12 Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions of March 2024
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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 above 4%. (The national average for savings accounts is just 0.47%.) A $10,000 balance would earn more than $400 per year in interest with one of these high-yield accounts.
Here are the details on NerdWallet’s favorite bonuses this month, including checking account promotions and savings account bonuses. 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
Best bank bonuses for savings
Alliant Credit Union The Ultimate Opportunity Savings: $100 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
BMO checking: Up to $400 bonus offer
Chase Secure Banking℠: $100 bonus offer
Chase Total Checking®: $300 bonus offer
TD Bank checking: Up to $300 bonus offer
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking: Up to $400 bonus offer
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: $300 bonus offer
Best bank bonus for business checking
Chase business checking: $400 bonus offer
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 above 4%. (The national average for savings accounts is just 0.47%.) A $10,000 balance would earn more than $400 per year in interest with one of these high-yield accounts.
Here are the details on NerdWallet’s favorite bonuses this month, including checking account promotions and savings account bonuses. 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
Best bank bonuses for savings
Alliant Credit Union The Ultimate Opportunity Savings: $100 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
BMO checking: Up to $400 bonus offer
Chase Secure Banking℠: $100 bonus offer
Chase Total Checking®: $300 bonus offer
TD Bank checking: Up to $300 bonus offer
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking: Up to $400 bonus offer
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: $300 bonus offer
Best bank bonus for business checking
Chase business checking: $400 bonus offer
Best Bank Bonuses and Promotions
Bank/institution | NerdWallet rating | Monthly fee | APY | Bonus | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | $300 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 |
Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® Learn more at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $12.00 Learn about ways to waive the fee. Click 'Learn More' | N/A | N/A | Learn more at Bank of America, N.A., 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 | $400 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC |
BMO Smart Advantage Checking Learn more at BMO Bank N.A., Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $0 | N/A | $250 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at BMO Bank N.A., Member FDIC |
PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro - Spend | Best for Checking and Savings | $0 | N/A | $200 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 | $100 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 |
TD Convenience Checking℠ Learn more at TD Bank, Member FDIC | Best for Checking | $15.00 Waived with $100 minimum balance | N/A | $200 Requirements to qualify | Learn more at TD Bank, Member FDIC |
TD Bank TD Simple Savings | Best for Savings | N/A | 0.02% With $0.01 min. balance for APY | $200 Requirements to qualify | Read review |
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 |
Our pick for
Checking
$0
3.30%
With $0 min. balance for APY
$300
Earn $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.
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: 06/30/2024.
How to get it: Apply for a new Axos Rewards Checking account online at the offer page and use the promo code AXOS300. 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 for the month you open your account and for the first seven months. 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
Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance
N/A
$300
Requirements to qualify
Why We Like It
The Total Checking bank bonus is one of the best available. You can earn it by meeting a minimum direct deposit requirement within 90 days.
What you'll get: $300.
Expiration: 04/17/2024.
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 make at least $500 in direct deposits 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: Can be waived; see bank site for details.
» Learn more: Get more details about Chase checking account bonuses
$4.95
N/A
$100
Requirements to qualify
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: 04/17/2024.
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: See bank site for details.
$12.00
Learn about ways to waive the fee. Click 'Learn More'
N/A
N/A
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: 05/31/2024.
How to get it: Open a Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the Bank of America promotional page. Use the code TWT200CIS when enrolling. Meet deposit requirements, including receiving qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more 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: Can be waived; see bank site for details.
$0
N/A
$250
Requirements to qualify
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: $250 or $400.
Expiration: 05/03/2024.
How to get it: Open a BMO Smart Advantage™ Checking, Smart Money™ Checking or Relationship Checking account on the promotion page, by phone or at a branch (using the promo code emailed to you from the promotion page) 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 $250; opening a Relationship account and meeting the criteria will earn you $400. 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: Can be waived; see bank site for details.
$10.00
Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance
N/A
$300
Requirements to qualify
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: 04/01/2024.
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: Can be waived; see bank site for details.
$15.00
Waived with $100 minimum balance
N/A
$200
Requirements to qualify
Why We Like It
This offer provides the chance to earn free cash with a lower minimum direct deposit than other offers require.
What you'll get: $200 or $300.
Expiration: 03/31/2024.
How to get it: Open a new TD Convenience Checking or TD Beyond Checking account online at the promo page. Receive qualifying direct deposits within 60 days of opening the account, and keep the account open for at least six months. Cumulative direct deposits of at least $500 into the TD Convenience Checking account will earn $200. Cumulative direct deposits of at least $2,500 into the TD Beyond Checking account will earn $300.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: This checking offer is for new customers only. You must not have had a TD Bank personal checking account within the last 12 months or have ever received a bonus on a previous account. TD bank is only available on the East Coast in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia or Washington, D.C.
When you'll get it: You'll receive the bonus within 180 days of opening the account if you've met the requirements.
Monthly fee: Monthly fees can be waived; see bank site for details.
Our pick for
Business Checking
$15.00
Waived with $2,000 minimum balance
N/A
$400
Requirements to qualify
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.
24/7 customer support.
No fees at 16,000 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,700 branches.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on fee-free cash deposits ($5,000) and physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Limit of $5,000 per month in free cash deposits.
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: $400.
Expiration: 04/18/2024.
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: Can be waived; see bank site for details.
Our pick for
Checking and Savings
$0
N/A
$200
Requirements to qualify
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: 04/30/2024.
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 or at a branch or call center.
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
Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance
N/A
$100
Requirements to qualify
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: 04/30/2024.
How to get it: Open a Virtual Wallet, Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend or Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account on the offer page or by bringing a coupon to a branch 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 or in a branch.
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: Can be waived; see bank site for details.
Our pick for
Savings
0.02%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
$200
Requirements to qualify
Why We Like It
This offer provides new savings customers the chance to earn a bonus for opening a savings account.
What you'll get: $200.
Expiration: 03/31/2024.
How to get it: Open a new TD Simple Savings or TD Signature Savings account online at the promotional page. Receive deposits of at least $10,000 within 20 days of opening the account and maintain a balance of $10,000 or more for the 90 days after meeting the deposit requirement.
Where to open: Online.
Who can qualify: This savings offer is available to new savings customers. It is not available to existing personal savings or money market account holders or those who have had one of those accounts closed in the preceding 12 months or who have received a personal savings or money market account bonus at any time at the bank. TD bank is only available on the East Coast in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia or Washington, D.C.
When you'll get it: You'll receive the bonus within 180 days of opening the account if you've met the requirements.
Monthly fee: Monthly fees can be waived; see bank site for details.
3.10%
With $100 min. balance for APY
$100
Requirements to qualify
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: 12/31/2024.
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: Can be waived; see credit union site for details.
More about bank bonuses
What does the Fed rate announcement mean for bank account bonuses?
In January, the Federal Reserve announced it would not raise the federal funds rate (the rate which commercial banks use to borrow and lend money to one another). The Fed last increased the rate in July 2023, which was the fourth change that year. The Fed also increased the rate seven times in 2022. The changes haven’t directly affected bank bonuses, but it could still be a good time to open a new bank account because previous 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.
» MORE: See what the Fed rate means for savings accounts
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 March 1, 2024
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 March 2024
- Axos Bank® Rewards Checking: Best for Checking
- Chase Total Checking®: Best for Checking
- Chase Secure Banking℠: Best for Checking
- Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®: Best for Checking
- Chase Business Complete Banking℠: Best for Business Checking
- BMO Smart Advantage Checking: Best for Checking
- PNC Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro - Spend: Best for Checking and Savings
- PNC Virtual Wallet - Spend: Best for Checking and Savings
- Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: Best for Checking
- TD Convenience Checking℠: Best for Checking
- TD Bank TD Simple Savings: Best for Savings
- Alliant Credit Union Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account: Best for Savings
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, BMO, Chase, PNC Bank, TD Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.