Citizens Bank is currently offering a $400 checking bonus to new customers who open a personal checking account online using a special promotional link and receive a qualifying $1,000 direct deposit within 60 days of opening the account. This offer is available to residents of 15 states and Washington, D.C. and is valid through July 3, 2025.
Additionally, a separate in-branch $500 checking bonus
is also available, offering an even higher reward for those who open an account
at a physical Citizens Bank location.
Direct Link to OFFER
Citizens Bank $400 Checking Bonus
Offer Overview
Bonus Amount and Expiration
- Online
Bonus: $400
- In-Branch
Bonus: Up to $500
- Expiration
Date: July 3, 2025
The current $400 offer simplifies eligibility with a single
$1,000 direct deposit requirement, removing the previous tiered bonus system
based on deposit size and debit card usage.
Eligible Locations
This bonus is only available to residents in the following
states and districts:
- Connecticut
(CT)
- Delaware
(DE)
- Massachusetts
(MA)
- Michigan
(MI)
- New
Hampshire (NH)
- New
Jersey (NJ)
- New
York (NY)
- Ohio
(OH)
- Pennsylvania
(PA)
- Rhode
Island (RI)
- Vermont
(VT)
- Virginia
(VA)
- Washington,
D.C. (DC)
- Maryland
(MD)
- Florida
(FL)
Eligibility and Requirements
Who Qualifies?
- Must
be a new customer (not a primary or joint owner of a Citizens
personal checking account in the past 6 months)
- Must
open the account online using the bonus link
- Must
reside in an eligible state or D.C.
Account & Deposit Requirements
- Open
a One Deposit Checking account
- Receive
a $1,000 direct deposit within 60 days of account opening
- Must
be an employer, government, or pension-type deposit
- Person-to-person
or internal transfers do not qualify
Additional Terms
- Monthly
Maintenance Fee: $9.99, waived with one deposit per statement
cycle
- Paper
Statement Fee: $3, avoidable by enrolling in e-statements
- Credit
Check: Usually a soft pull if overdraft protection is declined
- Early
Closure: No early termination fee, but account must remain open
through the bonus payout
- Funding
Method: No credit card funding allowed
How to Get the Bonus
- Apply
online through the official $400 promotional link
- Choose
the One Deposit Checking account
- Opt
out of overdraft protection if you want to avoid a hard credit inquiry
- Set
up and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within
60 days
- Keep
the account open and in good standing until the bonus is deposited
In-Branch $500 Bonus
Citizens Bank is also offering a $500 checking bonus
when you open a new account at a participating branch. Requirements typically
include:
- Visiting
a Citizens Bank location in an eligible state
- Opening
an eligible checking account with a banker
- Receiving
a qualifying $1,000 direct deposit
- Meeting
any additional criteria provided in-branch
Because requirements can vary by branch, it's recommended to
call ahead or speak directly with a banker for the most accurate information.
Tax Information
- The
bonus will be reported as interest income and you may receive a 1099-INT
form at tax time
Avoiding Monthly Fees
To avoid the $9.99 monthly maintenance fee:
- Make
at least one deposit per statement period
- Enroll
in paperless statements to avoid a $3 paper fee
Optional: Combine with Savings Bonus
Citizens Bank may offer an additional $500 savings bonus
for opening a new savings account with a $10,000 deposit held for 5
months. This can be combined with the checking bonus if opened on the same day.
Example Scenario
Jane from New Jersey opens her Citizens One Deposit
Checking account online on May 20, 2025. She sets up direct deposit for her
biweekly $1,200 paycheck.
- Her
first direct deposit posts on June 10, 2025.
- She
keeps the account open and makes at least one deposit each month.
- She
receives her $400 bonus by August 1, 2025.
If Jane had visited a branch instead and fulfilled the same
requirements, she may have earned $500 instead.
Final Thoughts
The Citizens Bank $400 online checking bonus and $500
in-branch offer are among the most generous bank promotions currently
available in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida.
Key Tips:
- Act
before July 3, 2025
- Use
the official bonus link for the $400 offer
- Or
inquire in-branch about the $500 deal
- Set
up a qualifying $1,000 direct deposit
- Avoid
fees by maintaining regular deposits and enrolling in e-statements
Whether you're switching banks or just looking to earn extra
cash, this promotion is a worthwhile option for eligible U.S. residents.