New-customer bank bonuses in 2026 can pay $250 to $400 among the three documented offers, but the best deal depends on eligibility, deposit rules, fees, and timing. A new-customer bank bonus is cash paid for opening an eligible account and completing specified funding activity by a deadline. Compare the after-tax value and ongoing account costs, not just the advertised amount. Deposit definitions are especially important because ordinary transfers often do not qualify.
Table of Contents
- How the three documented offers compare
- Which deposits actually count?
- What is the bonus worth after costs?
- Eligibility and payment timing
- How to switch accounts without missed payments
How the three documented offers compare
Wells Fargo's Everyday Checking offer pays $325 to a new consumer checking customer who uses an offer code, opens by October 13, 2026, and receives $1,000 in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days. Wells Fargo says payment follows within 30 days after the requirements are satisfied in its current checking offer. chase offers $400 for a new approved Total Checking account that receives $1,000 in eligible direct deposits within 90 days.
The bank's current offer terms call for payment within 15 days after qualification. Capital One's 360 Checking offer pays $250 when a new eligible customer uses code CHECKING250 and receives two qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 each within 75 days. Its offer terms allow up to 135 days from account opening for payment.
Which deposits actually count?
banks apply narrower definitions than the everyday phrase "put money in the account." Before applying, confirm that your employer, benefits provider, or other payment source can send the required deposit type. Do not test eligibility by moving money between your own accounts unless the offer expressly treats that transfer as qualifying. Save deposit records and note when the qualification window ends.
- Wells Fargo excludes transfers, mobile deposits, Zelle payments, and branch or ATM deposits. Eligible sources can include payroll, government payments, RTP or FedNow payments, and qualifying card-network credits.
- Chase excludes checks, Zelle, external transfers, tax refunds, dividends, retirement distributions, wires, and micro-deposits.
- Capital One requires two separate qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 each. A single $1,000 deposit would not satisfy that two-deposit structure.
What is the bonus worth after costs?
Chase Total Checking has a $15 monthly service fee unless the customer meets a waiver method. Options include $500 in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 beginning daily balance, or $5,000 in combined qualifying balances. Six $15 charges would consume $90 of the $400 bonus before taxes. Capital One 360 Checking has no monthly service charge or minimum balance requirement.
The supplied evidence does not establish the ongoing fee terms for Wells Fargo, so applicants should review the account agreement separately. Capital One says it reports the bonus on Form 1099-INT. The IRS guidance on taxable interest also says taxpayers must report taxable interest even when they do not receive that form. Set aside part of any bonus for taxes rather than treating the full payment as spendable savings.
Eligibility and payment timing
"New customer" does not mean the same thing at every bank. Chase excludes existing checking customers and anyone who received a new-checking bonus during the prior two years. Capital One excludes people who held specified Capital One checking accounts on or after January 1, 2024. Wells Fargo requires the offer code and an opening date no later than October 13, 2026.
Capital One also requires its code, and the account must remain open and in good standing for payment. Payout speed may affect your decision. Chase allows 15 days after qualification, Wells Fargo allows 30 days, and Capital One allows as long as 135 days from opening. Record the opening date, deposit deadline, completion date, and latest expected payment date.
How to switch accounts without missed payments
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises account switchers to map every automatic deposit and withdrawal before moving money. Its sequence reduces the risk of bounced payments, overdrafts, and duplicate charges: Do not empty or close the old account merely because the qualifying deposit reached the new one; first confirm that every pending payment has cleared.
- List recurring deposits, bills, subscriptions, and scheduled transfers.
- Redirect direct deposit before moving automatic withdrawals.
- Leave enough money in the old account for uncleared checks or pending debits.
- Verify that incoming deposits and outgoing payments work through the new account.
- Request written confirmation after closing the old account.
You Might Also Like
- Bank Account Bonus Guide 2026: Rules, Savings, and Trade-Offs
- Bank Bonus vs Savings APY Update 2026: What Savers Need to Know
- Bank Bonus vs HYSA Savings Update 2026: What Savers Need to Know