Bank of America $500 Checking Account Bonus (2026) - Review & Requirements
What Counts as Direct Deposit
Based on community data points and bank terms. Employer payroll is always the safest method. "Mixed" means some users report success but it is not guaranteed.
Overview
Bank of America's tiered checking bonus tops out at $500 for $10,000+ in direct deposits within 90 days. BofA is one of the most lenient major banks for what counts as a direct deposit — ACH pushes from Fidelity, Ally, Chase, SoFi, AmEx Serve, and many others all trigger DD credit. The tiered structure means you can still earn $100 or $300 at lower deposit levels.
Who This Checking Bonus Is Best For
Anyone who can accumulate $2,000-$10,000 in qualifying deposits over 90 days. Since BofA accepts ACH pushes from many banks and brokerages, you do not need a high salary — you can push funds from Fidelity, Ally, Chase, or SoFi accounts to meet the requirement. The $300 tier at $5,000 DD is the sweet spot for most people.
How to Maximize This Bonus
The key to maximizing this bonus is understanding the tiers: $100 for $2,000 DD, $300 for $5,000 DD, and $500 for $10,000+ DD, all within 90 days. BofA is very lenient about what counts — you do not need to change your payroll. ACH pushes from Fidelity (69 confirmed data points), Ally, Chase, SoFi, and AmEx Serve all trigger DD credit. You can push from multiple bank accounts to hit the $10,000 tier without routing your paycheck. Choose the Advantage SafePass account to minimize fees — the monthly fee is waivable with a $500 daily balance or if you're under 25. Apply by May 31, 2026.
Pros
Cons
How This Compares to Other Bonuses
The $500 top tier matches BCU ($500) and beats Chase ($400) and Wells Fargo ($400). While the DD amount is higher ($10,000 vs $1,000 for Chase), BofA is far more lenient about what counts — you can push ACH from Fidelity, Ally, Chase, or SoFi instead of changing your payroll. At Chase, only Fidelity and a handful of sources work. The $300 tier ($5,000 DD) is very competitive and easy to hit with ACH pushes. The 12-month cooldown is better than Capital One's 36 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bank of America checking account should I open for the bonus?
The Advantage SafePass Banking account has the lowest monthly fee ($4.95) and is the easiest to manage. It's waivable if you're under 25, maintain a $500 daily balance, or are enrolled in Preferred Rewards.
What counts as a direct deposit at Bank of America?
BofA is one of the most lenient major banks. Fidelity (69 data points), Ally (34 DPs), Chase (36 DPs), AmEx Serve (32 DPs), SoFi (28 DPs), Capital One, Discover, PenFed, Wise, USAA, and many others all trigger DD credit. Schwab, Wealthfront, and Robinhood have mixed results. PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Vanguard do not work.
Can I meet the DD requirement without changing my payroll?
Yes. BofA accepts ACH pushes from most banks and brokerages as qualifying direct deposits. You can push money from Fidelity, Ally, Chase, SoFi, or other accounts to meet the requirement. This makes BofA one of the easiest high-value bonuses to earn.
Can I get the Bank of America bonus again?
Yes, after 12 months. You can't have had a BofA personal checking account in the past 12 months, and you can only receive one bonus per 12-month period.
Does Bank of America do a hard pull?
Reports are mixed. A soft pull is commonly reported, especially when declining overdraft protection. Some users have reported a hard inquiry in specific circumstances.
Related Bonus Reviews
Full Requirements
Tiered offer: $100 at $2,000 DD, $300 at $5,000 DD, $500 at $10,000+ DD in 90 days; open eligible checking online with promo code by 2026-05-31.
Fees
Advantage SafeBalance is $4.95/month and can be waived (under 25, $500 daily balance, or Preferred Rewards). Other eligible account types may have $12 or $25 monthly fees.
ChexSystems & Credit Pull
Soft pull reported when overdraft protection is declined; Chex pull reports are mixed.
Eligibility
Must not have had a BofA personal checking account in the past 12 months; one bonus per customer every 12 months.
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Bonus offers, requirements, and fees are determined by each financial institution and may change at any time. Always verify the current terms directly with the bank before applying. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.