Season of Growth Season for Savings at Bank of America
New customers can earn up to $500 in cash bonuses based on qualifying direct deposits within 90 days:
Yes, Preferred Rewards is completely free with no enrollment fees. You just need an eligible checking account and $20,000 in combined balances to start earning Gold Tier benefits.
Students under 25 pay no monthly maintenance fee on Advantage SafeBalance Banking accounts. The account also eliminates overdraft fees and opens with just a $25 minimum deposit.
Bank of America credit and debit cardholders get free admission to participating cultural institutions nationwide. Just present your card at the museum for complimentary entry.
Open a new eligible checking account through the promotional offer page, then set up qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. Your bonus amount depends on total deposits received during this period.
Members get several fees waived including:
Yes, you can earn the new customer cash bonus and then qualify for Preferred Rewards benefits once you meet the balance requirements. The programs complement each other perfectly.
The program has four tiers based on three-month average daily balances:
After meeting all requirements during the 90-day deposit period, your cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days. The bank processes bonuses automatically once eligibility is confirmed.
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking for Family Banking accounts are excluded from the cash bonus promotion. Other eligible checking accounts can earn the bonus with qualifying direct deposits.
Bank of America makes it surprisingly easy to put extra cash in your pocket through their layered approach to customer rewards. Beyond their cash bonuses for new accounts, they've built a system that rewards loyalty, eliminates common banking fees, and even covers your cultural outings. Whether you're looking for promotional offers or just want to maximize your everyday banking benefits, their programs work together to create genuine long-term value.
While Bank of America doesn't use traditional discount codes like retail stores, they do offer promotional links and specific offer pages that unlock cash bonuses and special rates. Here's how to make sure you're getting every benefit available:
The key is following the exact steps outlined in each promotional offer, as missing even small details like the deposit timeline can disqualify you from earning bonuses.
Bank of America's checking account cash bonus program is refreshingly straightforward – the more you direct deposit, the bigger your reward. New customers can earn substantial cash bonuses simply by making Bank of America their primary bank for direct deposits.
The bonus structure is pretty simple and rewards you for going all-in:
What makes this deal particularly smart is that qualifying direct deposits include your regular paycheck, Social Security payments, pension distributions, and other recurring income. You're essentially getting paid to do what you'd do anyway – receive your income. The bonus lands in your account within 60 days of meeting the requirements, giving you a nice financial cushion just for switching your banking relationship.
Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program transforms routine banking into a money-making opportunity. This free loyalty program creates a "the more you bank, the more you earn" system that can significantly boost your financial returns across multiple products.
The program operates on four distinct tiers based on your combined three-month average daily balance across Bank of America deposit accounts and Merrill investment accounts. Gold Tier starts at just $20,000, making it accessible for many customers, while Diamond Honors kicks in at $1,000,000 for high-net-worth individuals.
Each tier unlocks progressively better benefits:
One of the most valuable Preferred Rewards benefits is the credit card rewards multiplier. Depending on your tier, you'll earn 25% to 75% more rewards on every purchase made with eligible Bank of America credit cards. If you're already earning 2% cash back on purchases, Platinum Honors members effectively earn 3.5% – a significant boost that compounds over time.
Preferred Rewards members enjoy an impressive array of fee waivers that can save hundreds annually. Monthly maintenance fees disappear on checking and savings accounts, non-Bank of America ATM fees get waived for withdrawals and transfers, and even services like stop payment fees and wire transfer fees are eliminated. For frequent travelers or those who use ATMs regularly, these savings alone can justify maintaining the required balances.
Bank of America recognizes that students and young adults are building their financial foundation, so they've eliminated common barriers with their age-based fee waivers. The Advantage SafeBalance Banking account charges no monthly maintenance fee until age 25, giving young customers years of free banking while they establish their careers.
This account goes beyond just waiving fees – it's designed to prevent financial mistakes that can derail young adults. Overdraft Item Fees are completely eliminated, so you'll never face surprise charges for spending more than your balance. Instead, transactions that would overdraw your account are simply declined, helping you stay within your means while building good financial habits.
The account opens with just a $25 minimum deposit, making it accessible even for students working part-time jobs. It's essentially financial training wheels that let you learn banking basics without the fear of expensive mistakes.
Bank of America's Museums on Us program adds an unexpected perk to your banking relationship – free admission to cultural institutions across the United States. Simply present your Bank of America credit or debit card at participating museums, and you'll skip the admission fee entirely.
This benefit works at hundreds of locations nationwide, from major art museums to historical sites and cultural centers. For families or culture enthusiasts, this can easily save $50-100 per outing, turning your bank card into a valuable cultural passport. It's the kind of thoughtful benefit that goes beyond traditional banking to enhance your lifestyle.
Bank of America offers three main checking account types, each designed for different banking needs and fee tolerance levels.
With a $100 minimum opening deposit and $12 monthly maintenance fee, this account offers the most flexibility for fee avoidance. The monthly fee disappears when you maintain a minimum daily balance, set up qualifying direct deposits, or meet other simple requirements. It's ideal for customers who want full-featured banking with predictable fee structures.
Perfect for students, new account holders, or anyone who wants to avoid overdraft surprises. The $25 opening minimum and $4.95 monthly fee (waived until age 25) make it accessible, while the built-in overdraft protection prevents costly mistakes. Transactions that would overdraw your account are simply declined rather than processed with fees.
Starting with a $100 minimum deposit and $25 monthly maintenance fee, this account eliminates fees on select banking services and provides enhanced customer service. It's designed for customers who want premium treatment and are willing to maintain higher balances or pay for convenience.
Preferred Rewards members unlock significant savings on major financial products beyond everyday banking. Auto loans receive a 0.25% interest rate discount when you apply directly through Bank of America, which can save thousands over the life of a car loan.
Home equity lines of credit get a 0.125% rate discount, while new mortgage customers enjoy a $200 reduction in origination fees. These benefits make Bank of America competitive for major purchases while rewarding customer loyalty with tangible savings.
Even your savings account gets a boost – Preferred Rewards members earn a 5% interest rate booster on Bank of America Advantage Savings accounts, helping your emergency fund grow faster.
Bank of America's mobile app serves as a hub for exclusive deals and personalized promotional offers. Regular users often receive account-specific bonuses, early access to new products, and targeted savings opportunities based on their banking patterns.
The app also integrates with Apple Pay Later for "buy now, pay later" financing options, giving you flexibility for larger purchases. Push notifications alert you to limited-time offers, ensuring you don't miss opportunities to earn extra rewards or access special rates.
Customer service representatives have discretion to waive fees like overdraft charges or monthly maintenance fees, especially for loyal customers who call to discuss their accounts. It's worth having a conversation if you're hit with unexpected fees – many customers find that polite requests result in fee reversals.