Many banks offer generous checking account bonuses to attract new customers, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
There are usually requirements, like depositing a minimum amount or establishing direct deposit. To make sure you've found the offer that delivers the most value — and a checking account that works for you long after the bonus has been deposited — it's important to compare eligibility requirements and payout timelines, as well as regular account fees and features.
We compared dozens of checking accounts from banks, credit unions and fintech companies to find the best sign-up bonuses. For more information on how we made our selections, see our methodology.
Best checking account bonuses
- HSBC: Up to $5,000 bonus
- Chase Private Checking: Up to $3,000 bonus
- Huntington Bank: Up to $600 bonus
- Bank of America: Up to $500 bonus
- Chase: Up to $500 bonus
- KeyBank: Up to $500 bonus
- U.S. Bank: Up to $450 bonus
- BMO: Up to $400* bonus
- PNC Bank: Up to $400 bonus
- SoFi: Up to $400 bonus
- Citibank: $325 bonus
- Wells Fargo Bank: Up to $325 bonus
- American Express: Up to $300 bonus
- TD Bank: Up to $300 bonus
- Capital One: $250 bonus
- Chime: $200
HSBC Premier Checking: Up to $5,000 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Deposit the required minimum into a new HSBC Premier Checking account within 20 days of account opening and maintain the balance for three full consecutive months. You must also remain opted in to receive HSBC marketing emails.
- $1,500 cash bonus: Deposit or invest $150,000 to $249,999
- $2,500 cash bonus: Deposit or invest $250,000 to $499,999
- $3,500 cash bonus: Deposit or invest $500,000 to $999,999
- $5,000 cash bonus: Deposit or invest $1,000,000 or more
HSBC Premier Checking
Account requirements
At least $100,000 in deposits and/or investments, at least $5,000 in direct deposits per month, a mortgage serviced by HSBC or Private Bank status.
Benefits
International banking, preferred loan and savings rates, no fee on foreign transactions, travel concierge services, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs, statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, financial planning with a Wealth Relationship Manager
Fees
Monthly $50 fee waived if account requirement is met
Terms apply.
Pros
- Travel-friendly perks like no fees for foreign transactions or out-of-network ATMs, global emergency assistance
- Access to a dedicated financial adviser
- Monthly service fee is waived if you maintain account requirements
- Access to HSBC Premier World Mastercard.®
Cons
- High minimum balance requirement
- $50 monthly maintenance fee
- Low APY on interest-bearing account
When will you receive your bonus? According to HSBC, if all offer requirements are met, the bonus will be paid within eight weeks.
When the offer expires: Aug. 31, 2026.
Chase Private Checking: Up to $3,000 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open or upgrade to a Chase Private Client Checking account, make qualifying new money deposits within 45 days and keep a qualifying balance for at least 90 days from the offer enrollment date.
- $1,000 cash bonus: Deposit $150,000 to $249,999
- $2,000 cash bonus: Deposit $250,000 to $499,999
- $3,000 cash bonus: Deposit $500,000 or more
Chase Private Client Checking℠
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% APY (effective as of 03/20/2026)
Minimum balance
None, although customers who work with a J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor generally intend to invest $100,000 or more.
Monthly fee
$35 (can be waived with an average beginning day balance of $150,000+)
Free ATM network
More than 15,000 Chase ATMs
ATM fee reimbursement
Chase will refund ATM fees charged by the ATM owner/network
Overdraft fee
N/A
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
Pros
- Potential interest rate discounts on mortgages and auto loans
- Access to a dedicated banker and a J.P. Morgan Client Advisor
- Invitations to cultural, sports and J.P. Morgan thought-leadership events
- Out-of-network ATM fees are reimbursed by Chase
Cons
- Intended for customers intending to invest $100,000 or more
- $35 monthly fee requires $150,000 average daily balance to waive
- Only earns 0.01% APY
When will you receive your bonus? Within 40 days of completing enrollment requirements.
When the offer expires: Oct. 14, 2026.
Huntington Bank Checking: Up to $600 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Huntington Bank customers who open a new checking account and meet deposit requirements within 90 days of account opening can qualify for one of two cash incentives:
- $400 cash bonus: Receive a qualifying direct deposit of at least $500 into a Huntington Perks® checking account.
- $600 cash bonus: Make cumulative new money deposits of $25,000 into a new Huntington Platinum Perks® checking account.
Huntington Bank Perks Checking®
APY
0.02% APY
Monthly maintenance fee
$10 (waived if you maintain $1,000 in total monthly deposits or $5,000 in total relationship balances)
Minimum deposit to open
$500 to earn cash bonus
Minimum balance
None
Free ATM network
Over 1,600 ATM locations
ATM fee reimbursement
$3.50 for each non-Huntington ATM transaction; Options to waive
Overdraft fee
$15; Overdraft protection available
Terms apply.
Pros
- Earns interest
- Offers cash bonus
- No minimum balance requirement
- Option to waive the monthly fee
- Overdraft protection available
Cons
- ATM fees
- $15 overdraft fee
- $10 monthly fee
Applicants must use the offer code when opening their account and keep the account open for 90 days to earn the bonus. This offer is only available to residents of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
When will you receive your bonus? According to Huntington, the bonus will be deposited within 14 days of completing the enrollment requirements.
When the offer expires: Sep. 30, 2026.
Bank of America: Up to $500 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a qualifying Advantage Plus Banking® or Advantage Relationship Banking® account and receive qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening:
- $100 cash bonus: Direct deposits totaling $2,000 to $4,999
- $300 cash bonus: Direct deposits totaling $5,000 to $9,999
- $500 cash bonus: Direct deposits totaling $10,000+
- Earn cash back on select deals at restaurants, stores, and more through BankAmeriDeals®, turning everyday spending into savings.
- Keep the Change® rounds up debit card purchases and transfers the difference to your savings account, making it easy to save without thinking about it.
- Four ways to waive the $12 monthly maintenance fee, giving you more flexibility to avoid it than most checking accounts.
- Access to 16,000 Bank of America ATMs nationwide for fee-free cash withdrawals.
- $100 minimum deposit required to open an account.
- $12 monthly maintenance fee applies if you don’t meet the criteria to waive it.
- $10 overdraft fee per item with a maximum of two per day, so it’s worth setting up protections to avoid it.
- No reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees, so it may be worth planning withdrawals around Bank of America’s network when possible.
How to avoid the monthly fee (when you meet ONE of the requirements during each statement cycle):
- Have at least one qualifying direct deposit of $250 or more to your account
- Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or more in your account
- Enroll in the Preferred Rewards program (Learn more at bankofamerica.com/preferred-rewards)
When will you receive your bonus? Bank of America will typically deposit your bonus within 60 days of completing the promotional requirements.
When the offer expires: Sep. 30, 2026.
Chase Checking: Up to $500 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open the appropriate account and meet deposit requirements within the enrollment period.
Chase Total Checking®: To earn a $400 bonus, open a Chase Total Checking account, make direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 within 90 days of enrollment and maintain that balance for at least 60 days. You'll also need to complete at least five qualifying transactions within 90 days from offer enrollment, including a debit card purchase, online bill payment, Chase QuickDeposit, Chase QuickAccept deposit, ACH payment or wire transfer.
- No minimum deposit to open an account
- Access to over 4,700 branches and 15,000+ ATMs nationwide
- Monthly service fee can be waived by meeting direct deposit or minimum balance requirements.
- Overdraft assistance available
- No APY
- $34 overdraft fee
- No reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees
How to avoid the monthly fee:
- Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more,
- or a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account
- or an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings and other balances
Information about Chase Total Checking® has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Chase Business Complete Checking Account: To earn a $400 bonus, deposit $2,000 to $9,999 in a Chase Business Complete Checking Account within 30 days and meet the other enrollment qualifications. To earn a $500 bonus, deposit $10,000 or more and meet the other enrollment requirements.
Chase Business Complete Banking®
Special offer
Earn up to $500 when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Monthly maintenance fee
$15 (can be waived)
Minimum opening deposit
None
Minimum balance
None (Minimum daily balance of $2,000 waives the monthly maintenance fee)
Free ATM network
More than 15,000 Chase ATMs
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Small business perks
Multiple owners can get debit cards, PINs, online account access and employee debit cards (owners control daily limits)
Overdraft fee
$34 with ways to waive
Terms apply. Chase Bank is a Member FDIC.
Pros
- Earn up to a $500 welcome bonus when you open a new account with qualifying activities.
- Access to over 5,000 branches and 15,000+ ATMs nationwide
- Accept credit card payments on the spot with Chase QuickAccept℠,
- Same-day access to cash deposits
- Multiple owners and employees can get debit cards with customizable daily spending limits
Cons
- $15 monthly maintenance fee requires a minimum daily balance of $2,000 to waive.
- Fee for cash deposits over $5,000
- Only 20 free in-person transactions per month,
How to avoid the monthly fee:
Meet one of these conditions during your monthly statement period.
- $2,000 minimum daily balance
- $2,000 in purchases on your Chase Ink® Business Card(s)
- $2,000 in deposits from QuickAccept℠ and/or other eligible Chase Merchant Services transactions
- Link a Chase Private Client Checking℠ account
How overdraft fees are waived:
- If your account balance at the end of the business day is overdrawn by $5 or less
- If the item that caused the overdraft was $5 or less, even if your account balance at the end of the business day is overdrawn
- If you made a debit card transaction and your available balance was sufficient at the time it was authorized
- If a merchant submitted the same check or ACH item submitted multiple times, resulting in a Returned Item Fee and an Insufficient Funds Fee
- Insufficient Funds Fees do not apply to withdrawals made at an ATM
Chase High School Checking: Teens ages 13 to 17 can get a $125 bonus when a parent or guardian opens a new Chase High School Checking account and completes at least five qualifying transactions within 60 days of enrollment. (High School Checking account must be linked to parent/guardian's personal checking account.)
Chase High School Checking℠
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum deposit/balance
None
Monthly maintenance fee
None
Overdraft fee
None
Offers debit card?
Yes
ATM access
16,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide; no ATM fee reimbursement
Parental controls
Parents can monitor account activity, but can't set spending limits or block certain transactions
Terms apply.
Pros
- Teens ages 13 to 17 can open with a parent/guardian as co-owner
- Parents can set up alerts
- No minimum deposit/balance requirements
- No monthly service fee
- No overdraft fee
- 5,000+ Chase branches and 15,000 ATMs
Cons
- Parent/guardian must have an existing Chase checking account
- Account must be opened at a Chase branch
- No APY
- $3 to $5 ATM fee at non-Chase ATMs
Chase Secure Checking: To receive the $125 bonus, open a new Chase Secure Checking account and complete at least 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of enrollment, including debit card purchases, online bill payments, Chase QuickDepositSM, Zelle® and ACH credits.
Chase Secure Banking℠
Monthly service fee
$4.95 (waived for account holders under 25 or if you have qualifying electronic deposits totaling $250+ each monthly statement period)
Minimum opening deposit
None
Minimum balance to open
$0
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Free ATM network
More than 15,000+ Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Overdraft fee
No overdraft fees. Chase Secure BankingSM allows you to spend only the money you have available.
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Pros
- No minimum opening deposit
- New account holders may be eligible for a cash bonus
- No overdraft fees
- May be able to get your paycheck up to two days early
- Free money orders and cashier's checks
- Over 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs nationwide.
Cons
- No APY
- $4.95 monthly maintenance fee if you are over 25 and don't meet the direct deposit requirement
- No paper checks
- No reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees
Information about Chase Secure Banking℠ has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
When will you receive your bonus? Bonuses are typically deposited within 15 days after completing the required transactions.
When the offer expires: Oct. 14, 2026.
KeyBank Checking: Up to $500 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a KeyBank checking account using the appropriate offer code and make the required direct deposit within 90 days of account opening.
- $300 cash bonus: Open a Key Smart Checking® account using offer code KDMA0526. Make a $10 minimum opening deposit and a total of $2,000 or more in eligible direct deposits.
- $500 cash bonus: Open a Key Select Checking® account with offer code KDMB0526. Make a $50 minimum opening deposit and a total of $5,000 or more in eligible direct deposits.
Key Select Checking®
APY
0.05% APY
Monthly maintenance fee
$25. Waived for the first 3 months and ongoing if you have $3,000 in eligible direct deposits per statement cycle or at least $15,000 in combined KeyBank account balances.
Minimum opening deposit
$50
Minimum balance
None
Free ATM network
Access to 40,000 KeyBank and Allpoint® ATMs nationwide
ATM fee reimbursement
No fee for using non-bank ATMs. Up to $6 per statement cycle refunded for fees charged by out-of-network ATMs.
Overdraft fee
$20 per transaction with a maximum of 3 per day. No fee if account is overdrawn by $20 or less at the end of the day or if you have overdraft protection with a linked KeyBank account.
Terms apply.
Read CNBC Select's review of KeyBank
Pros
- Earns interest
- Welcome bonus of up to $500 and $100 annual cash bonus
- No minimum balance requirement
- Option to waive the monthly fee
- Overdraft protection available
Cons
- $25 monthly maintenance fee
- Physical branches in only 15 states
When will you receive your bonus? Your bonus will be deposited within 60 days of meeting the requirements.
When the offer expires: Dec. 11, 2026.
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking: Up to $450 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete two or more qualifying direct deposits of at least $25 within 90 days.
- $250 cash bonus: Total direct deposits of $2,000 to $4,999.99
- $350 cash bonus: Total direct deposits of $5,000 to $7,999.99
- $450 cash bonus: Total direct deposits of $8,000 or more
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum balance
$25 minimum deposit
Monthly fee
$6.95 monthly service fee, with options to waive
Free ATM network
4,700 U.S. Bank ATMs
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Overdraft fee
Consumer checking accounts assessed an Overdraft Paid Fee may qualify for a fee waiver
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit
- Options to waive monthly fee
- Overdraft assistance
Cons
- No APY
- $25 minimum deposit
- Monthly fees, but there are options to waive
- No reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees
The account must remain funded with at least $25 for 30 days after account opening. You cannot have had a U.S. Bank consumer checking account or received a U.S. Bank bonus offer in the last 12 months.
When will you receive your bonus? Funds will be credited to your account within 30 days of verification and enrollment of your direct deposit.
When the offer expires: Sep. 8, 2026.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking: $400 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a Smart Advantage Checking account and make a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening. Register for an offer code or, if you received a direct mailer, use the promo code found in the mailer.
The offer is also available with BMO Smart Money Checking and BMO Relationship Checking.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking account
Monthly maintenance fee
$0
Minimum deposit to open
$25
Minimum balance
None
Free ATM network
40,000+ BMO and Allpoint® ATMs nationwide
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Overdraft fee
$20
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
Pros
- Only $25 to open an account, making it an accessible option if you’re just getting started or switching banks.
- No monthly maintenance fees, so you’re not paying just to keep your account open.
- Free access to over 40,000 ATMs nationwide, which is a solid network for fee-free cash withdrawals.
Cons
- Charges a $20 overdraft fee, though there are multiple ways to avoid it if you set up the right protections.
- Out-of-network ATM use comes with a $3 fee and no reimbursement, so it pays to stay in network.
- Foreign transaction fees apply, making it a less ideal pick if you travel or shop internationally often.
When will you receive your bonus? Your BMO cash bonus will be deposited approximately 100 days after your account opening date, provided you completed the required direct deposits.
When the offer expires: Sep. 8, 2026.
*Conditions apply and other offers may be available. Accounts are subject to approval and are provided in the United States by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC.
PNC Bank Virtual Wallet: Up to $400 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Make the minimum required direct deposit into a new Virtual Wallet account within the first 60 days.
- $100 cash bonus: $500 minimum direct deposit into a new PNC Virtual Wallet® account.
- $200 cash bonus: $2,000 minimum direct deposit into a new PNC Virtual Wallet® account.
Virtual Wallet® from PNC Bank
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Up to 4.00% APY on select Virtual Wallet Growth accounts with relationship rates
Minimum balance
Varies depending on Virtual Wallet account
Monthly fee
Ranges from $7 to $25 depending on Virtual Wallet account, with options to waive
Maximum transactions
Up to 6 free withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle
Excessive transactions fee
None
Overdraft fee
Overdraft protection offered by your Reserve and Growth accounts
Offer checking account?
Yes
Offer ATM card?
Yes, if have a PNC Bank checking account
Terms apply.
Pros
- Earn a welcome bonus of up to $400 just for setting up direct deposit, with the bonus amount scaling based on which Virtual Wallet tier you choose.
- Virtual Wallet combines checking and savings accounts that work together, with built-in tools like Money Bar® and Danger Days℠ to help you budget and avoid overdrafts.
- Two layers of automatic overdraft protection transfer funds from your Reserve and Growth accounts before any fees kick in — no setup required.
- Earn cash back or points on debit card purchases through the PNC Purchase Payback® program, with offers tailored to your shopping habits.
- Non-network ATM fees are reimbursable, giving you flexibility beyond PNC’s nearly 60,000 ATMs.
- Monthly maintenance fees can be waived by meeting minimum balance requirements.
- Higher APY relationship rates are available depending on your account tier.
Cons
- Has monthly maintenance fees
- Have to call PNC Bank to find out APY offered in your area
When will you receive your bonus? According to PNC, the bonus will be credited to the eligible account 60-90 days after all conditions have been met.
When the offer expires: Aug. 31, 2026.
SoFi Checking and Savings: Up to $400 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a SoFi Checking and Savings account and set up direct deposit within the first 25 days. The account must be kept open for at least 14 days.
- $50 cash bonus: Direct deposit of $1,000 to $4,999.99
- $400 cash bonus: Direct deposit of at least $5,000
- Earn a cash welcome bonus just for setting up direct deposit, giving you a head start on your savings goals.
- Unlock a competitive APY on your savings with direct deposit, so your money works harder without any extra effort.
- No minimum balance or monthly fees means you keep more of what you earn, regardless of your account balance.
- Get your paycheck deposited up to 2 days early with direct deposit, so you’re never waiting on funds you’ve already earned.
- Roundups automatically save your spare change with every purchase, and Vaults let you organize savings toward specific goals.
- Comes with a checking account, ATM access and no foreign transaction fees
- FDIC insured up to $3 million through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program,* offering far more protection than the standard $250,000 limit.
- Savings APY drops significantly without direct deposit, so you’ll earn less if you don’t use it as your primary bank.
- Out-of-network ATM fees aren’t reimbursed, which could add up if you frequently use cash.
- No physical branches, so customer support is entirely online or by phone.
When will you receive your bonus? According to SoFi, you should receive your payout within seven business days following the 25-day enrollment period.
When the offer expires: Dec. 31, 2026.
Citi Checking: $325 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a new eligible Citi® Checking account with at least two qualifying enhanced direct deposits totaling $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Available online only by applying directly from this special offer page.
Citi® Checking Accounts
Monthly maintenance fee
There are two types of Citi checking accounts, Access Checking (no checks) and Regular Checking (unlimited check writing). Access Checking has a $5 monthly service fee, with options to waive; Regular Checking has a $15 monthly service fee, with options to waive as well.
Minimum deposit to open
There is no minimum deposit to open a checking account with Citi.
Minimum balance
No minimum balance requirements but, accounts with a zero balance for 90 calendar days are subject to closure.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Free ATM network
Access to more than 2,300 Citibank ATMs and over 60,000 other surcharge-free ATMs in the U.S.
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Overdraft fee
$0
Mobile check deposit
Yes
*Terms Apply.
You may be eligible for a cash bonus when you complete required activities - click here for details.
Pros
- No overdraft fees on either checking account option, so you’re not hit with surprise charges when your balance runs low.
- Access to over 60,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide plus 2,300+ Citibank ATMs, giving you plenty of fee-free options for cash withdrawals.
- No minimum deposit to open an account, making it easy to get started without needing a lump sum upfront.
- Monthly maintenance fees can be waived on both accounts by meeting direct deposit or qualifying transaction requirements.
- Send and receive money with Zelle® directly from your account.
- Top-rated mobile app with mobile check deposit makes managing your account easy from anywhere.
Cons
- No APY on checking balances, so your money won’t earn interest sitting in the account.
- No reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees, so it may be worth planning your withdrawals around Citi’s 65,000+ surcharge-free ATMs when possible.
When will you receive your bonus? Citibank will deposit your cash bonus within 90 to 120 days of opening the account, provided you fulfill the enrollment requirements.
When the offer expires: Oct. 26, 2026.
Wells Fargo Bank Everyday Checking: $325 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 and make a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 calendar days of account opening.
- Four different ways to waive the $15 monthly maintenance fee, giving you more flexibility to avoid it than most checking accounts.
- Send and receive money with Zelle® directly from your account.
- Easy-to-use mobile app makes managing your finances straightforward from anywhere.
- $25 minimum deposit to open an account, so getting started doesn’t require a large upfront amount.
- $35 overdraft fee applies, with a maximum of three fees per day, meaning overdraft charges could cost you up to $105 in a single day.
- No APY, so your money won’t earn interest sitting in the account.
- No reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees, so it may be worth planning withdrawals around Wells Fargo’s 13,000 ATMs when possible.
How to avoid the monthly fee:
- Maintain $500 in combined minimum deposit balances,
- or make qualifying direct deposits totaling $500 or more,
- or be between 17 - 24 years old
- or have a linked Wells Fargo Campus ATM Card or Campus Debit Card (for college students)
When will you receive the bonus? Wells Fargo will typically deposit your Everyday Checking bonus into your account within 30 days after the 90-day qualification period ends.
When the offer expires: Oct. 13, 2026.
American Express Rewards Checking: $300 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open an American Express® Rewards Checking and make qualifying direct deposits totaling $7,500 or more within 90 days of opening.
American Express® Rewards Checking Account
Monthly maintenance fee
$0
Minimum deposit to open
$0
Minimum balance
Min balance to open = $0
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
1.00% as of 06/24/2024
Free ATM network
37,000+ MoneyPass® ATMs
ATM fee reimbursement
None
Overdraft fee
N/A
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
Click here to view terms and conditions.
Pros
- Free ATM network
- No monthly fees
- ATM fee reimbursement
- No minimum deposit to open an account
- No overdraft fees
- Can transfer rewards
Cons
- Only available for existing Amex cardholders who've had a card account open for at least three months
When will you receive the bonus? American Express will deposit your welcome bonus into your American Express Rewards Checking Account within 8 to 12 weeks after you complete all the required qualifying criteria.
When the offer expires: July 30, 2026.
TD Bank Beyond Checking: $300 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a new TD Beyond Checking or Complete Checking account and make the required direct deposits.
- $200 cash bonus: Make $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of account opening.
$300 cash bonus: Make $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of account opening.
TD Beyond Checking Account
Monthly maintenance fee
$25, with 3 ways to waive
Minimum balance
$2,500 daily balance to avoid monthly maintenance fee
Free ATM network
Over 2,600 TD Banks network ATMs along the East Coast
Overdraft fee
$35 per transaction that overdraws your account balance by more than $50
Minimum deposit to open
$0
ATM fee reimbursement
Non-TD ATM fee waived if you maintain a daily minimum balance of $2,500
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
Pros
- No minimum deposit to open an account, so you can get started without needing a lump sum upfront.
- Three ways to waive the $25 monthly maintenance fee, giving you options to avoid it each month.
- Overdraft assistance is available to help you avoid fees when your balance runs short.
Cons
- $25 monthly maintenance fee is on the higher end if you don’t meet the criteria to waive it.
- Out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement is only available if you maintain a daily minimum balance of $2,500, making it less accessible for everyday account holders.
- With over 2,600 ATMs concentrated along the East Coast, the in-network ATM network is more limited compared to other national banks.
How to avoid the monthly fee (when you meet ONE of the requirements during each statement cycle):
- Have $5,000 or more in direct deposits within a statement cycle
- Maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,500
- Have $25,000 minimum daily combined balance of all deposit accounts, all outstanding home equity loan and home equity line of credit accounts, and/or mortgages in good standing (excludes credit cards and personal loans) that you choose to link
When will you receive the bonus? Bonuses are typically deposited within 180 days of opening the account and completing all the required qualifying activities.
When the offer expires: July 30, 2026.
Capital One 360 Checking: $250 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a Capital One 360 Checking account using offer code CHECKING250 and make at least two qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 each within 75 days of account opening.
- Close to 750 branches and over 2,000 in-network ATMs make it one of the more accessible banks for in-person banking.
- No minimum deposit required to open an account, so you can get started without needing a lump sum upfront.
- Earns 0.10% APY on all balances, so your checking account works a little harder than a typical non-interest account.
- No overdraft fees, and you can set up free savings transfers as a backup after opting in.
- No foreign transaction fees, making it a solid option if you travel internationally.
- Out-of-network ATM fees aren’t reimbursed, so it’s worth sticking to in-network ATMs to avoid extra charges.
When will you receive the bonus? According to Capital One, bonuses are typically deposited within 60 days after completing the required steps.
When the offer expires: Not listed.
Chime: $200 bonus
How to earn the bonus: Open a Chime Checking Account and set up direct deposit with at least $500 in the first 34 days after account opening to earn a $200 cash bonus, plus up to $50 per month in cash back on qualifying card purchases for three months.
Chime® Checking
Monthly maintenance fee
None
Minimum balance
None
Free ATM network*
47,000+ fee-free ATMs
Overdraft fee
None
Minimum deposit to open
None
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
No Interest
Terms apply.
Pros
- No minimum balance
- No monthly fees
- No overdraft fee
- FDIC-insured
- Access to over 50,000 fee-free ATMs*
Cons
- No APY
- No physical branches
*Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
When will you receive your bonus? You should receive your bonus within seven to 10 business days of completing the promotional requirements.
When the offer expires: Not available.
Which banks are offering bonuses for opening a checking account?
Many well-known brick-and-mortar banks offer bonuses for opening checking accounts, including Bank of America, Chase and Citibank.
You'll also find them with online institutions like SoFi and Chime, and regional banks like Huntington Bank.
But choosing the right one means more than just looking at the largest bonus. The institution should serve your banking needs for the long term.
How do checking account bonuses work?
Banks usually offer cash bonuses to customers who have not had a deposit account with the bank for a set period (typically 12 months). Most require direct deposits from an employer or government benefits, not just a simple ACH transfer.
Other eligibility requirements vary by bank, but may include:
- Opening the account before the promotion expires
- Meeting a minimum dollar amount in direct deposits within a certain number of days of account opening
- Making a minimum number of direct deposits within a certain number of days
- The deposits must be "new money" (funds from outside the bank)
- Maintaining a specific balance during the promotional period
To discourage account churning, you'll typically be required to keep the account open and funded for a set period (anywhere from 60 to 90 days or longer).
The bonus is usually deposited into your account once that enrollment period has passed.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Sign-up bonus of $50 or $400
No account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings.
*Click here for important disclaimers and disclosures.
SoFi Bank, N.A. is a Member FDIC.
Earn $250 with code CHECKING250 and complete the required steps. Terms apply.
No account, service or maintenance fees.
*Click here for important disclaimers and disclosures.
Capital One Bank is a Member FDIC.
How to choose a sign-up bonus
When considering a bank account bonus, there's more to look at than the dollar amount:
- Minimum deposit: Is the amount you need to deposit to qualify for the bonus feasible for your budget and liquidity?
- Direct deposit requirement: Many bonuses require a direct deposit of a certain amount within a specific timeline. Eligible sources include paychecks, pensions, Social Security and other regular income.
- Account balance requirement: Most bonuses require a minimum account balance for up to 90 days or longer. Make sure you can afford to leave the required amount in the account long enough to earn the bonus.
- Fees: Consider regular monthly maintenance fees or other charges that could offset the bonus.
- Other checking account features: Ideally, this is a new checking account that will meet your needs for years to come. Look for benefits like earning interest, a large fee-free ATM network, convenient branch locations, mobile banking and other financial products you may use.
Do I have to pay taxes on a bank account bonus?
Yes, in most cases, the bonus is considered taxable income. If a bank gives you a $300 bonus for opening a checking account, for example, you need to report $300 as interest income on your tax return.
If the bonus is $10 or more, you should receive a Form 1099-INT or 1099-MISC from the bank before taxes are due. Even if you don't, though, you still need to declare the bonus.
The amount of tax you need to pay on the bonus depends on your tax bracket and effective tax rate for that year.
Are checking account bonuses worth it?
Maintaining an account balance or enrolling in direct deposit can tie up funds that might earn a better return elsewhere. So, taking advantage of a promotional bonus is only worth it if the cash incentive outweighs the account requirements.
You may have to wait months before receiving the bonus, which you'll have to pay taxes on.
Set aside the cash bonus for a moment and investigate the bank the way you would any other. If there are high fees, limited ATM access or other red flags, it might not be worth it.
Checking account bonus pros and cons
Run through this checklist before taking advantage of a new sign-up bonus:
Pros
- Free cash. Even if you have to meet account requirements and pay taxes on the funds, a few hundred dollars can help pay down debt or fatten your emergency fund.
- May come with other perks. Some banks will add additional incentives, such as a higher APY on the checking account or cash back on a linked credit card.
Cons
- Complicated eligibility requirements. Banks usually put strict rules in place to ensure customers don't just open and close an account to grab a bonus. You'll need to deposit a minimum amount and leave it in your new account for weeks or even months.
- Weaker account offerings. A hefty bonus can lure you into opening an account with a litany of fees, little or no interest, a limited ATM network or other minuses.
- Bonuses are taxable. Bank account bonuses are taxable income, so a slice of the bonus you earn will have to be given to the IRS.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a bank account bonus?
Banks usually require a minimum deposit to be held in the new account for a set period before issuing your bonus, but the number of days varies by institution and offer. When possible, we've listed how long it should take for you to receive your money.
Can I close the account after I get my bonus?
Most banks have requirements about keeping the account open for a certain amount of time. There may be an early closure penalty if you close your account immediately after earning your cash incentive. Review your terms and conditions or ask the financial institution about its policies.
Which banks are offering bonuses for opening a checking account?
Many brick-and-mortar and online banks offer cash bonuses for opening a new checking account, including Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, SoFi and TD Bank. Most require you to receive qualifying direct deposits within 60–90 days and keep the account open for a minimum number of days. Existing bank customers are usually excluded from these offers.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every checking account list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of deposit accounts. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
The CNBC Select Recommends newsletter delivers practical money tips each week along with expert-picked financial product recommendations. Sign up here.
Our methodology
To determine which consumer checking accounts had the best bonuses, CNBC Select analyzed more than two dozen U.S. checking accounts with cash incentives.
We reviewed each account on a range of features, including:
- Bonus amount
- Eligibility requirements
- Other account perks
- Monthly maintenance fees and other charges
- Branch locations and nationwide availability
- ATM network
- Availability of other financial products
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
All of the accounts included on this list are FDIC- or NCUA-insured up to $250,000. This protects your deposit and ensures you'll be reimbursed if your bank or credit union fails.
Product and feature availability vary by market, so these accounts may not be offered in your area.
Most brick-and-mortar banks require you to enter your ZIP code online for the correct account offerings. The rates and fee structures for checking accounts are subject to change without notice. Any return on your checking account depends on associated fees and your account balance. To open a checking account, some banks and institutions may require a deposit of new money, meaning you can't transfer money you already have in an account at that bank.
Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
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*New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/
*SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn up to 3.10% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.10% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 5/28/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. *SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC's regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
*Earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 12/31/26. Rates are variable and subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
*Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 5/28/26. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
*Information about Chase Total Checking® has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
