Banks aren’t just for stashing cash, you know. They can actually quietly put money back in your pocket. The right bank can turn everyday banking into a money-making opportunity. So, what’s the trick? Knowing where to look and what to ask for.
High-Interest Accounts
Banks love holding onto your money, but not all bother rewarding you. If you want to grow your savings faster, online banks and credit unions are worth checking out because they often offer interest rates higher than the national average of 0.41%, as reported by the FDIC on March 17, 2025. Why settle for pennies when you could earn dollars.
Automatic Savings
Saving should be effortless. Several banks now provide features that automatically round up your purchases and transfer the spare change into your savings account. Some, like SoFi, offer bonuses that match a portion of your contributions up to $300 for direct deposits. Set it, forget it, and watch it grow.
Fee Reimbursements
ATM fees feel like legalized robbery. Some banks agree, refunding every dime you spend on withdrawals, even internationally. Charles Schwab, for instance, refunds all ATM fees worldwide. That’s right—free access to your own money. Stop paying to get your cash and let your bank pick up the tab.
Cash-Back Checking
Debit cards don’t have to be boring. Some banks offer cash-back checking, rewarding you for using your own money. Earn 1% on everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, and even your morning coffee. It’s a discount on everything you buy. Why wouldn’t you take advantage?
Referral Bonuses
Do you know someone who needs a new bank? Get paid for it. Many banks, such as Axos Bank, offer referral bonuses, with some reaching up to $500 per person under specific conditions. Banks want new customers, and they’ll pay you to recruit them.
Student & Senior Perks
Age has its privileges. Many banks, like Bank of America for students and PNC Bank for seniors, waive fees, offer higher interest rates, or provide extra discounts for students and seniors. If you’re under 25 or over 60, you might be sitting on perks you didn’t even know existed.
Loyalty Rewards
Longevity pays off. Some banks, like Wells Fargo, quietly upgrade loyal customers with better rates, lower fees, or exclusive rewards through programs like Preferred Rewards. Banking relationships are like frequent-flyer miles—the longer you stick around, the more valuable they become.
Unclaimed Funds
Millions of dollars sit in forgotten accounts every year. If you’ve ever switched banks, you might have money waiting for you. Check unclaimed.org or state-specific sites like California’s Unclaimed Property Database to see if your name is on the list.
Early Paydays
Who doesn’t want payday to come sooner? Some banks process direct deposits up to two days early, paying you faster. Chime and Capital One 360 both offer this perk. That means bills get paid earlier, savings grow sooner, and budgeting gets less stressful.
No-Penalty CDs
Traditional CDs trap your money for months or years with hefty withdrawal fees. Some banks now offer no-penalty CDs (with an initial lockup period), letting you cash out anytime while still earning interest. Barclays and Marcus by Goldman Sachs both offer them.
