So, you’re looking for a new bank account.
You’ve got several factors to consider — ATM access, interest rates, monthly account fees, minimum balances, online bill payments and more.
Another factor: sign-up promotions and bonuses. Banks and credit unions frequently run promotions to entice prospective customers to open a new account — and they often come with cash. You have to meet specific criteria, such as making a minimum opening deposit, and generally the account must remain open for a certain amount of time — at least long enough to earn the cash bonus.
Many banks offer such sign-up bonuses, but often, they aren’t advertised. We did some digging to find the best bank promotions currently on offer.
Best Checking and Savings Account Offers of April 2022
Keep an eye on what each promotion requires, as well as any limitations. Recurring direct deposits and maintaining a minimum balance are common requirements in securing bank bonuses. Also pay attention to any monthly fees the account might carry; over time, these could weigh out the actual cash bonus.
19 Bank Promotions That Give you Cash
| Bank |
Top Feature |
Promotion |
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Aspiration Account |
No fees |
$150 |
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GET DETAILS |
Aspiration Plus |
Cash back on purchases |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
Chase Total Checking Account |
Fees may be waived |
$225 |
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GET DETAILS |
SoFi Checking and Savings |
Easy-to-earn bonus |
$120 |
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GET DETAILS |
Chime Referral Bonus |
No monthly fees |
$100 |
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GET DETAILS |
Bank of America Advantage Banking |
Fees can be waived |
$100 |
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GET DETAILS |
Alliant Credit Union Ultimate Opportunity Savings |
High yields |
$100 |
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GET DETAILS |
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking |
Quick cash bonus payout |
$150 |
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GET DETAILS |
Huntington 5 Checking Account |
Interest on checking |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking Account |
No monthly fees |
$150 |
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GET DETAILS |
M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking Account |
Discounted loan rates |
$250 |
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GET DETAILS |
M&T Bank MyChoice Premium Checking Accoun |
Premium CD rates |
$250 |
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GET DETAILS |
KeyBank Smart Checking |
No monthly fees |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
KeyBank Advantage Checking |
Interest on checking |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
KeyBank Privilege Checking |
Interest on checking |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
KeyBank Privilege Select Checking |
Interest on checking |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
BMO Harris Smart Advantage Account |
No fee for paperless |
$200 |
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GET DETAILS |
BMO Harris Smart Money Account |
Unlimited ATM use |
$350 |
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GET DETAILS |
BMO Harris Premier Account |
Fees may be waived |
$225 |
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GET DETAILS |
Aspiration Account
Best for Financial Beginners
Key Features
- No monthly service fee
- Save and Spend Account
- 3%-5% cash back on socially conscious
Once you open a new account, Aspiration will send you a debit card. Use it to make at least $1,000 of cumulative transactions within 60 days of account opening. The FDIC-insured account offers up to 1.00% APY on savings accounts and allows fee-free withdrawals at more than 55,000 ATMs. You’ll earn up to 5% cash back when you make debit purchases at socially conscious businesses.
Bonus amount
$150
How to get it
Open a new account and make a minimum opening deposit of at least $10.
When you get it
Within 120 calendar days of opening.
More information
Monthly fees are on a “Pay What is Fair” policy.
Expiration
None
More Information About Aspiration Account
The Aspiration Account boasts unlimited fee-free ATM withdrawals at all in-network (Allpoint) ATMs, plus up to 5% cash back on Conscience Coalition debit card purchases. You can even opt to plant a tree with every purchase roundup. You can access your paycheck up to two days early and earn up to 1.00% APY on your savings.
Aspiration Plus Account
Best for Socially Conscious Clients
Key Features
- $7.99 monthly, $71.88 if paid annually
- Save and Spend Account
- 10% back/socially conscious purchases
Once you open a new account, Aspiration will send you a debit card. Use it to make at least $1,000 of cumulative transactions within 60 days of account opening. The FDIC-insured account offers up to 1.00% APY on savings accounts and allows fee-free withdrawals at more than 55,000 ATMs. You’ll earn up to 10% cash back when you make debit purchases at socially conscious businesses.
Bonus amount
$200
How to get it
Open a new account and make a minimum opening deposit of at least $10.
When you get it
Within 120 calendar days of opening.
More information
$15 monthly fee.
Expiration
None
More Information About Aspiration Plus Account
The Aspiration Plus Account boasts unlimited fee-free ATM withdrawals at all in-network (Allpoint) ATMs, plus up to 10% cash back on Conscience Coalition debit card purchases. You can even opt to plant a tree with every purchase roundup and get carbon offsets for your gas purchases with Planet Protection. You can access your paycheck up to two days early and earn up to 5.00% APY on your savings.
Chase Total Checking
Best for Basic Checking
Key Features
- $12 monthly fee
- Fee waived by meeting conditions
- Basic checking
The Total Checking $12 monthly fee can be waived if you receive monthly direct deposits totaling $500 or more, keep a daily minimum balance of at least $1,500 in your new checking account, or keep a daily minimum balance across all your Chase accounts of at least $5,000. Deposits via person-to-person payments do not qualify. Access to 16,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches.
Chase Total Checking Account
Bonus amount
$225
How to get it
Receive a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days of account opening.
When you get it
Within 15 business days of opening.
More information
$12 monthly fee, which can be waived.
Expiration
April 20, 2022
More Information About Chase Total Checking Account
The Chase Total Checking account gets you access to more than 4,700 branches nationwide, plus 16,000 ATMs. The easy-to-use mobile app is highly rated. While Chase does charge a $12 monthly service fee, you can waive it by earning $500+ in monthly direct deposits, maintaining a daily balance of $1,500+ or having $5,000 across all your Chase accounts at the start of each day.
SoFi Checking and Savings Account
Best for Instant Bonus
Key Features
- 1.0% APY
- Fast bonus payout
- No account fees
Getting your $120 bonus from SoFi is easy. In fact, it’s the easiest and fastest payout on our list of the best bank bonuses. You’ll get $20 in rewards points instantly just for opening the account. Set up direct deposit, and as soon as that first paycheck hits your account, you’ll get the remaining $100.
SoFi Checking and Savings Account
Bonus amount
$129
How you get it
Open the account ($20) and receive a paycheck via director deposit ($100).
When you get it
$20 at sign-up and the remaining $100 with your first direct deposit paycheck.
The fine print
The initial $20 bonus is paid in rewards points but spends like cash with your debit card.
Expiration
April 30, 2022
More Information About SoFi Checking and Savings
This new combo account from SoFi, which replaces SoFi Money, allows you to easily organize and automate your savings, get up to 15% cash back when shopping local with your debit card and access your paycheck two days early. There are 55,000 in-network ATMs and no account fees—but take the “no-fee overdraft coverage” claim with a grain of salt. You’re only covered up to $50 before fees kick in.
Chime Referral Bonus
Best for Referral Bonus
Key Features
- Must be current Chime account holder
- No minimum daily balance
- Good for first-time banking clients
If you refer a friend and they open a new account and receive a direct deposit of at least $200 in the first 45 days, you will each receive $75. Make sure to use the referral link from your account to get the cash bonus. Chime is great for beginners, offering fee-free overdraft, automatic savings account, early paycheck deposit and 60,000+ fee-free ATMs.
Chime Referral Bonus Account
Bonus amount
$100 per referral, plus $100 to the friend you refer
How to get it
Referred friend receives $200 direct deposit.
When you get it
Within two business days of account opening.
More information
Be sure to use a unique referral link from your own account.
Expiration
None
More Information About Chime Referral Bonus Account
Though not technically a bank*, Chime is becoming increasingly popular as an online financial institution for banking customers of all ages. Top features include early access to direct deposit, fee-free overdraft, 60,000+ ATMs, a 0.50% APY for the high-yield savings and plenty of features to automatically grow your savings.
Alliant Ultimate Opportunity Savings
Best for Fans of Suze Orman
Key Features
- $0 monthly fees with eStatements
- High-yield savings account
- Easy-to-track bonus criteria
Not only does Alliant Credit Union’s Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account (in partnership with Suze Orman) have one of the best APYs currently available (0.55%), it pays out its bonus pretty easily. No massive balances or monthly direct deposits to think about.
Alliant Opportunity Savings
Bonus amount
$100
How to get it
Deposit at least $100 a month for 12 months.
When you get it
Within four weeks of completion.
More information
Balance must be $1,200 at the end of 12 months.
Expiration
Dec. 31, 2022
More About Alliant Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account
The Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account from Alliant Credit Union has a lot to like: 80,000+ fee-free ATMs, no monthly fees if you opt in to online statements, a leading mobile app, and a strong APY at 0.55%.
Bank of America Advantage
Best for Standard Checking
Key Features
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Standard checking plans
- Fees can be waived
Open your Bank of America checking account online using the promo code DNL100CIS. Qualifying direct deposit must be regular monthly income, such as salary or pension payments. Bank of America Advantage Banking accounts come in three levels: SafeBalance, Plus and Relationship. All three carry Bank of America monthly fees that can be waived by meeting direct deposit and minimum balance requirements.
Bank of America Advantage Account
Bonus amount
$100
How to get it
Receive direct deposits of at least $1,000 within 90 days.
When you get it
Within 60 days of account opening.
More information
Monthly fees can be waived.
Expiration
June 30, 2022
See Details More Information About Bank of America Advantage
Bank of America’s Advantage account is broken into three tiers: SafeBalance Banking, Plus Banking, and Relationship Banking. SafeBalance boasts no overdraft fees or non-sufficient funds fees; Plus offers multiple ways to waive the monthly service fee; and Relationship earns interest (though the percentage is quite low).
BMO Smart Advantage
Best for Fee-Free ATM Network
Key Features
- No monthly fee if you go paperless
- Standard checking
- Fee-free transactions at 40,000+ ATMs
Get a $200 bonus for opening a new BMO Harris Smart Advantage account and earning at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. The bank has physical branches in Indiana and you have to live in IL, IN, MN, WI, MO, KS, AZ or FL to take advantage of this account, which grants you unlimited fee-free transactions at over 40,000 Allpoint network ATMs in the U.S.
BMO Harris Smart Advantage Account
Bonus amount
$200
How to get it
Receive direct deposits of at least $4,000 within 90 days.
When you get it
Approximately 100 days after opening.
More information
Monthly fees can be waived with paperless statements.
Expiration
June 3, 2022
More Information About BMO Harris Smart Advantage Account
Smart Advantage is BMO Harris’ most popular checking account. It requires no minimum balance, charges no monthly fees when you opt for paperless statements and gets you fee-free access to 40,000+ ATMs nationwide with the Allpoint network.
BMO Harris Smart Money
Best for No Minimum Balance
Key Features
- No monthly maintenance fees if under 25
- Standard checking
- No overdraft or NSF fees
Get a $200 bonus for opening a new BMO Harris Smart Money account and earning at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. The bank has physical branches in Indiana and you have to live in IL, IN, MN, WI, MO, KS, AZ or FL to take advantage of this account, which grants you unlimited fee-free transactions at over 40,000 Allpoint network ATMs in the U.S.
BMO Harris Smart Money Account
Bonus amount
$200
How to get it
Receive direct deposits of at least $4,000 within 90 days.
When you get it
Approximately 100 days after opening.
More information
There is a monthly fee if you’re over 25.
Expiration
June 3, 2022
More Information About BMO Harris Smart Money Account
Like Smart Advantage, BMO Harris’ Smart Money has no minimum balance required. It’s also noteworthy for having no overdraft or NSF fees. With this account, you will get unlimited fee-free transactions at in-network ATMs (40,000+ nationwide). However, you’ll pay a monthly fee if you’re 25 or older.
BMO Harris Premier
Best for High Interest Possibility
Key Features
- Interest tied to balance
- High-yield checking
- Unlimited ATM transactions
Get a $350 bonus for opening a BMO Harris Premier account and earning at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. You have to live in IL, IN, MN, WI, MO, KS, AZ or FL to take advantage of this account, including its fee-free ATM access. The more you have in the account, the more interest you earn. Monthly maintenance fee can be waived if certain requirements are met.
BMO Harris Premier Account
Bonus amount
$350
How to get it
Receive direct deposits of at least $7,500 within 90 days.
When you get it
Approximately 100 days after opening.
More information
Monthly maintenance fees can be waived.
Expiration
June 3, 2022
More Information About BMO Harris Premier
The highest bonus at BMO Harris comes from the Premier Account with Relationship Packages that reward you with more perks for banking more with BMO. The account earns interest, and the amount you earn increases with the amount of funds in the account. You also get unlimited access to any ATMs, in-network or not.
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking
Best Regional Bonus
Key Features
- No monthly fees
- Only available in certain states
- Quick cash bonus payout
This offer is only available to customers who live in CO, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI, SD, PA or WV). This account does not earn interest.
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking
Bonus amount
$150
How to get it
Open a new account and make cumulative new deposits totaling $1,000 within the first 60 days.
When you get it
Within 14 days of meeting bonus criteria.
More information
Account must remain open for at least 90 days.
Expiration
June 7, 2022
More Information About Huntington Asterisk-Free
Huntington’s Asterisk-Free Checking Account doesn’t pay out any interest, but the lack of a monthly maintenance fee does make it appealing for an easy checking account. Key features include mobile banking, the No Overdraft Fee $50 Safety Zone and the 24-Hour Grace Overdraft and Return Fee Relief.
“New account” is defined as money not currently in another Huntington account; money transferred from one account to another does not qualify. The bonus offer cannot be combined with any other checking offer.
Huntington 5 Checking
Best for Quick Bonus Payout
Key Features
- $5 monthly fee (can be waived)
- Interest-earning checking
- Quick cash bonus payout
This offer is only available to customers who live in CO, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, OH, WI, SD, PA or WV). This account earns interest (currently a 0.02% APY, which is quite low). It also has a monthly maintenance fee of $5, which is waived if you have at least $5,000 across every Huntington bank account.
Huntington 5 Checking Account
Bonus amount
$200
How to get it
Open a new account and make cumulative new deposits totaling $1,000 within the first 60 days.
When you get it
Within 14 days of meeting bonus criteria.
More information
Account must remain open for at least 90 days.
Expiration
June 7, 2022
More Information About Huntington 5 Checking Account
While the Huntington 5 account does have a monthly $5 fee, you can waive it by having $5,000 across accounts with Huntington. By upgrading to this account, you’ll get a higher bonus and earn 0.02% interest on your balance. Plus, you get five free ATM withdrawals.
“New account” is defined as money not currently in another Huntington account; money transferred from one account to another does not qualify. The bonus offer cannot be combined with any other checking offer.
Key Bank Smart Checking Account
Best for No Fees
Key Features
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No minimum balance requirement
- Access to 40,000 ATMs nationwide
This basic checking account from Key Bank is great for financial beginners. It carries no minimum balance requirement and charges no monthly fees. Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to Key Bank and Allpoint ATMs. To open the account, you just need $10.
Key Bank Smart Checking Account
Bonus amount
$200
How you get it
Open an account with offer code ONAS0322 and earn one direct deposit of at least $500 within the first 60 days
When you get it
Approximately 90 days after meeting requirements.
The fine print
The offer is only redeemable online.
Expiration
April 22, 2022
More Information About Key Smart Checking
The Key Smart Checking account is a great account because of its lack of fees. While the account does not earn interest, most interest-bearing checking accounts hold a negligible APY anyway. KeyBank’s partnership with Allpoint gets you access to more than 40,000 ATMs nationwide.
Key Bank Advantage Checking Account
Best for Earning Interest
Key Features
- ATM fee rebates
- Variable APY
- Access to 40,000 ATMs nationwide
This checking account from Key Bank offers a variable APY, meaning you’ll actually earn interest in your checking account. While there is an $18 monthly service fee, you can easily waive it by maintaining at least $10,000 across Key accounts. Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to Key Bank and Allpoint ATMs.
Key Bank Advantage Checking Account
Bonus amount
$200
How you get it
Open account with offer code ONAS0322 and earn one direct deposit of at least $500 within the first 60 days.
When you get it
Approximately 90 days after meeting requirements.
The fine print
There is a waivable monthly maintenance fee.
Expiration
April 22, 2022
More Information About Key Bank Advantage Checking
The Key Advantage Checking account is an ideal option for the APY, but if a small interest rate on your checking account is not crucial to you and you can’t maintain $10,000 across Key accounts, stick with the Smart Checking account. KeyBank’s partnership with Allpoint gets you access to more than 40,000 ATMs nationwide.
Key Bank Privilege Checking Account
Best for ATM Users
Key Features
- ATM fee rebates
- Variable APY
- Access to 40,000 ATMs nationwide
The advantage of upgrading to a Privilege account is ATM fee reimbursements. While you’ve got access to 40,000 in-network ATMs, the Privilege account also gives you ATM fee rebates up to $6/month. To waive the monthly maintenance fee of $25, you must have at least $25,000 across Key accounts.
Key Bank Privilege Checking Account
Bonus amount
$200
How you get it
Open account with offer code ONAS0322 and earn one direct deposit of at least $500 within the first 60 days.
When you get it
Approximately 90 days after meeting requirements.
The fine print
There is a waivable monthly maintenance fee.
Expiration
April 22, 2022
More Information About Key Bank Privilege Checking Account
The Key Privilege Checking account is ideal for ATM users. Not only do you get access to 40,000 in-network ATMs, but you can also get $6 in out-of-network ATM fee rebates each month. The interest rate is variable and usually low, and the monthly maintenance fee is steep ($25) and can be challenging for many to waive. But hey, at least the checks are free from this account. For those who invest through Key, this account does automatic daily sweeps and preferred pricing.
Key Bank Privilege Select Checking
Best for Those with Large Savings
Key Features
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates
- Variable APY
- Access to 40,000 ATMs nationwide
Key’s highest checking account offers some cool perks, like unlimited ATM fee reimbursement and variable interest rates. However, the monthly maintenance fee is high ($50) and challenging for most casual customers to waive (maintain a balance of at least $100,000 across Key accounts).
Key Bank Privilege Select Checking
Bonus amount
$200
How you get it
Open account with offer code ONAS0322 and earn one direct deposit of at least $500 within the first 60 days.
When you get it
Approximately 90 days after meeting requirements.
The fine print
There is a waivable monthly maintenance fee.
Expiration
April 22, 2022
More Information About Key Bank Privilege Select Checking
The Key Privilege Select Checking account is ideal for ATM users with unlimited ATM fee reimbursements for out-of-network usage. The interest rate is variable and usually low, and the monthly maintenance fee is steep ($50) and can be challenging for many to waive. But hey, at least the checks are free from this account. For those who invest through Key, this account does automatic daily sweeps and preferred pricing.
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking
Best for Beginners
Key Features
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Unlimited check writing
- Physical branches
The EZChoice Checking account from M&T Bank is the most basic package offered. It’s great for beginners because it has no monthly maintenance charge and no monthly minimum balance requirement. Plus, there’s unlimited check writing. You will need $25 to open the account and qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within the first 90 days to earn the bonus. This offer is only valid in select states.
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking
Bonus Amount
$150
How you get it
Make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of opening the account.
Whey you get it
Within 90 days after the direct deposit.
The fine print
There’s a $50 early close-out fee if you close the account within 180 days of opening.
Expiration
May 31, 2022
More Information About M&T Bank EZChoice Checking Account
M&T Bank has 700 branches and 1,800 ATMs with operations in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virgina, West Virginia, Vermont, Massachusetts and Washington, DC, but you can also do your banking entirely online.
M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking
Best for Loan Seekers
Key Features
- Discounted loan rates
- ATM fee reimbursement
- Interest-bearing options
The MyChoice Plus Checking account from M&T Bank requires extra work to avoid a monthly fee ($14.75): Either maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 or receive $1,500 in direct deposits each month. With this account, you qualify for discounted loan rates with M&T. You will need $25 to open the account and qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within the first 90 days to earn the bonus. This offer is only valid in select states.
M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking
Bonus
$250
How you get it
Make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of opening the account.
When you get it
Within 90 days after the direct deposit.
The fine print
There’s a $50 early close-out fee if you close the account within 180 days of opening.
Expiration
May 31, 2022
More Information About M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking Account
M&T Bank has 700 branches and 1,800 ATMs with operations in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virgina, West Virginia, Vermont, Massachusetts and Washington, DC, but you can also do your banking entirely online.
How to Search for a Checking Account Bonus on Your Own
Instead of listing approximately 193 bank promotions, we kept this list short and sweet — only highlighting the best bank promotions for checking and savings accounts.
But maybe you’re interested in banking with your local credit union, opening a small business checking account or exploring what investment accounts are available. There are often cash bonuses attached to these accounts too.
Banks don’t always make finding these promotions easy, so here are a few tips to help you get your hands on that cash bonus.
- Check the bank website first. Sometimes it’ll advertise its offers with a blaring promo code. This is rare, but it’s worth a quick check — it could save you a ton of time.
- Reach out to customer service. Let them know you’re shopping for a new account, and you’d like to know if the bank is running any promotions. More often than not, the nice representative will send you a special link.
- Google the best bank account bonuses. You’ll likely dig up some offers from third-party sites, so make sure the offer:
- Hasn’t expired.
- Is legitimate. Make sure the bank is FDIC-insured and has a positive Better Business Bureau rating. Read some online reviews.
- Doesn’t require outrageous qualifying activities. For example, it might not be realistic for you to maintain an average daily balance of $50,000.
- Reach out to your own network to crowdsource bank recommendations. Sometimes banks have impressive referral programs, so both you and your friend could benefit from you signing up.
Overall, be smart. Don’t let the promise of a cash bonus blind you. Read the fine print so you don’t get stuck paying high monthly fees, interest rates or closing penalties. With the proper due diligence, you can earn a checking account bonus — or any other bank promotion — while also choosing the best bank for you.
Will Opening a Bank Account Hurt Your Credit Score?
If you’re worried that opening a new bank account or closing an old one will hurt your credit score, don’t be. Your bank accounts are not included in your credit report and therefore have no effect on your credit score, unless you have an outstanding negative balance that the bank turns over to a collection agency.
Sometimes when you go to open a new account, banks will do a soft credit check. However, that won’t affect your credit score.
Editorial Disclosure: This content is not provided by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.
*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
¹The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of November 1, 2021. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
2The average national savings account interest rate of 0.06% is determined by FDIC as of November 1, 2021 based on a simple average of rates paid (uses annual percentage yield) by all insured depository institutions and branches for which data are available. Visit https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/resources/rates/ to learn more.
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