10 Best Checking Account Bonuses for October 2024

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If you’re in the market for a new checking account, one feature to consider is whether the bank is offering bonuses for new accounts. You can score some easy cash when you open the account and meet the requirements to earn the bonus. Keep reading to learn more about the best checking account bonus offers for October 2024.

10 Best Checking Account Bonuses

The following banks are currently offering checking accounts with bonuses for customers opening new accounts:

1. Associated Bank: Up to $600 bonus
2. Chase: $300 bonus
3. Fifth Third Bank: $375 bonus
4. Huntington Bank: Up to $600 bonus
5. BMO Bank: $500 bonus
6. SoFi®: Up to $300 bonus
7. Truist: $400 bonus
8. Regions: $300 bonus
9. Citi: $300 bonus
10. PNC: Up to $400 bonus

1. Associated Bank Checking Account: Up To $600 Bonus

Associated Bank is the largest bank holding company in Wisconsin, and its physical presence stretches into Illinois and Minnesota. Through Dec. 31, the bank is offering new customers a bonus worth up to $600.

• Bonus: Up to $600
• Expiration date: Dec. 31, 2024
• Promotion page: Associated Bank checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open any new checking account and set up a direct deposit of $500 or more within 90 days. The bonus you earn depends on your account’s average daily balance. A balance between $1,000 and $4,999 earns $300; a balance between $5,000 and $9,999 earns $400; and a balance of $10,000 or more earns the top bonus of $600.
• Why we like it: After meeting direct deposit requirements, you can grow your bonus by adding funds to your checking account.

2. Chase Total Checking®: $300 Bonus

Chase is one of the largest banks in the United States, with more than 4,700 physical branches across the country. New Chase Checking customers can earn a bonus worth $300 when they open a Chase Total Checking account by Oct. 16 and meet certain requirements.

• Bonus: $300
• Expiration date: Jan. 22, 2025
• Promotion page: Chase checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open the account online with a coupon code, which will be applied automatically when you click the “Open an account” button, or provide your email address to receive a coupon code to bring to a local branch. Then receive a direct deposit of at least $500 within 90 days. The direct deposit can come from your employer’s payroll or from government benefits or pensions.
• Why we like it: Low qualifying direct deposit of $500 to earn bonus

3. Fifth Third Bank Momentum Checking or Preferred Checking: $375 Bonus

Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank has a presence in 11 states in the Midwest and Southeast. The bank is offering a $375 bonus for customers who open a new Fifth Third Momentum Checking or Preferred Checking account by Jan. 6, 2025, and meet the bonus criteria.

• Bonus: $375
• Expiration date: Jan. 6, 2025
• Promotion page: Fifth Third Bank checking account bonus
• How to get it: You’ll need an offer code, so open the account online to have the code applied automatically, or request to have a code sent to your email if you prefer opening the account in person. Then have direct deposits worth at least $500 deposited into the account within 90 days.
• Why we like it: Bonus deposited within 10 business days of fulfilling requirements

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4. Huntington Bank Perks Checking or Platinum Perks Checking: Up To $600 Bonus

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Huntington Bank has physical locations in 11 states. Customers who open a new Perks Checking or Platinum Perks Checking account can score a bonus of up to $600 when they meet requirements.

• Bonus: Up to $600
• Expiration date: Oct. 7, 2024
• Promotion page: Huntington Bank checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open your new account using the bonus code provided when you apply online or that you receive through your email. If you open a Perks Checking account, set up and receive a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days and keep the account open for 90 days to earn a $400 bonus. For a Platinum Perks Checking account, deposit a total of $25,000 within 90 days and keep the account open for 90 days to receive the $600 bonus.
• Why we like it: No amount required on qualifying direct deposit for $400 bonus

5. BMO Relationship Checking: $500 Bonus

BMO comes in strong with a $500 cash bonus for new customers opening a Relationship Checking account. There are great options for linking your savings as well as growth potential through earning interest.

• Bonus: Up to $500
• Expiration date: Oct. 31, 2024
• Promotion page: BMO Relationship Checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open a Relationship Checking account as a new customer. When you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days, BMO will deposit the bonus directly into your account.
• Why we like it: You can automate your savings with recurring transfers from your checking account. This checking account also comes with up to $25 in surcharge fee rebates on non-BMO ATMs per monthly statement period.

6. SoFi Checking and Savings: Up To $300 Bonus

Originally founded as a lending platform, SoFi introduced the SoFi Checking and Savings account in 2022. It’s currently offering new customers a bonus worth up to $300.

• Bonus: Up to $300
• Expiration date: Dec. 31, 2024
• Promotion page: SoFi checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open an account and set up a direct deposit from your employer or benefits provider. You’ll receive a $50 bonus for qualifying deposits between $1,000 and $4,999.99, or a $300 bonus for qualifying deposits of at least $5,000.
• Why we like it: Checking and savings account holders can also earn interest on top of the bonus.

7. Truist One Checking: $400 Bonus

Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank created by the merger of BB&T and SunTrust. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist serves 14 community banking regions in 17 states plus Washington, D.C. Right now, you can earn a $400 bonus for opening a Truist One Checking account.

• Bonus: $400
• Expiration date: Oct. 30, 2024
• Promotion page: Truist checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open a new Truist One Checking account online, using the promo code listed on the account bonus webpage. Then complete one qualifying direct deposit of at least $500 and make 15 or more qualifying debit card purchases within 90 days. Qualifying direct deposits are payroll, government benefit, pension and other monthly direct deposits by an employer or an outside agency.
• Why we like it: One direct deposit of $500 and 15 debit card purchases can earn you $400.

8. Regions LifeGreen Checking Account: $300

With headquarters in Alabama, Regions Bank serves customers in the Midwest, South and Texas. If you open a LifeGreen Checking account by Jan. 31, 2025, and meet certain requirements, you can qualify for a $300 bonus.

• Bonus: $300
• Expiration date: Register by Dec. 31, 2024; open account by Jan. 31, 2025
• Promotion page: Regions checking account bonus
• How to get it: Register for the offer using the online form on the bank’s website and wait for a confirmation email. Next, open an account online or at a local branch. After opening the account, enroll in the bank’s online banking service and receive at least $1,000 in ACH deposits within 90 days.
• Why we like it: Relatively high bonus for receiving a minimum of $1,000 via direct deposits within three months

9. Citi Checking Account With Enhanced Direct Deposit: $300 Bonus

Citibank has over 600 branches in 13 states and Washington D.C. It’s considered one of the top five largest banks in the U.S. If you open a Citi Checking account with Enhanced Direct Deposit by Oct. 8, you’ll have a chance to earn a $300 bonus.

• Bonus: $300
• Expiration date: Oct. 8, 2024
• Promotion page: Citi checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open a new Citi Checking account online directly from the account bonus webpage. Then complete two Enhanced Direct Deposits of at least $1,500 total combined within 90 days. (Enhanced Direct Deposits are deposits via the ACH network, including payroll, government benefit, pension and other monthly direct deposits by an employer or an outside agency. EDDs also include incoming ACH network deposits from Zelle, Venmo or PayPal.)
• Why we like it: $1,500 in qualifying deposits can earn you $300.

10. PNC Bank Virtual Wallet: Up to $400 Bonus

PNC Bank has a presence in 28 states plus Washington, D.C. It’s currently offering a bonus worth up to $400 for new customers who take advantage of the bank’s Virtual Wallet product.

• Bonus: Up to $400
• Expiration date: Oct. 31, 2024
• Promotion page: PNC Bank checking account bonus
• How to get it: Open a Virtual Wallet through the bank’s online application. Then set up and receive your paycheck, pension payment, Social Security or other monthly direct deposit by an employer or an outside agency within 60 days. The bonus you can earn will depend on the Virtual Wallet option you choose:
  • Virtual Wallet: Earn a $100 bonus for total direct deposits of at least $500 to the Spend account
  • Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend: Earn a $200 bonus for total direct deposits of at least $2,000 to the Spend account
  • Virtual Wallet with Performance Select: Earn a $400 bonus for total direct deposits of at least $5,000 to the Spend account
• Why we like it: Top bonus amount of $400 is achievable even if you’re not a high earner. 

Expired Checking Account Bonuses

Here’s information about checking account bonuses that recently expired.

First Horizon Checking: $450 Bonus

Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, First Horizon Bank offers many banking products. From now through Sept. 15, 2024, open a new FirstView or SmartView checking account and earn a $450 bonus just for opening an account and receiving qualifying direct deposits.

• Bonus: $450
• Expiration date: Sept. 15, 2024
• How to get it: Fill out the online form to get your personal promotional code. Then, complete the steps to open a new FirstView or SmartView Checking account. Make at least $1,000 of qualifying direct deposits. Qualifying direct deposits are regular payments like paychecks and government benefits.
• Why we like it: You get a bonus for using a great checking account.

Do Banks Give Out Bonuses?

Yes, banks do give out bonuses to attract new customers. These bonuses typically range from around $50 to $2,000, and you’ll have to set up a direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance in the account to qualify. You’ll also find that the top bonuses tend to be reserved for customers with the highest balances.

What Banks Give You a Bonus for Opening a Checking Account?

The following banks are currently offering checking accounts with bonuses for new customers:

• Associated Bank
• Chase
• Fifth Third Bank
• Huntington Bank
• BMO Bank
• SoFi
• Truist
• Regions
• Citi
• PNC

Note that the number of banks offering checking accounts with bonuses changes throughout the year, and banks may choose to end bonus offers before the advertised promotional period ends.

Is Wells Fargo Giving Away $1,000?

No, Wells Fargo is not giving away $1,000, but it is offering a $300 bonus for customers who open a new Everyday Checking account. To qualify, you have to open the account by Jan. 8, 2025, and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days.

Is It Worth Opening a Checking Account for the Bonus?

If you can use the cash and can meet the requirements, opening a bank account for the bonus may make sense. Some people prefer having two or more checking accounts to help with budgeting. However, before opening the account, make sure you’ll be able to meet the criteria to earn the bonus and avoid costly maintenance fees. If you plan to maintain more than one checking account, note the minimum balances you need to have in each account. Your bank may choose to close your account if you’re not using it.

If you want to earn a little more on your money, consider opening a CD account with a high rate. While your money stays tied up, it works for you by earning interest.

Cynthia Measom, Daria Uhlig, Caitlyn Moorhead and River Jean-Noel contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information on promotions is accurate as of Oct. 4, 2024. Additional requirements may apply. Offers and terms are subject to change.

The information related to Chase Total Checking was collected by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see the issuer’s website for current information. GOBankingRates does not receive commission for this product.

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New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus when they set up Direct Deposit of at least $1,000 during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period. Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/24. Full terms at http://sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/8/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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