Guide
Can you close a bank account after getting the bonus?
Yes, once it's safe. Close too early and some banks take the bonus back or charge an early-closing fee.
How long to keep each account open
9 of 23 verified offers say the bonus can be taken back if you close too soon. The others only need the account open when the bonus pays.
Where a number of days is shown, closing sooner lets the bank take the bonus back. Count from the day you open the account.
| Bank and account | Keep it open |
|---|---|
| Associated Bank Access Checking | 365 days about 12 months |
| Flagstar Bank Ready Checking | 180 days about 6 months |
| Hancock Whitney Freestyle Checking | 180 days about 6 months |
| TD Bank TD Beyond Checking | 180 days about 6 months |
| TD Bank TD Complete Checking | 180 days about 6 months |
| Capital One 360 Performance Savings | 105 days about 4 months |
| Huntington Perks Checking | 90 days about 3 months |
| Huntington Platinum Perks Checking | 90 days about 3 months |
| Santander Simply Right Checking | 90 days about 3 months |
| Bank of America Advantage Banking (Plus, SafeBalance, or Relationship) | Until the bonus posts |
| BMO Smart Advantage Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| Capital One Capital One 360 Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| Chase Chase Total Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| Chime Chime Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| FourLeaf FCU FourLeaf Free Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| KeyBank Key Smart Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| Northwest Bank Affinity Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select | Until the bonus posts |
| PSECU Checking and Savings (new membership) | Until the bonus posts |
| SECU (Maryland) SECU Total Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| SoFi SoFi Checking and Savings | Until the bonus posts |
| Truist Truist One Checking | Until the bonus posts |
| U.S. Bank U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | Until the bonus posts |
Why a little longer is often smarter
If there's no monthly fee, keeping an account a few extra months costs nothing. It avoids any doubt about the bonus, and closing an account days after a bonus can make a bank less likely to approve you next time.
How to close cleanly
- Make sure the bonus has posted and any hold period is over.
- Move your direct deposit back or on to the next bank in your plan.
- Move the balance out, leaving any pending transactions time to clear.
- Close it online or by phone, and save the confirmation.