Free money sounds like a scam — but sign-up bonuses are one of the most legit ways to earn from your phone. Banks, investing apps, and cashback platforms pay you simply for creating an account and completing a small qualifying action. Stack several of these and you can collect hundreds of dollars without spending a dime. Start with our apps with no minimum payout so you can cash out every bonus the moment it lands.
1. SoFi — Up to $325 for Checking and Savings
SoFi pays one of the biggest sign-up bonuses in banking: up to $325 when you open a checking and savings account and set up qualifying direct deposits. The bonus tiers up based on your deposit amount, and there are zero account fees eating into it.
The account itself is solid — high APY on savings, no overdraft fees, early direct deposit. Even after the bonus, it is a genuinely good free bank account to keep.
Pro tip: open this account first in your stacking sequence since the bonus posts quickly and funds your other qualifying deposits.
2. Acorns — $20 Invested for You
Acorns gives new users a $20 bonus invested into their account after linking a funding source and making their first investment. It is a micro-investing app that rounds up your spare change, so the bonus jumpstarts your portfolio on day one.
The $20 lands as invested funds, not withdrawable cash — but it grows with the market. A painless way to start investing with house money.
The referral program here is strong too — once you have claimed your own bonus, share your link to earn again on every friend.
3. Rakuten — $30 After Your First Purchase
Rakuten pays a $30 sign-up bonus after you join free and make a qualifying $30 purchase through the app at any of its 3,500+ partner stores. You were going to shop anyway — the bonus is essentially free money on top of the cashback.
Checks arrive quarterly via PayPal or paper check. Pair the bonus with a big planned purchase to maximize the value.
Set a calendar reminder for the bonus deadline so you do not miss the qualifying action window.
4. Ibotta — Up to $20 in Welcome Bonuses
Ibotta stacks welcome bonuses: new users can earn up to $20 by completing a short series of starter offers, like redeeming any grocery receipt. The tasks take minutes and the bonus lands fast.
After the welcome series, Ibotta keeps paying cashback on groceries, online shopping, and gift cards. Cash out to PayPal or gift cards once you hit $20.
This bonus pairs well with a no-fee checking account you already use for direct deposit splitting.
5. Swagbucks — $10 Sign-Up Bonus
Swagbucks hands new members a $10 bonus after earning their first few SB points through surveys, shopping, or discovering offers. It is one of the oldest rewards platforms, paying out since 2008.
The $10 is just the start — daily surveys, cashback shopping, and video playlists keep the SB coming. Redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards from $3 up.
Read the fine print on holding periods — some bonuses require the account to stay open 90 days.
6. Chime — $100 Referral-Style New Account Bonus
Chime periodically runs a $100 bonus for new checking accounts that receive a qualifying direct deposit. The offer rotates, so check the current promotion before signing up — timing matters.
Chime has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and fee-free overdraft up to $200. A strong free account even without the bonus.
Screenshot your qualifying transaction as proof in case the bonus does not post automatically.
7. Cash App — $5 to $15 for New Users
Cash App pays new users a small bonus — typically $5, sometimes up to $15 during promotions — after sending $5 to someone within 14 days of signup. Ask a friend to send it back and the bonus is pure profit.
Beyond the bonus, Cash App pays instantly for many side gigs. Keep the app — it is one of the fastest ways to receive money in the US.
Combine this with the app’s ongoing rewards program to keep earning long after the bonus.
8. Robinhood — Free Stock Worth $5 to $200
Robinhood gives new users a free stock worth $5 to $200 after linking a bank account — no deposit required. You might get a $7 share or a $150 surprise; either way it is free equity.
You can sell the stock after a short holding period and withdraw the cash. A fun, zero-cost introduction to investing.
If the bonus does not appear, contact support via in-app chat — they usually credit it manually within 48 hours.
9. Webull — Up to 20 Free Fractional Shares
Webull offers up to 20 free fractional shares for new accounts — a handful just for opening, more for making an initial deposit. Values range from a few dollars to hundreds depending on the draw.
The app suits beginners with its paper-trading mode. Claim the shares, learn the ropes risk-free, then decide if investing is for you.
This is a soft-pull signup, so claiming it will not affect your credit score.
10. Current — $50 for New Bank Accounts
Current pays a $50 bonus when you open an account and receive a qualifying direct deposit. The mobile bank targets younger users with early paycheck access and fee-free overdraft.
The bonus posts after the direct deposit clears — usually within one pay cycle. No monthly fees, so the $50 is all yours.
Time this signup around a big planned expense to meet any spending requirement naturally.
11. MyPoints — $10 Welcome Bonus
MyPoints gives new members a $10 bonus in the form of a gift card after making a qualifying purchase through the portal. It is owned by the same company as Swagbucks and works similarly.
Shop through MyPoints for points on every purchase, then redeem for gift cards to 75+ retailers. The welcome bonus covers your first redemption.
The app’s customer reviews confirm bonuses post reliably — check recent Reddit threads for current payout timelines.
12. InboxDollars — $5 Just for Signing Up
InboxDollars credits $5 to your account the moment you confirm your email — no purchase, no deposit. Earn more through surveys, reading emails, and watching videos.
Cash out via check or gift card once you reach $15. The $5 head start means you are one-third of the way there on day one.
Keep the account open at least six months; closing too early can trigger a bonus clawback on bank offers.
13. Dosh — $5 Link-a-Card Bonus
Dosh pays a $5 bonus when you link your first debit or credit card. After that, it automatically earns cashback when you shop or dine at partner locations — no scanning receipts.
It is the most passive cashback app on this list. Link once, then forget it while the cashback accumulates in the background.
Use a dedicated email for rewards apps to keep bonus notifications from cluttering your inbox.
14. Fetch Rewards — 2,000 Points ($2) for Joining
Fetch gives new users 2,000 points — worth $2 — just for signing up and snapping a first receipt. Snap any grocery receipt and points pile up fast.
Redeem points for gift cards from $3. Heavy grocery shoppers can earn $25 to $50 a year without changing any habits.
This bonus stacks with cashback earned on the qualifying purchase itself — double-dip wherever possible.
15. Upgrade Rewards Checking — Up to $200 Bonus
Upgrade’s Rewards Checking pays up to $200 for new accounts with qualifying direct deposits. It also pays 2% cashback on everyday debit purchases — rare for a checking account.
No monthly fees and a genuinely useful cashback debit card make this one worth keeping long after the bonus posts.
Track all your bonuses in a spreadsheet with signup dates and expected payout dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sign-up bonus apps legit or scams?
Legit — banks and established fintech companies use bonuses as customer-acquisition cost. Stick to well-known names on this list and never pay a fee to claim a “bonus.” If an app asks for money upfront, it is a scam.
How fast do the bonuses pay out?
Survey and rewards apps (Swagbucks, InboxDollars) credit bonuses within days. Bank bonuses (SoFi, Chime, Current) typically post 30 to 60 days after you meet the direct-deposit requirement. Investment app stock bonuses (Robinhood, Webull) are claimable within a week.
Can I get every bonus on this list?
Yes — there is no rule against collecting multiple sign-up bonuses. Open them one or two at a time so you can meet each qualifying action without confusion, and track deadlines in a simple spreadsheet.
Do I need to keep the accounts open?
Bank bonuses sometimes require the account to stay open 90 to 180 days or the bonus can be clawed back — read the terms. Rewards and investing apps have no such requirement. When in doubt, keep the account open three months.
Will opening bank accounts hurt my credit score?
Checking and savings accounts use a soft ChexSystems inquiry, not a hard credit pull, so your credit score is unaffected. Investment app sign-ups also do not touch your credit.
What is the highest sign-up bonus available right now?
Bank bonuses are the highest — SoFi and similar banks regularly offer $200 to $325 for new checking accounts with direct deposit. Investment apps like Webull can exceed that if you get lucky with high-value fractional shares, but bank bonuses are more predictable.
Can I close the account after getting the bonus?
For bank accounts, wait at least 90 to 180 days — closing early can trigger a clawback clause in the terms. Rewards apps and investment apps have no minimum holding period, so you can stop using them whenever you like.
Do sign-up bonuses affect my credit score?
No. Bank account applications use ChexSystems (not credit bureaus), and rewards or investment app signups involve no credit check at all. Your FICO score is completely unaffected by collecting these bonuses.
