Chime
Chime Checking via Rakuten Bonus
Earn cash back through Rakuten when you open a Chime checking account and receive a qualifying direct deposit. The payout amount varies based on current Rakuten promotions. Stacks on top of any direct Chime referral bonus. No monthly fee. Available nationwide.
- Bonus amount
- Varies
- Time to complete
- ~14 days
- Bonus deposited in
- ~60 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Requirements
Last verified: Aug 22, 2026
Open an account via Rakuten
Click through Rakuten's Chime link and open your account. You won't earn cashback if you open directly.
Set up direct deposit
Receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more as your first deposit within 30 days.
Rakuten cashback typically tracks within a few days but may take up to 60 days to become payable.
Account Details
Keep open for at least 60 days to avoid issues.
Eligibility
Must qualify as a new Chime member under Chime's and Rakuten's current terms.
Tips & Gotchas
- →The payout comes from Rakuten, not Chime. Check the current amount on rakuten.com before signing up.
- →Always click the Rakuten link fresh before signing up. Cookies expire.
- →Chime treats an account closed for about 30 days as eligible to reopen, which is unusually short. Confirm current eligibility on Chime's page and in Rakuten's terms before reapplying.
Direct Deposit Data Points 230
230 community reports across 40 transfer sources, showing what triggers a qualifying direct deposit at Chime.
Can You Earn This Bonus Again?
Fine Print
Rakuten terms apply. Chime account must be new. Payout varies and is not guaranteed.
Taxable income · Reported on 1099-MISC
Related Articles
What Counts as a Direct Deposit for Chime Bonuses?
On paper, Chime counts only ACH deposits from an employer, payroll provider, gig platform, or government benefits as qualifying direct deposits. Based on 321 community data points, many external bank and brokerage ACH pushes also trigger the bonus in practice, while P2P apps like Cash App, plus SoFi and Upgrade pushes, are the methods most likely to fail.
What is a direct deposit?
An electronic payment sent directly into your bank account, usually from an employer or government.
Does Zelle Count as Direct Deposit for Bank Bonuses?
Usually no. At most banks a Zelle payment arrives coded as peer-to-peer and will not trigger the bonus. Citi is the clear exception. Its Enhanced Direct Deposit terms name Zelle as a qualifying deposit, and every Zelle report we have from Citi got paid.
Also see: this month's best bank bonuses and community DD data points.
We may earn a commission if you open an account through the link above. This doesn't affect our recommendations. See how we make money