BEST OF - Ohio

11 Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of November 2024 (up to $3,000)

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

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Written by Ruth Sarreal
Content Management Specialist
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Edited by Tony Armstrong
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 90 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.

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 90 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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Fund your new bank account. Get $100 in cash rewards.

That's on top of any financial institution sign-on bonuses. Get access by joining NerdWallet+.

All eligible products require partner approval. See partner terms and conditions before applying.

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Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of November 2024 (up to $3,000)

ELIGIBLE FOR REWARD

Our pick for

Checking and Savings Account Bonus Offers

ELIGIBLE FOR $100 IN REWARDS
NerdWallet rating 

4.5

/5
SoFi Checking and Savings
Learn more

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.

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: 12/31/2024.

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.

NerdWallet rating 

3.0

/5
PNC Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select - Spend
Learn more

at PNC, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$25.00

With options to waive

APY

0.01%

With $2,000 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$400

Requirements to qualify

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: 01/02/2025.

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
PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro - Spend
Monthly fee

$0

APY

N/A

Bonus

$200

Requirements to qualify

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: 01/02/2025.

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

NerdWallet rating 

4.0

/5
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
Learn more

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$6.95

Multiple ways to waive monthly fee

APY

N/A

Bonus

$450

Requirements to qualify

Why We Like It

U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking is a streamlined checking account, and this bank bonus is a better than average reward for opening a new account and meeting the requirements.

What you'll get: Up to $450.

Expiration: 12/30/2024.

How to get it: Open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account at the promo page and complete qualifying activities. Earn a bonus of up to $450 when you complete the following within 90 days of account opening: Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App; and make two or more direct deposits totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450. You must fund your new account within 30 days of opening.

Where to open: Online.

Who can qualify: U.S. Bank says: “Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

When you’ll get it: Get the checking account bonus within 60 days at the end of the calendar month during which you have met the requirements.

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

NerdWallet rating 

4.6

/5
Chase Total Checking®
Learn more

at Chase, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$12.00

Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

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

NerdWallet rating 

3.0

/5
Chase Private Client Checking℠
Learn more

at Chase, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$35.00

$0 with qualifying activities

APY

0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$3,000

Requirements to qualify

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.

NerdWallet rating 

3.5

/5
Chase Secure Banking℠
Learn more

at Chase, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$4.95

APY

N/A

Bonus

$100

Requirements to qualify

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
Citi® Regular Checking Account
Monthly fee

$15.00

APY

N/A

Bonus

$325

Requirements to qualify

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
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
Monthly fee

$10.00

Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

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.

Our pick for

Business Checking Account Bonus Offers

NerdWallet rating 

4.5

/5
Chase Business Complete Banking®
Learn more

at Chase, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Pros

  • No minimum opening deposit.

  • Unlimited fee-free electronic transactions.

  • Integrated credit card processing.

  • No overdraft fee unless account is overdrawn by more than $50; 24-hour grace period applies to overdrafts beyond that amount.

  • 24/7 customer support.

  • No fees at 16,000 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,700 branches.

Cons

  • $15 monthly fee.

  • Monthly limit on fee-free cash deposits ($5,000) and physical transactions (20).

  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.

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

NerdWallet rating 

4.9

/5
Alliant Credit Union Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account
APY

3.10%

With $100 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$100

Requirements to qualify

Why We Like It

This new account sign-up bonus is our top pick for the savings category because it encourages building the good habit of saving on a regular basis.

This bonus rewards you for building a savings habit; the savings account offers a strong interest rate and the credit union is easy to join. Compared with other offers on our list, this offer requires a long commitment to increasing your balance, but the bonus amount is decent and the habit-building practice of saving every month might be even more valuable.

What you'll get: $100.

Expiration: 12/31/2024.

How to get it: Open a new The Ultimate Opportunity Savings account online at the promotional page, or by phone at 800-328-1935 and mention Suze Orman’s The Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account promotion. Then transfer or deposit the first $100 within 30 days, make transfers or deposits totaling at least $100 or more each month for the next 11 consecutive months, and keep an average daily balance of at least $100. To receive the bonus, at the end of the 12-month period your account must be open with a balance of at least $1,200.

Where to open: Online or by phone.

Who can qualify: New Alliant Credit Union members only. People who have closed an Alliant savings account within 180 days, existing members and joint owners on Alliant savings accounts are not eligible.

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

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

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, 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). The Fed last 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."

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» 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 Chase, Citibank, PNC Bank, SoFi Bank, N.A., TD Bank, U.S. 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 November 1, 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, 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...

NerdWallet's Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of November 2024 (up to $3,000)