What Counts as a Direct Deposit for Chase Bonuses?
Based on community data points, here are the direct deposit methods that work (and don't work) for triggering the Chase Total Checking bonus.
What Chase Officially Requires
Chase requires "qualifying electronic deposits" totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Their terms specify payroll, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income. Chase is stricter than most banks about what counts.
Direct Deposit Methods 1
Each card shows a transfer source with community-verified results. Click to see individual data points with links to the original reports.
Data sourced from r/churning and Doctor of Credit. View all data points across every bank →
What Does NOT Count at Chase
How to Verify Your Deposit Counted
After your deposit posts, check your Chase account activity. Qualifying deposits typically show a category label of "Direct Deposits" or similar in the transaction details. You can also track your coupon status in the Chase mobile app or online banking under "My Offers." The tracker will update to show your progress toward the deposit requirement. If you see "Great job! Your bonus will be deposited within 15 days," you're confirmed. Communities like r/churning and Doctor of Credit also maintain lists of what has worked recently. Always check recent data points before relying on a specific method.
Related Guides
What is a direct deposit?
How direct deposits work and why banks require them for bonuses.
ACH push vs. ACH pull
Why the direction of your transfer matters for triggering bonuses.
Does Zelle count as direct deposit?
Why Zelle almost never works for bank bonus requirements.
What is an ACH transfer?
The banking system that processes most electronic transfers.