City National Bank $200 Checking Bonus: A Simple Way to Earn Extra Cash

If you're looking for a straightforward way to pocket some extra cash, City National Bank is offering a $200 bonus for new checking customers. This isn't the big national bank with the same name—it's a regional bank with branches in Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio. The offer is simple: open a checking account, set up a recurring direct deposit of at least $200, and the bonus lands in your account about three months later. Here's what you need to know to make it work for you.

How the Bonus Works

The process is pretty painless. You open a new City checking account—any of their personal accounts should qualify, but the Estatement Checking is the no-fee option that makes the most sense for bonus hunters. Then you set up a recurring direct deposit of at least $200. That could be your paycheck, or even a regular transfer from another account if your bank allows it (though it's safer to use an actual payroll direct deposit to avoid any hiccups).

Once your direct deposit is in place, the $200 bonus is credited to your account 91 days after opening. That's roughly three months, so don't expect it overnight. Also, note that the bonus can't be used as your opening deposit—you'll need to fund the account with your own money first.

What to Watch Out For

The biggest gotcha is the early account termination fee. If you close your account within 180 days (about six months), you'll be hit with a $25 fee. That's not a dealbreaker, but it means you should plan to keep the account open for at least six months to avoid eating into your bonus.

Also, this offer is limited to one bonus per household, and it's not available to existing checking customers or those who've had a City account closed in the past. If you've had a previous relationship with the bank, you might not qualify, so double-check before you apply.

One more thing: the bonus is considered taxable income. The bank will likely send you a 1099-INT at tax time, so set aside a portion of that $200 for Uncle Sam.

Is It Worth It?

For a $200 bonus, this is a pretty low-effort deal. The direct deposit requirement is modest—$200 is on the lower end compared to other banks that ask for $500 or more. And since the Estatement Checking has no monthly fees, you can let the account sit without worrying about maintenance costs eating into your earnings.

The main downside is the three-month wait for the bonus and the six-month account commitment. But if you're in the bank's footprint and don't mind a little patience, it's a solid return for minimal work. Plus, you get access to features like early paycheck access and mobile banking, which are nice perks even if you're just in it for the bonus.

Bottom Line

• Open a City National Bank checking account (Estatement Checking for no fees) and set up a $200+ direct deposit.
• The $200 bonus arrives 91 days after opening—be patient.
• Keep the account open for at least 180 days to avoid the $25 early closure fee.
• One bonus per household; existing customers and those with closed accounts are ineligible.
• The bonus is taxable, so plan accordingly.