deposit (thru your emplyer) of $4K or more in total in 3 months. You don't need to keep all of that money in wells fargo account. You can take out anything over $1500 ($1500 is needed to avoid the fees. But if you have direct deposit, that you don't even need that $1500 in there as there's no monthly fees for accounts having direct deposit).
EXPIRED: 04/08/2020: CIT Bank Offer:
-
CIT Savings account with $150 or $300 bonus + 1.75% APY (nationwide): updated 04/23/2020 1.55% APY. updated 05/14/2020: 1.45% updated 05/30/2020: 1.25%. The way rate is going down, it may be below 1% in next few days.
https://cit.com/cit-bank/savings-builder-account-bonus-spring
None of the websites show bonus anymore. Offer still valid though. When opening account, make sure the documents state this $150/$300 bonus, and save that document in your personal computer just in case.
The bonus implies 0.6% extra APY assuming you keep $50K for a year. So, even if rates go down to 0.5%, you will still get at least 1% APY for a year, not too bad for 2020. Looks like in order to get 1.75% for all of your deposit, you need to do a monthly deposit of $100, else you get only 1.15% for your balance under $25K, and 1.75% for balance over $25K. Also their rates look consistent based on rate history, however that's changed in 2020 (i.e didn't use to be a bait and switch company, which reduces the rates immediately after getting new customers, but 2020 they are going all in). Keep $50K for about 4 months to be guaranteed a bonus.
2019:
EXPIRED 09/03/2019 => First Lubbock Bank:
- https://www.firstbanklubbock.com/home/personal/checking-savings-cds/checking => only for residents, who are within 30 miles of their branch (All in Lubbock), so it's not statewide for Texas (I was initially misinformed), so basically useless. Looks doable with $350 bonus, and 2% APY for platinum checking with only $7500 in deposit for 6 months. Even if you leave $10K for a year, you still get effective rate of 5% ($350 bonus + $200 interest). DD required to get full $350 (else you get only $280). Expires 09/03/2019.
EXPIRED 09/04/2019 => Salem Bank:
- https://www.salemfive.com/open/ => nationwide. checking a/c with $250 bonus. Requires a hard credit pull. But has no monthly fee. Need direct deposit totaling $1500 + 50 debit card transactions. Not worth it, as many banks regularly pay $300 for new bank a/c with soft credit pull.
EXPIRED 09/04/2019 => US Bank:
- https://www.usbank.com/content/usbank/splash/checking/checking-offer-summer19.html => available in 30 states, open easy checking a/c for $300 bonus. Requires 2 direct deposits totaling $2K or more + online banking. To waive monthly fees, just keep $1500 minimum in the account. Beware, there are lots of complaints about people not getting their bonus. Expires 09/04/2019.
EXPIRED 07/31/2019 => Simple Bank:
- https://www.simple.com/offer-v1 => Need to open 2 a/c for $500 bonus. Need $10K in deposits, but they do pay 2.02% interest. Expires: 07/31/2019. Read a lot of negative review, where they may not finally offer the bonus at all. Not worth chasing.
Yes, I’ve churned it successfully from multiple portals just for the cashback from each portal.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/sofi-checking-5000-direct-deposit-required/#comment-1870471
“As for the waiting time, I’ve churned it in as short as 5-7 days after closing the previous account.”
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/sofi-checking-5000-direct-deposit-required/#comment-1806493
Others may have done it even sooner, but I generally give it some time for the old account to be purged.