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We've gone through the best bank promotions and bonus offers among national, regional banks, and online banks for July 2024. Here are our top picks for current bank account promotion offers.
Featured Checking Account Bonus
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Start banking
On Axos's website
Perks
Cash in on up to a $500 bonus† and up to 3.30% APY* with a new Rewards Checking account using the promo code RC500 and complete qualifying activities by 8/31/24.
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 6/20/2024. Rewards Checking accounts are eligible to receive APY reward when criteria is met. The account must be in an open and active status on the last business day of the statement cycle to receive the reward. All daily collected balances up to and including $50,000 will earn interest based on the combined rate rewards. All daily collected balances greater than $50,000 will not earn interest. Qualifying transactions must post and clear the account by the 25th of the month to count towards the monthly qualification cycle. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account. At the time of your statement cycle date, we will determine the combined products and services used since the previous cycle date to determine the aggregate interest rate to apply. We will use the daily balance method to calculate the interest. We may change these rewards at the Bank's discretion any time without notice. Fees may reduce earnings.
up to 3.30%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
Earn up to $500 welcome bonus when you use the promo code RC500 to apply for a Rewards Checking account and complete qualifying activities by 8/31/24.
up to $500
Pros
- High APY
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM reimbursem*nts
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No overdraft fees
- No non-sufficient funds fees
Cons
- No APY if you can't meet qualifications
- Few mobile app reviews
Insider’s Take
Axos Bank has strong high-yield savings, checking, and money market accounts if you'd like to avoid monthly service fees. But, you can find higher interest rates at some of the best online banks.
Axos Bank Rewards Checking review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Cash in on up to a $500 bonus† and up to 3.30% APY* with a new Rewards Checking account. Just use promo code RC500 before August 31.
- Build your own APY with up to 3.30% APY*
- Zero monthly maintenance fees
- Zero overdraft or NSF fees
- Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
- No initial deposit requirement
- Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursem*nts
- Online debit card management
- Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
Best Bank Bonuses of July 2024
- Chase Private Client Checking℠: Earn up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities (offer expires 10/16/2024)
- HSBC Premier Checking: $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities
- Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking: Earn a $600 cash bonus for eligible new customers who open a new, qualifying Huntington Platinum Perks Checking account by October 7, 2024 with qualifying activities
- Axos Bank Rewards Checking: Earn up to $500 welcome bonus when you use the promo code RC500 to apply for a Rewards Checking account and complete qualifying activities by 8/31/24
- BMO Relationship Checking: Earn a $500 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days (offer expires September 9, 2024)
- U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking: Earnup to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities within 90 days of account opening (offer valid through September 26, 2024)
- Huntington Bank Perks Checking: Earn a $400 cash bonus for eligible new customers who open a new, qualifying Huntington Bank Perks Checking account by October 7, 2024 with qualifying activities
- Truist One Checking: Earn a $400 for opening a new Truist One Checking account online using code TRUIST400AFL24 and completing qualifying activities (offer expires October 30, 2024)
- BMO Smart Money Checking: Earn a $350 cash bonus when you have a total of at least$4,000 in qualifying direct depositswithin the first 90 days (offer expires September 9, 2024)
- BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account: Earn a $350 cash bonus when you have a total of at least$4,000 in qualifying direct depositswithin the first 90 days (offer expires September 9, 2024)
- First Tech Rewards Checking®: Earn a Earn a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits within three months of account opening (offer expires 8/31/24)
- Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account: Earn a $300 bonus when you open a new account from the offer webpage with a $25 minimum opening deposit and receive a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying electronic deposits to your new checking account within 90 calendar days of account opening (offer ends September 25, 2024)
- Chase Total Checking®: Earn a $300 bonus when you open an account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment (offer expires on 10/16/2024)
- Citi Regular Checking: Earn a $300 cash bonus by opening an eligible checking account with qualifying direct deposit and completing required activities (offer ends 10/8/24)
- TD Bank Beyond Checking Account: Earn $300 when you have $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days (offer July 31, 2024)
- SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC): Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit for eligible customers (offer expires 12/31/24, terms apply)
- Laurel Road Loyalty Checking Account: Earn a $300 bonus after making a qualifying direct deposit of $2,500 or more within 60 days of opening your account (offer expires 07/31/2024)
- Key Smart Checking®: Earn $300 after making a $10 minimum opening deposit, using offer code KDSA0624 and make one direct deposit of at least $1,000 within the first 60 days of account opening (open account by 12/20/2024)
- Fifth Third Momentum® Checking: Earn a $250 cash bonus when you make a direct deposit of $2,000 or more within 90 days of account opening (offer expires 9/30/2024)
- Valley All Access Rewards Checking Account: Earn up to $240 during your first year of account opening ($20 per month for 12 months) when you complete qualifying activities
- TD Bank Complete Checking: Earn $200 when you have $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days (offer expires July 31, 2024)
- : Earn a $200 bonus when you make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of account opening (offer expires 8/31/2024)
- : Earn a $150 bonus when you make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of account opening (offer expires 8/31/2024)
- : Earn a $100 bonus when you make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of account opening (offer expires 8/31/24)
- Chase Secure Banking℠: Earn $100 when you open a Chase Secure Banking account as a new Chase checking customer with qualifying transactions (offer expires 10/16/2024)
- Chase College Checking℠: Earn $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment (offer expires 10/16/2024)
- PNC Bank Virtual Wallet®: Earn $100 if you open Virtual Wallet® and establish total qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 in the first 60 days, $200 when you open Virtual Wallet® with Performance Spend and establish total qualifying direct deposits of at least $2,000 in first 60 days, or $400 when you open Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select and establish total qualifying direct deposits of at least $5,000 in direct deposits in the first 60 days (offer ends 09/03/2024)
- Experian Smart Money: Earn a $50 bonus when you set up direct deposit
Compare the Top Checking Account Bonus Offers
The best checking account bonuses can be found at brick-and-mortar banks, although a couple of online banks also have solid checking bonuses, too. Our top picks also stand out because they either offer high cash bonuses or have accomplishable requirements that many people can fulfill.
To get the top checking account bonuses you typically need to be a new customer who hasn't opened a checking account with the bank recently. We've included a variety of bonuses with different earnings, so you can find an account with requirements you can complete.
Chase Private Client Checking℠
Bonus amount: $1,000 to $3,000
Expiration date: October 16, 2024
Who qualifies: Both new and existing Chase Private Client customers are eligible. Eligible accounts are Chase personal checking and savings accounts and J.P. Morgan Wealth Management non-retirement accounts.
What you need to do:
- If you're a new client, visit the Chase bonus page and enter your email address to receive your promo code; then meet with a Private Client Banker to upgrade or open your account
- Transfer at least $150,000 of qualifying new money or securities into a combination of eligible accounts within the first 45 days
- To earn a $1,000 bonus, transfer $150,000 to $249,999
- To earn a $2,000 bonus, transfer $250,000 to $499,999
- To earn a $3,000 bonus, transfer $500,000 or more
- Maintain your new money balance for at least 90 days from opening the account
When you'll receive the money: The money will show up in your account within 40 days of your completing the requirements.
Chase Private Client Checking Review
HSBC Premier Checking
Bonus amount: $1,500 or $2,500
Expiration date:November 22, 2024
Who qualifies:You must open a new HSBC Premier Checking Account to qualify.
To qualify for Premier status for accounts opened before August 29, 2024, you must maintain a combined total of $75,000 in eligible U.S. consumer and commercial deposit and investment accounts, receive recurring monthly deposits of $5,000 from a third party to your HSBC checking account, or have an HSBC U.S.-based residential mortgage with HSBC with an original amount of $500,000 or more (this does not include a combined loan amount from multiple mortgages or home equity products).
After August 29,2024, you must meet one of the following requirements: maintain a combined total of $100,000 in eligible U.S. consumer and commercial deposit and investment accounts, receive recurring monthly deposits of $5,000 from a third party to your HSBC checking account, or have any U.S.-based residential mortgage with HSBC (this does not include home equity products or loans in foreclosure or bankruptcy).
What you need to do:
- Open a new account by November 22, 2024
- To earn a $1,500 cash bonus, add $100,000 to $249,999 in new money to deposit and eligible investment accounts within the first 20 days of account opening, and maintain your new money balance for three consecutive months
- To earn a $2,500 cash bonus, add $250,000 or more in new money to deposit and eligible investment accounts within the first 20 days of account opening, and maintain your new money balance for three consecutive months
When you'll receive the money:The money will be deposited into your checking account within eight weeks after you fulfill the requirements.
HSBC Bank Review
Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking
Bonus amount: $600
Expiration date: October 7, 2024
Who qualifies: You must open a new eligible Huntington Bank checking account to qualify.
What you need to do:
- Open a new account by October 7, 2024
- Deposit at least $25,000 within 90 days of opening your account and maintain a $25,000 account balance for 90 days
When you'll receive the money:The money will be deposited into your checking account within 14 days after you meet the requirements.
Huntington Bank Review
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Bonus amount:$500
Expiration date: August 31, 2024
Who qualifies: You must open an eligible account.
What you need to do:
- Open an Axos Bank Rewards Checking Account by August 31, 2024 using the promo code RC500
- Receive at least $1,500 in direct deposits in each calendar month during the first six calendar months after 30 days of account opening, not including the first month
- Keep a minimum average daily balance of $3,000 each calendar month during the first six calendar months after 30 days of account opening, not including the first month
- Fulfill these requirements for the first six months after you opened your account, not including the first month. You'll earn a $100 payout each time you successfully meet these requirements in a statement cycle, for a maximum of five payouts of $100
When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your checking account within 15 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the requirements were met.
Axos Bank Review
BMO Relationship Checking, BMO Smart Money Checking, and BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account
Bonus amount: $500 (BMO Relationship Checking), $350 (BMO Smart Money Checking), or $350 (BMO Smart Advantage Checking)
Expiration date: September 9, 2024
Who qualifies:You must be a new BMO personal checking account customer or someone who hasn't closed a BMO personal checking account in the last 12 months.
What you need to do:
- Open a BMO personal checking online, by phone, or at a branch by September 9, 2024, using a promo code
- To earn a $350 on BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account or BMO Smart Money Checking, make a qualifying direct deposit of $4,000 or more within the first 90 days
- To earn a $500 on BMO Relationship Checking make a qualifying direct deposit of $7,500 or more within the first 90 days
When you'll receive the money:The cash bonus will be deposited into your BMO checking account around 130 days after account opening.
BMO Bank Review
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
Bonus amount: up to $450 (offer valid through September 26, 2024)
Expiration date: September 26, 2024
Who qualifies:You won't be eligible if you have existing U.S. Bank consumer checking accounts, opened a U.S. Bank checking account in the last two years, or got a U.S. Bank consumer checking account bonus in the last two years. Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
What you need to do:
- Open U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking online, by phone, or at a branch with a $25 opening deposit (The promo code is automatically applied if you apply for the account through the promotional page; if you do not apply through the promotional page, you can use the code "2024JUL" during account opening)
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App during the first 90 days of account opening
- To earn a $450 bonus, you must get two or more direct deposits totaling $8,000 in the first 90 days
When you'll receive the money: The cash bonus will be deposited into your U.S. Bank checking account within 60 days of fulfilling the requirements.
U.S. Bank Checking Account Review
Huntington Bank Perks Checking
Bonus amount: $400
Expiration date: October 7, 2024
Who qualifies: You must be a new Huntington Bank customer to qualify.
What you need to do:
- Open a new account by October 7, 2024
- Make a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days of opening your account and maintain a $1,000 account balance for 90 days to avoid monthly service fee
When you'll receive the money:The money will be deposited into your checking account within 14 days after you meet the requirements.
Truist One Checking
Bonus amount: $400
Expiration date: October 30, 2024
Who qualifies: You must not currently have a checking account with Truist Bank, and you can't have closed a checking account with Truist Bank on or after February 28, 2024.
What you need to do:
- Open a new account by October 30, 2024, using the promo code TRUIST400AFL24
- Receive at least one direct deposit of $500 or more within 90 days of the account opening
- Complete at least 15 debit card purchases within 90 days of the account opening
When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your account within four weeks of meeting the qualification requirements, as long as your checking account is open, in good standing, and has a balance of at least $0.01.
Truist Bank Review
First Tech Rewards Checking®
Bonus amount: $300
Expiration date: August 31, 2024
Who qualifies: You must be a First Tech Credit Union member without any direct deposits in the last 18 months.
What you need to do: Set up direct deposit from your employer to your First Tech Rewards Checking account, of $1,000+ per month for at least three months. Your Membership Savings account must be in good standing during this period to earn the bonus.
When you'll receive the money: Within the first week after you've successfully met the requirements of the 120-day enrollment period.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account
Bonus amount: $325
Expiration date: September 25, 2024
Who qualifies: You must be a new Wells Fargo checking account customer. You aren't eligible if you've received a Wells Fargo checking bonus in the last 12 months, and you can't be a Wells Fargo employee.
What you need to do:
- Open an eligible account by September 25, 2024, with a $25 minimum opening deposit
- To open online, visit the bonus page; to open the account in a branch, enter your email address on the bonus page and Wells Fargo will email you a promo code to give at the branch.
- Receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits in the account within 90 days of opening it
When you'll receive the money: After the initial 90-day period ends, the money will appear in your account within 30 days.
Wells Fargo Bank Review
Chase Total Checking®
Bonus amount: $300
Expiration date:October 16, 2024
Who qualifies: New personal checking account customers.
What you need to do:
- Open an eligible account with a coupon code
- Set up direct deposit totaling $500 or more within 90 days after enrolling
When you'll receive the money: You'll receive the $300 within 15 days.
Chase Total Checking Review
Citi Regular Checking
Bonus amount: $300
Expiration date: October 8, 2024
Who qualifies: New Citi checking customers
What you need to do:
- Open an eligible account from the offer page
- Deposit at least two enhanced direct deposits worth $1,500 or more total into your new checking account within the first 90 calendar days of the account being opened
When you'll receive the money: You'll receive the bonus within 30 days of completing all the requirements.
Citibank Review
TD Bank Beyond Checking Account
Bonus amount:$300
Expiration date: July 31, 2024
Who qualifies: You must be a new TD Bank customer to qualify.
What you need to do:
- Open a new account
- Receive at least $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of opening the account
- Keep your account open for at least 6 months
When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your account around 180 days after opening the account.
TD Bank Checking Account Review
SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)
Bonus amount: up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit for eligible customers (offer expires 12/31/24, terms apply)
Expiration date: December 31, 2024
Who qualifies: If you're a new customer, set up an account and enroll in direct deposit. You're also eligible as an existing customer if you haven't already set up direct deposit.
What you need to do:
- Once you've opened your account, enroll in direct deposit
- Receive qualifying direct deposits within the 25-day evaluation period
- If direct deposits equal $1,000 to $4,999.99, you'll receive a $50 bonus
- If direct deposits come $5,000 or more during the evaluation period, you'll receive a $300 bonus
- Keep in mind, the 25-day evaluation period won't go beyond the promotion period expiration date
When you'll receive the money: The bonus will show up in your account within seven business days after the 25-day evaluation period ends.
SoFi Checking and Savings Review
Laurel Road Loyalty Checking Account
Bonus amount: $300
Expiration date: July 31, 2024
What you need to do:
- Open an eligible account by July 31, 2024
- Make qualifying direct deposits of $2,500 or more in the first 60 days
When you'll receive the money: The $300 should hit your account within 60 days of your meeting the requirements.
Laurel Road Banking Review
Key Smart Checking®
Bonus amount: $300
Expiration date:December 20, 2024
Who qualifies:You must be a new KeyBank checking account customer. You won't be eligible if you had a KeyBank personal checking account in the last 12 months.
What you need to do:
- Open a Key Smart Checking® through the promotional page or with a promo code KDSA0624 by December 20, 2024. You must make a minimum opening deposit of $10.
- Make one direct deposit of $1,000 or more in the first 60 days of opening the account.
When you'll receive the money:You'll get the money deposited into your account within 90 days of fulfilling all the criteria.
KeyBank Review
Fifth Third Momentum® Checking
Bonus amount:$250
Expiration date: September 30, 2024
Who qualifies:You must be a new Fifth Third Bank checking account customer. You won't be eligible if you have an existing Fifth Third Bank checking account or closed an account within the last 13 months.
What you need to do:
- Open a Fifth Third Momentum Checking account through the promotional page
- Make direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more in the first 90 days of opening an account
When you'll receive the money:The bonus is added to your account within 10 days of completing the bonus requirements.
Fifth Third Bank Review
Valley All Access Rewards Checking Account
Bonus amount: up to $240 ($20 per month for up to 12 months)
Expiration date: Ongoing
Who qualifies: You're eligible for this bonus if you are a new consumer checking customer at Valley National Bank and over age 18. Valley has branches in Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, and New York.
What you need to do:
- Receive $750 in direct deposits each month
- For every month you meet this requirement in the first year, you'll receive a $20 bonus
- The bonus expires one year after opening the account; if you don't meet the direct deposit requirement for one month, you aren't eligible to continue earning a bonus for the following months
When you'll receive the money: The $20 will be deposited into your account within 35 days of the monthly qualifying recurring direct deposit.
Valley National Bank Review
TD Bank Complete Checking
Bonus amount:$200
Expiration date: July 31, 2024
Who qualifies: You must be a new TD Bank customer to qualify. TD Bank defines a new customer as anyone who doesn't have any existing TD Bank checking account or hasn't opened a TD checking account in the last 12 months.
What you need to do:
- Open an eligible account
- Receive at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of opening the account
- Keep your account open for at least 6 months
When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your account around 180 days after opening the account.
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking, M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking, and M&T Bank MyChoice Premium Checking
Bonus amount: $100 (), $150 (), $200 ()
Expiration date: August 31, 2024
Who qualifies: You don't qualify if you're already a personal M&T checking account customer, you've closed an M&T account in the last 180 days, you've received an M&T checking bonus in the last 12 months (unless it was from the Refer Friends Program), or are an employee of M&T or its affiliates.
What you need to do:
- Open an eligible account by August 31, 2024, either online or in a branch, and request a promo code
- Make at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits (including payroll, pension, or Social Security) in the first 90 days
When you'll receive the money: The bonus will show up in your account within 90 days of completing the requirements.
Chase Secure Banking℠
Bonus amount: $100
Expiration date: October 16, 2024
Who qualifies: You must be a new checking account customer.
What you need to do:
- Open an account by accessing a coupon online
- Make 10 transactions during the first 60 days
When you'll receive the money: You'll get the money deposited into your account 15 days after you've completed 10 transactions.
Chase Secure Banking Review
Chase College Checking℠
Bonus amount: $100
Expiration date: October 16, 2024
Who qualifies: This account is for college students ages 17 to 24. You cannot already be a Chase checking customer, have closed a Chase account in the last 90 days, or have closed a Chase account with a negative balance within the last three years. You won't qualify if you've received another Chase sign-up bonus in the last two years.
What you need to do:
- Open an account by October 16, 2024, on the promotion page
- Complete 10 qualifying transactions (including debit card purchases, online bill payments, Zelle, Chase QuickDeposit, or ACH credits) within 60 days
When you'll receive the money: The $100 will be deposited into your account within 15 days after you complete the qualifying transactions
PNC Bank Virtual Wallet®
Bonus amount: $100, $200, or $400
Expiration date: September 3, 2024
Who qualifies: This offer is only available in markets where there are PNC branches. You and any signer on the account must be a new PNC checking customer. You aren't eligible if you've closed a PNC checking account in the last 90 days or received a PNC promotional offer in the last 24 months.
What you need to do:
- By September 3, 2024, open a PNC Bank Virtual Wallet to earn a $100 bonus, PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend to earn $200, and PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select to earn $400; you must apply online to qualify
- Receive a qualifying direct deposit within the first 60 days
When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your account 60 to 90 days after you meet the requirements.
PNC Bank Review
Experian Smart Money
Bonus amount: $50
Expiration date: Experian may end the offer at any time.
Who qualifies: This offer is available to new customers. You must be a United States resident and have a valid taxpayer identification number.
What you need to do:
- You must deposit at least $1,000 in the first 45 business days of opening an account
- Keep your account in good standing while the bonus is added to your account
When you'll receive the money:The money will be deposited into your account around 10 business days after you meet the requirements.
Experian Smart Money Review
Understanding Checking Account Bonuses
Banks typically offer bonuses on checking accounts to draw in new customers. Bonuses also help create a distinction between competing banks that may offer similar interest rates, monthly fees, or opening deposit requirements.
Current bank account promotion offers range from $50 to $4,000. Generally, brick-and-mortar banks are more likely to offer bank account bonuses to new customers than online banks or banking platforms.
How to Qualify for Bank Signup Bonuses
To qualify for a bank account bonus, you must apply through a bank promotional page or use a special code to open a bank account through a bank representative.
Each financial institution will also list certain requirements you must meet by a specified timeframe. You might need to make a direct deposit or transfer, maintain a specific daily balance, and/or enroll in online banking to get the bonus.
Once you've completed all the requirements specified by the bank, the bonus will be deposited into your account. You'll also need to keep your bank account open for a certain time period to keep the bonus and avoid paying an early account closure fee.
A few financial institutions, like Chase and SoFi, have bank account bonuses for existing customers. Banks typically offer existing customers bank promotions when they want you to upgrade to a premium bank account with higher minimum balance requirements or utilize a specific banking feature. For example, you might be asked to set up direct deposits.
Remember, though, that most bonus promotions are for new bank account customers. Some banks will still let you qualify as a new customer if you've opened a bank account with them in the past, but they'll list a specific time that needs to have passed.
How to Choose the Best Checking Account Bonus Offer
Evaluating the best bank promotion deals requires more than simply checking the bonus requirements. After all, you want to choose a checking account that is right for your financial needs.
Here are three steps you can take to choose the best bank bonus offer.
1. Compare bonus values and requirements from similar financial institutions.
Think about which types of checking account you want and where you want to get it. Do you want a traditional checking account at a brick-and-mortar bank or a rewards checking account from an online bank? Are looking for an everyday banking option that has minimal maintenance requirements, or do you want to get a premium bank account that offers more rewards for maintaining a high account balance?
Once you've narrowed down your options, review a couple of institutions to see if bonuses are available. For example, you'll likely find several offers if you want a traditional checking account with a national brick-and-mortar bank. You can compare the requirements and cash bonus values and see if there's a standout option.
2. Review the bank account for common bank fees.
You don't want to open a bank account at a financial institution where you'll have to pay exorbitant bank fees because it isn't a good fit.Common bank fees you'll find include monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and early account closure fees.
Make sure you meet the requirements to waive fees on your account. Otherwise, you might be better off getting a free checking account, so you can properly maintain your account without facing common bank charges.
3. Consider your long-term goals and see if the bank's overall products and services are a good fit.
In addition to reviewing bank account fees, assess other bank accounts and services. If you're looking to buy a home or open a credit card soon, it may be worthwhile to check out a bank to see if it could be a good option for future goals.
Tips for Maximizing Checking Account Bonuses
Here are tips you can use to maximize a bank account bonus:
- Keep track of offer deadlines. For bank account bonuses with tiered cash bonuses, make sure you review the requirements carefully to make sure you meet the specific requirements by the specified timeframe. For example, if you have to transfer in the first 60 days, take into account that ACH transfers take a few business days to process.
- Understanding the fine print.Many bonuses often list several requirements you'll need to fufill to get a bonus. The fine print on the promotional page will dive into these requirements further and tell you if there are any limits or specifications you should be aware of. For instance, a bank may tell you you'll get a bonus when you make an eligible direct deposit. You'll need to review the fine print to see which type of direct deposit is eligible.
- Call customer support if you need help understanding the requirements.If you aren't sure whether you can get a bonus, check in with a bank representative to clarify the bonus rules.
Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on the Best Checking Account Bonuses
We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best bank account bonus for your needs.
- Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider
- Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,BoujieBudgets.com
Here's what they had to say about bank account bonuses. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)
What should I look for in a checking account bonus?
Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,BoujieBudgets.com:
"If you are using this bank as your main spending account, then you know that you will have less conflict with depositing money in there. It may be beneficial to look at specific things that are getting bonuses, specifically direct deposit."
Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider:
"I would consider how much money is needed to obtain the bonus. Some banks may have several bonuses available, where you'll earn bigger bonuses for a higher account balance or direct deposit. See if a particular bonus is right for you and you're not going out of your way to qualify for it."
Banking Editor
Sophia Acevedo is a banking editor at Business Insider. She has spent three years as a personal finance journalist and is an expert across numerous banking topics.ExperienceSophia leads Personal Finance Insider's banking coverage, including reviews, guides, reference articles, and news. She edits and updates articles about banks, checking and savings accounts, CD rates, and budgeting and saving. She is highly knowledgeable about long-term trends in rates and offers at banks across the U.S.Before joining Business Insider, Sophia worked as a journalist at her college newspaper and was a freelance writer. She has spent seven years writing and editing as a journalist.Sophia was nominated for an Axel Springer Award for Change in 2023 for her coverage of ABLE accounts, tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities. She was also a winner of a 2018 California Journalism Awards Campus Contest for her photography.She loves helping people find the best solutions for their unique needs and hopes that more people will find the tools to solve their financial problems. She’s inspired by stories of everyday people adapting to their financial circ*mstances and overcoming their fears around money.ExpertiseSophia's expertise includes:
- Bank accounts
- Savings and CD rate trends
- Budgeting
- Saving
- How banks operate
EducationSophia graduated from California State University Fullerton with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science.She is an avid reader across a variety of genres, and she started running in 2021. She ran in the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon.
Compliance and Operations Associate
Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
Personal Finance Insider editorial fellow
Kit Pulliam (they/them) is a banking expert who specializes in certificates of deposit, savings accounts, and checking accounts. They’ve been reporting, editing, and fact-checking personal finance stories for more than four years.ExperienceKit has spent their career making complicated concepts more accessible to the average person. As a tutor in math and reading comprehension after college, they melded the certainty of numbers with the flexibility of words, a skill that has served them in the personal finance field since.Before Business Insider, Kit was an editorial specialist for Tax Analysts, diving into the tax code to help readers get the best information about a confusing but necessary subject.They find banking similar to taxes in that way: There are some things everyone needs to know because just about everyone needs to work with a bank — and you don’t want to end up with an account that doesn’t serve your needs.As interest rates change, they enjoy the fast pace of reviewing rates for products like CDs and high-yield savings, which can change daily and have a direct impact on readers’ money.ExpertiseTheir expertise includes:
- Certificates of deposit
- Savings accounts
- Checking accounts
- CD rates
- Bank reviews
EducationKit is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University, where they studied English and psychology and received the Jum C. Nunnally Honors Research Award for their senior thesis.Outside personal finance, Kit enjoys reading, film, video games, and cross stitching. They are based in the DC area.
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