25+ Best Bank Bonuses & Promotions of October 2025

21 min read

Banks are giving away hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of dollars just for opening an account. But many people miss out simply because they don’t know where to look.

With so many banks competing for new customers, financial institutions are offering generous cash bonuses to get you to sign up. These deals often require setting up direct deposits, maintaining a balance, or completing a few qualifying transactions—but in return, you can pocket easy money just for banking where you already would.

This list covers the best checking, savings, business, and credit union bonuses available in October 2025. Many of these offers come with expiration dates, so if you find one that fits your banking needs, act fast before it’s gone.

Best Checking Account Bonuses

If you’re in the market for a new checking account, there are a few bank account bonuses specific to checking to consider.

1. SoFi Checking & Savings

  • Bonus: Up to $300
  • Requirement: Open a new account and set up direct deposits totaling $5,000 or more within a 30-day period

SoFi offers a sign-up bonus of up to $300 for new Checking and Savings accounts.

To qualify, open a SoFi Checking and Savings account and establish direct deposits totaling $5,000 or more within a 30-day period to receive a $300 bonus.

The bonus will be credited within seven business days after the evaluation period. This promotion is valid until January 31, 2026.

This account has no service fees, and you’ll get free cash withdrawals and deposits at any Allpoint ATMs. Your high-yield savings account will also qualify for up to 3.80% APY, and your checking account earns 0.50% APY.

2. PNC Virtual Wallet

  • Bonus: Up to $400
  • Requirement: Receive $500–$5,000 in direct deposits within 60 days

PNC’s Virtual Wallet offers a tiered bonus structure, letting you choose the best fit for your cash flow.

Earn $100 with $500 in direct deposits, $200 with $2,000, or $400 with $5,000—each within 60 days of opening your account.

The sign-up bonus is credited within 60–90 days after meeting the requirements.

Monthly fees depend on the account tier, but you can waive them by maintaining a qualifying balance (e.g., the Performance Spend account’s $7 fee is waived with $2,000 in direct deposits).

3. Bank of America Advantage Accounts

  • Bonus: $500
  • Monthly fee: $4.95–$25 (waivable with qualifying activity)

Requirements:

  • Open a new Advantage SafeBalance Banking®, Advantage Plus Banking®, or Advantage Relationship Banking® account by January 31, 2026.
  • Enroll through a Bank of America associate, the official offer page, or via a direct email invitation.
  • Receive qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days.
  • Bonus amount is tiered based on deposit totals, with the highest tier earning up to $500.
  • The bonus will be credited within 60 days of meeting the requirements, as long as the account is still open and in good standing.

Bank of America’s Advantage accounts come with monthly fees ranging from $4.95 to $25, but these can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance, linking to Preferred Rewards, or meeting other activity requirements.

4. Capital One 360 Checking

  • Bonus: $250

Requirements:

  1. Open a New Account: Open a 360 Checking account using the promo code CHECKING250.
  2. Set Up Direct Deposits: Within 75 days of account opening, receive at least two qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more.

Once these requirements are met, the $250 sign-up bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days.

Please note, this offer is available nationwide and is subject to change. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and review the terms on Capital One’s official website before applying.

5. Huntington Platinum Perks Checking

  • Bonus: $400 or $600
  • Requirement: At least one direct deposit in the first 90 days for $400 bonus; $25,000 in deposits in the first 90 days for $600 bonus

Huntington Bank has two tiers of bonuses, depending on your account needs. The highest bonus, $600, goes with the bank’s Platinum Perks Checking, which comes with a $25 monthly fee.

If you maintain a $25,000 balance across all your Huntington accounts, that fee is waived. This account also includes unlimited fee-free withdrawals at out-of-network ATMs.

For lower balances, Huntington’s Perks Checking offers a $400 bonus with no service fees, as long as you receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits each month.

To qualify, you must deposit at least $25,000 within the first 90 days and keep your account open for at least 90 days. The bonus will be deposited 14 days after meeting the requirements. Offer ends January 15, 2026.

6. Chase Total Checking

  • Bonus: $300
  • Monthly fee: $12 (can be waived)

Requirements:

  • Open a new Chase Total Checking® account by January 21, 2026.
  • Receive $500 or more in direct deposits within 90 days of account opening.
  • The bonus is credited within 15 days of meeting the requirement, provided the account remains open and in good standing.
  • Not eligible if you’re a current or recently former (within 90 days) Chase checking customer. Only one bonus per two-year period.

7. Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account

  • Bonus: $325
  • Monthly fee: $10, but it can be waived
  • Requirement: $25 deposit plus $1,000 in direct deposits in the first 90 days

Another great deal is Wells Fargo’s $325 new bank account bonus.

You’ll only need to deposit $25 to open the account, then receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits within the first 90 days of opening.

This offer is only for new account holders, and ends October 15, 2025.

There are minimum balance requirements to avoid the $10 monthly maintenance fee. You’ll need to satisfy at least one of them during each billing period:

  • Maintain at least a $500 daily balance
  • Have at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits
  • Have a qualifying Wells Fargo student card or be between the ages of 17 and 24

Even without the bonus, Wells Fargo requires a $25 deposit to kick off your Everyday Checking account.

Your account comes with various features, including fraud monitoring and the ability to temporarily lock your card if you lose track of it.

8. Fifth Third Bank Momentum® Checking

  • Bonus: $300
  • Monthly Fee: None

Requirements:

  • Open a Momentum® Checking or Preferred Checking account by January 7, 2026, with an offer code.
  • Set up at least $500 in direct deposits within 90 days of account opening.
  • The bonus is deposited within 10 business days after requirements are met (account must remain open and in good standing).
  • Not available to those who currently hold or recently closed a Fifth Third checking account (within the last 13 months).

9. BMO Smart Advantage Checking

  • Bonus: $400
  • Monthly fee: $0 with paperless statements
  • Requirement: Open a new account and receive at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days

BMO is offering a $400 sign-up bonus for new Smart Advantage Checking accounts. To qualify, open a new account and receive a total of $4,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening.

The bonus will be deposited after meeting the requirements. There’s no monthly maintenance fee when you opt for paperless statements, and you’ll have access to over 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs nationwide.

10. TD Bank Checking Account

  • Bonus: $200 or $300
  • Monthly fee: $0-$25
  • Requirement: $500-$2,500 direct deposit to checking

TD Bank promotions cover two different types of checking accounts, each with its own requirements:

  • Earn $200 on a TD Complete Checking Account when your direct deposited funds equal $500 or more within the first 60 days of account opening.
  • Earn $300 on a TD Beyond Checking Account when direct deposited funds equal $2,500 or more within the first 60 days of account opening.

With TD Bank’s checking accounts, you’ll face a monthly fee of $15 on the Complete Checking account and $25 on the Beyond Checking account.

That fee will be waived as long as you keep a minimum balance of $100 for the lower-priced account and $2,500 for the higher-priced one.

11. Truist One Checking

  • Bonus: $400
  • Monthly fee: Can be waived
  • Requirement: Open a new account online with promo code TRUIST25DC400 and receive at least two qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days

Truist is offering a $400 bonus for new Truist One Checking accounts. To qualify, open a new account online before October 29, 2025, using promo code TRUIST25DC400, then receive at least two qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days.

The sign-up bonus will be deposited within four weeks after meeting the requirements. Truist One Checking has no overdraft fees, a $100 Negative Balance Buffer for eligible clients, and multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee.

12. Citi Simplified Checking Account

  • Bonus: $325, $750, or $1,500
  • Monthly fee: Varies by account tier – waived with enough Enhanced Direct Deposits or linked balances

Requirements:

Requirements:

  • $325 Bonus: Open an eligible account by October 6, 2025, and make at least two Enhanced Direct Deposits totaling $3,000 within 90 days.
  • $750 Bonus: Open by October 6, 2025, deposit $30,000 in new-to-Citibank funds within ~45 days, and keep that balance for another 45 days.
  • $1,500 Bonus: Open by October 6, 2025, deposit $200,000, and maintain that balance for the required timeframe.
  • Bonus is credited between day 90 and day 120 after account opening once everything is met.
  • Must be 18+, have a valid tax form, and not have held a Citi checking account in the past year.

13. KeyBank Key Smart Checking

  • Bonus: $300
  • Monthly Fee: None

Requirements:

  • Make one direct deposit of $1,000 or more within 60 days
  • Open a Key Smart Checking® or KeyBank Hassle-Free Account® online by December 19, 2025, using promo code KDMA0825.
  • Deposit a minimum of $10 to open, followed by at least $2,000 in eligible direct deposits within the first 90 days.
  • The bonus will be deposited within 60 days of meeting the requirements, provided the account remains open.
woman holding cash

Best Savings Account Bonuses

Checking account business is only part of a bank’s customer base. Banks also want to entice you to sign up for savings. Here are some great bonuses you can get for setting up a new savings account.

1. Discover Online Savings Account

  • Bonus: $150 or $200
  • Interest rate: 3.50% APY
  • Requirement: Deposit $15,000 (for $150) or $25,000 (for $200) within 30 days of account opening

You’ll need to have some money on hand to qualify for a Discover savings account bonus. There are two options:

  • $150 bonus if you deposit at least $15,000 within 30 days
  • $200 bonus if you deposit at least $25,000 within 30 days

These bonus offers are designed to bring in new customers, so existing and former Discover savings customers aren’t eligible. The offer ends September 11, 2025 (as of our last update, the offer is still live.)

There are no fees associated with their savings accounts, although you will be limited to six withdrawals per month per account.

2. TD Bank Personal Savings Account

  • Bonus: $200
  • Interest rate: Varies by balance level
  • Requirement: $10,000 initial deposit

TD Bank offers a $200 sign-up bonus when you sign up for one of two different savings account options. You’ll need to deposit at least $10,000 within 20 days of account opening and maintain that balance for 90 days to get your bonus.

There are two types of savings accounts with TD Bank:

  • Signature Savings: Skip a fee by linking this account to a TD Beyond checking account. Otherwise, you’ll need a balance of $10,000 to avoid the $15 monthly fee.
  • Simple Savings: The fee is only $5 a month on this account. You can skip this fee if you link it to a TD Beyond checking account or TD Convenience checking account, or maintain a balance of at least $300. Account holders who are under age 18 or over age 62 also get free savings.

3. Regions Bank LifeGreen Savings

  • Bonus: $100 (annual bonus)
  • Requirement: Open a LifeGreen Savings account and set up $10+ in monthly automatic transfers for 12 months

Regions Bank offers a $100 annual bonus for customers who consistently save. To qualify, open a LifeGreen Savings account and link it to a Regions checking account, then set up at least $10 in automatic transfers from checking to savings each month for a year.

The bonus is paid annually after 12 consecutive months of transfers. There’s no minimum balance requirement, and the bonus is repeatable each year.

Available in select states, including AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, and TX. While the APY is low, the annual bonus provides an extra incentive to save.

Best Credit Union Bonuses

Credit unions have long been restricted in membership. They were originally designed to be local, but over time, they’ve expanded. There are some credit unions that offer access to branches and ATMs nationwide, making online banking a possibility.

Here are a few ways to get a bonus when you open a credit union account.

1. Alliant Credit Union Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account

  • Bonus: $100
  • Interest rate: 3.10% APY
  • Requirement: Bonus deposited after 12 months of $100 monthly deposits with a $1,200 balance

Financial advisor Suze Orman has partnered with Alliant Credit Union for the Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account.

With Alliant’s new bank account bonus, you get one $100 deposit once you’ve deposited $100 or more each month for 12 consecutive months. You’ll need to have a balance of $1,200 or more to qualify for the sign-up bonus.

Bonuses aren’t the only reason to use Alliant’s online savings account feature. You’ll also earn 3.10% APY on your balance.

You can pair Alliant’s savings with a personal checking account that has no overdraft fees and earns 0.25% APY.

2. Clearview Credit Union

  • Bonus: $412
  • Monthly fee: Varies by account type
  • Requirement: Open a new checking account, enroll in eStatements and digital banking, and deposit $412 or more within 60 days

Clearview Credit Union is offering a $412 sign-up bonus for new members who open a checking account using promo code 412.

To qualify, open an eligible account, sign up for eStatements and digital banking, and electronically deposit at least $412 within the first 60 days.

The offer is available to new members, including those with a family connection to someone in Clearview’s service area.

Clearview provides multiple checking options and digital banking features, making it easy to manage finances anywhere.

3. PSECU

  • Bonus: $300
  • Requirement: Open a new savings and checking account with a debit card using promo code 300PROMO, enroll in digital banking, and receive two payroll direct deposits of $500 or more within 100 days

PSECU is offering a $300 sign-up bonus for new members who open both a savings and checking account with a debit card.

To qualify, sign up using promo code 300PROMO, log into digital banking, and receive two qualifying payroll direct deposits of at least $500 each within 100 days.

The bonus will be paid within 145 days of membership establishment. PSECU accounts have no monthly maintenance fees and come with full-service digital banking for easy account management.

4. UNIFY Financial Credit Union

  • Bonus: $150
  • Requirement: $50 immediately; additional $100 through direct deposit setup and by making purchases with your Visa card

UNIFY Financial Credit Union has a nationwide footprint, with access to branches and ATMs nationwide through the Co-Op Network.

This is a setup that expands access beyond local communities. Currently, you can earn a bonus when you open an account with UNIFY.

Here’s how it works. You’ll get a $50 sign-up bonus just for opening a qualifying account. By setting up direct deposit of at least $500, you’ll earn another $50, with a final $50 earned by making qualifying transactions using your UNIFY Visa debit card.

There are three checking accounts that qualify for the bonus. Although all three accounts feature no monthly fees, there is a $25 minimum opening deposit.

Best Business Bank Account Bonuses

Opening a bank account for your business? There are some bonuses specific to business checking accounts and savings accounts that could earn you some money.

1. Chase Business Complete Checking

  • Bonus: Up to $500
  • Monthly Fee: $15 (waivable with qualifying activity)

Requirements:

Open by October 16, 2025, and fund the account within 30 days with new money:

  • $2,000–$9,999 → $300 bonus
  • $10,000+ → $500 bonus

Maintain that funding level for 60 days.

Complete 5 qualifying transactions within the first 90 days.

Bonus will be deposited within 15 days after meeting all requirements, provided the account remains open and in good standing.

2. PNC Business Checking

  • Bonus: Up to $1,000
  • Monthly Fee: Varies by account type

Requirements:

  • $400 Bonus (Business Checking or Business Checking Plus):
    • Open and use a new account by September 30, 2025
    • Maintain an average ledger balance of $2,000 for each of the first three statement cycles
    • Make at least 20 qualifying PNC Visa Business Debit Card transactions within that same period
  • $1,000 Bonus (Treasury Enterprise Plan or Analysis Business Checking):
    • Open by December 31, 2025
    • Keep an average ledger balance of $30,000 for each of the first three statement cycles

The bonus will be deposited into your account within 90 days after all conditions are met, provided the account remains open and in good standing.

3. Bank of America Business Checking

  • Bonus: $200
  • Monthly fee: $0-$12
  • Requirement: Deposit $5,000 and maintain that balance through day 90

If you can deposit $5,000 into your new business checking account, Bank of America’s promotion could be a winner. You’ll get $200 if you deposit $5,000 within the first 30 days and maintain that balance for the following 60 days.

Bank of America’s business account holders have access to features like Cash Flow Monitor, available in the banking app, and access to small business specialists.

If you can’t maintain the $5,000 balance, you’ll be charged a $16 monthly maintenance fee. You can also avoid this fee by making $250 in debit card purchases or becoming a Preferred Rewards for Business member.

4. Huntington Business Checking Account

  • Bonus: $100-$1,000
  • Monthly fee: $0-$40
  • Requirement: Make a minimum deposit and retain the account for 90 days

Huntington has three bonus tiers, each applying to different account types. You must keep the account open for at least 90 days to qualify:

  • Business Checking 100: You’ll get a $100 bonus with this account. You’ll need to deposit at least $2,000 within 60 days
  • Unlimited Business Account: Earn a $400 bonus for depositing $5,000 or more within 60 days
  • Unlimited Plus Business Checking: Earn a $1,000 for depositing $20,000 or more within 60 days

Both higher-tier accounts are ideal if you think your business will have more than 100 transactions a month. Transactions are defined as everything from deposits to checks paid.

You’ll pay $0.50 per transaction over 100 with the Business Checking 100 account, but the other accounts include unlimited transactions.

Another consideration, as you’re choosing accounts, is your typical balance. Business Checking 100 has no monthly maintenance fees, but you’ll need to maintain a $10,000 balance to waive the fee for the Unlimited account and a $50,000 balance for Unlimited Plus. Otherwise, you’ll be charged a monthly fee ($20 for Unlimited and $40 for Unlimited Plus).

5. M&T Tailored Business Checking

  • Bonus: Up to $1,500
  • Monthly Fee: $20 (waived for the first three months; waivable thereafter by meeting certain criteria)

Requirements:

Open a new M&T Tailored Business Checking account using promo code BW by September 30, 2025

In the third full calendar month after opening, maintain an average ledger balance as follows:

  • $5,000–$14,999.99 → $300 bonus
  • $15,000–$29,999.99 → $500 bonus
  • $30,000–$99,999.99 → $750 bonus
  • $100,000+ → $1,500 bonus

The bonus will be credited at the end of the fourth month if the account remains open and in good standing.

This offer is available in select states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Types of Bonuses, Promotions and Incentives

Banks and credit unions offer different types of promotions to attract new customers and reward existing ones. These incentives can range from cash bonuses to ongoing perks that provide long-term value.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are the most common type of bank promotion. These offers reward new customers for opening an account and meeting specific requirements, such as:

  • Direct deposits: Many banks require a certain amount in qualifying direct deposits within a set timeframe.
  • Minimum balance: Some promotions require you to maintain a specific balance for a set period.
  • Debit card transactions: Certain bank account bonuses are tied to making a minimum number of purchases with a new debit card.

Once the requirements are met, the bank credits the bonus, usually within a few weeks or months.

Referral Bonuses

Referral bonuses reward existing customers for bringing in new account holders. These promotions typically work like this:

  • A customer refers a friend using a unique link or promo code.
  • The referred person opens an eligible account and meets certain conditions, such as direct deposit or debit card usage.
  • Both the referrer and the new customer receive a cash bonus once requirements are met.

These bonuses can be a simple way to earn extra cash while helping friends or family find a good banking option.

How to Maximize Your Bank Bonuses

Earning a bank bonus is great, but making the most of these offers can help you get even more value.

  • Meet the requirements early: Don’t wait until the last minute to set up direct deposits or transactions.
  • Stack bonuses when possible: Some banks allow you to earn multiple bonuses by opening both checking and savings accounts.
  • Keep track of deadlines: Mark your calendar to ensure you meet deposit and transaction requirements on time.
  • Avoid unnecessary fees: If a bank requires a certain balance to waive fees, keep that amount in the account to avoid losing part of your bonus.
  • Use referrals: If your bank offers a referral program, refer friends or family to earn extra rewards beyond your sign-up bonus.

Pair With Credit Card Bonuses

Many banks on this list also offer credit card sign-up bonuses that can add even more value. For example:

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 within three months of account opening.
  • U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature® Card: Earn 20,000 bonus points (redeemable for $200) after spending $1,000 within 90 days.

If you open a credit card to get a bonus, remember to pay the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Search Online for Exclusive Offers

Some banks partner with other companies to provide additional bonuses that aren’t widely advertised. Before opening an account, search for the bank’s name along with “bonus” or “promotion” to see if better offers exist.

Final Thoughts

Bank promotions are a great way to earn extra cash while opening a new account, but they come with specific requirements. Before signing up, make sure the bonus aligns with your banking habits—whether that means meeting direct deposit thresholds, maintaining a minimum balance, or using your debit card regularly.

Some offers are straightforward, while others require careful planning to maximize your reward. Always check the terms, including expiration dates and potential fees, to ensure the account is a good fit beyond just the bonus. A little research can help you find the best deal and avoid surprises down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are bank bonuses?

Bank bonuses are incentives that banks and credit unions offer to potential customers as a way to encourage them to open a new bank account. These bonuses can be in the form of cash rewards, points, or other perks.

What is the best bank account bonus?

The best bank account bonus varies based on current promotions and individual financial needs. Consider both the bonus amount and account requirements, to determine the best fit for your situation. Make sure you return periodically for the best bank account bonuses as they change frequently.

How do I qualify for a bank bonus?

Typically, to qualify for a bank bonus, you might need to open a new checking or savings account, set up direct deposit, or meet a minimum deposit requirement within a certain time frame. The specific criteria varies by bank and offer.

Do all banks offer bonuses?

No, not all banks offer bonuses. However, many major banks, credit unions, and some online banks provide promotional offers from time to time.

Are there any fees associated with these bank bonus offers?

Some bank accounts have monthly maintenance fees, but many offers will waive the fees if certain conditions are met, like maintaining a minimum balance or having regular direct deposits. Always read the terms and conditions to be aware of any potential fees.

How long does it take to receive the bonus after meeting the requirements?

The time it takes can vary. Some banks and credit unions might deposit the bonus into your account within a few days of meeting the criteria, while others might take several weeks.

Are bank bonuses taxable?

Yes, in the United States, bank bonuses are typically considered taxable income. Banks often send out a 1099-INT form for tax purposes if you receive a bonus.

Can I earn multiple bonuses from the same bank?

It depends on the bank’s policy. Some banks and credit unions may limit bonuses to one per customer, while others might allow you to earn bonuses for different types of accounts.

Can I close my account after receiving the bonus?

You can, but many banks have a clause that if you close your account within a certain time frame after receiving the bonus (e.g., 6 months), they might deduct the bonus amount from your account. It’s essential to read the terms and conditions.

Are bank bonuses worth it?

Bank bonuses are attractive because they’re easy money. However, it’s important to weigh the bonus against any potential fees, the requirements to obtain the bonus, and whether the bank’s services align with your financial needs. For some, the bonus offers significant value, while for others, long-term fees might outweigh the initial bonus.

Stephanie Faris
Meet the author

Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured on a variety of top finance sites, including Money Under 30, GoBankingRates, Retirable, Sapling, and Benzinga.