These accounts offer perks just for signing up.
Most checking accounts have similar features and rates, making it tough to decide which one is right for you. But if you know where to look, you might come across a checking account that offers a bonus just for signing up.
Current Sapphire cardmembers can get 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards bonus points when you join Sapphire Banking by June 15, 2019. Within 45 days of joining, transfer a total of $75,000 or more in qualifying new money or securities to a combination of eligible checking, savings and/or investment accounts, and maintain the balance for at least 90 days.
Our top pick: Chase Sapphire Checking
Our top pick: Chase Sapphire Checking
Best checking account bonuses
| Name | Bonus | Conditions for new customers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC Advance Checking | $350 |
| |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $300 |
| |
| Chase Total Checking | $200 |
| |
| HSBC Premier Checking | $750 |
| |
| Discover Cashback Debit | 1% cash back |
| |
| Chase College Checking | $100 |
| |
| HSBC Choice Checking | $200 |
| |
| Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance or Relationship Banking | $100 |
| |
| Citi Interest Checking Account | $400 + $100 for direct deposit |
| |
| TD Bank Premier Checking | $300 |
|
How to compare checking account bonuses
Consider this criteria when you’re deciding if an account is right for you:
- Bonus amount and conditions.Make sure the bonus amount is worth the conditions — and that you can meet them.
- Monthly fee. See if you can avoid the monthly fee or that fits into your monthly budget.
- Account features.Keep an eye out for features like mobile banking and rewards that could make the account more convenient.
- Opening deposit or minimum balance. Calculate that you can afford the opening deposit and meet the minimum balance requirements to avoid fees.
- ATM and branch access. Find out how many ATMs and branches there are to access your money when you need it.
Compare other top checking account bonuses
How we chose the best accounts
Checking account bonuses can incentivize you to open a specific account, but the bonus might not be worth the hassle if the underlying account is subpar. In order to determine which bonuses were worth it, we also looked into the accounts they were attached to and the conditions required to earn the bonus. Our criteria for selecting these accounts include ATM and branch access, account features, fees, and of course, the bonus amount and conditions.
Bottom line
Finding a checking account with a bonus is easy money in your hand. Get a head start on growing your account balance and compare your options to find an account that suits your needs.
