SwitchWizeFinancial Decisions, Made Clearer

The Bonuses Guidebook

A guide to bank account signup bonuses: the return on money held, the crossover with a good savings rate, the tax, the effort, the rules and the traps.

SwitchWize Research Desk8 of 8 chapters published

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Volume 1: What a Bonus Is Really Worth

The return on the money you hold, the crossover with a good savings rate, and the tax.

  1. Chapter 1 · FoundationalWhat a Bank Account Bonus Really PaysBonus return
  2. Chapter 2 · IntermediateBonus or Savings Rate? Finding the CrossoverCrossover
  3. Chapter 3 · IntermediateAre Bank Bonuses Taxable? 1099-INT, 1099-MISC and State TaxTax

Volume 2: Is It Worth My Time, and Can I Get It

Effort, eligibility, direct deposit thresholds and the holding period.

  1. Chapter 4 · FoundationalIs a Bank Bonus Worth Your Time?Effort
  2. Chapter 5 · IntermediateWho Qualifies: New-Customer Rules, Lookbacks and State LimitsEligibility
  3. Chapter 6 · IntermediateDirect Deposit Thresholds and the Holding PeriodRequirements

Volume 3: Risk, Rules and Keeping Track

Clawbacks and traps, and a plan you can keep.

  1. Chapter 7 · IntermediateClawbacks, Closures and TrapsRisk
  2. Chapter 8 · IntermediateYour Bank Bonus PlanPlanning

Educational content, not individualized financial, tax or legal advice. Examples use hypothetical figures unless a source is cited.