The banking scene in the U.S. is fiercely competitive. To lure in new clients, banks frequently offer a variety of sign-up bonuses. This article compiles the best bank account bonuses currently available, and we’ll also share some general know-how on snagging these offers.
Best Bank Account Bonus Roundup
Here are some of the best sign-up bonuses available right now. Depending on your needs, you can quickly see which rewards match your desired account type, bonus requirements, and monthly fees. Unless otherwise noted, all banks listed have FDIC insurance, ensuring your deposits are safe up to $250,000 per account.
ENOpen Now | Checking, Savings, Business Checking | Zero fee, Easy to waive, Not easy to waive | Deposit, Spend, Direct Deposit, Others |
HSBC Premier Checking offers international services for global citizens, no bonus at this moment
| Checking | Zero fee | Others |
Chase Private Client account offers up to $3,000 bonus
| Checking, Savings | Not easy to waive | Deposit |
Citigold checking account offers up to $2,000 bonus
| Checking | Zero fee | Deposit |
Citi Priority checking account offers a bonus of up to $2,000
| Checking | Zero fee | Deposit |
Huntington Bank Business Checking Account Offers Up to $1,000 in Bonuses
| Business Checking | Zero fee | Deposit |
Charles Schwab investment account offers a bonus of up to $1,000
| Savings | Easy to waive | Deposit |
Huntington Bank checking account offers a bonus of up to $600
| Checking | Zero fee, Easy to waive | Direct Deposit, Deposit |
Laurel Road loyalty checking account offers a bonus of up to $540
| Checking | Zero fee | Direct Deposit |
TD Bank checking account offers a bonus of up to $500
| Checking | Easy to waive | Direct Deposit |
BMO Harris Business Checking Account offers a bonus of up to $600
| Business Checking | Zero fee | Deposit, Spend |
First Tech Checking Account Offers Up to $350 Bonus
| Checking | Easy to waive | Direct Deposit |
Wells Fargo checking account offers a bonus of $325
| Checking | Easy to waive | Direct Deposit |
American Express Business Checking Account offers 50,000 MR bonus points worth up to $500!
| Business Checking | Zero fee | Deposit, Spend |
AXOS Bank Checking Account Offers $300 Bonus
| Checking | Zero fee | Direct Deposit |
Chase Business Checking Account Offers $300 Bonus
| Business Checking | Zero fee | Deposit, Spend |
SoFi Checking and Savings Accounts Offer Up to $250 Bonus
| Checking, Savings | Easy to waive | Direct Deposit |
AXOS Bank Small Business Checking Account Offers Up To $400 Bonus
| Business Checking | Easy to waive | Deposit |
Chase Total Checking Checking Account Offers $200 Bonus
| Checking | Easy to waive | Direct Deposit |
PNC Virtual Wallet Checking Account Offers $200 Bonus
| Checking | Zero fee | Direct Deposit |
Chase Secure Banking Checking Account offers a $100 bonus
| Checking | Not easy to waive | Spend |
Chase Student Checking Account offers a $100 bonus
| Checking | Zero fee | Spend |
Bank Account Bonus Basics
1. Account Types
There are primarily two personal account types in U.S. banks: checking accounts, which are mainly for daily use with few restrictions on transactions but typically no or low interest, and savings accounts, meant for setting aside funds, usually offering higher interest rates but limiting the number of monthly withdrawals.
Beyond these, there are investment accounts and business checking accounts.
2. Account Fees
Many personal accounts either have no monthly fee or it’s easily waived with activities such as making a few transactions, maintaining a specific balance, or setting it up for direct deposits, like your paycheck. Some premium accounts might have higher fees with stricter waiver conditions but come with additional perks.
Also, watch out for termination fees. If you close an account too soon after opening, like within six months or a year, you might be penalized, often by giving back some or all of the bonus you received upon sign-up.
3. How to Get the Bonus
The three most common requirements are:
- Making a deposit: For example, depositing a set amount of “new money” within a certain timeframe (e.g., 30/60 days) after account opening, and maintaining it for a specified period (like 60/90 days) could get you a $100-$300 bonus. Some bonuses might go up to $2,000 or even $3,000, but they’ll often require a substantial deposit, like $500,000. “New money” refers to funds not previously held at that bank.
- Spending: This might involve making a certain number of card transactions or reaching a spending threshold within a set period after opening the account.
- Direct deposits: Regularly scheduled deposits, like your paycheck or government benefits, can help you secure a bonus. Note that personal transfers typically don’t count as direct deposits for these bonus offers.
Occasionally, there might be other requirements, like downloading an app or opting for paperless billing, but the primary ones are the above.
Also, remember that these bonuses are for “new customers.” Most banks require you haven’t closed an account of the same type recently. If you’ve been a customer before, especially if you’ve closed an account in the past six months or year, always read the fine print or reach out to customer service to ensure you’re eligible.
4. Legal Status
For most U.S. bank accounts, Non-Resident Aliens (NRAs) need to visit a physical branch to open an account and might not receive the online bonus. Some accounts might even be exclusively for U.S. citizens online, requiring non-citizens to visit a branch.
Often, banks ask, “Are you a U.S. resident alien or another U.S. person?” Resident aliens include green card holders and those meeting the IRS substantial presence test, including most work visa holders. Students on F visas are considered non-residents (NRA) for their first 5 years, while J visa scholars are NRAs for their first 2 years.
Remember, account bonuses are taxable income, and you’ll receive a Form 1099/1042. However, this kind of income doesn’t require employment and won’t jeopardize your status, even if you’re on a B1/B2, F/M/J visa without an EAD/OPT.
5. Additional Info
Opening a bank account typically involves a soft pull, so it won’t impact your credit score.
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