Why you should trust us

Investopedia was founded in 1999 and has been providing original recommendations on the best checking account bonuses available since May 2024. Investopedia collects data directly from bank websites and objectively ranks bank promotions based on bonus amounts, requirements and deposit returns. Investopedia’s research, editorial and compliance teams monitor current and expiring bank bonuses to find the best options for people looking to earn extra money when opening a new account.

How We Choose the Best Checking Account Bonuses

Investopedia’s research, compliance, and editorial teams continually analyze and evaluate checking account promotions. To determine our top checking account bonus recommendations, Investopedia collects and curates hundreds of data points on personal and business checking account promotions, covering offers from 24 banks. Data is collected directly from bank and credit union promotional offers pages on an ongoing basis, and this page is updated periodically as new promotions become available and expire.

Each promotion is evaluated based on its bonus amount and requirements, as well as return on deposit (how much you earn relative to the amount you have to deposit). To be eligible for our leaderboard, the checking account bonus must be at least $300, with a deposit return of at least 10%; Business Checking bonus offers must be at least $300 and have a return of at least 4%.