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12 Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of January 2025 (up to $3,000)

The best bank sign-up bonuses can earn you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you meet the requirements.

Dec 20, 2024
Ruth Sarreal
Written by 
Content Management Specialist
Tony Armstrong
Edited by 
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
Ruth Sarreal
Written by 
Content Management Specialist
Tony Armstrong
Edited by 
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the financial accounts that work best for you. See our criteria for evaluating banks and credit unions.

More than 100 financial institutions surveyed by our team of experts.

More than 50 data points considered for each bank, credit union and banking technology firm (or neobank) to be eligible for our roundups. For this bank promotions roundup, more than a dozen data points were considered per offer.

Bank promotions generally consist of cash bonuses when you open a new checking or savings account. To qualify for this one-time perk, you’ll likely have to set up direct deposit with the bank and keep the account open for at least a few months. While there are many sign-up bonuses for new accounts out there, not all are worthwhile. We’ve rounded up the top promotions available, and the best bank bonuses for you will depend on your unique financial goals and situation. Check out the details on these offers to better determine what’s right for you.

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Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of January 2025 (up to $3,000)

ELIGIBLE FOR
REWARD
Bank/institutionNerdWallet rating Monthly feeAPYLearn more

SoFi Checking and Savings

Learn moreLearn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
4.5/5
Best for Checking and Savings Account Bonus Offers
$0
1.20%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Learn moreLearn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
Chase Total Checking®

Chase Total Checking®

Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
4.6/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$12.00
Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance
N/A
Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
PNC Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select - Spend

PNC Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select - Spend

Learn moreLearn more
at PNC, Member FDIC
3.0/5
Best for Checking and Savings Account Bonus Offers
$25.00
With options to waive
0.01%
With $2,000 min. balance for APY
Learn moreLearn more
at PNC, Member FDIC
Chase Private Client Checking℠

Chase Private Client Checking℠

Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
3.0/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$35.00
$0 with qualifying activities
0.01%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®

Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®

Learn moreLearn more
at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC
3.7/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$12.00
Learn about ways to waive the fee. Click 'Learn More'
N/A
Learn moreLearn more
at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC
PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro - Spend

PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro - Spend

4.9/5
Best for Checking and Savings Account Bonus Offers
$0
N/A
Chase Secure Banking℠

Chase Secure Banking℠

Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
3.5/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$4.95
N/A
Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
4.5/5
Best for Business Checking Account Bonus Offers
$15.00
Waived with $2,000 minimum balance
N/A
Learn moreLearn more
at Chase, Member FDIC
Citi® Regular Checking Account

Citi® Regular Checking Account

3.4/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$15.00
N/A
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

4.1/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$10.00
Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance
N/A
Discover® Online Savings

Discover® Online Savings

Learn moreLearn more
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC
4.7/5
Best for Savings Account Bonus Offers
$0
3.75%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Learn moreLearn more
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC
KeyBank Key Smart Checking

KeyBank Key Smart Checking

5.0/5
Best for Checking Account Bonus Offers
$4.00
Waived if you are an owner on a KeyBank Consumer Checking Account
N/A

Our pick for

Checking and Savings Account Bonus Offers

ELIGIBLE FOR $100 IN REWARDS
SoFi Checking and Savings
Learn moreon partner's site
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
4.5/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

APY

1.20%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$300

Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.

Our Take
Why We Like It

This offer is our top pick for a sign-up bonus for a combined checking and savings account.

If you’re looking for a combination checking-and-savings account, this bonus is a standout. It offers a couple different tiers to earn a cash bonus of either $50 or $300 (the bonus amount differs based on the amount you direct deposit). In addition to a solid cash bonus offering, the savings account pays a competitive interest rate — much higher than what’s offered by other savings accounts on our list — when you meet requirements.

What you'll get: $50 or $300.

Expiration: 01/31/2026.

How to get it: Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account on the offer page. Make at least one direct deposit in any amount before the promotion expiration date. Deposit $1,000 to $4,999.99 to earn a $50 bonus; deposit $5,000 or more to earn a $300 bonus.

Where to open: Online.

Who can qualify: Customers who open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account.

When you’ll get it: Within seven business days after the 25-day evaluation period following the receipt of the first qualifying direct deposit.

Monthly fee: $0.

PNC Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select - Spend
Learn moreon partner's site
at PNC, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
3.0/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at PNC, Member FDIC

APY

0.01%

With $2,000 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$400

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$25.00

With options to waive

Overdraft star rating

Not yet rated

Our Take
Why We Like It

This bonus stands out for rewarding you if you set up a direct deposit as low as $500 — a much lower deposit requirement than that of other offers on our list. Tiered bonuses are also available, so the more you deposit, the more you can earn — up to $400.

What you'll get: $100, $200 or $400.

Expiration: 03/31/2025.

How to get it: Open a Virtual Wallet, Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend or Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account on the offer page or by bringing a coupon to a branch and receive a total of at least $500, $2,000 or $5,000 in qualifying direct deposits, respectively, within 60 days of opening the account. Opening a Virtual Wallet account and meeting the criteria will earn you $100; opening a Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend account and meeting the criteria will earn you $200; opening a Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account and meeting the criteria will earn you $400.

Where to open: Online.

Who can qualify: Anyone who does not currently have a PNC checking account, and has not closed a PNC account within the past 90 days or received a PNC promotional payment within the last 24 months. Availability may vary by your location; you can check your eligibility on the website.

When you’ll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account, which must be open, within 60-90 days after you’ve met the requirements.

Monthly fee: Can be waived; see bank site for details.

NerdWallet rating
4.9/5

APY

N/A

Bonus

$200

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

4.0/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

This bonus offer allows you to earn a cash bonus with your choice of either a new combination checking-and-savings account or a new checking account only. Compared with other offers for similar accounts on our list, this one offers a good bonus amount for a lower minimum deposit.

What you'll get: $200.

Expiration: 03/31/2025.

How to get it: Open a new Virtual Wallet Checking Pro with a checking account only, or with both checking and savings on the offer page and receive a total of at least $2,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of opening the account.

Where to open: Online.

Who can qualify: Anyone who does not currently have a PNC checking account, has not closed an account within the past 90 days or received a PNC promotional payment within the last 24 months. Availability varies by location; you can check your eligibility on the website.

When you'll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account, which must be open, within 60-90 days after you’ve met the requirements.

Monthly fee: $0.

Our pick for

Checking Account Bonus Offers

Chase Total Checking®
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
4.6/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$12.00

Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance

Overdraft star rating

4.0/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

This Chase offer is our top pick for checking account bonus because of how accessible it is: It doesn’t require a huge deposit and it allows up to three months to meet the direct deposit requirement.

The Total Checking bank bonus is one of the best available checking account bonus offers available. Compared with similar offers on our list, you’ll get a large bonus compared with the direct deposit requirement. You can earn the Total Checking account bonus by meeting a minimum direct deposit requirement within 90 days.

What you'll get: $300.

Expiration: 01/22/2025.

How to get it: Open a Chase Total Checking® account online or in person using a coupon emailed to you through the promotional page. You must make at least $500 in direct deposits into the account within 90 days of opening the account.

Where to open: The checking account can be opened online or at a Chase branch (find a location near you).

Who can qualify: New Chase checking account customers. You must not have had a Chase checking account within the last 90 days or had one closed with a negative balance within the last three years. In addition, you may receive only one new checking account opening bonus every two years from the last enrollment date, and you’re limited to one bonus per account.

When you’ll get it: The checking account bonus will be deposited into your account within 15 days after your first direct deposit.

Monthly fee: Can be waived; see bank site for details.

» Learn more: Get more details about Chase checking account bonuses

Chase Private Client Checking℠
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
3.0/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC

APY

0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$3,000

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$35.00

$0 with qualifying activities

Overdraft star rating

Not yet rated

Our Take
Why We Like It

This checking account bonus offers the chance to earn thousands of dollars if you’re able to deposit a large amount of money. But note that if you are aiming for the largest bonus tier, you’ll have to deposit more than what standard federal insurance covers, so you’ll have to strategize to protect all of your money. What you'll get: $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000.

Expiration: 01/22/2025.

How to get it: Open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account (or upgrade your existing Chase personal checking account) using the offer code emailed to you from the promotional page. Then transfer at least $150,000 in new money or securities to eligible checking, savings and/or J.P. Morgan Wealth Management accounts within 45 days, and keep the money in the accounts for at least 90 days. Deposit at least $150,000 to earn $1,000, $250,000 to earn $2,000 or $500,000 to earn $3,000.

Where to open: At a branch or by phone.

Who can qualify: Customers who meet with a Private Client Banker to open or upgrade to a Chase Private Client Checking℠ account. You may receive only one new Chase Private Client Checking℠ new money bonus or savings promotional rate offer in the 12 months from the last offer enrollment date. You are only allowed to receive one bonus per account.

When you’ll get it: The bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 40 days of completing all the requirements.

Monthly fee: Can be waived; see bank site for details.

Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®
Learn moreon partner's site
at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
3.7/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC

APY

N/A

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$12.00

Learn about ways to waive the fee. Click 'Learn More'

Overdraft star rating

4.5/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

This bonus offer is unique as it rewards you for opening (and direct depositing into) your choice of checking account at one of the largest banks in the U.S. You can choose to try and earn this bonus with one of three different accounts. This bank bonus is smaller and the bonus takes longer to be paid compared with other offers on our list, but requirements are straightforward.

What you'll get: $300 bonus.

Expiration: 01/31/2025.

How to get it: Open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the Bank of America promotional page. Use the code MNB300CIS when enrolling. Meet deposit requirements, including receiving Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more within 90 days of opening the eligible account (note that Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for the offer). Your checking account must be open and in good standing to receive the bonus. Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details. Bank of America says: “*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.”

Where to open: Online.

Who can qualify: This is an online-only offer for new checking account customers only. Bank of America says: “You are not eligible for this offer if you were an owner or co-owner of a Bank of America personal checking account within the last twelve (12) months.”

When you’ll get it: Bank of America says: “Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.”

Monthly fee: Can be waived; see bank site for details.

Chase Secure Banking℠
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
3.5/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC

APY

N/A

Bonus

$100

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$4.95

Overdraft star rating

Not yet rated

Our Take
Why We Like It

The bonus isn’t as big as some others on this list, but this bank promotion could be a good option if you don’t want to meet a direct deposit requirement to earn a cash reward. Unlike most bank bonus offers on this list, the Chase Secure Banking bonus doesn’t require direct deposit. Instead, you’ll need to meet a minimum number of qualifying transactions such as debit card purchases and Zelle transfers, but you’ll have 60 days to meet the requirement.

What you'll get: $100.

Expiration: 01/22/2025.

How to get it: Open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account online or in person using a coupon emailed to you through the promotional page. You must complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of opening the account.

Where to open: The checking account can be opened online or at a Chase branch (find a location near you).

Who can qualify: New Chase checking customers. You must not have had a Chase checking account within the last 90 days or had one closed with a negative balance in the last three years. In addition, you may receive only one new checking account opening bonus every two years from the last enrollment date, and you’re limited to one bonus per account.

When you’ll get it: The bonus will be deposited into your account within 15 days after the 10 qualifying transactions have posted.

Monthly fee: See bank site for details.

NerdWallet rating
3.4/5

APY

N/A

Bonus

$325

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$15.00

Overdraft star rating

Not yet rated

Our Take
Why We Like It

This offer allows you to choose a checking account that works best for you — from basic (with no minimum balance requirement) to different levels of premium. You can earn cash by having direct deposits that meet a minimum requirement. Compared with similar offers that made our list, this checking account bonus is a fair offer — other offers require a much higher total deposit that Zelle deposits don’t count toward.

What you'll get: $325.

Expiration: 01/07/2025.

How to get it: Open a new eligible Citi checking account and enroll in the offer at the Citibank bonus page (or by contacting a bank representative in a branch). Then make a minimum of two Enhanced Direct Deposits, including Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, deposits made using Zelle, and digital payments made using ACH via PayPal, Venmo or other payment service providers. The deposits must total at least $3,000 and be made within 90 days of opening the account.

Where to open: Open the new account online; enroll in the offer online or by contacting a bank representative in a branch.

Who can qualify: You must not have had a checking account with Citibank for the last 365 days to take advantage of the offer. You must also be at least 18 years old and provide a valid Form W-9 or Form W-8BEN. Your account must not be subject to backup withholding. ​​ When you’ll get it: You’ll receive the bonus within 30 days of meeting the requirements.

Monthly fee: See bank site for details.

» Learn more: Get more details about Citi checking account bonuses

NerdWallet rating
4.1/5

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$10.00

Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance

Overdraft star rating

4.0/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

This bonus offer is a good option if you want a checking account at one of the largest banks in the U.S. The checking account bonus is generous compared with the deposit requirement, especially when stacked against similar offers on our list.

What you'll get: $300.

Expiration: 01/08/2025.

How to get it: Open a new Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account through the promotional page or in a branch with a bonus offer code emailed to you from that page. (The minimum deposit to open is $25.) Then receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits into the account within 90 days of opening it. Throughout this time, your account must remain open with a balance greater than $0.

Where to open: Online or in a branch.

Who can qualify: You must not currently have a Wells Fargo consumer checking account or have received a bonus for opening one within the last 12 months or you are a Wells Fargo employee.

When you'll get it: You'll receive your bonus within 30 days of completing the 90-day qualification period.

Monthly fee: Can be waived; see bank site for details.

NerdWallet rating
5.0/5

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$4.00

Waived if you are an owner on a KeyBank Consumer Checking Account

Overdraft star rating

Not yet rated

Our Take
Why We Like It

This KeyBank bonus offer is a good reward for opening a competitive checking account. If you can meet the direct deposit minimum just once within the first couple months, you’ll earn the cash reward.

What you'll get: $300.

Expiration: 05/16/2025.

How to get it: Open a Key Smart Checking account online promotional page with a deposit of at least $10. Within the first 60 days of opening the account, make at least one direct deposit of $1,000 minimum. Your account must be open and in good standing in order to receive the bonus.

Where to open: The checking account can be opened online.

Who can qualify: Customers who have not previously received a KeyBank account sign-up bonus and have not been a primary account owner of a personal checking account at the back in the past 12 months. Offer is only available in these states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont and Washington.

When you’ll get it: The checking account bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days after you complete the requirements.

Monthly fee: $0.

Our pick for

Business Checking Account Bonus Offers

Chase Business Complete Banking®
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
4.5/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at Chase, Member FDIC

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Overdraft star rating

Not yet rated

Our Take
Why We Like It

This bonus is a good option if you need to open a business checking account at a major bank and can meet the minimum deposit and balance requirements, plus complete a handful of transactions. This is the only business account on our list, and it’s a standout because it consistently offers a bonus and comes from one of the largest banks. To compare, see our list of the best business account promotions.

What you'll get: $300.

Expiration: 01/16/2025.

How to get it: Open a new Business Complete Checking℠ account online or at a branch, using the offer code emailed to you from the promotional page. Then within 30 days, deposit at least $2,000 in new money to earn $300 or $15,000 in new money to earn $500, and maintain a $2,000 balance for 60 days and complete five qualifying transactions — such as debit card purchases, QuickAccept℠ deposits, QuickDeposits℠ and ACH or wire transfers — within 90 days.

Where to open: Online or in person at a Chase branch (location near you).

Who can qualify: Anyone who has not received a bonus related to a new Chase business checking account opening in the last two years. Only one bonus is allowed per account. Other restrictions apply.

When you’ll get it: The bonus will be deposited into your new account within 15 days of completing all the requirements.

Monthly fee: Can be waived; see bank site for details.

Our pick for

Savings Account Bonus Offers

Discover® Online Savings
Learn moreon partner's site
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
4.7/5
Learn moreon partner's site
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

APY

3.75%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$200

Requirements to qualify

Our Take
Why We Like It

Get a cash bonus for opening one of the best online savings accounts available. Choose the deposit amount that works for you and earn up to $200. Of the savings account offers on our list, Discover’s requires the biggest deposit amounts. But with its competitive 3.75% annual percentage yield, it’s not a bad idea to sock away what you can in this account.

What you'll get: $150 or $200.

Expiration: 03/13/2025.

How to get it: Open your first Online Savings Account and use offer code NW924 when applying. Earn a $150 bonus by depositing at least $15,000 or earn a $200 bonus by depositing at least $25,000. Make your deposit within 45 days of account open date. Your account must be open to receive the bonus.

Where to open: Online, by phone or in the Discover app.

Who can qualify: Customers who are opening their first Discover® Online Savings Accounts. People who have a savings account or previously had a savings account, including co-branded or affinity accounts provided by Discover, are not eligible.

When you’ll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account within 60 days of meeting the requirements.

Monthly fee: $0.

Details on bonus from Discover: "To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code NW924 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."

Additional information about bank bonuses: checking account bonuses, bank sign-up bonuses and more

What does the Fed rate announcement mean for bank account bonuses?

In November 2024, the Federal Reserve announced it would lower the federal funds rate (the rate which commercial banks use to borrow and lend money to one another). Previously, the Fed changed the rate in September 2024, which was the first change that year and a decrease. The Fed increased the rate four times in 2023 and seven times in 2022.

The changes haven’t directly affected bank bonuses, but it could still be a good time to open a new bank account in case savings account interest rates fall. So you could take advantage of both a bank bonus and current APYs in a new savings account.

Are bank account bonuses worth it?

Bank promotions can be worth the effort of opening a new account and adding money if the reward is substantial enough and the requirements aren't too difficult to meet. Before signing up for a new account to earn a bank bonus, understand the details including what fees might be incurred and how long you might have to wait for the bonus to be paid. If earning a bank sign-up bonus requires depositing more than $250,000 (which is the standard amount that’s insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.), you’ll need to employ certain strategies to make sure that all your money — including funds over $250,000 — is protected.

Our Nerds say:

"A cash bonus is appealing, but many checking accounts don’t earn interest, so you could miss out on thousands of dollars (much more than the maximum bonus) — which you could earn by putting that money in a high-yield savings account instead.

"Earning the highest bonus amount offered on this list requires at least $500,000. Depositing more than $250,000 would put you over Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. coverage limits, so you’d need to consider a strategy to protect all your money."

Video preview image

» Prefer an account that offers rewards beyond a sign-up bonus? Check out our favorite rewards checking accounts

What do the best bank bonuses have in common?

The best bank promotions offer the opportunity to earn a significant cash bonus for signing up for a new account with no fees or fees that are easy to get waived. The best bank bonuses for you are ones that have requirements you're comfortable with, including the amount of time you'll have to keep your money in the account to earn the bonus.

Are bank bonuses taxable?

If you’ve earned a cash bonus for opening a new bank account, it's usually taxable. You are responsible for covering any tax liability. Learn more about taxes on bank bonuses.

» Churning through accounts to get bonuses? Find out whether closing a bank account hurts your credit

Should I have more than one checking or savings account?

It can be helpful to have multiple bank accounts — as long as you can meet the requirements and minimums in order to avoid fees.

The number of checking and/or savings accounts you should have depends on your individual situation. Married or partnered people, for example, might each want to have their own accounts in addition to one or more shared accounts. You might want to consider having accounts at different financial institutions for different purposes — such as having an account with a bank that works well for international travel if you’re frequently abroad, or with the bank that handles your mortgage or other loans for more seamless payment transfers. (Learn the pros and cons of keeping multiple bank accounts at different banks.)

» Looking for the right place to keep your savings? Check out NerdWallet's picks for the best savings accounts

Frequently asked questions about bank promotions and sign-up bonuses

Keep reading to find out answers to commonly asked questions about checking account bonuses and other bank promotions.

What bank gives you a bonus for opening an account?

Various banks and credit unions offer cash sign-up bonuses for opening a new account. You can find the best opportunities available by checking out our list of the best bank bonuses and promotions, updated monthly.

What bank gives you money for opening a checking account?

Banks that offer a checking account bonus to new account holders include Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, KeyBank, PNC Bank, SoFi Bank, N.A., TD Bank, and Wells Fargo. See this page each month to find the best checking account promotions available.

What banks are paying $500 to open an account?

Currently, this is the best bank bonus that pays $500 or more:

How can you get $200 from Chase?

A previous bonus offered new checking customers the opportunity to earn a $200 Chase checking account bonus by opening a Chase Total Checking® account and meeting requirements. The bank now offers a Chase Total Checking® bonus of $300.

What is the $3,000 bonus at Chase Bank?

Chase Private Client Checking offers a bonus of up to $3,000 for opening a new account. Read the promotion details above to understand all the rules and requirements to earn the checking account bonus, including a super steep minimum transfer amount that may not be worthwhile.

The information related to Citi checking accounts has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.

Last updated on December 20, 2024

Methodology

We took a close look at over 100 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable and/or emerging players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.

Financial institutions and providers surveyed are: Affirm, All America Bank, Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amalgamated Bank, America First Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Associated Bank, Axos Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Barclays, Bask Bank, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, BMO, BMO Alto, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Bread Savings, BrioDirect, Capital One, Carver Federal Savings Bank, CFG Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIBC U.S., CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Bank, City First Bank, Climate First Bank, Commerce Bank, Community First Credit Union of Florida, ConnectOne Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Current, Customers Bank, Delta Community Credit Union, Discover® Bank, E*TRADE, EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank), Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation, First Internet Bank, First National Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, FNBO Direct, Forbright Bank, Global Credit Union, GO2bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Greenwood, Hope Credit Union, Huntington Bank, Industrial Bank, Ivy Bank, Jenius Bank, KeyBank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Laurel Road Bank, LendingClub Bank, Liberty Bank, Live Oak Bank, M&T Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, My Banking Direct, NASA Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC, Newtek Bank, One, OneUnited Bank, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PNC, Poppy Bank, Popular Direct, Quontic Bank, Regions Bank, Revolut, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Self-Help Credit Union, Service Credit Union, SoFi, State Employees’ Credit Union of North Carolina, Suncoast Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, Upgrade, USAA Bank, Varo, Vio Bank, Wells Fargo, Western Alliance Bank and Zynlo Bank.

To recap our selections...

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