9 Bank Accounts That Pay Floridians to Switch in 2026

Banks want your business. And in 2026, plenty of them are willing to pay for it.

Open a new checking or savings account, set up direct deposit, and you could pocket a few hundred dollars in free cash just for making the switch.

These sign-up bonuses have become a way for Floridians to earn money on banking they were doing anyway.

The catch is that they come with strings, direct-deposit requirements, time limits, and minimum balances, and the offers change constantly.

Before diving in, know this: bonus amounts, deadlines, and terms shift month to month, and the figures below are a snapshot from early 2026.

Here are the bank accounts paying people to switch in 2026, with the details on what each one requires.

Note: This article doesn’t contain financial advice. Always confirm the current offer and fine print directly on the bank’s website before you open an account with them, and consult with a financial professional if you’re unsure.

SoFi Checking and Savings: Up to $400

SoFi has become a favorite among bonus-seekers because its offer is straightforward and runs all year.

As of early 2026, its promotion is set to be available through the end of December.

New customers who set up direct deposit can earn a tiered bonus: receive $1,000 to $4,999 in qualifying direct deposits within the qualification window for a $50 bonus, or $5,000 or more to unlock the full $400.

The account sweetens the deal with a competitive savings rate and no monthly fees, which is rare.

You do have to open both the checking and savings sides together.

For anyone who can route a healthy paycheck through the account, SoFi is one of the easiest high-value bonuses going.

Confirm the current tiers on SoFi’s site before you start.

Chase Total Checking: $300 to $400

Chase offers one of the most popular bonuses in the country, helped by its enormous branch network and name recognition.

As of early 2026, the Total Checking bonus was set at $400 with an offer deadline in mid-July.

To earn it, you open a new Total Checking account as a new Chase customer and set up qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 within 90 days.

The bonus typically lands within a couple of weeks of meeting the requirement.

Watch the monthly service fee, which you’ll want to make sure you can waive by meeting the account’s conditions.

With thousands of branches and ATMs nationwide, Chase appeals to folks who still like brick-and-mortar banking.

Check the live offer amount and deadline before opening, since Chase refreshes these regularly.

Bank of America Advantage Banking: Up to $500

Bank of America runs one of the higher-dollar mainstream bonuses, though it asks for more in return.

As of early 2026, the offer reached up to $500 with a deadline at the end of May.

The bonus scales with your direct deposits within 90 days: qualifying deposits totaling $2,000 earn $100, $5,000 earn $300, and $10,000 or more earn the top $500.

It’s an online-only offer for new checking customers.

Because the biggest payout needs a substantial direct-deposit total, it rewards higher earners most.

If a $10,000 direct-deposit threshold fits your income, that $500 is among the better big-bank bonuses.

Verify the current tiers and deadline on Bank of America’s promotional page first.

Citi Checking: $325 to $450

Citi structures its bonus around enhanced direct deposits and offers two tiers, making it flexible for different income levels.

As of early 2026, the offer ran from $325 up to $450.

You open a new eligible Citi checking account and make at least two qualifying direct deposits within 90 days.

Hit $3,000 in deposits for the $325 bonus, or $6,000 for the larger $450.

Citi’s offers tend to be online-only through a specific promotional page, so the path you take to open matters.

For those who can clear the higher deposit bar, the $450 version is competitive.

As always, confirm the live amount and terms on Citi’s site, since these offers carry firm expiration dates.

Fifth Third Checking: Around $350

Fifth Third Bank stands out for one of the lowest direct-deposit requirements on this list, which makes its bonus easier to earn.

As of early 2026, the offer sat around $325 to $350.

You open a qualifying Fifth Third checking account, often using a promo code, and make direct deposits totaling just $500 within 90 days.

The bonus typically posts within 10 business days of meeting the requirement.

That modest $500 threshold is a big deal for people whose paychecks aren’t large, since many competing bonuses demand thousands.

If a low deposit bar appeals to you, Fifth Third is worth a look.

Double-check the current bonus and promo code on the bank’s offer page before opening.

Chime Checking: Up to $350

Chime, a financial technology company rather than a traditional bank, takes a different approach to its bonus, which they built around everyday activity.

As of early 2026, the offer reached up to $350.

New Chime checking customers can earn the bonus by completing certain qualifying activities within 30 days of opening, including cash-back rewards on debit purchases.

It’s structured to reward using the account actively rather than parking a big deposit.

Chime appeals to people who want app-based banking with no monthly fees and early paycheck access.

Because the bonus depends on completing specific activities, read exactly what qualifies before counting on the full amount.

Confirm the current structure on Chime’s site, since fintech offers shift often.

PNC Virtual Wallet: $100 to $400

PNC offers a tiered bonus through its Virtual Wallet product, letting you pick the deposit level that matches your situation.

As of early 2026, the bonuses ranged from $100 up to $400 depending on the account tier.

The structure rewards bigger deposits: a smaller direct deposit earns $100, a mid-level one earns $200, and the top Performance Select tier with a $5,000 direct deposit earns $400, often within 60 days.

PNC’s tiered setup makes it accessible whether you’re a modest saver or routing a large paycheck.

Just note that PNC offers can be region-specific and the deadlines move, so check availability in your area and the current terms on PNC’s site before opening.

BMO Checking: Around $400

BMO rounds out the big-bank options with a solid bonus that gives you a generous window to open.

As of early 2026, the offer was about $400 with a deadline several months out, into the fall.

You open a qualifying BMO checking account online using the offer link and make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $4,000 within 90 days. The bonus generally arrives around 100 days after opening.

Be aware some BMO checking accounts carry a monthly service fee depending on your age and balance, so check whether you can waive it.

For a mainstream bank bonus with a comfortable opening deadline, BMO is a reasonable pick.

Verify the live offer and any fee conditions on BMO’s page first.

Capital One 360 Checking: $250

Capital One offers a bonus notable for one rare feature: as of early 2026, it carried no listed expiration date, which takes the time pressure off.

To earn the $250, you open a 360 Checking account and set up at least two direct deposits of $500 or more within 75 days, often using a promo code at signup.

The 360 Checking account is known for no monthly fees and a strong digital experience.