Last updated: August 6, 2026
Chase vs SoFi Checking Bonus
Two of the most popular checking bonuses side by side. Chase pays $400 for $1,000 in direct deposits. SoFi pays $50 at that same level and $400 once your direct deposits reach $5,000, with no monthly fee.
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Chase
Total Checking
$400
EasyWe may earn a commission if you open an account through the link above. This doesn't affect our recommendations. Learn more
SoFi
Checking & Savings
$50 – $400
EasyWe may earn a commission if you open an account through the link above. This doesn't affect our recommendations. Learn more
Side-by-Side Comparison
Chase
Total Checking
$400
EasySoFi
Checking & Savings
$50 – $400
EasyWhich Should You Choose?
Best for beginners
SoFi Checking & Savings
No monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and a soft credit pull. You cannot accidentally lose money to fees while learning the process.
Best for the highest guaranteed payout
Chase Total Checking
Chase pays a flat $400 with one clear requirement ($1,000 in direct deposits). No tiers to navigate.
Best if you want to earn interest too
SoFi Checking & Savings
SoFi pays 3.80% APY on your balance while you wait for the bonus. Chase pays no interest on checking.
Best if you want a physical bank
Chase Total Checking
Chase has 4,700+ branches and 16,000+ ATMs. SoFi is online-only with no branches.
Chase and SoFi both offer some of the most popular checking bonuses available right now. Both top out at $400, but they get there differently. Chase pays the full $400 for $1,000 in direct deposits. SoFi pays $50 at $1,000 and only reaches $400 once your direct deposits total $5,000, so Chase is the cheaper route to $400 if your payroll is modest. Chase is a traditional bank with branches and a $15 monthly fee (waivable). SoFi is a fintech with no branches, no fees, and a competitive APY on your balance.
The right pick depends on what matters to you. If you want a major bank with a simple, well-documented bonus process, Chase is the safer bet. If you want zero fees and want to earn interest on your balance while you wait for the bonus, SoFi is the better deal overall.
The Bottom Line
Both bonuses are worth doing. If you can only pick one, it comes down to the size of your direct deposit. Under $5,000, Chase pays more for the same money moved. At $5,000 or above, SoFi matches Chase's $400 and adds no fees, no hard credit pull, and interest while you wait. Experienced bonus earners should consider doing both.
Related Comparisons
Chase vs Wells Fargo Checking Bonus
Chase pays $400 and Wells Fargo pays $325, both for the same $1,000 direct deposit. Chase pays more up front and has the cleaner fine print. Here is how the two offers compare.
Chase vs Capital One 360 Checking Bonus
Chase pays $400 with a higher direct deposit threshold and a $15 monthly fee. Capital One 360 pays $300 with no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit. Both are nationwide. Chase runs no hard credit pull and Capital One does not publish what it pulls.
Easiest Bank Bonuses for Beginners
The best bank bonuses you can earn with no experience. Ranked by how easy they are to open, fund, and collect. Simple direct deposit requirements, no unavoidable monthly fees, and a side-by-side table of exactly what each bank asks for.
Related Articles
What is a direct deposit?
An electronic payment sent directly into your bank account, usually from an employer or government.
Why do banks give out free money for opening accounts?
Banks pay you sign-up bonuses because acquiring a new customer is expensive, and paying you directly is often cheaper and more effective than running traditional advertising campaigns.
What is ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a banking history report that can affect bonus approvals. Here's how it works, which banks check it, and how to work around a bad record.
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