There’s no shortage of bank promotions in California, whether you want to be rewarded for opening a new checking, savings, brokerage, or business account.
We’ve done the leg work, putting hours into researching the best bank bonuses in the Golden State so you don’t have to. You can use the guide below to compare offers, read the fine print, and apply.
In addition to exploring bonuses from local banks and credit unions, you can also see our top picks from national banks that are available in California.
Our Featured Nationwide Bonuses
Here are 3 of our featured bank bonuses that can be obtained nationwide:
BMO
Smart Advantage Checking Account
- Bonus
- $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Expires In
- 47 days
- Requires
- Direct Deposit
SoFi
SoFi Checking and Savings
- Bonus
- up to $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Expires In
- 13 days
- Requires
- Direct Deposit
Upgrade
Rewards Checking Plus
- Bonus
- $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Expires In
- Limited Time
- Requires
- Card Spend
See our list of the Best Banks in California
Personal Checking Bonuses in California
Here are the current personal checking promotions available in CA:
1. U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - up to $450 bonus
U.S. Bank is offering up to a $450 bonus for opening a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking. This is back towards the lower end of bonuses we've seen from U.S. Bank.
The direct deposit threshold for the checking bonus is somewhat steep to earn the max bonus amount, but if you have the income, this is an easy bonus. You'll have 90 days to reach this target, but keep in mind that unlike some banks that let you hit the bonus in a single transaction, U.S. Bank requires at least two direct deposits to qualify for this promotion.
U.S. Bank : U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $450
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY
- Offer Expires
- December 30, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account.
- Within 90 days, enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App.
- Within the same 90 days, make two or more direct deposits totaling amounts as follows: $2,000 - $4,999.99, earn $250; $5,000 - $7,999.99, earn $350; $8,000+, earn $450.
- Bonus will be credited to your new checking account within 60 days following the end of the calendar month during which you completed all the offer requirements.
at U.S. Bank
2. First U.S. Community Credit Union Better Than Free Checking - $300 bonus
Available in select CA counties, First U.S. Community Credit Union is offering a $300 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and set up direct deposit. Good news, FUSCC has a rather low direct deposit requirement of only $500. These offers don't come around often for this credit union so now's the time to become a member if you're in their footprint.
First U.S. Community Credit Union : Better Than Free Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member and open a Better Than Free Checking account using promo code BTF300.
- Within 90 days, establish a direct deposit of at least $500.
at First U.S. Community Credit Union
3. Flagstar Bank Personal Checking - up to $350 bonus
Available in a decent number of states across the U.S., Flagstar Bank is offering up to a $350 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and set up direct deposit. The total amount you can earn depends on which account you open: Ready Checking is eligible for up to $250 or Elite Checking for the full $350.
Flagstar Bank : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $350
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AZ, CA, FL, IN, MI, NJ, NY, OH
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a Ready Checking or Elite Checking account with $50 or more.
- For the first 90 days, maintain an average daily balance of $500 or more.
- Within the same 90 days, set up one or more direct deposits totaling $500 or more.
- Bonus will be deposited into your account 91-104 days after an initial deposit is made to the new account.
at Flagstar Bank
4. Monterra Credit Union Premium Checking - up to $150 bonus
Monterra Credit Union (formerly San Mateo Credit Union) is offering up to $150 in bonus cash for those who open a new Premium Checking account. This is a tiered offer so the more activities you complete, the more you can earn.
The requirements to earn the welcome offer are the same requirements that you'll need to meet each month to earn the interest on your deposits: debit card purchases plus one direct deposit of any amount.
This time around they are not requiring you to open in branch, and have added a little more to the bonus to sweeten the deal.
Monterra Credit Union : Premium Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $150
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Premium Checking account.
- Enroll in eStatements, earn $50.
- In the first full month, make 10 debit card purchases that total $100, earn $50.
- Also in the first full month, receive 1 direct deposit of any amount, earn $50.
- Bonus(es) will be credited to your new account the following month.
at Monterra Credit Union
5. Banner Bank Personal Checking - up to $500 bonus
Available in select states with the ability to open online, Banner Bank is offering customers up to a $400 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and complete direct deposits. The higher your direct deposit, the higher your bonus.
You can earn an additional $100 bonus by opening a personal savings or money market account at the same time your Banner Bank checking account is opened and complete the deposit requirements.
This is by far the highest bonus we've seen from Banner, so now would be a good time to signup!
Banner Bank : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $500
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA, ID, OR, WA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new personal checking account using promotion code 24BU.
- $100 Checking Bonus: Within 30 days, complete at least $1,000 of direct deposits; OR Have a minimum daily balance of $1,000 or more and maintain for 60 days, earn $100.
- $400 Checking Bonus:Within 30 days, complete at least $1,000 of direct deposits AND Have a minimum daily balance of $25,000 or more and maintain for 60 days, earn $400.
- $100 Savings Bonus: 1) Open a Banner Bank personal savings or money market account at the same time your Banner Bank checking account is opened; AND 2) Deposit a total of $1,000 or more in new money within 30 days of account opening; AND 3) Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,000 or more for 90 days; AND 4) Set up monthly recurring auto transfers of $25 or more from your Banner Bank checking account to your Banner Bank savings or money market account.
- Bonus(es) will deposit within 90 days of account opening.
at Banner Bank
6. Orange County's Credit Union Personal Checking - $100 bonus
Back for 2024 with the ability to open online, Orange County's Credit Union is offering a $100 welcome bonus when you open a new checking account and set up direct deposit. As an added perk, once you join, you can refer friends at $50 a piece!
Orange County's Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $100
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Join OCCU with promo code MY100.
- Open a Basic, Interest, or Better Than Free personal checking account.
- Enroll in eStatements.
- Sign up and qualify for a debit card.
- Within 60 days, receive a direct deposit.
- Bonus will be credited to your new checking account within 90 days.
at Orange County's Credit Union
7. Sacramento Credit Union Free Rewards - $200 bonus
Sacramento Credit Union is offering new members $200 to open a Free Rewards Checking account. This time around there's no branch-specific requirement and you can open online.
Sacramento Credit Union : Free Rewards
- Bonus Amount
- $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new checking account online.
- Within 60 days, receive a direct deposit.
- Bonus will be credited to your new account on the first business day after 60 days of opening the account.
at Sacramento Credit Union
8. CEFCU Personal Checking - up to $225 bonus
Renewed through 2024, CEFCU is offering a $225 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and one of the required activities. This offer is only open to California residents.
Citizens Equity First Credit Union : Personal Checking Account
- Bonus Amount
- up to $225
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new checking account using the link below.
- Enroll in e-statements.
- Earn $200 by meeting ONE of the following requirements in the first full calendar month after account opening: (1) an individual balance of $5,000, (2) a household balance of $10,000, (3) make 5 debit card purchases of $15 each, OR (4) have direct deposits totaling $500.
- Earn an additional $25 by making 5 debit card purchases each month (with each purchase being at least $15), for the first 3 full calendar months following account opening.
- Bonus will be deposited 4-6 weeks after the third full calendar month following account opening.
at CEFCU
9. FirstBank Bloom Package - $300 bonus
Back for 2024, 1st Bank is offering new customers $300 for opening a new Bloom Package (includes a Bloom Checking and Bloom Savings account, and you'll also need to enroll in eStatements, Online Banking, and request a Visa Debit Card).
To earn the offer, you'll need to receive a direct deposit of at least $500 for 3 consecutive months, and the first one must be made within 60 days of the account opening.
Keep in mind that FirstBank limits its welcome offers to just one per household, per lifetime!
FirstBank : Bloom Package
- Bonus Amount
- $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AZ, CA, CO
- Offer Expires
- January 1, 2025
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Bloom Package using the link below.
- Enroll in online banking.
- Within 120 days, receive an initial recurring direct deposit of $500, and maintain that same direct deposit for 3 consecutive months.
- Bonus will be credited to your account within 30 days of the final qualifying payment.
at FirstBank
10. PNC Virtual Wallet® - up to $400 bonus
Available in 23 states plus the District of Columbia, PNC is back with a competitive welcome bonus for opening a personal checking account online and meeting direct deposit requirements within the first 2 months.
This is a tiered offer with the entry level Virtual Wallet® offering $100, $200 for opening a Virtual Wallet® with Performance Spend or $400 for opening a Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select - all with qualifying direct deposit requirements.
Assuming you don't have an account with PNC (and haven't within the last 90 days), we definitely recommend grabbing this easy bonus.
PNC Bank : Virtual Wallet®
- Bonus Amount
- up to $400
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NM, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, WV
- Offer Expires
- January 2, 2025
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a Virtual Wallet® account online to qualify, See link below.
- Within 60 days, complete the direct deposit requirements for the account package that you opened: Virtual Wallet® - $500+ to earn $100 bonus, Virtual Wallet® with Performance Spend - $2,000+ to earn $200 bonus, or Virtual Wallet® with Performance Select - $5,000+ to earn $400 bonus.
- Bonus will be credited to your account within 60-90 days after meeting requirements.
11. KeyPoint Personal Checking - up to $300 bonus
KeyPoint Credit Union is offering California residents up to a $300 bonus for opening a new personal checking account. This time around they've removed the debit card spend requirements and increased the bonus by $100!
The promotion breaks down into monthly payments of $50 each for meeting a direct deposit requirement until you complete the 6 month mark.
KeyPoint Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new personal checking account with at least $25 using the promo code DD23.
- Within 60 days, receive a recurring direct deposit of at least $1,000, earn $50
- For the first 6 months, each month that you complete the direct deposit requirement, earn $50 up to a total of $300.
- Direct Deposit Bonus(es) will be credited within 9 months after account opening.
at KeyPoint
12. Provident Credit Union Personal Checking - $300 bonus
Provident Credit Union is offering California residents a healthy $300 bonus when they open a new personal checking account.
You'll need to enroll in online banking and eStatements, and then for 2 months (starting the month following account opening), there's a direct deposit and debit card requirement that you'll need to hit both months. In other words, you'll need a total of $1,000 in direct deposits ($500 each month) and $800 in purchases ($400 each month).
This bonus applies to their Super Reward Checking, Provident Checking, and Simply Free Checking accounts. Be sure to compare all three before deciding which is best for you.
Provident Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new personal checking account using the promo code 9772.
- Enroll in online banking and e-Documents.
- Starting the month following your account opening, do these 2 things for 2 months: make $400 of purchases using your debit and/or credit card, and receive a direct deposit of $500.
- Bonus will be credited to your new account within 120 days of account opening.
at Provident Credit Union
13. Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union Personal Checking - up to $200 bonus
Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union is offering a $200 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and set up direct deposit. The direct deposit requirement is very manageable at $100. To maximize the bonus you'll want to be referred by a current member, which makes up $50 of the bonus.
The normal geographic area for membership is select counties of New Mexico; however, it is expanded to residents in Arizona, California, Colorado and Texas that are members of the American Consumer Council.
Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AZ, CA, CO, NM, TX
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Get a referral code from a friend (you'll both receive $50! – optional).
- Join SLCFCU and open a new Quick Cash or Money Manager Checking account.
- Within 60 days, establish a direct deposit of at least $100.
- $150 bonus (+$50 bonus if referred) will be deposited into your account within 30 days of all requirements being met
at Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union
14. Premier Valley Bank Platinum Checking - $400 bonus
Premier Valley Bank is offering a $400 welcome bonus when you open a new Platinum Checking account. To earn the bonus, you'll have 90 days to accumulate $7,500 in direct deposits. That's a higher threshold than most bonuses require, but the reward is also on the higher end of personal checking offers.
Keep in mind that the Platinum Checking account has a monthly fee that can be waived, but if you can't meet the balance requirement to do so, you should factor that into the ROI of this promo.
Premier Valley Bank : Platinum Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $400
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Platinum Checking account using the link below.
- Within 90 days, receiving direct deposits totaling $7,500.
- Bonus will be credited to your new checking account within 5 business days of meeting the requirements.
at Premier Valley Bank
15. Travis Credit Union Free Checking - $350 bonus
Available in select counties of California near Travis Air Force Base, Travis Credit Union is offering a $350 welcome bonus when you open a new free checking account and deposit new money. This is a very easy and straightforward bonus if you qualify for membership.
Travis Credit Union : Free Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $350
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a TCU member and open a Free Checking account using promo code Checking350
- Within 90 days, deposit at least $2,000 into your Free Checking account using electronic deposit transactions.
- Bonus will be paid into the checking account after 90 days
at Travis Credit Union
16. Premier Valley Bank Free Checking - $150 bonus
Available to California residents with the ability to open online, Premier Valley Bank is offering a $150 bonus when you open a new free checking account and connect your direct deposit.
Premier Valley Bank : Free Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $150
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Free Checking account.
- Within 90 days, receive two direct deposits of $300 or more.
- Bonus will be paid within 5 business days of completing the requirements.
at Premier Valley Bank
17. Valley First Credit Union Purple Checking - $200 bonus
Available to residents in select California counties, Valley First Credit Union is offering a $200 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and set up direct deposit.
Valley First Credit Union : Purple Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member of Valley First Credit Union.
- Open a new Purple Checking account.
- During the qualifying period (100 days), have an established direct deposit of $750/month or more.
- During the same time period, be enrolled in Online Banking and eStatements.
- $200 bonus will be credited to your new Purple Checking account 100 calendar days after account opening
at Valley First Credit Union
18. Valley Strong Credit Union Personal Checking - $250 bonus
Available to residents of Tulare, San Joaquin and Solano Counties in California, Valley Strong Credit Union is offering a $250 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account. You'll have the option to set up direct deposit OR use your debit card to complete the bonus requirements.
Valley Strong Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $250
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new checking account using the link below.
- During the first 90 days, make monthly direct deposits OR have an average of 12 credit/debit card transactions per month.
- Bonus will be deposited on or around the 91st day after the new account is opened.
at Valley Strong Credit Union
19. BluPeak Personal Checking - up to $300 bonus
Available in a select footprint of California with the ability to open online, BluPeak Credit Union is offering up to a $300 welcome bonus when you open any new personal checking account.
This is a two-part offer. You'll get $100 just for opening the account, but you'll need to set up direct deposit to earn the rest.
BluPeak Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Join BluPeak Credit Union using the promo code "Purpose".
- Open a new personal checking account to earn $100.
- Within 90 days of account opening, receive direct deposits totaling $500 to earn an additional $200.
- First bonus will be credited 7 days after account opening. Second bonus will be credited 90 days after account opening.
at BluPeak
20. UNIFY Financial Credit Union Personal Checking - up to $150 bonus
UNIFY Financial Credit Union is offering up to a $150 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account. This is a tiered bonus, meaning the more activities you complete, the more you can earn. You'll need both a direct deposit and debit card spend to reach the max bonus amount. It's important to note that while membership to UNIFY Financial can be achieved nationwide, this bonus offer is only available to residents in 1 of 3 select counties in California.
UNIFY Financial Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $150
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member of UNIFY FCU and open a new Free or eChecking checking account with a UNIFY Visa Debit Card and receive a $50 bonus into your checking account following the first statement cycle.
- Within 60 days, establish a recurring ACH Direct Deposit of at least $500 aggregate each month, earn another $50.
- With 60 days of account opening, earn a $1 for every debit card purchase over $5, up to $50 total.
at UNIFY Financial Credit Union
21. Provident Credit Union Dividend Business Checking - $300 bonus
Provident Credit Union is offering California businesses a healthy $300 bonus when they open a new business checking account.
You'll need to enroll in online banking and eStatements, and then for 2 months (starting the month following account opening), there's a reasonable deposit and debit/credit card requirement that you'll need to hit both months. In other words, you'll need a total of $5,000 in total deposits ($2,500 each month) and $800 in purchases ($400 each month).
This bonus applies to their Dividend Business Checking account.
Provident Credit Union : Dividend Business Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA, AZ
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new personal checking account using the promo code 9982.
- Enroll in online banking and e-Documents.
- Starting the month following your account opening, do these 2 things for 2 months: make $400 of purchases using your debit and/or credit card, and make total deposits of $2,500.
- Bonus will be credited to your new account within 120 days of account opening.
at Provident Credit Union
22. Meriwest Credit Union Smart Rewards - $300 bonus
Available to residents of California and Arizona, Meriwest Credit Union is offering a $300 welcome bonus when you open a new Smart Rewards checking accounts and complete qualifying activities. You'll need to maintain enough activity to earn REWARDS each month. The requirements for this are: 1) Make at least 10 posted and cleared debit card transactions per month OR at least $500.00 in total posted and cleared debit card transactions per month 2) Establish $1,000+ direct deposit and 3)Receive monthly e-statements and account notices electronically.
Meriwest Credit Union : Smart Rewards
- Bonus Amount
- $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA, AZ
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member of Meriwest Credit Union and open a new Smart Rewards Checking account.
- For the first 3 months, complete the following: 1) Make At least 10 debit card purchases OR $500 in debit card spend; 2) Complete a direct deposit of $1,000 or more; 3) Be enrolled in e-statements.
- Bonus will be deposited into the checking account within 10 business days of criteria being met.
at Meriwest Credit Union
23. Premier America Credit Union Smart Spending - $25 bonus
Available in California and Texas with the ability to open online, Premier America Credit Union is offering a $25 "Head Start" welcome bonus when you open a new Smart Spending account and set up direct deposit. We most recently saw PACU offer up $100 for the same requirements. May be worth holding out for a little while in case the old offer comes back.
Premier America Credit Union : Smart Spending
- Bonus Amount
- $25
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA, TX, AZ, NM, CO, PA, FL, OH, WV, DE, NJ, SC, NC, GA, KY, IN, MI, IL, MD, DC, WV, WI
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member of Premier America Credit Union and automatically setup a Smart Spending account.
- Within 45 days, make a recurring direct deposit into this account of at least $200.
at Premier America Credit Union
24. Southland Credit Union Long Beach Checking - $200 bonus
Southland Credit Union is offering new customers a $200 bonus for opening a Long Beach Checking account at their Long Beach State Campus Branch.
This bonus has a very limited footprint; however, it is a relatively easy bonus to snag if you live nearby.
Southland Credit Union : Long Beach Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Join Southland Credit Union in the University Student Union Plaza at Long Beach State.
- Open a new Long Beach Checking Account.
- Within 90 days, establish Direct Deposit with an amount of $200 or more
- OR Utilize Bill Pay service to pay at least one recurring bill using your Long Beach Checking account.
- Bonus will be credited to your account the business day following completion of the terms listed.
at Southland Credit Union
25. Southland Credit Union Cash Rewards Checking - up to $175 bonus
Southland Credit Union is offering new customers up to $175 in bonus money for opening a Cash Rewards Checking account.
The deal is structured as a $50 bonus for setting up direct deposit, and then $125 over the course of a year for using your debit card each month and opting for eStatements.
Members who already have a checking account at Southland Credit Union aren't eligible for the direct deposit promo, but they can still convert their account to a Cash Rewards Checking account to be able to earn the $125.
Southland Credit Union : Cash Rewards Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $175
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Cash Rewards Checking account using the link below.
- Enroll in eStatements to earn $5.
- Set up direct deposit to earn $50.
- For the first 12 months, use your debit card to earn $10 each month.
- Direct deposit bonus will be deposited at the end of the month in which the first direct deposit or payment was made.
at Southland Credit Union
26. CCU eChecking - $100 bonus
California Credit Union is offering new members $100 when they open an eChecking account online, over the phone, or at a local branch.
You'll need to set up and maintain a direct deposit for at least 3 months, but the requirements are otherwise straightforward. If you're eligible, check it out!
California Credit Union : eChecking Account
- Bonus Amount
- $100
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new eChecking account using the link below.
- Enroll in digital banking.
- Within 120 days, receive a direct deposit of $500, and maintain 3 months of that recurring direct deposit.
- The bonus will be added to the checking account the 1st week of the following month from the qualifying date.
at CCU
27. Fremont Bank Cornerstone Checking - up to $150 bonus
Available in California with the ability to open online, Fremont Bank is offering up to a $150 welcome bonus when you open a new Cornerstone Checking account. This is a tiered bonus, the more activities you complete, the more you can earn.
Fremont Bank : Cornerstone Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $150
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Cornerstone Checking account.
- Within 60 days do any or all of the following: 1) make a recurring direct deposit of at least $500, earn $50, 2) Complete two or more online bill payments, earn $50, 3) Make 25 or more qualifying debit card purchases of $5 or more, earn $50.
at Fremont Bank
28. 1st United Credit Union Personal Checking - $150 bonus
Available for residents in select California counties, 1st United Credit Union is offering a $150 welcome bonus when you open a new checking account.
Just set up direct deposit and make a purchase with your debit card and you'll earn some cold hard cash.
1st United Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $150
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open new checking account using promotional code HACIENDA.
- Within 60 days, establish a qualifying monthly direct deposit of $500 or more.
- Also within 60 days, activate and make a purchase with debit card.
at 1st United Credit Union
29. Stanford Federal Credit Union Personal Checking - $500 bonus
Stanford Federal Credit Union is offering a relatively simple bonus for new members in their footprint.
Just complete the direct deposit requirements and $500 cash will be deposited into your account. For a limited time, this bonus is 5X what it was previously!
Not in the Stanford footprint? You may also be eligible to join nationwide through a donation to Friends of the Palo Alto Library (FOPAL) or Museum of American Heritage (MOAH).
Stanford Federal Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $500
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a Stanford FCU Basic or Premier Checking account using promo code NEW500.
- Within 60 days, enroll in and complete monthly direct deposits of at least $2,500.
- Bonus will be credited to your account 90 days after opening.
at Stanford Federal Credit Union
Note: Don’t see an offer that piques your interest? You can use our tool to explore a full list of bank promotions
Personal Savings Bonuses in California
Here are the current personal savings promotions available in CA:
1. Excite Credit Union Youth Savings - $50 bonus
Available to residents of select counties in California and North Carolina with the ability to open online, Excite Credit Union is offering a $50 welcome bonus when you open a new youth checking account. That's it. Seriously! Just maintain the account for at least a year and watch your savings grow.
Excite Credit Union : Youth Savings
- Bonus Amount
- $50
- Account Type
- Student Savings
- Availability
- CA, NC
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Be a member of Excite Credit Union.
- Open a youth savings account.
- Excite will make an initial deposit of $50 to fund the account.
at Excite Credit Union
Business Bonuses in California
Here are the current business banking promotions available in CA:
1. Banner Bank Business Checking - up to $600 bonus
Available in select states with the ability to open online, Banner Bank is offering customers up to a $600 welcome bonus when you open a new business checking account and complete direct deposits. The higher your direct deposit, the higher your bonus.
You can earn an additional $100 bonus by opening a business savings or money market account at the same time your Banner Bank checking account is opened and complete the deposit requirements.
This is by far the highest bonus we've seen from Banner, so now would be a good time to signup!
Banner Bank : Business Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $600
- Account Type
- Business Checking
- Availability
- CA, ID, OR, WA
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new business checking account using promotion code 24BU.
- $200 Checking Bonus: Within 60 days, deposit at least $2,000 in new money and maintain at least a $2,000 minimum daily balance for an additional 90 days, earn $200.
- $500 Checking Bonus:Within 60 days, deposit at least $25,000 in new money and maintain at least a $25,000 minimum daily balance for an additional 90 days, earn $400.
- $100 Savings Bonus: 1) Open a Banner Bank business savings or money market account at the same time your Banner Bank business checking account is opened; AND 2) Deposit a total of $1,000 or more in new money within 60 days of account opening and maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,000 or more for 90 days.
- Bonus(es) will deposit within 30 days after you have met all the above requirements and your account has been open for at least 90 days.
at Banner Bank
2. Citi® Business Checking - up to $2000 bonus
CitiBusiness if offering up to $2,000 when you open a new business checking account in-branch and make a minimum deposit within 30 days.
This is a tiered offer, where the more you deposit the more you earn (starting at a $300 bonus for $5,000, up to the full $2,000 for depositing a cumulative $200,000).
If you have the cash and live close to a physical branch, this is a solid welcome bonus. The lowest tier represents a 12% effective rate on your savings – not bad!
Branches currently located in the following metropolitan areas: Los Angeles (CA), Orange County (CA), Riverside (CA), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), Miami (FL), Chicago (IL), Baltimore (MD), Las Vegas (NV), New York City (NY), and Washington, DC.
Citi® : Business Checking Account
- Bonus Amount
- up to $2000
- Account Type
- Business Checking
- Availability
- CA, FL, IL, MD, NV, NY, DC
- Offer Expires
- January 7, 2025
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Citibank business checking account in-branch and ask to be enrolled in this offer.
- Within 45 days, deposit $5,000 to earn $300, $20,000 to earn $750, $100,000 to earn $1,500, or $200,000 to earn $2,000.
- Starting Day 46, Maintain that balance for 45 consecutive days.
at Citi®
3. Tech CU Business Checking - $100 bonus
Available in California, Tech CU is offering a $100 welcome bonus when you open a new business checking account and sign up for merchant services. This is a pretty straightforward bonus if you need merchant services.
Technology Credit Union : Business Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $100
- Account Type
- Business Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Business Basic Checking of Business Interest Checking account.
- Sign up for merchant services through our preferred partner US Merchant Systems.
- Bonus will be deposited into the Tech CU Checking account within 30 days.
at Tech CU
4. Excite Credit Union Business Checking - $300 bonus
Available to residents in select California and North Carolina counties, Excite Credit Union is offering a $300 welcome bonus when you open a new business checking account and use your debit card. What's even more? They also offer signup bonuses for personal and youth checking accounts.
Excite Credit Union : Business Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $300
- Account Type
- Business Checking
- Availability
- CA, NC
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a Member and Open a New Go, Pro or Boss Business Checking account.
- Within 90 days, make aggregate deposits of $1500 or higher occurring monthly and perform a minimum of 10 qualifying transactions (ATM withdrawals, debit card purchases, ACH Debits and paid checks)
at Excite Credit Union
See our full list of the Best Business Checking Account Promotions
Investing Bonuses
Here are the current investing promotions available in your area:
1. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing - up to $700 bonus
Available nationwide with the ability to open online, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is offering up to a $700 welcome bonus when you open a new Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying minimum funding.
This is tiered bonus, meaning that the more you deposit, the more you may be eligible to earn. New for this iteration, J.P. Morgan has introduced a lower tier at $5,000, down from the previous $25,000 entry point and raised the max bonus amount!
Here are all 4 tiers of this investing bonus:
| New Money Added | Bonus Amount |
|---|---|
| $5,000-$24,999 | $50 |
| $25,000-$99,999 | $150 |
| $100,000-$249,999 | $325 |
| $250,000+ | $700 |
This is the highest offer that we've seen to-date from J.P. Morgan.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management : Self-Directed Investing
- Bonus Amount
- up to $700
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Offer Expires
- January 23, 2025
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account using the link below.
- Within 45 days, fund your account with qualifying new money; $5,000 - $24,999 = $50 bonus; $25,000 - $99,999 = $150 bonus; $100,000 - $249,999 = $325 bonus, $250,000 = $700 bonus.
- Your bonus amount will be determined on day 45.
- Maintain your new funds for 90 days (losses due to trading or market fluctuation will not be taken into account).
- Bonus will be received within 15 days.
- INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
at J.P. Morgan
2. E*TRADE Bank Brokerage - up to $6000 bonus
Payouts have increased again! E*Trade is now offering new investors up to $6,000 in bonus cash when you open and fund a new investing account. You'll only need $1,000 to earn the first tier bonus ($100)!
They've shuffled all the previous tiers and reinstated the tiers for those with 7+ figures to invest. If you're wanting to earn the full $6,000, you need at least $2M in investable assets.
This offer is available to both new and existing customers; however, different rules may apply, so be sure to check the disclosures at the link below.
E*TRADE Bank : Brokerage Account
- Bonus Amount
- up to $6000
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Offer Expires
- January 31, 2025
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new eligible E*TRADE brokerage or retirement account using the link below with promocode REWARD24.
- During the first 60 days, fund your new account with new money as follows: $1,000 - $4,999, earn $100; $5,000 - $19,999, earn $150; $20,000-$99,999 earn $300; $100,000-$199,999 earn $600; $200,000-$499,999 earn $800; $500,000 - $999,999, earn $1,000; $1,000,000 - $1,499,999, earn $3,000; $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 earn $5,000; $2M+, earn $6,000.
- If you deposit $200,000 or more, you will receive a cash credit within seven business days.
- If you have deposited at least $200,000 in your account, and you make subsequent deposits in that account to reach a higher tier, you will receive a second cash credit following the close of the 60-day window.
at E*TRADE Bank
3. Citi® Personal Wealth Management - $5000 bonus
Earn up to $5,000 when you open or enroll a new or existing eligible Personal Wealth Management account with new-to-Citi funds.
This is a tiered bonus based on how much you deposit and maintain for the first 3 months. They've up the reward amounts for their upper tiers this go around.
There are 5 levels, starting with a $500 bonus for deposits $50,000 - $199,999 and going up to $5,000 for $2,000,000+.
Citi® : Personal Wealth Management
- Bonus Amount
- $5000
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Offer Expires
- December 31, 2024
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Contact Citi to open or enroll a new or existing eligible Citi Personal Wealth Management account
- Fund the Citi Personal Wealth Management account with New-to-Citi Funds within 2 months of account opening (deposit $50,000 for a $500 bonus, $200,000 for a $1,000 bonus, $500,000 for a $2,000 bonus, $1,000,000 for a $3,000 bonus and $2,000,000+ for the $5,000 bonus)
- Enroll into e-delivery of statements within 2 months of account opening.
- Maintain the new funding through the end of the next month (or 3 months after the month of account enrollment).
at Citi®
4. Robinhood Investing - Free stock (up to $200) bonus
Robinhood is a commission-free stock trading platform that's had mixed headlines in the news (GME, what?). But Robinhood is a popular choice – particularly among beginner investors – due to their sleek, easy-to-use app.
This is a program that many investment apps now offer, but Robinhood pioneered: sign up and get a free stock. The stock has a 98% chance of being worth $5-$10, so this isn't an amazing bonus, but it's something for almost nothing (you don't even need to fund your account). The stock will hit your account within a week, and is tradeable 2 days after that.
Robinhood : Investing Account
- Bonus Amount
- Free stock (up to $200)
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Robinhood investing account using the link below.
- Link your bank account.
- Stock bonus will be credited to the enrolled account within approximately one week.
at Robinhood
5. SoFi Invest - up to $10000 bonus
SoFi is offering customers a cash bonus to move your portfolio over to SoFi. The bonus is tiered, and you'll need to transfer $5 million in assets to earn the full $10,000 (steep!), but the bonus starts at $100 for transferring $5,000.
Keep in mind that although SoFi will pay out the bonus within 14 business days of the end of the promo period, they'll claw it back if you withdraw those funds within 180 days. They'll even refund up to $75 in ACAT fees from your other brokerage!
SoFi : Sofi Invest
- Bonus Amount
- up to $10000
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new SoFi Invest account using the link below (or be an existing user).
- Before the promotion's expiration date, transfer investments from another brokerage firm: $5,000 to earn $100, $25,000 to earn $200, $100,000 to earn $500, $250,000 to earn $750, $500,000 to earn $1,000, $1,000,000 to earn $2,500, $2,000,000 to earn $5,000 or $5,000,000+ to earn $10,000.
- Bonuses will be paid within 14 days of the last day of the month in which the transferred assets settled in your SoFi Invest account.
at SoFi
6. Acorns Invest - $20 bonus
Acorns is offering BankBonus.com users a $20 welcome bonus when you open a new Invest account. You just need to open the account from the link below and fund it with $5 to earn the reward.
What's more? They've been running amazing referral bonuses. So, sign up for a new account and then share your referral link with friends and family, and you could be pocketing up to $1,000+ each week!
Acorns : Acorns Invest
- Bonus Amount
- $20
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Acorns Invest account using the link below.
- Fund account with at least $5.
at Acorns
7. Tradestation Brokerage - up to $3500 bonus
Tradestation is offering investors up to $3,500 in bonus cash when you add new funds to a new or existing investing account. You only need $5,000 to earn the first tier bonus ($150), and up to $5M to earn the full $3,500. It's worth noting each of the tiers are considerably higher this time around than when it was previously offered.
Tradestation : Brokerage Account
- Bonus Amount
- up to $3500
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Enroll an existing account or open a new account using promo code TSTVAGFD at the url below.
- Within 45 days, fund your account.
- To receive $150 bonus, fund with $5,000- $24,999; To receive $300 bonus, fund with $25,000- $99,999; To receive $500 bonus, fund with $100,000-$249,999; To receive $1,000 bonus, fund with $250,000-$499,999; To receive $2,000 bonus, fund with $500,000-$999,999; To receive $3,500 bonus, fund with $1,000,000+.
- Bonus will be deposited into the account the month following the end of the 270-calendar day holding period.
at Tradestation
8. Bank of America Merrill Edge Self-Directed - up to $600 bonus
Available nationwide with the ability to open online, Bank of America's Merrill Edge is offering up to a $600 welcome bonus when you open a new Merrill Edge Self-Directed account and make an initial deposit.
What's more? There's also a $1,000 Merrill Edge bonus for those enrolled in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program. The lower tiers are also bumped as well.
We only list the most popular tiers; however, here's a complete list of tiers you can ask for:
- $20,000 to $49,999 – $100
- $50,000 to $99,999 – $150
- $100,000 to $199,999 – $250
- $200,000 to $299,999 – $600
- $300,000 to $499,999 – $1,000
- $500,000 to $999,999 – $1,500
- $1,000,000 or more – $2,500
- $2,000,000 or more – $3,500
- $5,000,000 or more – $5,000
- $10,000,000 or more – $7,500
Bank of America : Merrill Edge Self-Directed
- Bonus Amount
- up to $600
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Self-Directed Trading account from Merrill Edge using promo code "600ME".
- Within 45 days, fund your account with new money from outside Bank of America. To earn a $100 bonus, deposit $20,000-$49,999; To earn a $150 bonus, deposit $49,999-$99,999; To earn a $250 bonus, deposit $100,000-$199,999; To earn a $600 bonus, deposit $200,000 - $299,999.
- Maintain that balance for at least 90 days.
- Bonus will be deposited within two weeks following the end of the 90 day period.
at Bank of America
9. Citi® Self Invest - up to $500 bonus
Available nationwide to new and existing customers, Citi is offering up to a $500 bonus when you add new-to-Citi funds to a Citi® Self Invest account.
As is typical with Citi promotions, this is a tiered offer: the more you add, the more you earn. You'll need to deposit at least $10,000 to earn a $100 reward, or at least $200,000 to receive the full $500.
You'll need to also maintain your funds through a date defined on the Citi website, depending on the month in which you open your account.
Citi® : Citi® Self Invest
- Bonus Amount
- up to $500
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Citi® Self Invest account or add new-to-Citi funds to an existing account.
- Opt-in to eDelivery of statements and confirmations.
- Bonus will be tiered based on the total amount added: $10,000 to earn $100; $50,000 to earn $200; $200,000 to earn the full $500.
- Maintain the New-To-Citi funds in your account through the “maintain funds” deadline as outlined in the chart.
- Bonus will be credited on the last day of the 3rd month following the “maintain funds” period.
at Citi®
10. Charles Schwab Schwab One® - up to $1000 bonus
If you're not currently a Schwab customer, you can open any investment account and earn a referral bonus based on your net deposit within 45 days. This includes retail brokerage accounts, individual retirement accounts, or the managed portfolios like Schwab Intelligent Portfolios®.
Keep in mind that the link above is only for details – you will need to open the account through a referral link from an existing Schwab customer in order to qualify for the promo.
This is a tiered bonus, the more you deposit, the more you can earn.
- Tier 1 | Balance Maintained: $25,000 - $49,999: $100 Bonus
- Tier 2 | Balance Maintained: $50,000 - $99,999: $300 Bonus
- Tier 3 | Balance Maintained: $100,000 - $499,999: $500 Bonus
- Tier 4 | Balance Maintained: $500,000+: $1,000 Bonus
Charles Schwab : Schwab One®
- Bonus Amount
- up to $1000
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new account using a referral link from an existing member.
- Within 45 days, make a qualifying net deposit between $25,000 - $500,000+ in cash or securities, earning the reward that correlates with that tier ($100-$1,000).
- The net deposit amount at the end of 45 day period will be used to calculate your bonus tier.
- Bonus will be paid into your account about a week after the 45-day period.
at Charles Schwab
11. SoFi SoFi - $15 bonus
SoFi is offering a $15 welcome bonus for you and a friend when you refer someone to open a new SoFi account. This bonus is available across most of their products, including: SoFi Money, SoFi Invest, SoFi Loans and a SoFi credit card. You can receive up to $75 total. This isn't exactly the highest bonus we've seen from them, so you'll have to decide if now is the right time or to hold out for something a little more enticing.
It's important to note too that each program has its own set of rules, each of which is outlined on their referral website linked below.
SoFi : SoFi Account
- Bonus Amount
- $15
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Download the app using the link below.
- Refer a friend (or be referred) using your specific referral link for a particular SoFi product.
- Follow the program rules highlighted on the website.
- Bonus will automatically be applied to your SoFi account(s).
at SoFi
12. Charles Schwab Schwab One® - $101 bonus
Charles Schwab has a bonus targeting new or entry-level investors in what they call the Schwab Starter Kit™, but new customers of all comfort levels can qualify. When you open a new account for this promo, Schwab will invest your bonus in fractional shares or "slices" of the top stocks by market cap in the S&P 500. Schwab recently upped this bonus from $50 at its previous level. It's a great way to start investing!
Charles Schwab : Schwab One®
- Bonus Amount
- $101
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Schwab One account at the url below or open a new taxable investment account using promo code "SCHWABSTARTERKIT".
- Within 30 days, Fund your account with a minimum of $50.
- Once funded, Schwab will deposit $101 in your account to purchase your stock slices at approximately 6:00 pm Eastern Time the next trading day.
at Charles Schwab
See our full list of the Best Brokerage Account Promotions
California Banking Statistics
Want to know more about California’s banks and credit unions? California is home to a lot of banks—128 to be exact.
According to an FDIC State Profile, here are the markets where the most banks have a presence in the state:
- Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim: 108
- San Fransisco/Oakland/Berkeley: 67
- San Diego/Chula Vista/Carlsbad: 45
- San Jose/Sunnyville/Santa Clara: 41
- Sacramento/Roseville/Folsom: 36
Due to its massive size and population, California also has more credit unions, and credit union members than most states. A 2023 CUNA report showed that California has 263 credit unions and over 13 million members. Even so, banks own 88.2% of the banking market share statewide.
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