Chase Total Checking $400 Bonus

The Chase Total Checking bonus is tied to a specific coupon enrollment page. Applying through the regular Chase homepage or walking into a branch will not get you the bonus. The offer link is what enrolls you in the promotion. When you click the offer link on this page, it takes you to Chase's coupon page at account.chase.com/consumer/banking/seo, which registers you for the $400 bonus before you even complete the application.

Once approved, Chase sends you a confirmation email with your coupon code. Save it. Your 90-day direct deposit window starts from the date of coupon enrollment, not account opening. Most people complete their qualifying deposits within the first few weeks and then let the account sit.

Chase updates this offer periodically, usually with a new expiration date and the same or slightly different amount. If the offer on this page has expired, check back. Chase has been running a version of this bonus consistently for years.

Day 1: Apply using the offer link and get approved. Fund the account with any opening deposit. There's no minimum required. Your 90-day window starts.

Days 1 to 90: Set up your qualifying direct deposit. Most people route one or two paychecks to the Chase account, then switch back to their primary bank afterward. If you're using a Fidelity CMA push or another fintech, set up a recurring transfer to be safe.

Days 90 to 105: After your deposits total $1,000, Chase typically credits the $400 bonus within 15 business days. You can track your enrollment status in the Chase mobile app or online banking under 'My Offers.'

Day 180+: The hold period ends. The account has a $15/month fee, waived if you receive $500+ in electronic deposits per statement period. Your qualifying deposits cover this while you're earning the bonus. After month 6, you can close the account without risking a clawback.

The 6-month hold period. Chase's terms allow them to claw back the bonus if you close the account within 6 months of opening. There's no separate early-closing fee. You'd just lose the $400. Most people close on day 180 or shortly after. Some wait a full year to be safe.

The 2-year cooldown. You're not eligible if you've held any Chase personal checking account in the last 2 years. This applies across all Chase checking products, not just Total Checking. The clock starts from the date you closed your most recent Chase checking account, not from when you last earned a bonus.

The monthly fee. Total Checking charges $15/month, but this is waived if you receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits per statement period. Your paycheck or qualifying direct deposit will usually cover this while you're working toward the bonus. After you stop directing deposits there, you'll need to maintain a $1,500 daily balance or $5,000 average balance to avoid the fee. Closing the account after the hold period is the simpler option.

Taxes. Chase reports the $400 bonus as interest income and will send a 1099-INT at tax time. Factor this in when calculating your actual take-home. Most people in standard tax brackets still net $350+ after taxes, which is still one of the best bank bonuses available for the effort required.