When do account fees erase a bank bonus?
Compare the expected bonus with the cost of keeping the account for the entire required period.
Count each required month
Read the account and promotion retention periods. Include months before qualification, months before payment, and any required time after payment. A fee waiver for the first month does not establish the cost of later months.
Check waiver conditions
Read the exact monthly balance or activity rule. Meeting a bonus requirement may be separate from meeting a fee waiver. A transfer that funds the account is not automatically an eligible fee-waiving deposit.
Use a conservative estimate
If you cannot reliably meet the waiver, budget the published fee. Add closure or transfer charges where applicable. Compare the remaining reward with the time and balance commitment before deciding whether the route suits you.
Example: a $150 bonus and six $12 fees leaves $78 before other charges or tax. At $12 per month, thirteen charged months would exceed the bonus.
Explore saved examples
Catalogue examples, not verified current payout promises. Confirm the reward and full conditions in your account.
Keep exploring
Before you commit
Required months
Read the account and promotion retention periods. Include months before qualification, months before payment, and any required time after payment. A fee waiver for the first month does not establish the cost of later months.
Reliable waiver
Read the exact monthly balance or activity rule. Meeting a bonus requirement may be separate from meeting a fee waiver. A transfer that funds the account is not automatically an eligible fee-waiving deposit.
Charges after payout
If you cannot reliably meet the waiver, budget the published fee. Add closure or transfer charges where applicable. Compare the remaining reward with the time and balance commitment before deciding whether the route suits you.
Sources and terms: TopCashback explanation · Rakuten tracking guidance · CFPB bank account guidance. Advertiser-specific conditions take precedence.