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:
HSBC
HSBC Premier
- Bonus
- up to $7000
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Expires In
- 72 days
- Requires
- Min Balance
BMO
Personal Checking
- Bonus
- $400 Cash Bonus*
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Expires In
- 10 days
- Requires
- Direct Deposit
SoFi
SoFi Checking and Savings
- Bonus
- up to $300
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Expires In
- 13 days
- Requires
- Direct Deposit
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. BMO Personal Checking - $400 Cash Bonus*
BMO is giving you 90 days to accumulate $4,000 in direct deposits to earn a $400 cash bonus* for opening a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking account or BMO Smart Money Checking account.
This offer is available nationally if you open online, or in-branch if you live in a state within their brick-and-mortar footprint. What's even better? They're also offering a $5/month kicker on their Savings Builder account every month you save $200 or more, for the first year..
This reward has increased compared to the bonus they offered earlier this year, with the same requirements.
BMO : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $400 Cash Bonus*
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Offer Expires
- January 28, 2026
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking account or BMO Smart Money Checking account using the link below between 9/9/25 – 1/28/26.
- Within 90 days, have a total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits.
- If qualifications are met, bonus is paid approximately 100 days after account opening.
- *Conditions apply. Accounts are subject to approval and provided in the U.S. by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC
at BMO
2. 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
- January 28, 2026
- 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, earn $250; $5,000 - $7,999, 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
3. Provident Credit Union Personal Checking - $475 bonus
Provident Credit Union is offering California residents a healthy $475 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
- $475
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Offer Expires
- January 31, 2026
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new personal checking account using the promo code JOIN475 and fund it with at least $25.
- Starting the month following your account opening, do these 2 things for 2 months: make $400 of purchases using your Provident debit and/or credit card, and receive a direct deposit (or ACH) of $500.
- Enroll in online banking and e-Documents.
- Bonus will be credited to your new account within 120 days of account opening.
at Provident Credit Union
4. Flagstar Bank Personal Checking - up to $500 bonus
Available in 8 states across the U.S., Flagstar Bank is offering up to a $500 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: opening a Ready Checking account makes you eligible for up to $300, whereas opting for an Elite Checking account makes you eligible for the full $500.
Keep in mind that the Elite Checking is their premium product, and comes with a $15 monthly fee unless you hold $25k in the account. Given the low interest rate, this would be a terrible use of your cash. Therefore, if you're strictly gaming for the bonus, you should subtract the $90 in account fees you would incur over the 6 months of your account being open, netting $410 for the Elite bonus compared to $300 for the Ready Checking account. After the 6 months, you can either close or downgrade your account.
As reader Bob pointed out in the comments, Elite Checking can also only be opened in-person at a branch, whereas the Ready Checking account can be opened online. You should weigh both of these hassles to decide whether that extra $90 net is worthwhile!
Flagstar Bank : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $500
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AZ, CA, FL, IN, MI, NJ, NY, OH
- Offer Expires
- January 31, 2026
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a Ready Checking or Elite Checking account using the link below.
- For the first 90 days, maintain an average daily balance of $500.
- Within the same 90 days, set up one or more direct deposits totaling $500.
- Bonus will be deposited into your account 91-104 days after your initial deposit.
at Flagstar Bank
5. 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
- February 26, 2026
- 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.
6. CEFCU Personal Checking - up to $225 bonus
Renewed into 2026, 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
- June 30, 2026
- 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
7. Orange County's Credit Union Personal Checking - $100 bonus
Back for 2026 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, 2026
- 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
8. UNIFY Financial Credit Union Personal Checking - up to $150 bonus
UNIFY Financial Credit Union is offering 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
9. California Bank & Trust Gold - $350 bonus
Available in California, California Bank & Trust is offering a $350 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and set up direct deposit. What's even more? You can stack this offer with a their $350 MMA Bonus and $500 Wealth investment bonus to earn a total of $1,200.
California Bank & Trust : Gold Account
- Bonus Amount
- $350
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Gold Account account using the link below
- Within the first 90 days, complete direct deposits of at least $7,500
- Bonus payment will be deposited into the Gold Account within 60 days of meeting the qualifications.
at California Bank & Trust
10. Bank of Hope Bank Simply - $100 bonus
Available within their footprint, Bank of Hope is offering a $100 welcome bonus to college students that open a new Bank Simply checking account and use their debit card. This is the first time we've seen a college student specific bonus for this account; however, we have seen others that are higher if you have a direct deposit.
Bank of Hope : Bank Simply [College Students]
- Bonus Amount
- $100
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- AL, CA, IL, NJ, NY, TX, VA, WA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a Bank Simply Checking account and enroll in College Banking benefits.
- Within 60 days of enrollment, complete 10 or more debit card purchases
at Bank of Hope
11. Safe 1 Credit Union Free Checking - $200 bonus
Available to residents of Kern, Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties, Safe 1 Credit Union is offering a $200 welcome bonus when you open a new personal checking account and set up direct deposit. The amount is small at just $500 per month. You also have the option to qualify with just debit card transactions.
Safe 1 Credit Union : Free Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Be in the footprint and become a member of Safe 1.
- Within 60 days, make direct deposits of at least $500 OR complete 10 debit card transactions.
- Enroll in eDocuments.
- Qualified members will have $200 deposited to their share savings account within sixty (60) days after account opening.
at Safe 1 Credit Union
12. Premier America Credit Union Premier Plus Checking - $100 bonus
Available in California and Texas with the ability to open online, Premier America Credit Union is offering a $100 welcome bonus when you open a new Premier Plus Checking account and set up direct deposit.
Premier America Credit Union : Premier Plus Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $100
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA, TX
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member and open a new Premier Plus Checking account.
- Within 60 days, complete a direct deposit of at least $250 and make 10 or more debit card purchases.
- Be enrolled in eStatements.
- Bonus will be paid on day 61 if all qualifications are met and membership is in good standing
at Premier America Credit Union
13. Compass Community Credit Union Free Directional Checking - $250 bonus
Available to those in select California counties, Compass Community Credit Union is offering a $250 welcome bonus when you open a new Compass Directional Checking Account and set up direct deposit. What's even more? The more money you have in your account, the higher APY you can earn.
Compass Community Credit Union : Free Directional Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $250
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Become a member and open a new Directional Checking Account.
- Within 90 days, complete direct deposits totaling at least $750.
- During the same time period, make a minimum of $400 in debit card purchases.
- Enroll in online banking and eStatement.
- Bonus will be deposited to your checking account on the 91st day from the account open date
at Compass Community Credit Union
14. 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
15. Valley Strong Credit Union Personal Checking - $250 bonus
Available to residents of select California counties, 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
16. BluPeak Personal Checking - up to $600 bonus
Available in a select footprint of California with the ability to open online, BluPeak Credit Union is offering up to $600 in welcome bonuses when you open any new personal checking account and complete direct deposit requirements.
This is a multi-part offer that rewards members that keep active accounts. It pays out bonuses each quarter that you complete the requirements in the first year. Beware though, if you miss qualifying for a bonus in a quarter, you'll be ineligible to receive any future payouts.
BluPeak Credit Union : Personal Checking
- Bonus Amount
- up to $600
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Join BluPeak Credit Union using promo code SPLASH and open a new personal checking account (+ 1 additional product).
- Each 90 days, receive 3 direct deposits totaling $3,000+ and make at least 15 debit card purchases to earn a bonus as follows: Day 1 - 90, earn $50; Day 91 - 180, earn $100; Day 181 - 270, earn $150; Day 271 - 365, earn $350.
- After the first 90 day period, Earn the bonus for the previous 90 day period to remain eligible for future payouts.
- Bonus payouts will be credited to the checking account within 7 calendar days from the end of each 90 day period
at BluPeak
17. 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 BR25.
- 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
18. 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
19. 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
20. 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.
What's more? If you have a mortgage or HELOC with Fremont and make automated payments, you can earn a $10 monthly reward.
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
21. 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
22. CommonWealth Central Credit Union Rewards Checking - $200 bonus
If you live in eligible California counties, CommonWealth Central Credit Union is offering a super easy $200 welcome bonus when you open a new Rewards Checking account.
The offer comes with no other requirements other than simply opening the account. Doesn't get much easier than that! But, keep in mind that you'll need to keep the account open for 6 months to avoid forfeiting the bonus.
CommonWealth Central Credit Union : Rewards Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $200
- Account Type
- Personal Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Rewards Checking account using the promo code SUMMER.
- Bonus will be credited to your new account.
at CommonWealth Central Credit Union
23. CCU eChecking - $250 bonus
Recently updated offer! California Credit Union is now offering new members $250 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
- $250
- 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 $400, 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
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. 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
- April 6, 2026
- 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 $500, $50,000 to earn $1,000, $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®
2. 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
3. KeyPoint Business Elite Checking - $500 bonus
Available to businesses in California, KeyPoint is offering a $500 welcome bonus when you open a new Business Elite Checking account and maintain a minimum daily balance. You'll also need to use your debit card. What's even more? You can stack this offer with their personal checking account bonus to earn even more!
KeyPoint Credit Union : Business Elite Checking
- Bonus Amount
- $500
- Account Type
- Business Checking
- Availability
- CA
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new Business Elite Checking account using promocode BUS25
- For 90 days, maintain minimum average daily balance of $2,000
- During same time frame, use your business debit card to make a minimum of 20 POS purchases of at least $5.00
- $500 bonus credited to checking account within 90 days of meeting requirements.
at KeyPoint
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 $1000 bonus
Available nationwide with the ability to open online, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is offering up to a $1,000 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+ | $1,000 |
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 $1000
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Offer Expires
- April 21, 2026
- 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 = $1,000 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 $10000 bonus
Payouts have increased again! E*Trade is now offering new investors up to $10,000 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 $10,000, you need at least $5M 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 $10000
- Account Type
- Investment
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Offer Expires
- January 31, 2026
- Bonus Requirements
-
- Open a new eligible E*TRADE brokerage or retirement account using the link below with promocode OFFER25.
- 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 - $4,999,999, earn $6,000, $5M+ earn 10,000.
- 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
- March 31, 2026
- 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. 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
6. 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
7. 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®
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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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