New account bonuses typically require qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of opening or enrollment. A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic paycheck, pension, or government benefits payment. Required totals range from $500 to $8,000 or more, depending on the bank and bonus tier. SoFi works differently, using a 25-day window that starts with your first eligible deposit.
Table of Contents
- What counts as a qualifying deposit?
- How much do you need to deposit?
- When does the clock start and end?
- When do you receive the bonus?
What counts as a qualifying deposit?
Chase defines qualifying direct deposit as an electronic paycheck, pension, or government benefits deposit, according to the Chase Total Checking offer. Branch or mobile check deposits do not count. Person-to-person payments such as Zelle and micro-deposits also do not count.
U.S. Bank uses a similar rule. It states that a direct deposit is a regularly occurring electronic paycheck or government benefits deposit. Other electronic deposits or person-to-person payments do not count toward the bonus.
How much do you need to deposit?
Chase requires new Total Checking customers to receive direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more. Wells Fargo requires new Everyday Checking customers to make $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits, according to the Wells Fargo welcome bonus page.
Other banks use tiers. Check your target before you move money:.
- U.S. Bank requires at least two direct deposits within 90 days totaling $2,000-$4,999.99 for $250, $5,000-$7,999.99 for $350, or $8,000 or more for $450, according to the U.S. Bank checking offer
- Associated Bank requires at least $500 in direct deposits within 90 days plus a tiered average daily balance
- SoFi pays $50 for $1,000-$4,999.99 or $400 for $5,000 or more in eligible deposits during the measurement window
When does the clock start and end?
Chase starts its 90-day clock at coupon enrollment. Wells Fargo starts its 90-day clock at account opening. Associated Bank also uses 90 days from opening, with payment within 120 days.
U.S. Bank requires online or mobile banking enrollment and completion of deposits within 90 days for customers applying by November 10, 2026. Wells Fargo's offer ends November 9, 2026. Associated Bank's offer runs through October 31, 2026.
When do you receive the bonus?
Payout timing varies by bank. Wells Fargo pays the $400 bonus within 30 days after qualifying. Associated Bank pays within 120 days.
Online enrollment can also affect eligibility, so complete that step first. SoFi starts a 25-calendar-day measurement window with the first eligible $1 or more deposit received by December 31, 2026, according to the SoFi checking offer. It credits the bonus within seven business days. Send payroll early enough for it to post inside the window.
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