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Want to get extra cash for opening a bank account? Banks including Capital One, Chase and SoFi offer cash bonuses when eligible customers open an account and complete specific requirements.
Some accounts have no monthly maintenance fees, while others require qualifying deposits or balances to avoid a monthly charge. The best bank bonus for you is one you can earn using your regular income or planned purchases while keeping fees low.
Offers checked September 16, 2026. Promotions can change or end. Always review the bank’s official terms before applying.
Bank Account Bonuses to Compare
| Bank and offer | Bonus | Main requirement | Monthly maintenance fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One 360 Checking — direct deposit offer | $250 | Two qualifying direct deposits of $500+ each within 75 days | $0 |
| Capital One 360 Checking — debit purchase offer | $250 | 20 qualifying debit purchases within 75 days; see transaction minimum below | $0 |
| Chase Total Checking | $400 | Qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000+ within 90 days | $15; waiver available |
| SoFi Checking and Savings | Up to $400 | Qualifying direct deposits during a 25-day evaluation period | $0 |
| Chase Secure Banking | $175 | 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days | $4.95; waiver available |
Important: The two Capital One offers are alternatives and cannot be combined. The Chase offers also have eligibility restrictions that prevent treating them as two bonuses available to every reader.
1. Capital One 360 Checking: $250 With Direct Deposit
A strong option for readers who want a bonus without a monthly maintenance fee.
To qualify:
- Open a new 360 Checking account using promo code CHECKING250.
- Receive at least two qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more each within 75 days.
- Keep the account open and in good standing through payout.
Capital One does not require a minimum balance to earn this bonus. However, you are ineligible if you held certain Capital One checking accounts as a primary or secondary owner on or after January 1, 2024. Allow for the bank’s stated bonus payout period rather than expecting immediate payment. Check Capital One’s $250 offer and eligibility terms.
2. Capital One 360 Checking: $250 With Debit Purchases
An option worth checking if you cannot switch your payroll direct deposit.
Capital One also advertises a separate $250 bonus using promo code DEBIT250, with 20 qualifying debit purchases within 75 days.
The page’s headline says purchases of $10 or more, while its detailed definition says above $10. To avoid relying on that inconsistency, make each qualifying purchase more than $10 and review the current terms before opening.
Use purchases you already planned to make so extra spending does not reduce the bonus’s value. This promotion cannot be changed or combined with another 360 Checking opening offer. Review the Capital One debit bonus.
The account has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement, although certain optional services can carry charges. See Capital One’s account details.
3. Chase Total Checking: $400 With Qualifying Direct Deposits
A larger bonus to consider if you can meet the monthly fee waiver.
Eligible new Chase checking customers can earn $400 by opening through the promotion and receiving qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of offer enrollment.
The advertised opening deadline is October 14, 2026.
Chase Total Checking has a $15 monthly service fee. One way to waive it is to receive at least $500 in qualifying electronic deposits each statement period; other balance and relationship options are available.
For the bonus, qualifying direct deposits include employer paychecks, pensions and government benefits. Ordinary transfers from another bank and person-to-person payments do not count. Existing checking customers and certain previous customers are excluded, and Chase limits how frequently you can earn an opening bonus. Read Chase’s $400 bonus and fee waiver terms.
4. SoFi Checking and Savings: Earn $50 or $400
Worth comparing if your regular direct deposits can meet the larger tier in a short window.
SoFi offers these bonus amounts based on eligible direct deposits:
- $1,000–$4,999.99: Earn $50.
- $5,000 or more: Earn $400.
- Less than $1,000: No bonus.
The evaluation window is 25 calendar days, triggered by your first recognized eligible direct deposit of at least $1. That first deposit must arrive by December 31, 2026.
New and existing members who have never set up direct deposit with SoFi may qualify. Ordinary bank transfers, payment app transfers and tax refunds do not satisfy the bonus’s direct deposit requirement.
SoFi Checking and Savings has no account, service or maintenance fees, although some transactions carry fees. Review SoFi’s bonus, eligibility and fee terms.
5. Chase Secure Banking: $175 With Qualifying Transactions
Another option for readers looking for a bonus without a payroll deposit requirement.
Eligible new customers can earn $175 by opening Chase Secure Banking through the offer and completing 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days.
Qualifying activities include debit purchases, online bill payments, Chase QuickDeposit, Zelle and ACH credits, subject to the promotion’s terms.
The account has a $4.95 monthly service fee. It can be waived with at least $250 in qualifying electronic deposits per statement period, or when an account owner is age 17–24.
Chase’s existing customer and previous bonus restrictions apply. Check the Chase Secure Banking offer.
How to Keep More of Your Bank Bonus
Before opening an account, work through this checklist:
- Use the promotional link or code. A regular application may not enroll you in the bonus.
- Confirm your eligibility. Previous accounts and previous bonuses can disqualify you.
- Check payroll timing. Leave enough time for your employer to update direct deposit.
- Separate bonus rules from fee waiver rules. Meeting one does not necessarily satisfy the other.
- Save the offer terms. Keep a copy of the requirements and enrollment confirmation.
- Check closure rules. Review any minimum account duration, closure fees or bonus recovery provisions before closing.
- Account for taxes. Capital One and SoFi’s offer disclosures explain that bonuses may be reported to the IRS and have tax consequences. Capital One disclosure, SoFi disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bank Account Bonuses
Which bank bonus is best for an account with no monthly maintenance fee?
Among the offers listed here, Capital One and SoFi provide accounts without monthly maintenance fees. Capital One’s direct deposit offer requires less qualifying deposit volume than SoFi’s $400 tier. Compare the deadlines with your actual pay schedule.
Can I earn a bank bonus without direct deposit?
Yes. The Capital One debit purchase promotion and Chase Secure Banking promotion offer transaction-based qualification paths. You still need to meet their eligibility and activity requirements.
Is a bank account bonus really FREE money?
It is promotional cash earned by meeting the bank’s conditions. Fees, unnecessary spending and taxes can reduce what you keep.
Can I earn multiple bank bonuses?
Possibly, across different banks, if you qualify for each offer. Check each bank’s restrictions and make sure splitting your deposits will still leave enough income to satisfy every requirement.
Ready to compare? Choose an offer that fits your normal banking habits, review the official terms and set reminders for the qualification deadlines.
