Earn $600 with our checking account bonus offer?
You got it.
Bank when and where you choose—even manage your account entirely online. Open a no monthly maintenance fee Access Checking account, or view our other checking account options. Plus, when you open an Associated Bank checking account, you can earn a bonus up to $600!¹ Open online in minutes or at an Associated Bank near you—click below to get a code to bring to the branch.
Here's how to earn your $600 checking account bonus.
Open any new Associated Bank checking account, in person or online.
Have direct deposits totaling $500 or more put into your new checking account within 90 days of opening your account.
Grow your bonus by adding funds to your checking or other deposit accounts. You’ll get your bonus within 120 days!
Bigger account balances. Bigger checking bonus.
|
AVERAGE DAILY BALANCE |
BONUS EARNED |
|---|---|
| $1,000–$4,999.99 | $300 |
| $5,000–$9,999.99 | $400 |
| $10,000+ | $600 |
Three great options. Unlimited possibilities.
Unlock the exclusive benefits of Platinum Choice⁴ by maintaining a monthly average relationship balance of $50,000.
FAQs
What are the top checking account promotions with account opening bonuses?
When it comes to checking promotions, the ones that are worth your while typically have two things going for them: a decent cash payout and requirements that aren't too steep to hit.
Right now, Associated Bank's checking promotion hits both marks, with a bonus that can reach up to $600 if your direct deposit and average daily deposit balances meet the Bank's criteria.
What are common requirements for checking account promotions?
Most sign-up offers follow a similar pattern. The specifics might change, but the basic requirements are usually the same:
- open a new account during the offer window (sometimes with a code)
- receive qualifying payroll/government deposits by a deadline (often within 60–90 days)
- then keep the account open long enough to meet balance or activity requirements
Some offers require a minimum opening deposit, a balance threshold, or a few debit purchases. Payout timeframe depends on the bank, and the cash reward may be taxable.
Are bank sign-up bonuses taxable income?
Yes, bank account opening bonuses are generally treated as taxable income (U.S. federal). So, whether you see a tax form in your mailbox or not, the cash you get for opening a checking or savings account is still taxable and belongs on your return.
How to avoid early account closure fees after getting a bonus?
To avoid getting hit with an early closure fee (and having the bonus taken back), keep the checking account open past two timeframes:
- the bank's early closeout window
- the promo's minimum-open rule (commonly 6-12 months). Institutions may charge a small closeout fee (think $5-$50) if you close the account too quickly.
Should you decide to close your account, make sure to reroute direct deposit and subscriptions, let any pending items clear, and leave a small buffer before closing and saving the confirmation.
What is the impact of opening new bank accounts on credit score?
Opening a standard checking or savings account usually has no direct effect on your credit score, since deposit activity and balances aren't usually reported to the major credit bureaus.
What happens if I don't meet the minimum balance for a promotion?
If you miss the minimum balance requirement, it usually means one of three things:
- Smaller payout (tiered offers): Some offers determine the bonus by your average daily balance. If you land in a lower tier, you get a lower amount.
- No payout at all (minimum threshold): Plenty of promotions have a floor; if you dip under the minimum during the measurement window, the incentive just doesn't trigger. With Associated Bank’s offer, for example, the tiers kick in at $1,000 in total average daily deposit balances (days 31-90). If you're under that threshold, the $300/$400/$600 payout structure doesn't apply.
- You may still get charged account fees: Promotional qualification and monthly maintenance fees are separate. If you fall short of balance requirements to avoid the monthly maintenance fee, a monthly maintenance fee can still be charged even if you were only "trying for the bonus."
A practical way to think about it: the promotion has a measurement window (when balances are counted) and a payout rule (what you earn, if anything). If you don't meet the balance target during that window, the system won't "make it up later".
What qualifies as a 'direct deposit' for bank promotions?
Qualifying direct deposit usually means an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension, or government benefits sent to your account (not transfers, wires, or person-to-person payments).
With that in mind, here are some common deposit items that won’t qualify:
- Person-to-person payments (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal friends & family).
- Transfers from your own accounts - even ACH transfers that are coded as a standard bank transfer rather than a payroll/benefits payment.
- Cash, check, mobile check deposits or wire transfers.
- Merchant/processor payouts (like what you get from Stripe or Square) usually get classified as "non-qualifying" if a promotion is looking for payroll/benefits coding.
How long do you have to keep a checking account open after receiving a bonus?
Most checking promotions have two separate timelines:
- Until the bonus actually posts: Many offers only pay out if you still have the account open and in good standing when the bonus posts – which can be anywhere from 60 to 120 days after you open the account - once you've met the requirements.
- A minimum “stay-open” period after payout: Some banks add a retention rule (or a clawback clause) that’s commonly 6–12 months. Associated Bank’s current promotion is explicit: keep the account active for at least 12 months or the bonus can be deducted before closing.
What are the documents required to open a new Associated Bank checking account online?
If you're opening an Associated Bank checking account online you'll need to have several things ready to go:
- A government issued ID (like a driver's license) or a passport.
- Your tax ID number (which is usually just your SSN for a personal account).
- Some other basic identity details the bank will need to verify you (like your name, address, date of birth and any other extra info they ask for).
- A backup ID in case the automated checks can't verify you right away (in some cases, you might need to send in a driver's license or other identification paperwork).
- The ability to receive and keep track of electronic disclosures online (which is part of the online opening process and involves e-sign consent).
Is it really safe to open a checking account online?
Yes, opening a checking account online is usually pretty safe, as long as you're on the bank's official website or app and you switch on the proper protections. Banks have designed online account opening to include identity checks, secure sessions and fraud controls so you can trust the process.
We’ve got more than banking products. We’ve got your back.
$50 Grace Zone⁵
No fee if you overdraw your checking by $50 or less. We’ve got you covered!
Free Overdraft Protection Transfers⁵
Need a funds fill-up? Automatically move money from your other Associated Bank accounts. No fee, no charge.
30,000 Surcharge-free ATMs
30,000+ Associated Bank & MoneyPass ATMs—from next door to nationwide.
Money Monitor⁶
Set budgets. Track spending. Grow your money. Find it in Associated Bank Digital.
Actionable Insights⁶
An unexpected bill? Subscription price changes? Get money-smart alerts, 24/7.
Debit Card Controls⁶
Lost your card? Lock it. Found your card? Unlock it. Real-time control from our app.
In person, in the neighborhood
Hundreds of hometown locations in Illinois, Minnesota & Wisconsin.
This offer is limited to a new personal Associated Bank checking account opened and funded through April 30, 2026. Receive up to a $600 bonus with required minimum opening deposit (Associated Access Checking: $25, Associated Balanced or Choice Checking: $100) and recurring direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of account opening from an employer or government agency. Person-to-person payments and transfers from existing or external accounts do not qualify as the required direct deposit transactions.
Determining your bonus: 90 days (or the previous business day), after opening your checking account, we will calculate the sum of the average daily balance for all your open Associated Bank deposit accounts for days 31-90. Total average daily balances of $1,000-$4,999.99 will earn $300, $5,000-$9,999.99 will earn $400 and $10,000 and over will earn $600.
All personal Associated Bank checking, savings, money market, IRA and/or CD account balances are included in the calculation to determine your total average deposit balance. Accounts must be titled with the same primary account holder to qualify for the bonus. Deposit balances from business, HSA, investment, minor or private banking accounts are ineligible. Associated Choice Checking is an interest-earning account and interest is paid on the daily collected balance. Obtain the current annual percentage yield (APY) here.
The bonus will be deposited into the new Associated Bank checking account within 120 days of account opening. Account must be open at the time the bonus is paid and must remain open for a minimum of 12 months. If the account is closed within 12 months, Associated Bank reserves the right to deduct the monetary bonus from the account prior to closing.
Offer limited to one per customer and cannot be combined with other offers. New customers opening online are limited to IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, OH and WI. Offer not available for customers who have received a new personal checking account monetary bonus within the last 24 months and have or have had an Associated Bank checking account within the last 12 months. Valid email address required. Primary owner on the account must be 18 years or older to qualify. For tax reporting purposes, the bonus may be reported to the IRS on Form 1099. Associated Bank colleagues are not eligible. The offer and APY are subject to change, at Associated Bank’s discretion, at any time without notice and other exclusions may apply. (1454)Interest on checking account is paid on the daily collected balance. (1298)
Associated Choice Checking customers receive two out-of-network ATM owner surcharge fee refunds per statement cycle, up to $20. Platinum Choice, Emerald Choice and Emerald Private Choice have unlimited refunds per statement cycle of ATM owner surcharge fees. (1299)
You must meet and maintain enhanced Choice Checking benefit tier qualifications for Platinum Choice, Emerald Choice, or Emerald Private Choice, listed on the Associated Choice Checking Product Disclosure, to obtain enhanced benefits. Calculations are completed at the end of the calendar month, if qualifications are met benefits will start within 45 calendar days. (1419)
Overdraft grace zone – An Overdraft Fee will not be charged if account is overdrawn $50 or less for most personal checking accounts. For eligible Associated Choice Checking customers, no overdraft fee will be charged if account is overdrawn $100 or less for Platinum Choice, or $250 or less for Emerald Choice, and no overdraft fees will be charged for Emerald Private Choice. If an overdraft is paid by Associated Bank, a deposit must be made to bring the account back to a positive balance. Regular account requirements and fees for overdrafts will otherwise apply. Overdraft Protection Transfer service links your checking account with your other accounts at Associated Bank, including another checking account, savings account, money market account, Consumer Credit Card, Checking Reserve Line of Credit or Premier Line of Credit. There is no fee for this service, for more details on transaction limits and terms and conditions of these products, please refer to the Consumer Deposit Account Fee Schedule, applicable Checking Product Disclosure, What You Need to Know About Overdrafts and Overdraft Fees, Understanding Overdrafts and Your Options to Manage Fees or the Deposit Account Agreement. (1068)
Associated Bank does not charge a fee to download our digital applications; however, transactional fees may apply. Carrier message and data rates may apply, check your carrier’s plan for details. Visit AssociatedBank.com/disclosures for Terms and Conditions for your service. (1406)