How long does a bank bonus take to pay out?

Most checking bonuses land within two to eight weeks after the requirement is met, not after the account is opened. Those are two different clocks and mixing them up is the usual reason a bonus feels late.

My bonus is late. What should I do?

Wait until the outer edge of the payout window, then send one secure message quoting the offer terms, the date you met the requirement, and the qualifying transaction. Most late bonuses are paid manually after exactly that message.

Does the clock start when I open the account?

The qualification clock does. The payout clock starts when the requirement is complete, which is why finishing early pays you earlier.

Where is my bank bonus?

Two clocks decide when you get paid. This works out both of them, so you know the day to finish the requirement and the day it is fair to start chasing the money.

Which bonus?Day you opened the account

1
Finish the requirement by
December 7, 2026
Spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Earns 3% cash back at US supermarkets, US online retail and US gas stations on up to $6,000 per category per year.
2
Money should land between
December 28, 2026 and January 18, 2027
Counted from the day the requirement is complete, not the day you opened. Source: Churnables estimate.
3
Chase it if nothing arrives after
January 23, 2027
One secure message quoting the offer terms and your qualifying transaction resolves most late bonuses.

American Express Blue Cash Everyday Cashback Credit Card

No annual fee, plain cash back, and the easiest Amex welcome offer to hit with normal grocery spending.

Open this bonus →

Timing shown is the Churnables estimate based on what this offer asks you to do, not a promise from the bank.

Late bonus questions

How long does a bank bonus take to pay out?: Most checking bonuses land within two to eight weeks after the requirement is met, not after the account is opened. Those are two different clocks and mixing them up is the usual reason a bonus feels late.
My bonus is late. What should I do?: Wait until the outer edge of the payout window, then send one secure message quoting the offer terms, the date you met the requirement, and the qualifying transaction. Most late bonuses are paid manually after exactly that message.
Does the clock start when I open the account?: The qualification clock does. The payout clock starts when the requirement is complete, which is why finishing early pays you earlier.

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