Compare verified bank and credit-union bonuses by the useful first tier, required effort, fees, deadlines, liquidity cost, and payout rules. Headline cash is not the ranking rule. Before moving payroll or parking savings, make sure essentials, minimum payments, and bill timing stay protected.
A bank bonus should not disrupt rent, utilities, minimum debt payments, or the timing of your regular bills. If rerouting payroll could create a cash gap, overdraft risk, or missed payment, keep your current setup until the transition is safe. Compare the practical first tier and net value first, then verify the issuer terms immediately before opening.
We review issuer terms, expiration dates, geographic restrictions, required deposits or balances, monthly fees, fee-waiver rules, payout timing, and account-holding requirements. Offers are not ranked only by the headline bonus. The default order uses the practical first tier, qualification effort, fees, reach, freshness, source confidence, and urgency. Affiliate compensation does not increase an offer's rank; a no-commission offer should rank the same when its verified value and effort are better.
Recommended order: the full database is sorted by a rules-based priority score. The separate Top Recommended section remains manually curated and is not replaced by this score.
These are not simply the four biggest headline bonuses. We select different winners for practical value: capital efficiency, broad availability, high cash payout, and flexibility for readers who cannot use direct deposit.
$350 upfront (up to $550)
One qualifying $500+ direct deposit within 90 days for the first $350
Strong first-stage value with no monthly maintenance fee. The $350 first payout equals 70% of the qualifying $500 direct-deposit threshold; the extra $200 requires longer 12- and 24-month activity.
See full offer details$400
$1,000+ in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days
A straightforward national offer from a large branch bank, with a moderate qualifying-deposit hurdle and several ways to waive the monthly fee.
Close alternative: Wells Fargo Everyday Checking offers $325 for $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits, currently open through January 13, 2027.
See full offer details$500
2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000+ plus 20 debit-card purchases within 120 days
One of the strongest verified regional cash payouts without requiring a five-figure balance lockup. The tradeoff is more transaction friction than the first two picks.
NJ readers: Columbia Bank’s $500 entry bonus may require less transaction activity than Truist, while the full $1,000 offer requires $10,000 in new money.
See full offer details$250
Use code DEBIT250 and complete 20 qualifying debit-card transactions of $10+ within 75 days; no direct deposit required
Capital One now offers a public debit-card qualification path with no monthly maintenance fee, making it a stronger no-direct-deposit option than the lower-value Chase Secure offer.
See full offer detailsHow we choose: Beelinger weighs the useful first-stage cash payout, qualifying deposit or activity burden, monthly fees, geographic reach, time to earn the bonus, and whether a no-direct-deposit alternative is available. A high headline amount alone does not make an offer a top pick.
A missed direct deposit, deadline, or monthly fee can eat into a bank bonus. Beelinger Budget keeps the offer you signed up for, your personal deadlines, and your progress together in one tracker.
Free to download. The tracker preserves a read-only offer snapshot and reminds you to verify current issuer terms before acting. Beelinger does not determine eligibility, approval, bonus payout, or whether an account is safe to close.
Add your actual open date.
Your personal requirement dates are anchored from it.
Complete and record the requirements.
Keep the fee and waiver rules visible while you qualify.
Record the payout, then review closure terms.
Receiving the bonus does not automatically mean the account should be closed.
You do not always have to reroute payroll to earn a deposit-account bonus. These active offers include at least one qualifying path that uses transactions, savings activity, balance requirements, or another method instead of direct deposit.
A no-direct-deposit path can still require purchases, transfers, balances, or other activity. Open the full offer card and confirm the issuer terms before applying.
Among the active offers Beelinger currently tracks, the lowest structured direct-deposit requirement is $250. These offers currently meet that threshold for an entry cash tier.
We compare the minimum cumulative qualifying direct deposits needed to reach the first DD-based cash tier. Some offers also require multiple deposits, transactions, balances, repeated monthly activity, or other conditions.
Searches issuer names, account names, and bonus descriptions across the current database.
Tell us you want it. We will use this interest signal to prioritize which bank bonuses we verify and add next.
Some bank bonuses are limited to specific states or branch service areas. Select your state to hide offers you likely cannot use, then confirm your address and eligibility on the issuer’s site before applying.
Checking-account bonuses are shown first. Use the state and requirement filters to narrow the list before opening issuer terms.
Up to $550
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-12-31
$350 after the first qualifying $500+ direct deposit, plus $100 after 12 consecutive months and another $100 after 24 consecutive months
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open an eligible FourLeaf Free Checking, Smart Checking, or Student Checking account by 2026-12-31. New members must establish membership by opening and maintaining a $5 savings share. Receive a recurring qualifying direct deposit of at least $500 within 90 days to earn the first $350. Continue receiving a qualifying direct deposit of at least $500 each month for 12 consecutive months to earn another $100 and for 24 consecutive months to earn the final $100. The checking account must remain open and in good standing through each payout. Existing primary checking owners and members who previously received a FourLeaf new-checking opening bonus are not eligible.
Source: FourLeaf issuer promotion and membership pages; pull type cross-checked against Doctor of Credit. Reverified 2026-10-31 against the current issuer source. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Strong audience fit because the first $350 requires only a $500 qualifying direct deposit and the account has no monthly maintenance fee. The full $550 headline takes two years, so the $350 first-stage value is the more practical comparison point.
Up to $300
No direct deposit required · Open by 2026-12-31 or before 7,000 approved accounts are reached
$25 per qualifying month, up to $300 during the first year
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Be among the first 7,000 approved new customers opening by 2026-12-31. Spend at least $300 in eligible purchases with the Percapita Visa Debit Card during a calendar month to receive $25 for that month. The account must remain open, active, and have a positive balance. ATM withdrawals, cash substitutes, account funding, and peer-to-peer transfers do not qualify.
Source: Percapita issuer earn300 promotion reverified 2026-10-31. It confirms the first-7,000-account cap, December 31, 2026 opening deadline, $300 monthly debit-card spend requirement, $25 monthly reward, up to $300 total, and $0 monthly fees. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: No direct deposit or monthly fee, but earning the full $300 requires repeating $300 of eligible debit-card spending every month for 12 months.
$400
From $1,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2027-01-27
$400 checking account bonus
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Chase Total Checking account through the promotional page by 2027-01-27. Receive qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 within 90 days of enrollment and keep the account open through payment. The $15 monthly service fee can be waived with at least $500 in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 beginning-day balance, $5,000 in qualifying combined balances, or another issuer-listed waiver. Checks, Zelle, external account transfers, tax refunds, and wire transfers do not count as qualifying direct deposits.
Source: Chase issuer promotional page; cross-checked against NerdWallet. Amount, deadline, direct-deposit threshold, fee-waiver options, and payout timing were reverified 2026-10-31. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: A straightforward nationwide $400 offer with a relatively moderate $1,000 qualifying direct-deposit hurdle. The monthly fee is manageable only if one of the waiver methods fits your normal banking activity.
Up to $350
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Current offer terms valid through 2027-01-31
$200 after one qualifying $500+ direct deposit, plus up to $150 from 10% cash back on eligible purchases during the first 90 days
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Chime Checking Account as a first-time Chime account holder through the designated Intro Offer page. To earn the $200 direct-deposit component, receive one qualifying direct deposit of at least $500 within 34 calendar days of account opening. Activate a physical Chime Visa card within 14 calendar days after receiving the initial qualifying deposit. The cash-back component pays 10% on eligible purchases, capped at $50 per month during the first 90 days, for up to $150. Chime says invitation through an app message, text, push notification, email, or advertisement is required. Full offer terms are valid through 2027-01-31 unless modified earlier.
Source: Chime issuer landing page and full $350 Intro Offer V2B terms reverified 2026-10-31. The current terms explicitly define a $200 reward for one $500+ qualifying direct deposit within 34 days plus up to $150 in 10% cash back, physical-card activation, payout timing, invitation eligibility, and a January 31, 2027 offer end date. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: This is now precise rather than an estimated reward mix. The easiest fixed component is $200 for a single $500+ qualifying direct deposit; earning the full $350 also requires eligible card spending.
$500
From $2,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2027-02-02
$500 checking bonus
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Truist One Checking account from 2026-07-14 through 2027-02-02 and enroll with a valid single-use promo code at account opening. Within 120 days, receive at least two qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete at least 20 qualifying debit card purchases. Existing Truist personal checking primary owners and customers who closed a Truist personal checking account on or after 2025-07-14 are ineligible. The account must have a positive balance and remain open and unrestricted at payout.
Source: Truist issuer checking promotion and terms reverified 2026-10-31. The $500 amount, two qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000+, 20 debit-card purchases, 120-day qualification window, February 2, 2027 deadline, eligible footprint, and 10-business-day payout are current. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Strong $500 headline, but it requires both direct deposits and 20 debit-card purchases. The $12 monthly fee is waivable through several relationship or activity options.
$400
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-12-31
$400 after at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Huntington Perks Checking account through the promotional page with the claimed promotion code by 2026-12-31. Receive qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days and keep the account open for at least 90 days. Existing Huntington checking customers and customers who closed a Huntington checking account during the previous 12 months are ineligible. Current applicant residency is limited to CO, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, NC, OH, PA, SC, TX, WV, and WI.
Source: Huntington issuer promotional page reverified 2026-10-31. The issuer confirms the same $400 Perks bonus with a $500 qualifying-direct-deposit requirement, a December 31, 2026 deadline, 14-day payout timing, and the current eligible-state footprint. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The $500 direct-deposit hurdle remains low relative to the $400 bonus. Huntington also advertises a separate $600 Platinum Perks offer, but that tier requires $25,000 in new money and is intentionally excluded from this Beelinger record.
$325
From $1,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2027-01-13
$325 after $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account through the offer page by 2027-01-13 and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 calendar days. Eligible deposits include qualifying ACH direct deposits, RTP or FedNow instant payments, and certain third-party debit-card network credits. Transfers between Wells Fargo accounts, mobile deposits, Zelle, branch deposits, and ATM deposits do not qualify. Keep the account open through payment.
Source: Wells Fargo issuer checking-offer page reverified 2026-10-31. The current campaign pays $325 after $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days, expires January 13, 2027, and pays within 30 days after requirements are met. This replaces Beelinger's expired $400 Everyday Checking campaign. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The current Wells Fargo campaign is now $325 rather than $400. The $1,000 qualifying-deposit hurdle is unchanged, so it remains a relatively accessible nationwide big-bank offer despite the smaller headline.
$250
No direct deposit required · No fixed expiration stated; Capital One may change or end either path
$250 through either two qualifying $500+ direct deposits or 20 qualifying $10+ debit-card transactions
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Capital One 360 Checking account and choose one public $250 offer path. Direct-deposit path: use promo code CHECKING250 and receive at least two qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more each within 75 days. Debit-card path: use promo code DEBIT250 and complete at least 20 qualifying debit-card transactions of $10 or more within 75 days. The account has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance. Capital One will assess qualification after the activity period and may take up to 60 additional days to post the bonus. Review the current offer eligibility rules before opening because prior-account exclusions apply.
Source: Capital One issuer offer pages reverified 2026-10-31. Capital One now publicly presents two separate ways to earn the same $250 360 Checking bonus: CHECKING250 for two $500+ qualifying direct deposits, or DEBIT250 for 20 qualifying debit-card transactions of $10+; both use a 75-day activity window and no fixed public expiration is stated. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The new debit-card path materially improves this offer for readers who cannot redirect payroll: $250 can now be earned without direct deposit, while the account still has no monthly maintenance fee.
$400
From $1,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Register by 2026-12-31; current offer reporting says open by 2027-01-31
$400 after $1,000 or more in qualifying ACH direct deposits within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Register for the Regions checking offer before opening the account. Current offer reporting says registration must be completed by 2026-12-31, then a new personal LifeGreen Checking account must be opened by 2027-01-31. Enroll in online banking and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying ACH direct deposits within 90 days of account opening. The current offer is reported for residents of AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, and TX. Customers who had a Regions personal checking account within the previous 12 months are reported as ineligible. Regions currently charges $8 per month with online statements or $11 with paper statements, but the fee can be waived with at least one $500 ACH direct deposit, $1,000 in combined ACH direct deposits, or a $1,500 average monthly balance. Regions also discloses a $25 early-account-closing fee if the account is closed within 180 days.
Source: Regions registration page rechecked 2026-10-31 and still requires registration before account opening. The issuer LifeGreen product page confirms current checking fees and waiver rules. Because Regions keeps the full promotional disclosure behind registration, the $400 amount, $1,000/90-day requirement, 2026-12-31 registration deadline, 2027-01-31 open-by date, 15-state footprint, payout timing, and code EZV3F2M were cross-checked against current bonus trackers on 2026-10-31. Confidence: medium-high; verify the personalized registration confirmation before opening.
Beelinger note: Worth comparing with Chase and Wells Fargo because the headline value and $1,000 direct-deposit hurdle are similar. The main tradeoffs are regional eligibility, mandatory pre-registration, an $8/$11 monthly fee unless waived, and the 180-day early-close fee window.
$300
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Current campaign reported through 2027-01-04
$300 checking bonus after $500 in qualifying direct deposits
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Fifth Third Momentum Checking or eligible Preferred Checking account through the current offer path and receive qualifying payroll or government-issued direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days. The current October campaign is $300 and is reported through 2027-01-04. The account must remain open and in good standing. Existing Fifth Third checking customers and customers who closed a Fifth Third deposit account within the previous 13 months are generally ineligible.
Source: Fifth Third issuer promotion page rechecked 2026-10-31. The issuer page is actively serving the checking-bonus campaign and its current page title identifies a $300 offer; the rendered page still contains stale $350 FAQ/template text. Current Bankrate and Doctor of Credit tracking both report the live $300 campaign with a $500 direct-deposit requirement and January 4, 2027 expiration. Confidence: high on amount and qualification; medium-high on deadline because the issuer page does not expose the date cleanly in rendered text.
Beelinger note: The offer rotated back to $300 after the prior $350 campaign. The $500 direct-deposit hurdle remains low relative to many regional competitors.
Up to $600
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Open and fund by 2026-11-30
$300 with $1,000-$4,999.99 average daily balances, $400 with $5,000-$9,999.99, or $600 with $10,000 or more
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open and fund a new eligible Associated Bank personal checking account by 2026-11-30, receive recurring direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days, and maintain qualifying combined average daily deposit balances during days 31 through 90. Earn $300 with $1,000-$4,999.99, $400 with $5,000-$9,999.99, or $600 with $10,000 or more. Keep the account open for at least 12 months to avoid a possible bonus deduction. New customers opening online are limited to IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, OH, and WI. Access Checking requires $25 to open; Balanced and Choice Checking require $100. The bonus is deposited within 120 days of account opening. The account must remain open for at least 12 months; Associated Bank reserves the right to deduct the monetary bonus before closing if the account is closed within that period. The bonus may be reported to the IRS on Form 1099.
Source: Associated Bank current deposit-account disclosure reverified 2026-10-31. It confirms the November 30, 2026 open-and-fund deadline, $500 recurring direct-deposit requirement, $300/$400/$600 balance tiers measured over days 31-90, payout within 120 days of opening, 12-month account-hold/clawback language, opening minimums, and online availability in IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, OH, and WI. The current issuer disclosure does not list Nebraska. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Use the $300 tier as the practical comparison point: it requires the same $500 recurring direct-deposit hurdle but only a $1,000-$4,999.99 average deposit balance during days 31-90. The $600 headline requires $10,000+ and should not outrank simpler offers on headline cash alone. Access Checking is the lowest-fee path; keep the 12-month clawback rule in mind before closing.
$500
From $2,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2027-02-02
$500 premium checking bonus
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Truist Marquee Checking account from 2026-07-14 through 2027-02-02 and enroll with a valid single-use promo code at account opening. Within 120 days, receive at least two qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete at least 20 qualifying debit card purchases. Existing Truist personal checking primary owners and customers who closed a Truist personal checking account on or after 2025-07-14 are ineligible. The account must have a positive balance and remain open and unrestricted at payout.
Source: Truist issuer checking promotion and terms reverified 2026-10-31. The $500 amount, two qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000+, 20 debit-card purchases, 120-day qualification window, February 2, 2027 deadline, eligible footprint, and 10-business-day payout are current. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Same $500 promotion as Truist One, but the Marquee account has a much harder $35 monthly-fee waiver. Most readers should compare the One account first.
$300
From $1,500 in qualifying direct deposit · No fixed expiration stated; Flagstar can change or end the offer
$300 new-customer bonus for three consecutive $500+ monthly direct deposits within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Be a new personal checking customer of Flagstar Bank and open a Flagstar Ready Checking account. Within the first 90 days after account opening, receive one or more direct deposits (ACH credits) totaling at least $500 during each of three consecutive 30-day timeframes (days 1-30, days 31-60, days 61-90), for a cumulative total of at least $1,500 in qualifying direct deposits. Direct deposit means an electronic deposit of payroll, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income via ACH. The $300 bonus is paid 91-104 days after account opening. Limited to one promotion per household; any signer previously paid a Flagstar checking cash bonus is ineligible; cannot be combined with other offers; early account closure within 180 days may trigger a fee and bonus reclamation; Flagstar employees are not eligible. The $10 monthly service fee reduces to $5 with any ONE of (e-statements enrollment, $500+ in total direct deposits per cycle, $1,000+ average balance per cycle, primary holder age 24 or younger) or is fully waived with any TWO of those.
Source: Flagstar issuer checking-accounts page (flagstar.com/personal/bank/checking.html), footnote 4, fetched and confirmed 2026-10-31. The current live page states no state/geographic restriction, which differs from older third-party bonus trackers describing an 8-state footprint from a prior campaign. Treated as the issuer page currently states it, flagged for a follow-up confirmation before removing the caveat permanently. Confidence: high on bonus terms; medium on nationwide availability.
Beelinger note: The easier of the two Flagstar tiers: a $500 monthly direct-deposit threshold repeated three times is a moderate bar, and the $10 fee has two independent ways to fully waive it.
$300
No direct deposit required · No expiration date stated on the issuer page; SouthState may modify or discontinue the offer
$300 after 15 debit-card purchases plus either $250 in qualifying direct deposits or a $25+ qualifying automatic draft
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new eligible SouthState personal checking account using promo code 300BONUS. Within 60 calendar days, complete at least 15 posted and cleared debit-card purchases or payments and either receive cumulative qualifying direct deposits of at least $250 or establish at least one qualifying third-party preauthorized automatic draft of $25 or more. Keep the account open without changing its product type through payment. SouthState Checking has a $5 monthly maintenance charge that is waived with eStatements. Online opening requires no minimum deposit; branch opening requires $25. Current or former SouthState checking owners within the previous 12 months are ineligible, as is anyone who previously received a bonus on an eligible SouthState checking account. Residency restrictions apply; current tracker coverage is AL, CO, FL, GA, NC, SC, TX, and VA, so confirm address eligibility with SouthState.
Source: SouthState issuer promotion page confirms the $300 amount, code 300BONUS, qualification paths, account fee and waiver, prior-customer exclusions, and payout within two business days after the 60-day qualification period. The issuer does not publish a fixed end date and does not enumerate all eligible states; Beelinger uses current tracker coverage for the state filter and instructs readers to confirm address eligibility. Reverified 2026-10-31 against the current issuer source. Confidence: high on core offer terms; medium on exact geographic footprint.
Beelinger note: One of the strongest low-friction additions because the bonus can be earned without payroll direct deposit by using a qualifying $25+ automatic draft, though the 15 debit-card transactions still add activity friction.
$300
From $2,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-12-11
$300 after $2,000 in eligible direct deposits within 90 days
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Key Smart Checking account online using code KDMA0526 by 2026-12-11. Deposit at least $10 to open and receive eligible direct deposits totaling at least $2,000 within 90 days. Keep the account open through payment. Geographic restrictions apply; the current matched eligibility tracker lists AK, CO, CT, ID, IN, MA, ME, MI, NY, OH, OR, PA, UT, VT, and WA, but confirm your address directly with KeyBank.
Source: KeyBank issuer checking-bonus page; geographic coverage cross-checked against the current matched tracker. Amount, code, deadline, deposit requirement, no-monthly-fee account structure, and payout timing were reverified 2026-10-31. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: No monthly maintenance fee makes this the lower-friction KeyBank option. Address eligibility remains the main constraint.
$200
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-11-30
$200 after $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new TD Complete Checking account through the qualifying offer path by 2026-11-30 and receive at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days. Qualifying direct deposits are payroll, pension, or government-benefit payments and each qualifying deposit must be at least $250. Existing TD personal checking customers, customers whose prior TD personal checking account closed within the preceding 12 months, and customers who previously received a TD personal checking bonus are ineligible. Keep the account open and unrestricted through payout.
Source: TD Bank issuer checking-and-savings bonus page reverified 2026-10-31. The current campaign extends the $200 Complete Checking offer through 2026-11-30 with the same $500 direct-deposit requirement, 60-day qualification window, and payout on or before 180 days after opening. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: This remains TD's lower-hurdle checking option: $500 in qualifying direct deposits for a $200 bonus, now extended through November 30.
$175
No direct deposit required · Open by 2027-01-27
$175 after 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Chase Secure Banking account by 2027-01-27 using the offer path, then complete at least 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of offer enrollment. Qualifying activity includes debit-card purchases, online bill payments, Chase QuickDeposit, Zelle, and ACH credits. No minimum deposit is required to open. The $4.95 monthly service fee is waived with at least $250 in qualifying electronic deposits during a statement period or when an account owner is age 17-24.
Source: Chase issuer Secure Banking offer page reverified 2026-10-31. The $175 bonus, 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days, January 27, 2027 deadline, $4.95 monthly fee and waiver methods, no-minimum-opening-deposit structure, and payout within 15 days are current. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: A lower headline bonus than Chase Total Checking, but the qualification path can work for readers who prefer transactions instead of a large direct-deposit hurdle.
Up to $800
No direct deposit required · Open by 2027-01-10
$400 with $20,000-$99,999 in qualifying net-new money or $800 with $100,000 or more, plus 4.25% promotional APY for six months
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Morgan Stanley Private Bank Premium Savings Account by 2027-01-10 using promo code SAVE800. Deposit at least $20,000 in qualifying net-new money during the first 30 days, then maintain the applicable average daily balance for the following 45 days. Earn $400 by funding and maintaining $20,000-$99,999, or $800 by funding and maintaining at least $100,000. The account also receives a 4.25% promotional APY for six months from opening, after which the rate reverts to the variable standard APY. Existing Premium Savings Accounts are not eligible.
Source: E*TRADE / Morgan Stanley Private Bank cash-bonus terms reverified 2026-10-31. The $400/$800 cash tiers, SAVE800 code, January 10, 2027 deadline, 30-day funding period, 45-day maintenance period, and payout timing remain current. The current issuer bonus and product pages both show a 4.25% promotional APY for six months. Confidence: high on the cash-bonus terms and current promotional APY; rates can still change before enrollment.
Beelinger note: The practical entry tier remains $400 for $20,000 in new money. The $800 headline requires $100,000, so this stays excluded from the Top cash bonus spotlight.
$125
No direct deposit required · Open by 2027-01-13
$125 bonus with 10 qualifying transactions; no direct deposit required
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking account through the offer page by 2027-01-13 and complete at least 10 qualifying posted transactions within 60 calendar days. Eligible activity includes qualifying debit-card or digital-wallet purchases, Wells Fargo Bill Pay, qualifying mobile check deposits, and eligible Zelle transactions. No direct deposit is required. Clear Access is checkless and does not include standard overdraft coverage.
Source: Wells Fargo issuer Clear Access bonus page reverified 2026-10-31. The $125 bonus, 10 qualifying posted transactions within 60 days, January 13, 2027 deadline, $5 monthly fee and current waiver options, and payout within 30 days are current. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Lower headline bonus, but useful for readers who cannot or do not want to redirect direct deposit.
Up to $60
No direct deposit required · Standing first-year Savings Builder reward; issuer can change terms
$5 in qualifying months, up to $60 during the first year
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new BMO Savings Builder account with the $25 minimum opening deposit. For each eligible month in the first year that the account balance grows by at least $200, BMO credits a $5 savings reward, up to $60 total. Balance growth is measured by comparing the prior month-end ledger balance with the current month-end ledger balance. The account must remain open when rewards are paid.
Source: BMO Savings Builder product page and current Deposit Account Disclosure reverified 2026-10-31. The $25 opening deposit, $0 monthly maintenance fee, $5 reward for each month the balance grows by at least $200 during the first year, up-to-$60 total reward, and payout within 5 calendar days after a qualifying month remain current. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Small reward, but no monthly maintenance fee and no direct-deposit requirement. Best viewed as an incentive for consistent savings rather than a traditional bank-opening bonus.
$500
From $5,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-12-11
$500 after $5,000 in eligible direct deposits within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Key Select Checking account online using code KDMB0526 by 2026-12-11. Deposit at least $50 to open and receive eligible direct deposits totaling at least $5,000 within 90 days. Keep the account open through payment. The $25 monthly fee is waived for the first three months and afterward requires at least $3,000 in eligible direct deposits per statement cycle or $15,000 in combined balances. Geographic restrictions apply; the current matched eligibility tracker lists AK, CO, CT, ID, IN, MA, ME, MI, NY, OH, OR, PA, UT, VT, and WA, but confirm your address with KeyBank.
Source: KeyBank issuer checking-bonus page; geographic coverage cross-checked against the current matched tracker. Amount, code, deadline, fee-waiver rules, deposit requirement, and payout timing were reverified 2026-10-31. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The $500 headline is stronger than Key Smart Checking, but the $5,000 direct-deposit hurdle and ongoing $25 fee-waiver requirements make it the higher-friction choice.
Up to $400
From $1,000 in qualifying direct deposit · First eligible direct deposit must arrive by 2026-12-31
$50 with $1,000-$4,999.99 in eligible direct deposits or $400 with $5,000 or more
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Eligible new or existing SoFi members who have never established direct deposit with SoFi must receive their first eligible direct deposit by 2026-12-31. SoFi totals eligible direct deposits received during the 25 calendar days beginning with the first eligible deposit. Earn $50 with $1,000-$4,999.99 in eligible direct deposits or $400 with $5,000 or more. Eligible deposits must be recurring income from an employer, payroll or benefits provider, or government agency.
Source: SoFi issuer banking page; cross-checked against NerdWallet. Amounts, 25-day qualification window, December 31 deadline, no-fee structure, and payout timing were reverified 2026-10-31. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The $50 entry tier is much easier to reach than the $5,000 top tier. The account has no monthly, minimum-balance, or overdraft fees.
$100
No direct deposit required · Open through the offer page by 2026-12-31
$100 after building a 12-month savings habit
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
New Alliant Credit Union members must open the promotional savings account through the offer page by 2026-12-31. Deposit or transfer at least $100 each month for 12 consecutive months, beginning with the first $100 within 30 days of opening. Maintain at least a $100 average daily minimum balance and finish the 12-calendar-month period with a balance of at least $1,200.
Source: Alliant Credit Union issuer promotion terms reverified 2026-10-31. The $100 bonus, $100 monthly contribution requirement for 12 consecutive months, December 31, 2026 application deadline, $100 average-daily-minimum-balance rule, $1,200 ending-balance requirement, and up-to-4-week payout window remain current. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: This is a savings-habit reward, not quick cash. It is strongest for someone who already wants to automate at least $100 of monthly savings for a full year.
$500
From $7,500 in qualifying direct deposit · No fixed expiration stated; Flagstar can change or end the offer
$500 new-customer bonus for three consecutive $2,500+ monthly direct deposits within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Be a new personal checking customer of Flagstar Bank and open a Flagstar Elite Checking account. Within the first 90 days after account opening, receive one or more direct deposits (ACH credits) totaling at least $2,500 during each of three consecutive 30-day timeframes (days 1-30, days 31-60, days 61-90), for a cumulative total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits. The $500 bonus is paid 91-104 days after account opening. Limited to one promotion per household; any signer previously paid a Flagstar checking cash bonus is ineligible; cannot be combined with other offers; early account closure within 180 days may trigger a fee and bonus reclamation; Flagstar employees are not eligible. The $15 monthly service charge can be waived for qualifying active-duty or veteran military customers or by maintaining a $25,000 combined monthly average balance across linked Flagstar personal deposit accounts, enrolled in the Flagstar Elite Relationship Program.
Source: Flagstar issuer checking-accounts page (flagstar.com/personal/bank/checking.html), footnote 4, fetched and confirmed 2026-10-31. Same geographic-restriction caveat as the Ready Checking entry applies. Confidence: high on bonus terms; medium on nationwide availability.
Beelinger note: The higher headline requires much more monthly direct-deposit volume than Ready Checking and a far harder $25,000 fee waiver, so most readers comparing the two should look at Ready Checking first.
$400
From $1,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-12-31
$400 after qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within one statement cycle during the first three statement cycles
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Northwest Affinity Checking, Affinity Plus Checking, or Affinity Premier Checking account using promo code EARN400 by 2026-12-31. Make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 within a single statement cycle during the first three statement cycles after opening. The account must remain open through payment. The offer is unavailable to existing Northwest checking customers and customers whose Northwest checking account closed within the prior 12 months. Eligibility is limited to qualifying ZIP codes in specified counties in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, so confirm your ZIP on the issuer page before applying.
Source: Northwest Bank issuer promotion page. Current issuer terms explicitly show code EARN400, the $1,000 requirement, December 31 deadline, payout timing, and eligible-county restrictions. Reverified 2026-10-31 against the current issuer source. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The simplest Affinity Checking option has no monthly service charge or minimum-balance requirement, making the $400 reward attractive for eligible ZIP codes. The geographic restriction is narrower than a state-level filter, so always confirm ZIP eligibility.
$300
From $2,500 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-11-30
$300 after $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new TD Beyond Checking account through the qualifying offer path by 2026-11-30 and receive at least $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days. Qualifying direct deposits are payroll, pension, or government-benefit payments and each qualifying deposit must be at least $250. Existing TD personal checking customers, customers whose prior TD personal checking account closed within the preceding 12 months, and customers who previously received a TD personal checking bonus are ineligible. Keep the account open and unrestricted through payout.
Source: TD Bank issuer checking-and-savings bonus page reverified 2026-10-31. The current campaign extends the $300 Beyond Checking offer through 2026-11-30 with the same $2,500 direct-deposit requirement, 60-day qualification window, and payout on or before 180 days after opening. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The promotion has been extended through November 30. The $300 bonus still requires $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits, and the $25 monthly fee has multiple waiver paths.
Up to $500
From $2,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open through the offer page by 2027-01-31
$100 with $2,000 in qualifying direct deposits, $300 with $5,000, or $500 with $10,000 or more
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking checking account through the promotional page by 2027-01-31. Receive qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of opening. Earn $100 with at least $2,000 in qualifying direct deposits, $300 with at least $5,000, or $500 with $10,000 or more. Advantage SafeBalance Banking for Family Banking accounts are excluded from this offer. Keep the account open through payment and review the issuer's current eligibility rules before applying.
Source: Bank of America issuer 2026t3 promotion page reverified 2026-10-31. The current issuer page confirms the $100/$300/$500 direct-deposit tiers, January 31, 2027 deadline, 90-day qualifying-deposit period, and payout timing. The prior 2026t2 page now redirects to this current offer. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The $100 and $300 tiers are more realistic for many Beelinger readers than the $500 headline, which requires $10,000 in qualifying direct deposits. The prior separate SafeBalance no-direct-deposit path is not part of this current 2026t3 offer and has been removed from the card.
Up to $400
From $500 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2027-01-07
$100 with $500 in qualifying direct deposits to Virtual Wallet, or $400 with $5,000 to Virtual Wallet with Performance Select
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open an eligible PNC Virtual Wallet or Virtual Wallet with Performance Select checking product through the current offer page or with the applicable branch coupon by 2027-01-07. Earn $100 with Virtual Wallet after receiving total qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 within the first 60 days, or earn $400 with Virtual Wallet with Performance Select after receiving at least $5,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 60 days. Keep the eligible account open through payout. Existing PNC consumer checking customers, customers who closed a PNC consumer checking account within the prior 12 months, and customers who received a PNC consumer checking promotional premium within the prior 24 months are generally ineligible. The issuer says the offer may vary by market, so confirm address eligibility before opening.
Source: PNC issuer checking-bonus page reverified 2026-10-31. The current campaign is valid 2026-09-01 through 2027-01-07 and confirms the $100/$400 tiers, $500/$5,000 qualifying direct-deposit thresholds, 60-day qualification window, 60-90 day payout, prior-account exclusions, and market-dependent availability. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The $100 Virtual Wallet tier is much easier to reach than the $400 Performance Select tier. The current campaign replaced the expired August offer while keeping the same basic tier structure.
Up to $500
$2,000 · Open in branch by 2026-12-18
$300 with one qualifying direct deposit plus a $2,000 average daily balance, or $500 with one qualifying direct deposit plus a $5,000 average daily balance
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new eligible Santander Private Client, Santander Select, Simply Right, or Santander Essential checking account in a branch by 2026-12-18 using a valid promotion code. Earn $300 by having at least one qualifying direct deposit post and maintaining an average daily balance of at least $2,000 during the first 90 days, or earn $500 with at least one qualifying direct deposit and a $5,000 average daily balance during the first 90 days. Keep the account open for at least 90 days and in good standing through bonus payment. Offer is limited to residents of NH, MA, RI, CT, DE, NY, NJ, PA, and select areas of Florida including Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, and Collier ZIP code 34141. Current Santander checking customers and customers who had a Santander checking account in the prior 12 months are ineligible.
Source: Santander issuer checking-offer page reverified 2026-10-31. The live promotion now offers up to $500: $300 with one qualifying direct deposit plus a $2,000 average daily balance, or $500 with one qualifying direct deposit plus a $5,000 average daily balance during the first 90 days. The December 18, 2026 branch-opening deadline, promotion-code requirement, regional footprint, prior-customer exclusion, and payout within 30 days after the 90-day requirement period are issuer-confirmed. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The offer improved from a single $400 tier to $300/$500 tiers. The $300 tier is the more accessible path because it cuts the required average daily balance to $2,000; the main friction remains in-branch opening and a qualifying direct deposit.
$325
From $3,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Current renewed $325 campaign runs through 2027-01-11; confirm after ZIP entry
$325 after at least two Direct Deposits or other qualifying ACH transactions totaling $3,000 or more within 90 days
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new eligible Citi Regular Checking account through the $325 promotional path and complete at least two Direct Deposits or other qualifying ACH transactions totaling $3,000 or more within 90 calendar days of opening. Citi defines Enhanced Direct Deposit broadly to include qualifying ACH payroll, pension, Social Security, government benefits and other ACH payments; qualifying incoming Zelle and certain ACH-based Venmo or PayPal transfers may also count. Cash deposits, checks, wires, internal Citi transfers, ATM deposits, mobile check deposits, debit-card funding, and instant-transfer services do not qualify as EDD. Citi states that products, pricing, and promotions may vary by home ZIP, so confirm that the $325 offer appears for your address before applying.
Source: Citi issuer campaign currently displays “Open. Deposit. Earn $325” and confirms the $15 Regular Checking fee plus $250 EDD waiver rule and ZIP-dependent availability. The renewed campaign began 2026-10-27 and keeps the two-deposit/$3,000/90-day structure with a 2027-01-11 end date, corroborated by current source checks because the indexed Citi landing-page excerpt does not expose the complete bonus disclosure. Reverified 2026-10-31 against the current issuer source. Confidence: high on amount and core qualification; confirm the live ZIP-specific disclosure before opening.
Beelinger note: The $3,000 requirement is higher than some competing offers, but Citi’s Enhanced Direct Deposit definition is broader than traditional payroll-only direct deposit. This is a useful offer when the campaign is available for your ZIP and the $15 monthly fee can be waived naturally.
$300
From $3,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Promotional opening period ends 2026-12-31
$300 after three consecutive months of qualifying direct deposits and debit-card activity
No monthly fee in the verified record. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Ion Bank Free Choice Checking account during the promotional period ending 2026-12-31. Receive at least $1,000 per month in qualifying direct deposits and make at least four point-of-sale Ion Bank debit-card transactions per month for three consecutive months after opening. Keep the account open through payout. The offer is not available to existing Ion Bank checking customers, customers whose Ion checking account was closed within 90 days, or customers whose Ion checking account was closed with a negative balance within the last three years. Ion Bank currently operates branch locations across Connecticut and New Jersey; confirm online account eligibility for your address before opening.
Source: Ion Bank issuer Free Choice Checking promotion and current locations pages. Reverified 2026-10-31 against the current issuer source. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: No minimum balance and no monthly fee make the account attractive, but the bonus requires both recurring direct deposits and four debit-card purchases in each of three consecutive months.
Up to $600
From $1,000 in qualifying direct deposit · Open by 2026-12-15
$100 per qualifying month, up to $600 over six consecutive months
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking, Smart Money Checking, or Relationship Checking account through the promotional page by 2026-12-15. Beginning the month after opening, earn $100 for each consecutive month in which at least $1,000 in cumulative qualifying direct deposits posts, for up to six months. A $25 minimum opening deposit applies. Existing BMO personal checking customers and customers who closed a BMO personal checking account within the previous 12 months are ineligible. Primary applicant residency is limited to AZ, CA, CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, MN, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, and WI.
Source: BMO issuer digital-offer page reverified 2026-10-31. The current promotion is materially different from Beelinger's expired $400 campaign: it pays $100 per qualifying month, up to $600 over six consecutive months, requires at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits each qualifying month, and runs through December 15, 2026. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: Smart Advantage is the most accessible account option because it has no monthly maintenance fee. The offer can be valuable, but earning the full $600 requires repeating the $1,000 direct-deposit target for six consecutive months rather than meeting a one-time hurdle.
Up to $1,000
From $2,000 in qualifying direct deposit · No dated expiration stated; Columbia says the limited-time offer may end without notice
$500 after $2,000 in qualifying ACH credits, plus $250 with $5,000 or $500 with $10,000 in qualifying new money
Illustrative net assumes you meet any available fee waiver; otherwise subtract applicable fees. Lost-interest estimate uses a 4.0% APY alternative only when the verified record requires parked cash; any verified APY paid by the offer account offsets that estimate. This is a comparison aid, not tax advice.
Offer opens on the issuer's website. Eligibility and payment are determined by the issuer.
Open a new Columbia Bank Advantage Plus Checking account. Earn the first $500 after qualifying ACH credits totaling at least $2,000 post within 60 days of opening. For an additional $250, deposit at least $5,000 in new money within 15 days and maintain it for another 120 days; for an additional $500, deposit at least $10,000 in new money within 15 days and maintain it for the same 120-day seasoning period. The account must remain open through payment. Customers who previously received any Columbia Bank checking or savings opening bonus are not eligible for the $500 new-account bonus. The $10 monthly maintenance service charge can be waived with more than $1,000 in direct deposits or three qualifying online bill payments or external ACH withdrawals per statement cycle.
Source: Columbia Bank Advantage Plus Checking issuer page and offer disclosures. Amounts, timing, balance-seasoning requirement, fee, and waiver methods are issuer-confirmed. No fixed expiration date is published. Reverified 2026-10-31 against the current issuer source. Confidence: high.
Beelinger note: The practical entry offer is $500 for $2,000 in ACH credits. The full $1,000 requires adding $10,000 of new money and keeping it in the account for 120 days, so it is excluded from Beelinger's Top cash bonus spotlight despite the larger headline.
We show nationwide and regional bank and credit-union deposit promotions that are still available and useful enough to compare. Regional deals are marked with a state-count warning and list eligible states in the requirements. Expired offers remain excluded. When complete issuer terms could not be retrieved, the card says so and instructs readers to confirm the offer directly before applying.
Expires soon: offer ends within 14 days. Check this first: offer ends within 30 days. No fixed expiration: public offer is live, but the issuer can change or end it anytime. Expired offers are removed from this page automatically. Regional offers remain visible with eligibility warnings so readers can decide whether the offer applies where they live.
Every addition and removal on this page is logged so you can see exactly what moved since your last visit.
Answers to common questions before you open a new account for a bonus or discount.
Many bank bonuses may be treated as taxable income and reported on a tax form, depending on the issuer and account type. Keep your bonus records and check the issuer tax documents.
Most meaningful checking bonuses require qualifying direct deposit. Some offers define direct deposit narrowly, so read the issuer terms before applying.
Among active offers in the Beelinger database, the lowest structured direct-deposit requirement is currently $250. Current offers at that level include SouthState Bank. This compares the minimum cumulative qualifying direct deposits needed to earn an entry cash tier; some offers also require repeated deposits, transactions, balances, or other steps.
Sometimes, but banks often restrict existing customers, recent customers, repeat bonuses, household eligibility, or prior account closures.
Each active offer has its own last-verified date. Beelinger flags active offers that have not been rechecked within the freshness window, while newer offers can remain current without waiting for a page-wide sweep.
It means Beelinger reviewed a public issuer promotion, product, disclosure, or support page for the offer. Some details may still require direct issuer confirmation when a full disclosure is not publicly accessible.