Unlock December 2024’s Top Checking Account Bonuses You Can’t Miss!
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We’ve sifted through an impressive array of bank promotions and bonus offers for December 2024, highlighting the best options from national, regional, and online banks just for you. Let’s dive into our top picks!
Here’s your ultimate guide to the hottest bank account promotions currently available!
Best Bank Bonuses for December 2024
- Chase Private Client Checking℠: Score up to a $3,000 bonus for opening a new account with qualifying activities (offer expires 1/22/2025)
- HSBC Premier Checking: Earn $1,500 or $2,500 from July 1, 2024, to January 2, 2025, with qualifying activities
- Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking: Snag a $600 bonus by depositing a total of $25,000 within 90 days of opening your account (offer expires February 7, 2025)
- Huntington Bank Perks Checking: Claim a $400 bonus by setting up qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more within 90 days (offer expires February 7, 2025)
- Truist One Checking: Grab a $400 bonus when you open a new account online with code AFL2425TR1400 and meet qualifying activities (offer expires April 30, 2025)
- Valley All Access Checking+: Receive $400 with two or more qualifying direct deposits totaling $7,500 within the first 90 days of opening your account
- Fifth Third Momentum Checking: Earn a $300 cash bonus for depositing $500 or more via direct deposit within 90 days of account opening (offer expires December 31, 2024)
- Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account: Claim a $300 bonus for opening a new account with a $25 minimum deposit and receiving $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days (offer ends January 8, 2025)
- Chase Total Checking®: Get a $300 bonus when you open an account and make direct deposits of $500 or more within 90 days (offer expires on 1/22/2025)
- Citi Regular Checking: Earn up to $450 cash bonus by opening an eligible account and completing required activities (offer ends 1/7/25)
- TD Bank Beyond Checking Account: Earn $300 with $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days (offer expires December 31, 2024)
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® Account: Earn $300 for new customers who meet qualifying activities (offer expires January 31, 2025)
- SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC): Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit for eligible customers (offer expires 01/31/26, terms apply)
- Key Smart Checking®: Earn $300 after making a $10 minimum opening deposit and one direct deposit of at least $1,000 within 60 days (open account by 12/20/2024)
- BMO Smart Money Checking: Earn a $300 cash bonus with $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days (offer expires 02/03/25)
- BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account: Also earn a $300 cash bonus with $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days (offer expires February 3, 2025)
- Capital One 360 Checking: Earn $250 when you open an account using the code CHECKING250 with two direct deposits of $500 or more within 75 days
- TD Bank Complete Checking: Get $200 with $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days (offer expires December 31, 2024)
- Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking® Account: Earn a $200 cash bonus for new customers with qualifying activities (offer expires February 7, 2025)
- M&T Bank MyChoice Premium Checking: Get a $200 bonus with qualifying direct deposits totaling $500 within 90 days (offer expires December 31, 2024)
- M&T Bank MyChoice Plus Checking: Earn a $150 bonus with qualifying direct deposits totaling $500 within 90 days (offer expires December 31, 2024)
- M&T Bank EZChoice Checking: Score a $100 bonus with qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 within 90 days (offer expires December 31, 2024)
- Chase Secure Banking℠: Get a $100 bonus for opening an account with qualifying transactions (offer expires 1/22/2025)
- Chase College Checking℠: Receive $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open an account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days (offer expires 1/22/2025)
- PNC Bank Virtual Wallet®: Earn up to $400 with qualifying direct deposits (offer ends 01/02/2025)
- Experian Smart Money: Earn a $50 bonus when you set up direct deposit
Each bank account comes with specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the cash bonus. Be sure to check if you need to deposit a minimum amount by a certain date!
Compare the Top Checking Account Bonus Offers
The best checking account bonuses are often found at traditional banks, although some online banks offer enticing options too. Our top selections stand out for either their generous cash bonuses or requirements that are easy for most consumers to meet.
To qualify for the top bonuses, you typically need to be a new customer who hasn’t opened an account with that bank for a while. We’ve included a variety of bonuses with distinct earning potentials, allowing you to find an account with criteria you can manage.
Chase Private Client Checking℠
Bonus amount: $1,000 to $3,000
Expiration date: January 22, 2025
Who qualifies: Both new and existing Chase Private Client customers can take part. Eligible accounts include Chase personal checking and savings accounts and J.P. Morgan Wealth Management non-retirement accounts.
Actions needed:
- New clients should visit Chase’s bonus page, provide their email to get a promo code, and meet with a Private Client Banker to upgrade or open an account.
- Transfer at least $150,000 of new money or securities into eligible accounts within the first 45 days.
- To earn a $1,000 bonus, transfer between $150,000 to $249,999.
- For a $2,000 bonus, transfer $250,000 to $499,999.
- To score a $3,000 bonus, transfer $500,000 or more.
- Keep your new balance intact for a minimum of 90 days after opening the account.
When you’ll see the money: Funds will be deposited into your account within 40 days after meeting the requirements.
Monthly service fee: $35; waived with a balance of $150,000 across Chase and partner accounts.
HSBC Premier Checking
Bonus amount: $1,500 or $2,500
Expiration date: January 2, 2025
Who qualifies: New HSBC Premier Checking Account holders are eligible.
To qualify for Premier status, maintain $100,000 in total deposits or investments, receive $5,000 in monthly deposits from a third party, or hold a U.S. mortgage with HSBC.
Actions needed:
- Open a new account by January 2, 2025.
- For a $1,500 bonus, deposit $100,000 to $249,999 within 20 days and maintain that amount for three months.
- For a $2,500 bonus, deposit $250,000 or more within 20 days and maintain that for three months.
When you’ll see the bonus: It will be credited to your account within eight weeks of meeting requirements.
Monthly service fee: $50; waived if qualification criteria are met.
Huntington Bank Platinum Perks Checking
Bonus amount: $600
Expiration date: February 7, 2025
Who qualifies: New eligible Huntington Bank account holders.
Actions needed:
- Open a new account by February 7, 2025.
- Deposit at least $25,000 within 90 days of opening and maintain that balance for 90 days.
When you’ll see your bonus: Funds will be credited to your account within 14 days after meeting the requirements.
Monthly service fee: $25 or $0 with a balance of $25,000 across all Huntington accounts.
BMO Smart Money Checking
Bonus amount: $300
Expiration date: February 3, 2025
Who qualifies: New customers or those who haven’t closed a personal BMO checking account in the last 12 months.
Actions needed:
Keep your account open for at least 90 days to qualify for the bonus.
When you’ll see the bonus: You can expect the funds within 100 days of meeting the requirements.
Monthly service fee: $5 if over the age of 25; no fee for the BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account.
Huntington Bank Perks Checking
Bonus amount: $400
Expiration date: February 7, 2025
Who qualifies: New Huntington Bank customers.
Actions needed:
- Open your new account by February 7, 2025.
- Make a qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more within 90 days of opening.
When you’ll see your bonus: Expect to see the money in your account within 14 days after meeting the qualifications.
Monthly service fee: $10 or $0 with a balance of $1,000 or more.
Understanding Checking Account Bonuses
Banks offer bonuses on checking accounts to attract new customers and differentiate themselves from the competition. Current promotions can range from $50 to a jaw-dropping $4,000! Keep in mind that traditional brick-and-mortar banks tend to provide more bonuses than their online counterparts.
Remember to have a valid U.S. ID and Social Security number when applying. If you’re unbanked due to lacking an ID, there are banks that accept foreign passports or Matricula Consular for account openings.
How to Qualify for Bank Signup Bonuses
Application Process For Checking Cash Bonuses
To snag a checking account bonus, start by applying under the right conditions. You must use a promotional page or promo code to open your account, or else you’ll miss out on the bonus!
Actions Needed to Fulfill Bonus Criteria
Each bank will outline specific requirements that must be met within a certain time frame—this could include making direct deposits, maintaining a designated balance, or enrolling in online banking. Higher bonuses often come with more challenging criteria to meet, so read the requirements carefully.
When Banks Deposit Your Cash Bonus
Once you’ve met all the specified requirements, the bonus will be deposited into your account. Remember, you may need to keep your account open for a designated period to retain your bonus and avoid early closure fees.
Taxation on Checking Account Bonuses
Just a heads up—checking account bonuses are taxable! Any cash you earn from a bonus is considered ordinary income, so be prepared to pay taxes on it by Tax Day in April. Your bank will send you a 1099-INT form to assist with your tax return, even if you don’t receive it, be sure to include the bonus in your filing!
How to Choose the Best Checking Account Bonus Offer
Choosing the best bank promotion deal requires a bit of strategy, as you want to ensure the offer aligns with your financial needs. Here’s how to make an informed decision:
1. Compare Bonus Values and Requirements
Consider what type of checking account you want and where you want it. Will it be a traditional account at a local bank, or are you leaning toward an online rewards account? Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, compare the bonuses and requirements to find the best fit for you.
2. Look for Additional Features
Don’t just focus on the bonus! Examine the account to see if it meets your needs. For example, does it offer early direct deposit or great mobile banking tools? These features can greatly enhance your banking experience.
3. Check for Common Fees
Be cautious of accounts that come with hefty fees. Review the bank’s policies regarding monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM charges. Make sure you qualify for fee waivers to truly benefit from your account.
Tips for Maximizing Checking Account Bonuses
- Keep track of deadlines. For offers with tiered cash bonuses, review the requirements closely to ensure you meet them within the specified time frame.
- Understand the fine print. Check the promotional page for detailed requirements and limitations to avoid any surprises.
- Contact customer support for clarity. If you’re unsure about any terms, the bank’s representatives can help clarify the bonus rules.
- Avoid monthly service fees. These fees can eat away at your bonus, so know how to waive them before opening an account.
Why You Should Trust Us: Experts’ Advice on the Best Checking Account Bonuses
We consulted banking and financial planning experts to provide you with the best insights on selecting bank account bonuses that meet your needs.
Here’s some expert advice:
What should I look for in a checking account bonus?
Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor: “If you plan to use the bank as your main spending account, it’s wise to focus on direct deposits that will help you earn bonuses.”
Sophia Acevedo, banking editor: “Consider how much you need to deposit to obtain the bonus. Look for bonuses that fit your banking habits without requiring excessive effort to qualify.”
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Checking Account Bonuses
Our personal finance team aims to assist you in making informed money decisions. We evaluated national, regional, and credit union banks to identify which offer robust bonuses and straightforward requirements. Each account featured has received at least a 3.5/5 star rating based on factors like minimum deposit requirements, fees, and customer support.
Ready to unlock those bonuses? Let’s get started!
