What Chase sign-up bonuses are and how they work
A Chase sign-up bonus is cash or points that Chase offers you for opening a new account and meeting specific spending requirements within a set timeframe. The bonus is not automatic — you have to complete the conditions Chase lists, and the bank verifies you did before depositing the reward into your account. Chase rotates which accounts offer bonuses and changes the bonus amounts throughout the year, so what's available today may not be available next month.
The mechanics are straightforward: you open the account, you spend the required amount (usually on a debit card or credit card) within the window (typically 3 to 6 months), and Chase deposits the bonus into that account. For credit cards, the bonus often comes as statement credit or points you can redeem. For checking or savings accounts, it's usually cash deposited directly. The catch is that you have to meet the spending threshold exactly as stated — if the requirement is $500 and you spend $499, you don't get the bonus.
Key Takeaways
- Chase sign-up bonuses require you to open a new account and spend a specific amount within a set timeframe, usually 3 to 6 months.
- Bonuses vary by account type and change frequently, so the offer available today may not be the same next week.
- You must meet the exact spending requirement to receive the bonus — partial credit does not count.
- Chase typically limits sign-up bonuses to customers who have not held that specific account type in the past 24 to 48 months.
- Checking and savings bonuses are usually cash deposited into your account, while credit card bonuses often come as statement credit or points.
Current Chase checking and savings account bonuses
Chase offers sign-up bonuses on several checking and savings products, though the specific amounts and requirements shift regularly. The most common are the Chase Total Checking bonus and the Chase Savings bonus. To find the current offer, you need to visit Chase.com directly or call 1-800-935-9935, because the bonus amount and spending requirement change based on your location and current promotions.
For checking accounts, bonuses typically range from $100 to $300 and usually require a direct deposit or a minimum number of debit card transactions within the first few months. For savings accounts, bonuses are often smaller — $50 to $100 — and may require a minimum deposit that you keep in the account for a set period. Chase also sometimes offers bonuses on money market accounts, which work similarly to savings bonuses.
One important rule: you cannot receive a bonus if you have opened that same account type at Chase within the past 24 to 48 months. Chase calls this the "New Customer" or "Bonus may be able to access" window. If you closed a Chase checking account two years ago, you may not be may be able to access for the checking bonus today, even if you have not held the account recently.
Chase credit card sign-up bonuses and how to understand them
Chase credit card bonuses are usually stated in one of two ways: as a flat cash amount (like $200 back) or as points (like 50,000 points). The points are the currency of Chase's rewards program, called Ultimate Rewards. The value of those points depends on how you redeem them — they are worth different amounts if you use them for travel, cash back, or merchandise.
The spending requirement for Chase credit cards is almost always stated as a dollar amount you must charge to the card within a specific timeframe. A typical offer might be "50,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months." That $3,000 includes all purchases — groceries, gas, bills, everything. Some cards have higher spending thresholds ($5,000 or more) and higher bonuses to match.
Chase also restricts credit card bonuses based on when you last held that card. Most Chase cards require that you have not received a bonus for that specific card in the past 24 months. A few premium cards have longer windows — up to 48 months. This rule applies even if you never activated the card or closed it when ready after opening it.
What spending counts toward the bonus requirement
For credit cards, nearly all purchases count: groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping, utilities, insurance payments, and subscriptions. Transfers between your own accounts, cash advances, and balance transfers typically do not count. Some cards exclude certain categories like gambling or wire transfers, but Chase lists these exclusions clearly in the offer terms.
For checking accounts, the requirement is usually met through direct deposits (paychecks, government benefits, transfers from other banks) or a set number of debit card transactions. A debit card transaction means swiping or inserting your card at a merchant — ATM withdrawals usually do not count. Chase specifies exactly what counts in the account terms, so read those before opening.
The key is that you must meet the exact threshold. If the requirement is $3,000 and you spend $2,999.99, you do not receive the bonus. Chase's system tracks this automatically, and you can usually see your progress toward the bonus in your online account dashboard.
Timing: when you receive the bonus after meeting requirements
Chase does not deposit bonuses when ready after you hit the spending threshold. Instead, the bank verifies that you met the requirement (which can take a few days to a few weeks) and then deposits the bonus into your account. For checking and savings bonuses, this usually happens within 10 business days of verification. For credit card bonuses, the timeline varies: some cards post the bonus as statement credit within a few days, while others take 2 to 8 weeks.
If you do not see the bonus within the stated timeframe, log into your Chase account and check the bonus status. Many Chase accounts show a "Bonus Tracker" or similar tool in the online dashboard. If the tracker shows you met the requirement but the bonus has not posted, contact Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card or at 1-800-935-9935.
Fees and account requirements that affect the value of the bonus
Chase checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees unless you meet certain conditions. The Chase Total Checking account, for example, charges $12 per month unless you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other requirements. If you open an account for the bonus but do not meet these conditions, the monthly fee will eat into your bonus over time.
Savings accounts also have monthly fees (usually $5 to $25) that explore if you fall below a minimum balance or exceed a certain number of withdrawals per month. Some savings accounts waive the fee if you maintain a high balance, but others charge it regardless. Before opening an account for the bonus, calculate whether the bonus minus the fees you might pay actually leaves you ahead.
Credit cards do not charge monthly fees for most Chase cards, but premium cards (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred) charge annual fees ranging from $95 to $550. If you open a premium card for the bonus, the annual fee is due whether you use the card or not. Make sure the bonus value and the card's rewards rate justify the annual cost.
How to find the current Chase bonus offers
The most reliable way to see current Chase bonuses is to visit Chase.com directly and navigate to the accounts or credit cards section. Chase displays the current offer for each product on its product page. You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask about current bonuses, and a representative can tell you what offers you may be may be able to access for based on your account history.
Chase also sends bonus offers to existing customers by mail or email, but these offers are often different from the public offers on the website. If you receive a targeted offer in the mail, compare it to the public offer before deciding which to use — sometimes the mailed offer is better, sometimes it is not.
Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to show "exclusive" Chase bonuses or offer links to Chase products. Chase does not partner with outside sites to distribute bonuses, and clicking a third-party link may not register you for the bonus correctly. Always go directly to Chase.com or call Chase to open an account or explore for a card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sign-up bonus if I already have a Chase account?
It depends on the specific account type and when you last held it. If you have never had that particular account before, you may be may be able to access. If you closed it within the past 24 to 48 months, you are not may be able to access. Chase's system checks your account history automatically when you explore, so you will know right away whether you may have access to.
What happens if I do not meet the spending requirement in time?
You do not receive the bonus. There is no partial credit or extension. If the requirement is $3,000 in 3 months and you spend $2,500, Chase will not pay the bonus. Some people open the account, realize they cannot meet the requirement, and close it — this is allowed, but you straightforward forfeit the bonus.
Can I meet the spending requirement by transferring money from another bank account?
No. Transfers between your own accounts do not count toward the spending requirement. For credit cards, the requirement is met only by purchases. For checking accounts, direct deposits from employers or other sources count, but transfers you initiate from your own savings account do not.
Do I have to keep the account open after I receive the bonus?
No. Once the bonus posts to your account, it is yours to keep. You can close the account when ready after. However, if you close the account before meeting the spending requirement, you will not receive the bonus. Also, if you close a checking account within a short time (usually 90 days to 6 months), Chase may claw back the bonus, so check the terms for the specific account.
How do I know if I am may be able to access for a bonus?
The easiest way is to start the process process on Chase.com. Chase will tell you during the process whether you are may be able to access based on your account history. You can also call 1-800-935-9935 and ask a representative. Do not rely on third-party may be able to access checkers — Chase's own system is the source of truth.