Bank-account bonuses: SoFi and Chime requirements
SoFi's public terms state a $50 or $400 bonus depending on eligible direct deposits. Chime's standard referral program states a $100 new-customer benefit after a single qualifying $200 deposit and physical-card activation. Both have deadlines and excluded deposit sources.
| Provider | Reward status | Qualifying action | Deadline | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi | Up to $400; $50 lower tier | Eligible recurring direct deposits in 25 days | 31 Dec 2026 first deposit deadline | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Chime | Standard new-customer $100; inviter reward varies | Single $200 qualifying deposit and card activation | 45 days for deposit; 14 days for card | 3 Oct 2026 |
Why are these not ranked?
This is a small factual index, not a market-wide search or recommendation. An account that works with your payroll, payments and service needs may be more useful than the larger advertised reward.
Does any ACH transfer count?
No. SoFi excludes bank ACH transfers and peer-to-peer payments from its bonus definition. Chime also distinguishes eligible payer deposits from bank transfers. A transfer that arrives by ACH can still fail a promotion's source rules.
What protects the money?
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Chime is a fintech working with The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. Pass-through insurance conditions and the bank holding the deposit matter; a fintech app itself is not an insured bank.
Official sources
- SoFi offer · checked 3 October 2026
- Chime requirements · checked 3 October 2026
- Chime banking and partner banks · checked 3 October 2026