4 Bank Accounts That Will Give You Free Money

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Looking to cash in free money from banks just for opening a new account? Whether you’re switching banks or opening your first checking or savings account, there are bank promotions offering cash bonuses, high annual percentage yields (APYs) and other perks that can put hundreds of dollars in your pocket, often within just a few business days.

From online banking offers to high-interest savings accounts, these deals are among the best bank account bonuses available right now. Requirements vary, but many offers are easy to qualify for with a direct deposit or a small opening balance. If you’re ready to open a bank account online and earn free money, these top picks are worth a look.

Wells Fargo Checking Account: $325

The Wells Fargo wagon is coming to town, and though it doesn’t have to dole out free money, you can score this bonus just for signing up as a new customer, thanks to this checking account promotion. The requirements are achievable and pretty straightforward:

• Bonus amount: $325
• Monthly maintenance fee: $15 service fee, which can be avoided with a $1,500 minimum daily balance or $500 or more in total qualifying electronic deposits.
• Minimum opening deposit requirement: $25
• Qualifying activity: First, open a new, eligible checking account with your bonus code. Second, receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days of offer enrollment.
• Offer expires: Jan. 14, 2026

Chase Total Checking: $300 

Chase knows its way around a bank promotion. Just by going to the website or downloading the mobile app, you can open a new eligible account today and start earning some free money. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Bonus amount: $300
• Monthly service fee: $15, but the monthly fee can be waived by either having electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account or an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings and other balances.
• Minimum opening deposit requirement: $0
• Qualifying activity: Open a Chase Total Checking account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment
• Offer expires: Jan. 21, 2026

Citi Checking: $325 

If you are looking to open a new checking account, then consider doing so with Citi to earn $325 in free money. You’ll need to make qualifying Enhanced Direct Deposits and complete the required activities:

• Bonus amount: $325
• Monthly maintenance fee: $15, but can be waived for customers in Relationship Tiers or each month the account has $250 or more in Enhanced Direct Deposits.
• Minimum opening deposit requirement: $0
• Qualifying activity: You can get this free money by opening a new eligible Citi checking account and making a minimum of two Enhanced Direct Deposits, including Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, deposits made using Zelle and digital payments made using ACH via PayPal, Venmo or other payment service providers. Make sure to note that deposits must total at least $3,000 and be made within 90 days of opening the account. 
• Offer expires: Jan. 12, 2026

SoFi Checking: $50 or $300 

If you’re looking to earn interest with a checking account, SoFi’s Checking Account earns 7x the national average (0.50% APY). When you open a SoFi checking account, you will also receive a savings account in your name that can earn up to 3.60% APY. Take advantage of their current promotion to score some extra cash that will get automatically added to your new account. Here’s how you can get that bonus:

• Bonus amount: $50 or $300
• Monthly maintenance fee: $0
• Minimum opening deposit requirement: $0
• Qualifying activity: Customers must make at least one direct deposit in any amount within a 25-day period. Deposit $1,000 to $4,999.99 to earn a $50 bonus or deposit $5,000 or more to earn a $300 bonus.
• Offer expires: Jan. 31, 2026

Editor’s note: All rates, offers and requirements are subject to change at the bank’s discretion.

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