Jason WyattManaging my money wisely has been a key step toward financial freedom. One of the easiest ways I started was by taking advantage of sign-up bonuses and referral programs offered by banks. Many banks reward new customers with free money just for opening an account and meeting certain requirements. In this guide, I’ll break down five banks that have helped me earn extra cash: Chime, Chase, Ally Bank, Cash App, and Upgrade.
How I Earn Money with Banks
Many banks provide cash bonuses and referral incentives to attract new customers. These rewards range from small sign-up bonuses to substantial referral earnings. The best part? I didn’t need to be an expert in finance to take advantage of these opportunities. Here’s how it works:
- Sign-up bonuses: Banks offer free cash when I open an account and fulfill certain conditions, such as making a direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.
- Referral programs: Once I have an account, I can invite friends and family to join and earn additional rewards when they sign up.
Now, let’s go over the best banks that give free money and how I maximize my earnings with each one.
1. Chime: Mobile Banking with Big Rewards
Sign-up Bonus: I earned $100 when I opened a Chime account and received a direct deposit of at least $200 within 45 days.
Referral Bonus: I can earn up to $100 per friend who signs up using my referral link and meets the direct deposit requirement.
How I Got Started:
- I signed up for Chime through a referral link.
- I set up direct deposit of at least $200.
- I received my $100 bonus within days.
- I started referring friends and earning more.
2. Chase: A Traditional Bank with a Modern Edge
Sign-up Bonus: I got $200 for opening a Chase Total Checking account and setting up direct deposit.
Referral Bonus: I can earn up to $200 per successful referral, with a maximum limit per calendar year.
How I Got Started:
- I opened a Chase Total Checking account online.
- I set up a direct deposit within 90 days.
- I received my $200 sign-up bonus.
- I shared my referral link to earn additional bonuses.
- I earn $50 per referral on just checking accounts max out at $1000 per calendar year.
3. Ally Bank: High-Interest Savings with Extra Perks
Sign-up Bonus: I earned $100 when I opened a new Ally Bank account and deposited the required amount.
Referral Bonus: I can earn up to $25 per referral.
How I Got Started:
- I opened an Ally Bank account online.
- I deposited the required amount to qualify for the sign-up bonus.
- I enjoyed high interest rates on my savings.
- I referred friends and earned $25 per person.
4. Cash App: More Than Just Money Transfers
Sign-up Bonus: I received $5 when I signed up with a referral code and sent my first payment.
Referral Bonus: I can earn up to $15 per friend who joins using my code.
How I Got Started:
- I downloaded Cash App and signed up with a referral code.
- I sent at least $5 to a friend.
- I received my $5 bonus, plus friend sent my $5 back (my money)
- I invited others and earned $15 per referral.
5. Upgrade: A Banking Solution That Rewards Me
Sign-up Bonus: I earned $100 for opening a new Upgrade checking account and meeting spending requirements.
Referral Bonus: I can earn up to $100 per referral.
How I Got Started:
- I opened an Upgrade checking account.
- I made qualifying purchases to meet the spending requirement.
- I received my $100 sign-up bonus.
- I referred friends and earned more.
Final Thoughts: Start Earning with Banks Today
Taking advantage of bank promotions has been an easy way for me to earn extra money with minimal effort. Here’s a quick recap of the best offers:
- Chime: $100 sign-up bonus, $100 referral bonus
- Chase: $200 sign-up bonus, $200 referral bonus
- Ally Bank: $100 sign-up bonus, $25 referral bonus
- Cash App: $5 sign-up bonus, $15 referral bonus
- Upgrade: $100 sign-up bonus, $100 referral bonus
Ready to Get Started?
Here are the links to sign up for each bank and claim your bonuses:
I started earning with these banks, and so can you!
