If you can route a paycheck for a few weeks and park $5,000, Citi’s checking offer page pays new checking customers $475. Here’s how: open a Regular Checking account by Jan. 11, 2027 using the “Apply for Regular Checking & Savings” option. Then get at least $3,000 in direct deposits or other qualifying transactions into it within 45 days. You also need to open a new Citi Savings account after the checking but by day 45. Finally, keep at least $5,000 across the new checking and savings every day from day 46 through day 90. Citi pays the bonus between days 90 and 120. If you’d rather skip the savings account and the balance hold, the checking-only option pays $325 for the same $3,000 in deposits. Watch the fees. Regular Checking costs $15 a month unless you have $250+ in Enhanced Direct Deposits (that rises to $1,000+ on Jan. 1, 2027) or a Relationship Tier. Citi Savings costs $4.50, but it’s waived when you have a Citi checking account. Read the offer details on the page for who qualifies. To get it, apply from that page (it’s where the offer is tied to the application), set up direct deposit right away, and leave the $5,000 alone until the bonus posts. Related: Bank Account Bonuses Right Now, Citibank Business Checking Bonus Up to $2,000, Chase's $400 Checking Bonus and Connexus Credit Union Up to $300. More deals at Points Quest.
Considering Chase’s bank offer? Our Chase checking bonus review breaks down the $300 checking bonus, the $900 checking and savings combo, the direct deposit rules, and the monthly fees.
Comparing no-fee banks? Our SoFi checking and savings bonus review explains how to earn up to $400 with direct deposit, what counts, and the 1.10% APY boost for new members.