10 Best Checking Account Bonuses for February 2024

lechatnoir / Getty Images
lechatnoir / Getty Images

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 February 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: $325 bonus

  4. Huntington Bank: Up to $600 bonus

  5. PNC Bank: Up to $400 bonus

  6. Regions Bank: $300 bonus

  7. SoFi: Up to $300 bonus

  8. TD Bank: Up to $300 bonus

  9. Truist: $300 bonus

  10. Axos Bank: $300 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 March 31, 2024, the bank is offering new customers a bonus worth up to $600.

  • Bonus: Up to $600

  • Expiration date: March 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 before Apr. 17, 2024, and meet certain requirements.

  • Bonus: $300

  • Expiration date: Apr. 17, 2024

  • 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: $325 Bonus

Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank has a presence in 11 states in the Midwest and Southeast. The bank is offering a $325 bonus for customers who open a new Fifth Third Momentum Checking or Preferred Checking account by March 31, 2024, and meet the bonus criteria.

  • Bonus: $325

  • Expiration date: March 31, 2024

  • 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: Relatively high bonus in exchange for a low qualifying direct deposit

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: Jun. 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. 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: Feb. 29, 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

6. Regions Bank LifeGreen Checking: $300 Bonus

With headquarters in Alabama, Regions Bank serves customers in the Midwest, South and Texas. If you open a LifeGreen Checking account by June 30 and meet certain requirements, you can qualify for a $300 bonus.

  • Bonus: $300

  • Expiration date: June 30, 2024

  • Promotion page: Regions Bank checking account bonus

  • How to get it: Get a promo code through the bank’s website. Then open an account online — or select the “Open an Account in Person” button to register, then bring your personalized email voucher to your local branch to open your account. After opening the account, enroll in the bank’s online banking service and receive at least $1,000 through direct deposits within 90 days.

  • Why we like it: Relatively high bonus for receiving a minimum of $1,000 via direct deposits in three months

7. 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: June 30, 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: Qualifying deposits include peer-to-peer transfers, such as via PayPal or Venmo.

8. TD Beyond Checking or TD Convenience Checking: Up To $300 Bonus

Although TD Bank has been around since 1955, it didn’t enter the U.S. market until 2005. Today, the bank has more than 1,100 branches along the East Coast. New customers can get a bonus worth $200 or $300 when they open a TD checking account by Feb. 29.

  • Bonus: Up to $300

  • Expiration date: Feb. 29, 2024

  • Promotion page: TD Bank checking account bonus

  • How to get it: Open a new TD Beyond Checking account and receive at least $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days to earn a $300 bonus. Alternatively, open a TD Convenience Checking account and receive at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days to earn a $200 bonus.

  • Why we like it: Low qualifying direct deposit of $500 to earn $200 bonus

9. Truist One Checking: $300 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 21 community banking regions in 17 states plus Washington, D.C. Right now, you can earn a $300 bonus for opening a Truist One Checking account.

  • Bonus: $300

  • Expiration date: Feb. 27, 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 two qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of account opening. Qualifying direct deposits are payroll, government benefit, pension and other monthly direct deposits by an employer or an outside agency.

  • Why we like it: Two direct deposits totaling $1,000 can earn you $300.

10. Axos Bank Rewards Checking: $300 Bonus

Founded in 2000, Axos Bank is an online financial services company and digital banking leader. The bank is based in San Diego and is FDIC-insured. From now through June 30, new Rewards Checking customers can earn a $300 bonus just for opening an account and receiving qualifying direct deposits.

  • Bonus: $300

  • Expiration date: June 30, 2024

  • Promotion page: Axos Bank checking account bonus

  • How to get it: Open a new Rewards Checking account using the promo code listed on the account bonus webpage and deposit new-to-Axos funds into the account within 30 days. Then receive at least $5,000 in qualifying direct deposits each calendar month for the first seven months your account is open while maintaining a minimum average daily balance of at least $7,000. Qualifying direct deposits are regular payments like paychecks and government benefits.

  • Why we like it: Checking account holders can also earn interest on top of the bonus.

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 giving bonuses for customers opening new checking accounts:

  • Associated Bank

  • Chase

  • Fifth Third Bank

  • Huntington Bank

  • PNC Bank

  • Regions Bank

  • SoFi

  • TD Bank

  • Truist

  • Axos Bank

Note that the number of banks offering 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 Apr. 1, 2024, and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days.

Is It Worth It To Open 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.

Cynthia Measom and Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information on promotions is accurate as of Feb. 5, 2024. Additional requirements may apply. Offers and terms are subject to change.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Best Checking Account Bonuses for February 2024

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