Wells Fargo's $500 checking bonus requires $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days. No early termination fee. Open to new customers not recently bonused.
Wells Fargo is offering a $500 bonus to new consumer checking account customers who open an account by October 6, 2026, and meet a deposit requirement. The offer, which appears to be available to a broad audience without a mailed invitation, ups the previous $400 bonus by $100.
To qualify, customers must deposit $1,000 or more in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 days of account opening. The bank defines qualifying deposits as direct deposits through the ACH network, instant payments via RTP or FedNow, or electronic credits from third-party services that push money to a debit card using Visa or Mastercard. Transfers between accounts, mobile deposits, Zelle payments, and branch or ATM deposits do not count. Early Pay Day credits are not considered until they post.
Once the requirements are met, the $500 bonus is deposited into the new account within 30 calendar days. The account must remain open through the bonus payment. Wells Fargo may close accounts with a zero balance without notice. Bonus income is reportable to tax authorities, and the bank may withhold backup withholding taxes if applicable.
The Everyday Checking account carries a $15 monthly fee. One commenter noted the fee is not charged until at least the statement that closes 64 days or more after opening. The fee can be waived by maintaining a $500 daily balance, having $500 in direct deposits, or being a primary account owner age 17-24. There is no early account termination fee.
Eligibility excludes current Wells Fargo checking account holders, employees, and anyone who received a checking bonus in the past 12 months. The offer cannot be combined with other consumer deposit offers, and it may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Wells Fargo will not match previous bonus applications, so those who recently signed up for the $400 offer cannot upgrade, according to the bank's policy.
The bonus is available through the bank's standard online application. Customers should use the bonus offer code during application to ensure the offer is attached. The offer is listed among top bank account bonuses for its straightforward requirements and relatively high payout.
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