Our experts answer readers' banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

We've gone through the best bank promotions and bonus offers among national, regional banks, and online banks, and selected our top picks for November 2023. 

Compare the Best Checking Account Bonus Offers

Best Checking Account Bonus Offers

  • Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Product Name Only: Earn Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Intro Bonus
  • Citigold® Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn Citigold® Checking Account
  • Citi Priority - Product Name Only: Earn Citi Priority
  • BMO Relationship Checking - Product Name Only, BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account - Product Name Only, and BMO Smart Money Checking - Product Name Only: BMO Relationship Checking - Intro Bonus (BMO Relationship Checking); BMO Smart Money Checking - Intro Bonus (BMO Smart Money Checking ); BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account - Intro Bonus (BMO Smart Advantage Checking); earn up to $4,100 total if you apply and meet the requirements for a BMO personal checking account and Relationship Plus Money Market Account
  • Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking - Product Name Only: Earn a Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking
  • U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Product Name Only: Earn U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Intro Bonus
  • Huntington Bank Perks Checking - Product Name Only: Earn a Huntington Bank Perks Checking
  • Fifth Third Momentum® Checking - Product Name Only: Earn Fifth Third Momentum® Checking - Intro Bonus
  • Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Intro Bonus
  • TD Bank Beyond Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn TD Bank Beyond Checking Account - Intro Bonus
  • Laurel Road Linked Checking℠ - Product Name Only and Laurel Road Loyalty Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn a Laurel Road Loyalty Checking Account - Intro Bonus
  • Axos Bank Rewards Checking - Product Name Only: Earn Axos Bank Rewards Checking - Intro Bonus
  • American Express® Rewards Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn American Express® Rewards Checking Account - Intro Bonus
  • SoFi Checking and Savings - Product Name Only: Earn SoFi Checking and Savings - Intro Bonus
  • Valley All Access Rewards Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn Valley All Access Rewards Checking Account - Intro Bonus
  • Ally Spending Account - Product Name Only: Earn Ally Spending Account - Intro Bonus 
  • Chase Total Checking® - Product Name Only: Earn a Chase Total Checking®
  • TD Bank Convenience Checking Account - Product Name Only: Earn TD Bank Convenience Checking Account
  • M&T Bank EZChoice Checking - Product Name Only, M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking - Product Name Only, and M&T Bank MyChoice Premium Checking - Product Name Only: Earn a M&T Bank EZChoice Checking - Intro Bonus
  • USAA Classic Checking - Product Name Only: Earn a USAA Classic Checking - Intro Bonus
  • Chase Secure Banking℠ - Product Name Only: Earn Chase Secure Banking℠
  • Chase College Checking℠ - Product Name Only: Earn Chase College Checking℠ - Intro Bonus
  • PNC Bank Virtual Wallet® - Product Name Only: Earn PNC Bank Virtual Wallet® - Intro Bonus
  • Experian Smart Money - Product Name Only: Earn a Experian Smart Money - Intro Bonus

Checking Account Bonuses: FAQs

How can I get a SoFi $250 bonus? 

New SoFi Checking and Savings - Product Name Only customers, or existing customers who haven't set up direct deposit yet, can get a $250 bonus if they receive direct deposits of $5,000 or more within the first 25 days.

Does Wells Fargo have a checking account bonus?

Yes. Wells Fargo is offering a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus checking account bonus on its Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Product Name Only.

How do I get the Chase $200 checking account bonus?

New Chase personal checking account customers can get a Chase Total Checking® - Ongoing Bonus cash bonus by opening Chase Total Checking® - Product Name Only with a coupon code and setting up a direct deposit in the first 90 days of account opening.

 Is opening a bank account for the bonus worth it?

Depending on your balance, a cash bonus could potentially allow you to earn more money than a high interest rate would. However, be mindful of common bank fees like monthly service fees or overdraft fees. Otherwise, these fees may cancel out the amount you earn as a bonus. If this is the case, you might prioritize opening one of the best high-yield savings accounts with no monthly fees instead.

Why do bank accounts have bonuses?

Banks have bank account bonuses 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.

Can I receive more than one bank account bonus?

You usually can't receive more than one bank account bonus with the same bank within a certain amount of time. The bank account cash bonus disclosure will usually specify how long the time frame will be, but usually, it's between a few months to a couple of years. However, if you have the funds, you may be able to receive one bank account bonus from multiple banks.

Do I have to pay taxes on bank account bonuses?

Yes, you do have to pay taxes on your bonus. When you file taxes for the year, you'll report the sign-up bonus as income and pay income tax.

How to Qualify for the Best Checking Account Bonuses

Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: $1,000 to $3,000

Expiration date: January 24, 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.

Citigold® Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Up to Citigold® Checking Account

Expiration date: January 9, 2024

Who qualifies: You qualify as long as you haven't had a Citi® checking account in the last 180 days and you're 18 years old.

What you need to do:

  • Open an eligible account by January 9, 2024
  • To earn $200, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $10,000 to $29,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $500, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $30,000 to $74,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $1,000, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $75,000 to $199,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $1,500, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $200,000 to $299,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $2,000, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $300,000 and above within 20 days of your account opening
  • Maintain your balance for 60 consecutive calendar days after the 21st day from account opening
  • If your balance falls to a lower tier at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes

When you'll receive the money: The bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.

Citi Priority - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Up to Citi Priority

Expiration date: January 9, 2024

Who qualifies: You qualify as long as you haven't had a Citi checking account in the last 180 days and you're 18 years old.

What you need to do: 

  • Open an eligible account by January 9, 2024
  • To earn $200, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $10,000 to $29,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $500, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $30,000 to $74,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $1,000, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $75,000 to $199,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $1,500, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $200,000 to $299,999 within 20 days of your account opening
  • To earn $2,000, you'll need to have a minimum deposit and minimum balance of $300,000 and above within 20 days of your account opening
  • Maintain your balance for 60 consecutive calendar days after the 21st day from account opening
  • If your balance falls to a lower tier at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes

When you'll receive the money: The bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.

BMO Relationship Checking - Product Name Only, BMO Smart Money Checking - Product Name Only, and BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: BMO Relationship Checking - Ongoing Bonus (BMO Relationship Checking), BMO Smart Money Checking - Ongoing Bonus (BMO Smart Money Checking), or BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus (BMO Smart Advantage Checking); Earn up to $4,100 total if you apply and meet the requirements for a BMO personal checking account and Relationship Plus Money Market Account

Expiration date: December 8, 2023

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 December 8, 2023, using a promo code
  • To earn a $400 on BMO Smart Money Checking - Product Name Only or BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account - Product Name Only, make a qualifying direct deposit of $4,000 or more within the first 120 days
  • To earn a $600 on BMO Relationship Checking - Product Name Only make a qualifying direct deposit of $7,500 or more within the first 120 days
  • To earn up to $4,100 in total at BMO, you must also open a BMO personal money market account and meet certain qualifying transactions

When you'll receive the money: The cash bonus will be deposited into your BMO checking account around 130 days after account opening. 

Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking

Expiration date: February 7, 2024

Who qualifies: You must open a new Huntington Bank customer to qualify. 

What you need to do: 

  • Open a new account by February 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.

U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Earn U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: November 30, 2023

Who qualifies: You must open a new U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account online. You won't be eligible if you currently have a U.S. Bank checking account, owned a U.S. Bank checking account in the last six months, or you received a bonus from a U.S. Bank checking account in the last two years. You're eligible if you live in AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY. 

What you need to do:

  • Open a new account by November 30, with a minimum opening deposit of U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Minimum Deposit and using the promotional page; if you open it anywhere other than the promotional page, use the code 23WEB11.
  • Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank mobile app within the first 90 days of getting the account
  • Make two or more direct deposits totaling at least $7,500

When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your checking account within 60 days of meeting the requirements.

Huntington Bank Perks Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Huntington Bank Perks Checking

Expiration date: February 7, 2024

Who qualifies: You must open a new Huntington Bank customer to qualify. 

What you need to do: 

  • Open a new account by February 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.

Fifth Third Momentum® Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Fifth Third Momentum® Checking - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: January 7, 2024

Who qualifies: You must be a new Fifth Third checking account customer. You won't be eligible if you have an existing Fifth Third checking account or your closed a checking account in the last 13 months.

What you need to do: 

  • Open an eligible account by January 7, 2024, using a promo code
  • Receive at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of opening the account

When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your account around 10 days after opening the account.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: January 9, 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 January 9, 2024 with a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - Minimum Deposit 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.

TD Bank Beyond Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: TD Bank Beyond Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: November 30, 2023

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.

Laurel Road Linked Checking℠ - Product Name Only and Laurel Road Loyalty Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Laurel Road Linked Checking℠ - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: January 8, 2024

What you need to do:

  • Open an eligible account by January 8, 2024; because Linked Checking is tied to your refinanced student loans, you'll need to open this account at the same time as refinancing your student loan with Laurel Road
  • Make qualifying direct deposits of $2,500 or more in the first 60 days

When you'll receive the money: The Laurel Road Linked Checking℠ - Ongoing Bonus should hit your account within 60 days of your meeting the requirements. Note: You can only earn a bonus with one Laurel Road account, not both.

Axos Bank Rewards Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Axos Bank Rewards Checking - Featured Reward Value

Expiration date: December 31, 2023

Who qualifies: You must open an eligible account.

What you need to do:

  • Open an Axos Bank Rewards Checking Account by December 31, 2023, using the promo code "AXOS300"
  • Receive at least $5,000 in direct deposits in each calendar month during the first seven calendar months your account is open (including the month when you opened the account)
  • Maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 or more from September 2023, through March 2024, during the seven statement cycles 
  • A maximum of six payouts of $50 for each calendar month that the account is receiving the direct deposit 

When you'll receive the money: The money will be deposited into your checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the direct deposit requirement was met. You must keep your account open for at least 210 days or you'll have to pay an early closure fee of up to $300. 

American Express® Rewards Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: American Express® Rewards Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: October 31, 2023

Who qualifies: You must be an American Express Card member who has had a Basic Consumer Card for at least three months. You won't be eligible to open the American Express Rewards Checking Account if you currently have or previously owned an American Express Business Checking account. Existing American Express Rewards Checking Account customers also aren't eligible for the cash bonus. 

What you need to do:

  • Open an American Express® Rewards Checking Account - Product Name Only by October 31, 2023
  • Receive one qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more by December 10, 2023 (paychecks, pension, government checks, or tax refunds all qualify)

When you'll receive the money: The bonus will be deposited into your account eight to 12 weeks after you complete the qualifying activities.

SoFi Checking and Savings - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: SoFi Checking and Savings - Intro Bonus

Expiration date: December 31, 2023

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 $250 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.

Valley All Access Rewards Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Valley All Access Rewards Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus

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.

Ally Spending Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Ally Spending Account - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: November, 30, 2023

Who qualifies: You must be a new customer. Ally defines a new customer as someone who doesn't currently have an Ally Spending Account or someone who hasn't owned the account in the last 12 months. You also won't be eligible for this cash bonus if you've received another cash bonus from Ally in the last year that involves a qualifying direct deposit.

What you need to do:

  • Open an Ally Spending Account - Product Name Only online using the bonus code and deposit any amount in the first 30 days
  • Set up a qualifying direct deposit and receive payments totaling $1,500 or more within the first 90 days
  • Keep your account open and maintain good standing 30 days after you've received the qualifying direct deposit

When you'll receive the money: You should see the money in your account within 30 days after you've received the qualifying direct deposit.

Chase Total Checking® - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Chase Total Checking®

Expiration date:January 24, 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 within 90 days after enrolling

When you'll receive the money: You'll receive the Chase Total Checking® within 15 days.

TD Bank Convenience Checking Account - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: TD Bank Convenience Checking Account - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: November 30, 2023

Who qualifies: You must be a new TD Bank customer to qualify.

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 - Product Name Only, M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking - Product Name Only, and M&T Bank MyChoice Premium Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: $200

Expiration date: December 31, 2023

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 December 31, 2023, 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 $200 will show up in your account within 90 days of completing the requirements.

USAA Classic Checking - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: USAA Classic Checking - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: March 14, 2024

Who qualifies: You're not eligible if you (as the primary account holder) have or had a USAA checking account in the last 12 months. The account also isn't eligible for the bonus if it's titled as an estate, trust account, UTMA, or other fiduciary account. Your account must remain in good standing to get the bonus. 

What you need to do:

  • Open a new account by March 14, 2024
  • Receive a qualifying direct deposit of at least $100 in the first 180 days (if you're a civilian working for the Defense Finance Account Service, this direct deposit would not count)

When you'll receive the money: The USAA Classic Checking - Ongoing Bonus should show up in your account within 60 days of USAA processing your first direct deposit.

Chase Secure Banking℠ - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Chase Secure Banking℠

Expiration date:January 24, 2024

Who qualifies: You must be a new checking account customer.

What you need to do:

When you'll receive the money: You'll get the money deposited into your account 15 days after you've completed 10 transactions. 

Chase College Checking℠ - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Chase College Checking℠ - Ongoing Bonus

Expiration date: January 24, 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 January 24, 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® - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: $100 to $400

Expiration date: January 2, 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 January 2, 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.

Experian Smart Money - Product Name Only

Bonus amount: Experian Smart Money - Ongoing Bonus

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.

Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on the Best Bank Account Bonuses

Experts for personal finance story: Sophia Acevedo, CEPF, banking reporter, Personal Finance at Insider and Mykail James, MBA, CFEL, BoujieBudget.com

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.

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, certified educator in personal finance, banking reporter, Personal Finance 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."

Read the original article on Business Insider