E*TRADE's Premium Savings: A $2,000 Bonus and a Solid Rate Before the Deadline

Okay, let's talk about a savings offer that's caught a lot of eyes recently. E*TRADE, a name you probably know from investing, has a promotion on their Premium Savings account that's pretty compelling, especially if you have a chunk of cash ready to move. They're combining a competitive interest rate with a cash bonus that can be quite substantial, but there's a firm deadline and some specific rules you need to understand. It's not just a simple sign-up deal; the bonus amount depends entirely on how much you deposit. Let's break it down so you can see if it lines up with your savings goals.

How the Bonus Tiers Actually Work

This isn't a one-size-fits-all bonus. The amount you get is directly tied to the 'new money' you bring into E*TRADE. 'New money' means funds not already held in an E*TRADE account as of a certain look-back period (always check the fine print for the exact date).

You have a 30-day window from account opening to get that money transferred in. Once the funding period closes, the clock starts on the most important rule: you must keep that qualifying balance intact for another 45 days. Only after that full 75-day cycle (30 to fund + 45 to hold) will the bonus be paid out. It's a test of patience, but for a potential $2,000, it can be worth it.

The Fine Print You Don't Want to Miss

Promotions like this are great, but they come with strings. Missing one detail can mean missing the bonus entirely.

First, the promo code 'SAVE26' is mandatory. You must enter it during the application process—there's usually no way to add it later. Second, mark that February 28, 2026, deadline in your calendar. The account must be opened and funded by that date, not just started.

Also, be strategic about your transfer. ACH transfers can take a few business days. Don't initiate a $50,000 transfer on February 27th and expect it to count. Give yourself a healthy buffer. Finally, understand that the 3.75% APY is subject to change, though the bonus terms are locked in once you qualify.

Is This Account a Good Fit Beyond the Bonus?

A bonus is a short-term win, but you should also consider the account itself. The 3.75% rate is solid, and it applies to your entire balance with no minimum to earn it. That's a good feature.

The account is online-based, so you'll manage everything digitally. Transfers and payments are handled through their platform. They note ACH transfer limits of up to $100,000 per day for pushing or pulling money, which is ample for most people but something to be aware of if you're moving very large sums.

The $10 monthly fee is easily avoided by keeping just $100 in the account, which is negligible. And of course, your money is FDIC-insured, which is the baseline requirement for any savings account you use.

Bottom Line

• This offer is best for someone with a significant amount of cash ($20k+) ready to move to a new savings home for at least 75 days.
• The promo code and the February 2026 deadline are non-negotiable—forget one, and you lose the bonus.
• While the rate is good now, always view it as separate from the bonus; the rate can change, but your bonus terms are fixed once you meet them.
• Plan your funding transfer well before the deadline to avoid last-minute processing delays.

Common Questions