M&T Bank $400 Cash Bonus: Easy Checking Offer Through July 31, 2026

If you're in the market for a new checking account and live in the right area, M&T Bank is running a straightforward cash bonus offer that's hard to ignore. Open an eligible account by July 31, 2026, use promo code TG, and you can snag $400 just by setting up direct deposits. No tricks, no hoops—just a solid bonus for making a smart banking move.

Which Accounts Qualify for the $400 Bonus?

M&T is offering the $400 bonus on three different checking accounts, so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle best. The EZChoice Checking is the simplest—it has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no transaction minimums. That's a win if you want to avoid fees entirely.

If you're after more perks, consider MyChoice Plus or MyChoice Premium. MyChoice Plus gives you ATM surcharge rebates and an interest-bearing option, but it comes with a $14.95 monthly fee that's easy to waive. MyChoice Premium offers premium features like special deposit interest rates and free check orders, though its $24.95 fee requires a higher balance or combined balances to waive.

Whichever you choose, the $400 bonus is the same. Just make sure you're opening an account that's eligible—MyWay Banking, for instance, doesn't qualify.

• EZChoice Checking: No monthly fee, no minimums, no transaction requirements.
• MyChoice Plus: $14.95 monthly fee waived with $2,500 average daily balance or $1,500 in direct deposits per cycle.
• MyChoice Premium: $24.95 monthly fee waived with $7,500 average daily balance or $25,000 in combined balances.

How to Earn the Bonus Without Any Surprises

The process is pretty painless. Open your account online or at a branch by July 31, 2026, and use promo code TG. Then, within 90 days, you need to receive at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits. That means payroll, pension, Social Security, or similar recurring electronic deposits. Transfers from other accounts or person-to-person payments like Venmo won't count.

Once you've hit that $500 threshold, M&T will credit the $400 bonus to your account within another 90 days. So you're looking at up to 180 days total from opening to getting your cash. Just be aware that if you close the account within 180 days, there's a $50 early termination fee that could eat into your bonus.

Also, you can't have received an M&T checking bonus in the past 12 months, and your account must be in good standing at the time the bonus is credited.

Is the EZChoice Checking the Best Pick?

For most people, yes. It's fee-free from day one, so you don't have to worry about maintaining a balance or making a certain number of transactions. That makes it the easiest way to pocket the $400 without any ongoing commitment. Plus, you can always switch accounts later if you want more features.

That said, if you already keep a high balance or want the extra perks like ATM fee rebates, MyChoice Plus or Premium might be worth the slight hassle of meeting the waiver requirements. Just crunch the numbers to make sure the bonus outweighs any potential fees.

Bottom Line

• Open an eligible M&T checking account by July 31, 2026, with promo code TG to qualify for a $400 bonus.
• You need $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days—no transfers or P2P payments.
• EZChoice Checking is the simplest option with no monthly fees or minimums.
• Avoid the $50 early closure fee by keeping the account open for at least 180 days.
• Check your zip code for eligibility; the offer is available in select states.

Common Questions