What makes this bank offer different
This is a bank-bonus fit for users who can satisfy a deposit rule quickly; the key comparison point is whether the required deposit type matches your normal cash flow.
Bank
American Express Rewards Checking Bonus — Up to $300
Sign up for American Express Rewards Checking Bonus and earn up to $300 in bonus rewards.
See all American Express offers →
Qualifying Period
within 90 days of account opening
Payout
Within 8-12 weeks
Requirements
- ✓Open American Express Rewards Checking Account
- ✓$7,500 or more in qualifying direct deposits within first 90 days
- ✓$7,500 in Qualifying Direct Deposits within 90 days of account opening
- ✓Open account by July 30, 2026
- ✓Currently accepting applications from existing Amex cardholders with 5+ days tenure
Restrictions
- ⚠New customers only — no existing or previously held Rewards Checking Account
- ⚠Existing American Express card member (application eligibility)
- ⚠One welcome bonus per account
- ⚠Account must remain open in good standing until bonus is awarded
Fees
- $0 monthly maintenance fee
- No account opening fee
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance requirement
- Qualifying Direct Deposit must be from employer or government (paycheck, pension, Social Security, tax refund)
- Account must remain open in good standing until bonus is awarded
- Bonus is taxable income (may be reported on IRS Form 1099)
- Qualifying Direct Deposits must be ACH transfers from an employer or government (paycheck, pension, government benefits, tax refund)
- P2P transfers, internal account transfers, check deposits, and points redemption do not qualify
- Welcome Bonus may be reported on IRS Form 1099
- Account closure before bonus payout forfeits the bonus
Offer expires July 29, 2026
Last updated June 13, 2026
How to evaluate American Express Rewards Checking Bonus
Before opening this account, compare the bonus against direct deposit rules, monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and any clawback period after payout.
Qualification checklist
Timing
- Qualifying period
- within 90 days of account opening
- Payout timeline
- Within 8-12 weeks
How to qualify
- Open American Express Rewards Checking Account
- $7,500 or more in qualifying direct deposits within first 90 days
- $7,500 in Qualifying Direct Deposits within 90 days of account opening
- Open account by July 30, 2026
Common pitfalls
- New customers only — no existing or previously held Rewards Checking Account
- Existing American Express card member (application eligibility)
- One welcome bonus per account
- Account must remain open in good standing until bonus is awarded
What makes this offer different
Bonus value versus similar offers
The sign-up bonus is below the current nearby $2,250 median, so the requirements and any referral or portal stack matter more.
Requirement clarity
Credolix has extracted 4 requirements for this offer, so compare the bonus against the actual steps rather than the headline payout alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does American Express Rewards Checking Bonus expire?
American Express Rewards Checking Bonus expires on July 29, 2026.
How long do I have to qualify for American Express Rewards Checking Bonus?
The qualifying period listed for American Express Rewards Checking Bonus is within 90 days of account opening.
When does American Express Rewards Checking Bonus pay out?
The payout timeline listed for American Express Rewards Checking Bonus is Within 8-12 weeks.
