Discover Bank Bonus Guide
Discover offers some of the most straightforward bank bonuses available: no monthly fees, no ChexSystems sensitivity, and they accept ACH transfers as direct deposits. Here are all current Discover offers and how to qualify.
Discover Checking Bonuses
Discover Savings Bonuses
Why Discover Is Great for Bank Bonuses
No Monthly Fees
Both the Cashback Debit checking and Online Savings accounts have zero monthly fees. No minimum balance requirements, no direct deposit minimums to waive fees. You keep every dollar of your bonus.
No ChexSystems Sensitivity
Discover does not use ChexSystems to screen applicants, making it accessible even if you have been denied at other banks. There is also no hard credit pull for bank accounts.
ACH Transfers Count
Discover accepts ACH transfers from other banks as qualifying direct deposits for their checking bonus. You do not need to switch your payroll — just push money from another bank account.
1% Cash Back on Debit
The Discover Cashback Debit account earns 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases per month. This ongoing benefit adds value beyond the sign-up bonus.
Discover Bonus Strategy
Stack checking + savings
Discover offers separate bonuses for checking and savings. Open both at the same time to earn both bonuses. The checking bonus requires direct deposits, while the savings bonus requires a minimum deposit held for 30 days — the requirements do not overlap, so they are easy to complete simultaneously.
Use ACH transfers for the direct deposit
If you do not want to change your employer payroll, simply set up an ACH transfer from another bank account (like Chase or a local credit union) to your new Discover checking account. Discover counts these as qualifying direct deposits.
Keep accounts open long-term
Since Discover charges no monthly fees and no minimum balances, there is no cost to keeping the accounts open after earning the bonus. The checking account continues earning 1% cash back on debit, and the savings account earns a competitive APY.
Check for new customer eligibility
Discover bonuses typically require you to be a new customer who has not held a Discover bank account previously. If you have closed a Discover account in the past, check the specific offer terms for any waiting period before you can qualify again.
Discover Bonus Eligibility Rules
- •New customer required: You must not currently have or previously have had a Discover checking or savings account (depending on the offer)
- •Checking: direct deposit within 60 days: Complete qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 60 days of account opening
- •Savings: deposit + hold period: Deposit the required minimum (typically $15,000-$25,000) and maintain it for 30 days
- •No hard pull: Discover only does a soft inquiry for bank account applications — your credit score is not affected
- •Online only: Discover is an online-only bank with no physical branches. All applications and account management are done through their website or app
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Discover offer a checking account bonus?
Yes. Discover periodically offers a bonus on its Cashback Debit checking account. The typical bonus is $150-$200 for completing direct deposits within 60 days of opening. The Cashback Debit account also earns 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit purchases per month.
Does Discover do a hard pull or ChexSystems check?
No. Discover does not do a hard credit pull for checking or savings accounts, and they are not sensitive to ChexSystems inquiries. This makes Discover a good option if you have been denied accounts at other banks.
What counts as a direct deposit for the Discover checking bonus?
Discover accepts payroll direct deposits, government benefit payments (Social Security, tax refunds), and ACH transfers from other banks as qualifying direct deposits. This makes the Discover bonus easier to earn than banks that only accept employer payroll.
Can I get both the Discover checking and savings bonus?
Yes. Discover offers separate bonuses for checking and savings accounts, and you can open both to earn both bonuses. The savings bonus typically requires a minimum deposit held for 30 days, while the checking bonus requires direct deposits within 60 days.
Does Discover charge monthly fees?
No. Discover checking and savings accounts have no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements to avoid fees, and no overdraft fees. This makes them excellent accounts to keep open long-term after earning the bonus.
How long does it take to receive the Discover bonus?
Discover typically posts the bonus within 30-45 days after you meet all requirements. For the checking bonus, this means 30-45 days after completing your qualifying direct deposits. For the savings bonus, 30-45 days after meeting the deposit and holding period.