Wells Fargo is offering a $325 cash bonus to new customers who open an eligible checking account and complete a key requirement — receiving qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of account opening.
Here’s how to make sure you meet the requirement and get paid, plus extra tips to maximize your bonus.
1. What Is the Wells Fargo $325 Cash Bonus?
Wells Fargo has launched an attractive promotional offer for new customers. By opening a qualifying checking account, you could earn a $325 cash bonus. The bonus is a great way to maximize the value of opening a new checking account, especially if you’re in the market for a new banking experience.
This promotion is part of Wells Fargo’s strategy to attract new customers by offering cash incentives to individuals who meet the specified requirements within a designated timeframe. The key condition is simple: open a new checking account and receive qualifying direct deposits.
For those eligible, the $325 cash bonus will be credited to your account once the deposit requirement is met. It’s a great opportunity to boost your savings with minimal effort.
2. The Key Requirement: $1,000 in Qualifying Direct Deposits
The primary requirement for unlocking the $325 cash bonus is to receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits to your new Wells Fargo checking account within 90 days of account opening.
Qualifying direct deposits include payroll deposits, government benefits (e.g., Social Security), or other regular income deposited via ACH (Automated Clearing House). Essentially, you’ll need your employer or benefits provider to deposit funds directly into your Wells Fargo account.
Important Note: Non‑qualifying deposits like Zelle transfers, transfers from other Wells Fargo accounts, or cash deposits do not count toward the $1,000 direct deposit requirement.
Once this condition is satisfied, Wells Fargo will credit your account with the $325 bonus within about 30 days. This deposit will typically appear in your checking account as “bonus payment” or a similar designation, making it easy to spot.
3. Who Is Eligible for the Wells Fargo Cash Bonus?
The $325 cash bonus is available to new Wells Fargo customers. However, not everyone qualifies. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- You must be a new customer: If you’ve had an existing checking account with Wells Fargo in the past 12 months, you are not eligible for this promotion.
- Must be 18 or older: Only individuals 18 years and older can participate in the promotion.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) required for identity verification.
- Residency requirement: Applicants must have a U.S. residential address and be living in one of the 50 states.
- No recent Wells Fargo accounts: If you had an account within the past year, you won’t qualify.
Additionally, if you already hold a Wells Fargo account (even one that’s not currently active), you will not qualify for the bonus.
4. Open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account
To participate in this promotion, you must open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account. Here are the steps involved:
- Visit the Wells Fargo website or go to a local branch to apply for the Everyday Checking account.
- Complete the online application by providing your personal details, including your name, contact information, and social security number (SSN) or ITIN.
- Make an initial deposit (usually a minimum of $25) to fund your new account.
- Set up qualifying direct deposits. Make sure to arrange for at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits to be made within 90 days of opening your new account.
Tip: Ensure that the direct deposits are set up quickly to allow enough time for processing before the 90‑day deadline.
5. When Will You Receive the Wells Fargo Cash Bonus?
After you meet the requirement of $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits, Wells Fargo typically credits the $325 bonus to your account within 30 days. This will happen as long as:
- The direct deposit condition is met.
- Your account remains in good standing (e.g., not closed or overdrawn).
If you don’t see the bonus within the expected timeframe, contact Wells Fargo customer service for assistance. You can reach them via phone, online chat, or at a local branch.
6. Tips for Ensuring You Meet the Direct Deposit Requirement
The direct deposit requirement is the key to unlocking the $325 bonus, so here are some helpful tips to ensure you meet it successfully:
- Coordinate with your employer: Make sure your employer is aware of the new Wells Fargo account, and arrange for your payroll to be directly deposited into it.
- Government benefits: If you receive Social Security, Disability Insurance, or other government benefits, you can have these deposits directed to your new Wells Fargo account.
- Avoid non‑qualifying deposits: Transfers from other Wells Fargo accounts, cash deposits, and Zelle transfers do not count as direct deposits. Ensure that your direct deposit comes from an external source.
- Check eligibility early: If you’re unsure whether your deposit qualifies, it’s a good idea to check with Wells Fargo’s customer service or check the status of your direct deposits online.
7. Monthly Fees and Avoid Them
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking accounts often carry a monthly service fee (around $15 as of late 2025). However, there are ways to avoid this fee by meeting one of several criteria:
- Maintain a minimum daily balance (e.g., $1,500 or more).
- Receive qualifying direct deposits above a certain amount each month (e.g., $500+).
- Have eligible combined deposit or investment balances (e.g., $5,000+).
- Be within a specific age range (typically 17–24).
- Receive qualifying military direct deposits.
These waivers can help protect most or all of the bonus you earn from being eaten up by monthly fees.
8. Other Wells Fargo Promotions to Consider
Wells Fargo regularly runs other bank promotions, such as cash bonuses for opening savings accounts or credit cards. If you’re already taking advantage of their checking bonus offer, you might want to explore additional Wells Fargo products to maximize the financial benefits available to you.
These offers often include cash bonuses or rewards points for new account holders, but be sure to check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re eligible.
9. Potential Downsides of the Offer
While the $325 cash bonus is appealing, there are a few potential downsides:
- Monthly maintenance fee: If you don’t meet the requirements to waive the $10 monthly fee, it can reduce the value of your bonus.
- Limited eligibility: Existing Wells Fargo customers are not eligible for this bonus offer.
- Requirements for direct deposit: Some customers might find it difficult to arrange $1,000 in direct deposits within the given timeframe.
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The Wells Fargo $325 cash bonus offer is an enticing way to earn extra cash by simply opening an eligible Everyday Checking account and meeting a straightforward requirement — receiving $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days.
Make sure to take advantage of this limited‑time offer by setting up your deposits early, ensuring you meet the conditions, and maintaining the account in good standing to earn your bonus.
With proper planning, you can benefit not just from the cash bonus but also from Wells Fargo’s full suite of banking services, which may fit well into your financial needs. Be sure to check for updates on future offers, as banks often release similar promotions throughout the year.
FAQs About Wells Fargo Cash Bonus
Q: How do I qualify for the Wells Fargo $325 cash bonus?
A: Open an Everyday Checking account, make at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days, and Wells Fargo will credit you with a $325 bonus.
Q: What counts as a qualifying direct deposit?
A: Payroll deposits, government benefits, or other regular ACH transfers count. Zelle transfers, internal transfers, and cash deposits do not.
Q: Can I avoid the Wells Fargo monthly fee?
A: Yes, by meeting certain criteria such as receiving $500 or more in direct deposits, maintaining a minimum balance, or being under 24.
