13 Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of September 2023
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Bank promotions generally consist of cash bonuses when you open a new checking or savings account. To qualify for this one-time perk, you’ll likely have to set up direct deposit with the bank and keep the account open for at least a few months.
Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to make sure our coverage is fair and accurate, so you can choose the financial accounts that work best for you. See our criteria for evaluating banks and credit unions.
For more sustained earnings on balances, consider one of NerdWallet’s best high-yield online savings accounts. These accounts are free and have annual percentage yields around 4% and up. (The national average for savings accounts is just 0.45%.) A $10,000 balance would earn about $400 per year in interest with one of these high-yield accounts.
Here are the details on NerdWallet’s favorite bonuses this month. Some banks have looser rules than others; we’ve outlined those requirements below. Note that not all products or offers are available in all regions. Scroll down for more specific details on each bonus.
Summary of best bank promotions and bonuses
Best bank bonus for checking and savings
PNC Bank Virtual Wallet Checking Pro: $200 bonus offer
PNC Bank Virtual Wallet: Up to $400 bonus offer
SoFi Checking and Savings: Up to $250 bonus offer
Best bank bonuses for savings
Alliant Credit Union The Ultimate Opportunity Savings: $100 bonus offer
Discover Online Savings Account: $150 or $200 bonus offer
TD Bank savings: $200 bonus offer
Best bank bonuses for checking
Axos Rewards Checking: Up to $300 bonus offer
Bank of America Advantage Banking: $200 bonus offer
Chase Secure Banking℠: $100 bonus offer
Chase Total Checking®: $200 bonus offer
Citi Priority Account: Up to $2,000 cash bonus offer
Citigold® Checking Account: Up to $2,000 cash bonus offer
TD Bank checking: Up to $300 bonus offer
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking: Up to $1,000 bonus offer
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: $300 bonus offer
Best bank bonus for business checking
Chase business checking: $300 bonus offer
Editor’s note: Some of the information on this page may be outdated as of the publication date.
Bank promotions generally consist of cash bonuses when you open a new checking or savings account. To qualify for this one-time perk, you’ll likely have to set up direct deposit with the bank and keep the account open for at least a few months.
Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to make sure our coverage is fair and accurate, so you can choose the financial accounts that work best for you. See our criteria for evaluating banks and credit unions.
For more sustained earnings on balances, consider one of NerdWallet’s best high-yield online savings accounts. These accounts are free and have annual percentage yields around 4% and up. (The national average for savings accounts is just 0.45%.) A $10,000 balance would earn about $400 per year in interest with one of these high-yield accounts.
Here are the details on NerdWallet’s favorite bonuses this month. Some banks have looser rules than others; we’ve outlined those requirements below. Note that not all products or offers are available in all regions. Scroll down for more specific details on each bonus.
Summary of best bank promotions and bonuses
Best bank bonus for checking and savings
PNC Bank Virtual Wallet Checking Pro: $200 bonus offer
PNC Bank Virtual Wallet: Up to $400 bonus offer
SoFi Checking and Savings: Up to $250 bonus offer
Best bank bonuses for savings
Alliant Credit Union The Ultimate Opportunity Savings: $100 bonus offer
Discover Online Savings Account: $150 or $200 bonus offer
TD Bank savings: $200 bonus offer
Best bank bonuses for checking
Axos Rewards Checking: Up to $300 bonus offer
Bank of America Advantage Banking: $200 bonus offer
Chase Secure Banking℠: $100 bonus offer
Chase Total Checking®: $200 bonus offer
Citi Priority Account: Up to $2,000 cash bonus offer
Citigold® Checking Account: Up to $2,000 cash bonus offer
TD Bank checking: Up to $300 bonus offer
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking: Up to $1,000 bonus offer
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: $300 bonus offer
Best bank bonus for business checking
Chase business checking: $300 bonus offer
Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions
Bank/institution | NerdWallet rating | Monthly fee | APY | Bonus | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() SoFi Checking and Savings Learn more at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC | Best for Checking and Savings | $0 | 0.50% With $0 min. balance for APY | $250 Earn up to $250 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | Learn more at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC |
![]() Axos Bank® Rewards Checking Learn more at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $0 | 3.30% With $0 min. balance for APY | $300 Earn $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | Learn more at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC |
![]() Chase Total Checking® Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $12.00 Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance | N/A | $200 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC |
![]() Chase Secure Banking℠ Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $4.95 | N/A | $100 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC |
![]() Chase Business Complete Banking℠ Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC | Best for Business Checking | $15.00 Waived with $2,000 minimum balance | N/A | $300 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC |
![]() Discover Bank Online Savings Learn more at Discover Bank, Member FDIC | Best for Savings | N/A | 4.30% With $0 min. balance for APY | $200 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at Discover Bank, Member FDIC |
![]() BMO Smart Advantage Checking Learn more at BMO, Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $0 | N/A | $400 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at BMO, Member FDIC |
![]() U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking Learn more at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $6.95 Multiple ways to waive monthly fee | N/A | $1,000 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC |
![]() Alliant Credit Union Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account | Best for Savings | N/A | 3.10% With $100 min. balance for APY | $100 Requirements to qualify | Read review |
![]() PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro | Best for Checking and Savings | $0 | 0.40% With $1 min. balance for APY | $200 Requirements to qualify | Read review |
![]() Wells Fargo Everyday Checking | Best for Checking | $10.00 Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance | N/A | $300 Requirements to qualify | Read review |
![]() PNC Virtual Wallet Spend | Best for Checking and Savings | $7.00 Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance | N/A | $400 Requirements to qualify | Read review |
![]() Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® Learn more at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $12.00 Waived with direct deposit of $250 or more or $1,500 daily minimum balance each statement cycle | N/A | $200 See offer page for more details | Learn more at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC |
Our pick for
Checking and Savings
$0
0.50%
$250
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a combination checking-and-savings account, this bonus is a standout. It offers a few different tiers to earn a cash bonus of up to $250 (the bonus amount differs based on the amount you direct deposit).
What you'll get: $50 or $250.
Expiration: 12/31/2023.
How to get it: Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account (or be an existing SoFi customer who hasn’t made direct deposits before) on the offer page. Make at least one direct deposit in any amount before the promotion expiration date. Deposit $1,000 to $4,999.99 to earn a $50 bonus or deposit $5,000 or more to earn a $250 bonus.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: Customers who open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account, or existing SoFi customers who haven’t previously made direct deposits.
When you’ll get it: Within seven business days after the 25-day evaluation period following the receipt of the first qualifying direct deposit.
Monthly fee: $0.
$0
0.40%
$200
Why We Like It
This bonus offer allows you to earn a cash bonus with your choice of either a new combination checking-and-savings account or a new checking account only.
What you'll get: $200.
Expiration: 10/31/2023.
How to get it: Open a new Virtual Wallet Checking Pro with a checking account only, or with both checking and savings on the offer page and receive a total of at least $2,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of opening the account.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: Anyone who does not currently have a PNC checking account, has not closed an account within the last 90 days or received a PNC promotional payment within the last 24 months. Availability varies by location; you can check your eligibility on the website.
When you'll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account, which must be open, within 60-90 days after you’ve met the requirements.
Monthly fee: $0.
$7.00
N/A
$400
Why We Like It
This bonus stands out for rewarding you if you set up a direct deposit as low as $500. Tiered bonuses are also available, so the more you deposit, the more you can earn — up to $400.
What you'll get: $100, $200 or $400.
Expiration: 10/31/2023.
How to get it: Open a Virtual Wallet, Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend or Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account on the offer page and receive a total of at least $500, $2,000 or $5,000 in qualifying direct deposits, respectively, within 60 days of opening the account. Opening a Virtual Wallet account and meeting the criteria will earn you $100; opening a Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend account and meeting the criteria will earn you $200; opening a Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account and meeting the criteria will earn you $400.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: Anyone who does not currently have a PNC checking account, has not closed a PNC account within the last 90 days or received a PNC promotional payment within the last 24 months. Availability may vary by your location; you can check your eligibility on the website.
When you'll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account, which must be open, within 60-90 days after you’ve met the requirements.
Monthly fee:
Virtual Wallet: $7; waived with a combined average monthly balance of $500 in your Spend and/or Reserve accounts, or $500 in qualifying direct deposits per statement period, or if the account holder is at least 62 years old, or a PNC employee.
Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend: $15, waived with direct deposits of at least $2,000 per statement period, a $10,000 combined average monthly balance across linked deposit accounts, or a combined average monthly balance of $2,000 in your Spend and/or Reserve accounts.
Virtual Wallet with Performance Select: $25, waived with direct deposits of at least $5,000 per statement cycle, $25,000 combined average monthly balance across linked deposit and/or investment accounts, or a combined average monthly balance of $5,000 across Spend and up to seven eligible linked checking accounts.
Our pick for
Checking
$0
3.30%
$300
Why We Like It
Earn a competitive APY with one of the best checking accounts available, plus get a cash bonus for opening a new account and meeting a minimum direct deposit requirement.
What you’ll get: Up to $300.
Expiration: 12/31/2023.
How to get it: Apply for a new Axos Rewards Checking account online at the offer page and use the promo code SUNNYBONUS. Fund the account within 30 days of opening, make direct deposits totaling at least $5,000 each calendar month for the first seven months from account opening, and have and maintain an average daily balance of at least $7,000 from September 2023 through March 2024. Within the first seven statement cycles you’ll earn $50 each month (up to six times) by meeting the requirements. Keep the account open for at least 210 days to avoid an early closure fee.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: This offer is valid for one new account per year only.
When you'll get it: The bonus will be deposited into the new checking account within 10 business days after the end of the statement cycle.
Monthly fee: $0.
$12.00
N/A
$200
Why We Like It
The Total Checking bank bonus is unique because you can earn it with a direct deposit in any amount — no minimums. You just need to set up direct deposit within 90 days.
What you'll get: $200.
Expiration: 10/18/2023.
How to get it: Open a Chase Total Checking® account online or in person using a coupon emailed to you through the promotional page. You must have a qualifying direct deposit into the account within 90 days of opening the account.
Where to open: The account can be opened online or at a Chase branch (find a location near you).
Who can qualify: New Chase checking customers. You must not have had a Chase checking account within the last 90 days or had one closed with a negative balance within the last three years. In addition, you may receive only one new checking account opening bonus every two years from the last enrollment date, and you’re limited to one bonus per account.
When you’ll get it: The bonus will be deposited into your account within 15 days after your first direct deposit.
Monthly fee: $12, avoided by having monthly direct deposits of $500 or more, a minimum daily balance of $1,500, or keeping a daily average balance of $5,000 in your Chase Total Checking® and qualifying linked Chase bank accounts.
» Learn more: Get more details about Chase checking account bonuses
$4.95
N/A
$100
Why We Like It
Unlike most bank bonus offers on this list, the Chase Secure Banking bonus doesn’t require direct deposit.
What you'll get: $100.
Expiration: 10/18/2023.
How to get it: Open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account online or in person using a coupon emailed to you through the promotional page. You must complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of opening the account.
Where to open: The account can be opened online or at a Chase branch (find a location near you).
Who can qualify: New Chase checking customers. You must not have had a Chase checking account within the last 90 days or had one closed with a negative balance in the last three years. In addition, you may receive only one new checking account opening bonus every two years from the last enrollment date, and you’re limited to one bonus per account.
When you’ll get it: The bonus will be deposited into your account within 15 days after the 10 qualifying transactions have posted.
Monthly fee: $4.95.
$0
N/A
$400
Why We Like It
You can earn this bonus with one of three checking accounts at the bank — a regular checking account, one that doesn’t allow overdrafts or one that offers benefits for having more accounts with the same bank.
What you'll get: $300 or $500.
Expiration: 12/08/2023.
How to get it: Open a BMO Smart Advantage™ Checking, Smart Money™ Checking or Relationship Checking account on the promotional page by phone or at a branch and receive a total of at least $4,000 or $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits, respectively, within 90 days of opening the account. Opening a Smart Advantage™ Checking or Smart Money™ Checking account and meeting the criteria will earn you $300; opening a Relationship Checking account and meeting the criteria will earn you $500. The account type you have at the end of those 90 days will determine the bonus you receive.
Where to open: Online, by phone or at a branch.
Who can qualify: You must not have had a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. You cannot receive a checking account bonus more than once.
When you’ll get it: About 100 days after opening the account.
Monthly fee:
Smart Advantage™ Checking: $0 when you opt into paperless statements; otherwise it’s $2 for a monthly service fee and $3 a month for showing check images.
Smart Money™ Checking: $5, or $0 if you're younger than 25 years.
Relationship Checking: $25, waived with a $10,000 minimum daily balance or $25,000 in combined balances for the previous month, or if you are a client of the Best of BMO U.S. employee benefits program and have asked for a waiver.
$6.95
N/A
$1,000
Why We Like It
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking is a streamlined checking account, and this bank bonus is a decent reward for opening a new account and meeting the requirements. Additional bonuses can be earned for opening a savings account and meeting requirements.
What you'll get: Up to $1,000.
Expiration: 10/31/2023.
How to get it: Open a U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account and a Standard Savings account at the promo page and complete qualifying activities.
For the checking account: To earn a $300 bonus, complete at least two direct deposits totaling a minimum of $5,000; to earn a $500 bonus, complete at least two direct deposits totaling a minimum of $10,000. Complete your deposits (funds must be new to the bank) and enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank mobile app within 90 days of opening the account.
For the savings account: Open a Standard Savings account and deposit at least $25,000 in new funds to earn $200 or deposit at least $50,000 in new funds to earn $400 by 11/30/2023 and maintain the balance until 03/31/2024.
For the additional $100: Open both the checking account and the savings account and complete the required steps within the specified time frames.
Where to open: Online or at a branch.
Who can qualify: Must live in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin or Wyoming to be eligible for an account.
When you’ll get it: Get the checking bonus and the additional $100 bonus within 60 days of verification that you have met the requirements.
Monthly fee: $6.95, waived with monthly direct deposits totaling over $1,000, an average balance of at least $1,500 or by having an eligible U.S. Bank credit card. Account holders who are age 24 and younger, 65 and older, in the military, or who qualify for one of the Smart Rewards Tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium or Pinnacle) will also have the monthly fee waived.
$10.00
N/A
$300
Why We Like It
This bonus offer is a good option if you want a checking account at one of the largest banks in the U.S.
What you'll get: $300.
Expiration: 09/26/2023.
How to get it: Open a new Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account through the promotional page or in a branch with a bonus offer code emailed to you from that page. (The minimum deposit to open is $25.) Then receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits into the account within 90 days of opening it. Throughout this time, your account must remain open with a balance greater than $0.
Where to open: Online or in a branch.
Who can qualify: You must not currently have a Wells Fargo consumer checking account or have received a bonus for opening one within the last 12 months or you are a Wells Fargo employee.
When you'll get it: You'll receive your bonus within 30 days of completing the 90-day qualification period.
Monthly fee: $10, waived with a $500 minimum daily balance, $500 or more in qualifying direct deposits, a linked Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus debit card or a primary account owner who is 17-24 years old.
$12.00
N/A
$200
Why We Like It
This bonus offer is unique as it rewards you for opening (and direct depositing into) your choice of checking account at one of the largest banks in the U.S. You can choose to try and earn this bonus with one of three different accounts.
What you'll get: $200.
Expiration: 01/31/2024.
How to get it: Open a Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®, Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® or Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® checking account on the offer page. Use the code TWT200CIS when enrolling. Deposit $25 to open an Advantage SafeBalance account or $100 to open an Advantage Plus or Advantage Relationship account. Receive qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $2,000 within 90 days of opening the account. Your account must be open and in good standing to receive the bonus. Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: This is an online-only offer for new checking customers only. Bank of America says: “You are not eligible for this offer if you were an owner or co-owner of a Bank of America personal checking account within the last twelve (12) months.”
When you’ll get it: Bank of America says: “Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days."
Monthly fee:
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®: $4.95, may be waived as long as you’re enrolled in Preferred Rewards. No monthly maintenance fee for students under 25 enrolled in school or an educational or vocational program.
Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®: $12, waived if you're enrolled in Preferred Rewards or with at least one qualifying direct deposit of at least $250 each statement cycle or a $1,500 minimum daily balance.
Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking®: $25, waived if you are enrolled in Preferred Rewards or with at least $10,000 in combined balances each statement cycle.
Our pick for
Business Checking
$15.00
N/A
$300
Pros
No minimum opening deposit.
Unlimited fee-free electronic transactions.
Integrated credit card processing.
Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
No overdraft fee unless account is overdrawn by more than $50; 24-hour grace period applies to overdrafts beyond that amount.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on fee-free cash deposits ($5,000) and physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Why We Like It
This bonus is a good option if you need to open a business checking account at a major bank and can meet the minimum deposit and balance requirements, plus complete a handful of transactions.
What you'll get: $300.
Expiration: 10/19/2023.
How to get it: Open a new Business Complete Checking℠ account online or at a branch, using the offer code emailed to you from the promotional page. Then within 30 days, deposit at least $2,000 in new money to earn $300 or $15,000 in new money to earn $500, and maintain a $2,000 balance for 60 days and complete five qualifying transactions — such as debit card purchases, QuickAccept℠ deposits, QuickDeposits℠ and ACH or wire transfers — within 90 days.
Where to open: Online or in person at a Chase branch (location near you).
Who can qualify: Anyone who has not received a bonus related to a new Chase business checking account opening in the last two years. Only one bonus is allowed per account. Other restrictions apply.
When you’ll get it: The bonus will be deposited into your new account within 15 days of completing all the requirements.
Monthly fee:
Chase Business Complete Checking℠: $15, waived with a minimum daily balance of $2,000, by spending at least $2,000 in purchases with your Chase Ink Business Card, by depositing $2,000 into your new account from your QuickAccept℠ or eligible transactions at least one business day before the last day of your statement period, by maintaining a linked Chase Private Client Checking℠ account, or by providing proof of military status.
Our pick for
Savings
4.30%
$200
Why We Like It
Get a cash bonus for opening one of the best online savings accounts available. Choose the deposit amount that works for you and earn up to $200.
What you'll get: $150 or $200.
Expiration: 12/14/2023.
How to get it: Open your first Online Savings Account and use offer code NW923 when applying. Earn a $150 bonus by depositing at least $15,000 or earn a $200 bonus by depositing at least $25,000. Make your deposit within 30 days of account open date. Your account must be open to receive the bonus.
Where to open: Online, by phone or in the Discover app.
Who can qualify: Customers who are opening their first Discover Online Savings Accounts. People who have a savings account or previously had a savings account, including co-branded or affinity accounts provided by Discover, are not eligible.
When you’ll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account within 60 days of meeting the requirements.
Monthly fee: $0.
Details on bonus from Discover: "To get your $150 or $200 Bonus: What to do: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, online, in the Discover App or by phone. Enter Offer Code NW923 when applying. Deposit into your account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Deposit must be posted to account within 30 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers or existing or prior customers with savings accounts that are co-branded, or affinity accounts provided by Discover. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is interest and subject to reporting on Form 1099-INT. Offer ends 12/14/2023, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice."
3.10%
$100
Why We Like It
This bonus rewards you for building a savings habit; the savings account offers a strong interest rate and the credit union is easy to join.
What you'll get: $100.
Expiration: 12/31/2023.
How to get it: Open a new The Ultimate Opportunity Savings account online at the promotional page, or by phone at 800-328-1935 and mention Suze Orman’s The Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account promotion. Then transfer or deposit the first $100 within 30 days, make transfers or deposits totaling at least $100 or more each month for the next 11 consecutive months, and keep an average daily balance of at least $100. To receive the bonus, at the end of the 12-month period your account must be open with a balance of at least $1,200.
Where to open: Online or by phone.
Who can qualify: New Alliant Credit Union members only. People who have closed an Alliant savings account within 180 days, existing members and joint owners on Alliant savings accounts are not eligible.
When you’ll get it: The bonus will be credited to your account within four weeks of meeting the requirements.
Monthly fee: $1, waived if you opt for eStatements.
More about bank bonuses
What does the Fed rate increase mean for bank account bonuses?
In July, the Federal Reserve announced it would raise the federal funds rate (the rate which commercial banks use to borrow and lend money to one another) for the fourth time this year. The Fed last increased the rate in May. The Fed also increased the rate seven times in 2022. The changes haven’t directly affected bank bonuses, but it could be a good time to open a new bank account because recent Fed rate increases have resulted in higher savings account interest rates. So you could take advantage of both a bank bonus and higher APYs in a new savings account.
Are bank account bonuses worth it?
Bank promotions can be worth the effort of opening a new account and adding money if the reward is substantial enough and the requirements aren't too difficult to meet. Before signing up for a new account to earn a bank bonus, understand the details including what fees might be incurred and how long you might have to wait for the bonus to be paid. Check out more things to look out for when considering a bank sign-up bonus.
» Prefer an account that offers rewards beyond a sign-up bonus? Check out our favorite rewards checking accounts
What do the best bank bonuses have in common?
The best bank promotions offer the opportunity to earn a significant cash bonus for signing up for a new account with no fees or fees that are easy to get waived.
Are bank bonuses taxable?
If you’ve earned a cash bonus for opening a new bank account, it's usually taxable. You are responsible for covering any tax liability.
» Churning through accounts to get bonuses? Find out whether closing a bank account hurts your credit
Should I have more than one checking or savings account?
It can be helpful to have multiple bank accounts — as long as you can meet the requirements and minimums in order to avoid fees.
The number of checking and/or savings accounts you should have depends on your individual situation. Married or partnered people, for example, might each want to have their own accounts in addition to one or more shared accounts. You might want to consider having accounts at different financial institutions for different purposes — such as having an account with a bank that works well for international travel if you’re frequently abroad, or with the bank that handles your mortgage or other loans for more seamless payment transfers. (Learn the signs that it's time to choose a new bank.)
» Looking for the right place to keep your savings? Check out NerdWallet's picks for the best savings accounts
Last updated on August 31, 2023
Methodology
We consider bonuses offered by brick-and-mortar and online banks and credit unions in the U.S. that NerdWallet has rated. Eligible bonuses are rated for inclusion based primarily on the population eligible and the potential return on money deposited. We also consider factors including bonus requirements, the amount of time the account must remain open and account quality.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of September 2023
- SoFi Checking and Savings: Best for Checking and Savings
- Axos Bank® Rewards Checking: Best for Checking
- Chase Total Checking®: Best for Checking
- Chase Secure Banking℠: Best for Checking
- Chase Business Complete Banking℠: Best for Business Checking
- Discover Bank Online Savings: Best for Savings
- BMO Smart Advantage Checking: Best for Checking
- U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking: Best for Checking
- Alliant Credit Union Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account: Best for Savings
- PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro: Best for Checking and Savings
- Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: Best for Checking
- PNC Virtual Wallet Spend: Best for Checking and Savings
- Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®: Best for Checking
Frequently asked questions
Various banks and credit unions offer cash bonuses for signing up for a new account. You can find the best opportunities available by checking out our list of the best bank bonuses and promotions, updated monthly.
New checking customers can earn a $200 Chase checking account bonus by opening a Total Checking® account and meeting requirements.
Both online and traditional banks offer strong savings and checking account bonus offers. This month’s best bank promotions come from Alliant Credit Union, Axos Bank, Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, Discover, PNC Bank, SoFi, TD Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.