$500 Checking Account Bonus Offers + How To Get Them [January 2026]

Banks often pay signup bonuses, but finding the best ones is important, because why give up free money? It's not unheard of to find $500 checking account bonus offers, but of course, each one has specific requirements, some of which are unobtainable for many people.

I've rounded up the top $500 checking account bonus offers and detailed their qualifying requirements to save you time and hassle. Some key factors to consider when choosing a signup bonus include the type of account you must open, how much money you must deposit, and any other ongoing requirements, such as a minimum monthly balance or monthly direct deposit amount.

Is it worth opening a bank account for the bonus?

While a bonus can be an attractive incentive, we generally recommend opening a bank account based on your actual banking needs. Consider factors such as the services offered, fees, accessibility, and customer service. A bonus might be a nice perk, but it shouldn't be the primary reason for choosing a bank. It's important to find a bank that suits your personal financial habits and goals.

Compare bank bonus offers of $500 or more

Bank name	Bonus amount	Eligible account(s)
Bank of America	Up to $500	Bank of America Advantage Banking checking accounts
Chase Bank	$1,000 to $,3000	Chase Private Client Checking℠
Huntington Bank	$400 to $600	Perks Checking or Platinum Perks Checking
Associated Bank	$300 to $600	Any Associated checking account

1. Bank of America: Up to $500

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Bank of America Advantage Banking

Bank of America Advantage Banking

Up to $500 cash offer. Click ‘Learn More' for more details. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.

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Account options to earn the bonus

Take it from us — it's not going to get a lot better than this up to $500 checking bonus right now. Bank of America's Advantage Banking bonus, which became available on August 19, 2025, is one of the best for a host of reasons. These include:

• Its long promotional period
• Its lower direct deposit requirements compared to some similar offers
• The fact that there are three different checking accounts that qualify

As with many checking bonuses, especially for $500 or more, you're going to have to set up a direct deposit to this account to qualify. If you receive $2,000 in qualifying deposits, you'll be eligible for a bonus of $100. If you receive $5,000, you'll get $300. But if you receive $10,000 or more, you can qualify for the full $500 bonus. With three months to hit the minimum, this should be within reach for more people than other checking offers (especially if you set up your new account as a joint account with someone else who gets paid via direct deposit).

The three accounts that can qualify for this promotional checking offer are Advantage Plus Banking, Advantage SafeBalance Banking, and Advantage Relationship Banking. Advantage SafeBalance Banking is the best option for beginners, including students, and people who want to avoid overdraft fees. Advantage Plus Banking is more of a middle-of-the-road option for everyday use, and Advantage Relationship Banking has the highest monthly fee but offers relationship benefits if you're loyal to Bank of America.

Plus, Bank of America is one of the best brick-and-mortar banks, another mark in its favor if you value in-person service.

Visit Bank of America | Learn more in our Bank of America Advantage Banking review

2. Chase Bank: Up to $1,000 to $3,000

Chase Private Client Checking

With Chase Private Client, the amount you deposit determines your bonus. If you deposit $150,000 to $249,999 earn a $1,000 bonus; deposit $250,000 to $499,999 earn a $2,000 bonus; and deposit $500,000 or more and earn a $3,000 bonus.

The nice thing about the Chase Private Client Checking℠ account is that you can upgrade an existing account. Most bank bonuses are for new money only, but with this bonus, you can transfer funds into various accounts, using your total balance to qualify for the promotion. The accounts include:

• Personal checking accounts
• Personal savings accounts
• J.P. Morgan Wealth Management accounts (non-retirement) serviced by a Private Client Advisor

It's important to note that business accounts, any other J.P. Morgan investment accounts, and trust accounts are not eligible.

Perks of this account

Other benefits you'll enjoy as a Chase Private Client include:

• No ATM fees
• No incoming wire fees
• Dedicated 24/7 advisor line
• Higher Zelle and ATM limits
• Preferred rates on auto loans

Learn more in our Chase Bank review

3. Huntington Bank: $400 to $600

Account options to earn the bonus

You have two options to earn the Huntington bank account bonus of $400 or $600. Here's how the accounts compare:

• Perks Checking ($400 bonus): Five free non-network ATM transactions monthly, credit score monitoring, and you can earn interest on your balance. To waive the $10 monthly maintenance fee, you'll need to receive $1,000 in monthly deposits (or have a $5,000 combined balance across Huntington accounts).
• Platinum Checking ($600 bonus): Unlimited free non-network ATM transactions monthly, credit score and identity theft monitoring, and you can earn interest on your balance. To waive the $25 monthly maintenance fee, you'll need $25,000 in combined balances across Huntington accounts.

Note that this offer is only available to residents in a handful of states.

• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

In addition, if you're a current Huntington Bank customer or closed a checking account with them within the past six months, you're not eligible for this bonus.

4. Associated Bank: $300 to $600

The great thing about this bank is that you can open any of Associated Bank's checking accounts and earn the bonus. The exact bonus you earn depends on how much you deposit.

Account options to earn the bonus

You can choose from various accounts, including:

• Access Checking: No monthly maintenance fee and a $25 minimum opening deposit for this online only account (no branch access)
• Balanced Checking: Has a $9 monthly maintenance fee that you can get waived with a $1,000 minimum daily balance, deposits of $500 or more per statement cycle, or a total of $2,500 in combined deposit account funds
• Choice Checking: Has a $25 monthly maintenance fee that you can get waived with $10,000 combined deposits, get free checks, and earn interest on your balance

Honorable mention checking account bonus

U.S. Bank: Up to $450

The best bank account bonus offer for you might not necessarily be the largest bonus. In the case of the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account bonus for up to $450, you might decide that the account is more appealing than the others on this list for its ongoing perks. And since we wouldn't suggest opening a new bank account solely to qualify for a sign-up bonus, it makes sense to keep this one in the running.

U.S. Bank Smartly Checking is unique for offering the following perks:

• U.S. Bank Smart Rewards® eligibility, a relationship program that unlocks potential perks like waived fees, interest rate bumps, and loan discounts
• Complimentary Greenlight kids' banking membership
• Consistently competitive welcome offers, like this one

Just be aware that Smartly Checking carries a $12 monthly service fee and other banking fees besides. However, there are a few ways to waive the monthly service fee, including by maintaining an account balance of at least $1,500 or receiving $1,500 or more in combined monthly direct deposits.¹ <p>No Monthly Maintenance Fee for the U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account with one of the following: Combined monthly direct deposit totaling $1,500+, an average account balance of $1,500 or greater, the owner of an eligible Small Business Checking account, the owner of a U.S. Bank Smartly VisaTM Signature® Card, are 24 and under, 65 and over, or a member of the military (must self-disclose), or qualify for Smart Rewards® Gold tier or above.</p>

Visit U.S. Bank | Read our U.S. Bank Smartly Checking review

How to choose a checking account bonus offer

Earning a $500 checking offer for opening a new account and depositing your salary or other funds into it may seem easy, but there are a few things to consider first.

• Monthly fees: Some banks offering account sign-up bonuses may charge monthly account fees. In some cases, these fees can be waived. Make sure to understand these fees and the requirements for waiving them.
• Balance requirements: Most $500 checking offers require you to receive direct deposits, maintain a balance, or a combination of both. Make sure that moving your direct deposits makes sense for you and that maintaining a certain balance is something you can achieve.
• Taxes: Bank account bonuses are generally considered taxable income along with the interest you earn on a savings or checking account. You'll typically receive relevant tax documents during tax season. Make sure to include these documents in your tax filing.

Bottom line

Earning a $500 checking account offer isn't difficult, but it requires you to find a suitable offer and pay attention to its terms and conditions. These promotions change often so be sure to check back frequently and jump on any offers that catch your eye before they expire.

To explore more bank offers, check out this list of the top checking account bonuses. You can also explore more banking options in this list of the best online banks.

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