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.
How we evaluate products
Finding the right checking account bonus offers requires researching all aspects of the accounts. The $500 checking account bonus offers on this list were checked for the following:
- Minimum balance requirements
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Ongoing requirements
- Additional features and benefits
Earning $500+ is great, but if you won’t use the ongoing features or cannot afford the monthly maintenance fees, the account may not make sense for you. That’s why we covered all aspects of each account so you have full disclosure when deciding.
Compare bank bonus offers of $500 or more
Bank name | Bonus amount | Eligible account(s) |
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. 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
Pros and cons of this bonus
- Large physical bank presence
- Large ATM network
- Most accounts offer early access to direct deposit
- Has high overdraft fees
- Pays low APYs
Learn more in our Chase Bank review
2. 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.
Pros and cons of this bonus
- The Perks Checking Account bonus is easy to achieve
- Both accounts earn interest
- You can open an account online or in person
- The balance requirements are high to waive the monthly fees
- Interest rates are low
3. 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.
Deposit amount | Bonus amount |
$1,000 to $4,999.99 | $300 |
$5,000 to $9,999.99 | $400 |
$10,000+ | $600 |
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
Pros and cons of this bonus
- Many options to earn the checking account bonus
- Low opening balance requirements
- Option for a free checking account
- Branches only available in Midwest
- Pays low interest rates
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.
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.
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.