E*TRADE Max-Rate Checking Account: $300 Checking Bonus + 2.00% APY (Nationwide)

Available Nationwide, E*Trade is offering you a 2.00% APY Rate on your funds when you open a Max-Rate Checking from Morgan Stanley Private Bank.

Update 9/9/25: We’ve added a $300 checking bonus valid through 12/31/25; the rate has decreased to 2.00% APY (from 3.30%). If you’re looking to earn interest on your checking account funds, consider this account!

E*Trade $300 Checking Bonus

You can currently earn a $300 bonus when opening a a new Checking or Max-Rate Checking account account and completing required activities.

How to earn it:

• Open a new Checking or Max-Rate Checking account by 12/31/2025 with promo code CHECKING25
• Make at least 2 direct deposits, each of $1,500 or more, within 90 days of opening your new account.
• Receive a $300 bonus deposited into your new checking account.

Terms:

• To be eligible for this offer, you must apply a valid promotional code obtained through one of our authorized affiliate marketing partners at the time of account opening. This promotional code is intended for single use only and is non-transferable.
• Offer is valid only for individual and jointly owned Checking or Max-Rate Checking accounts opened online. You are not eligible if you have or had owned or co-owned (joint) a Checking or Max-Rate Checking Account within the last 12 months from when you enroll in this offer. In the case of a joint account, only the primary account holder (the account holder who signed up first) is eligible for a bonus. Offer excludes non-U.S. residents, at time of account opening or post account opening address changes.
• This offer is only eligible to one newly opened Bank Checking OR Max-Rate Checking account funded within 30 days of account opening. You cannot open and enroll both account types at the same time. If you open both account types, your Checking Account will be enrolled in the offer.
• Customers may only be enrolled in one checking offer at a time. Cannot be combined with any other checking offers.

(Expires 12/31/2025)

E*Trade Max-Rate Checking Account Summary

• Bonus Offer: 2.00% APY Rate
• Availability: Nationwide, Online
• Credit Inquiry: Unknown
• Monthly Service Fee: $15 monthly fee; waivable (see below)
• Early Termination Fees: None listed

Account Benefits

• Earn even more with a competitive rate
• Any ATM is your ATM with ATM refunds worldwide
• Exceptional value with no transaction fees for online wire transfers, stop payments, and more. See rates and fees.
• Your money is FDIC protected, up to applicable limits.
• Worry-free banking with Coverdraft Protection. Enjoy peace of mind when enrolled in free Coverdraft Protection.
• Easy Money Movement. Enjoy unlimited online wires, money transfers and mobile check deposits.
• Integrated Account View. View your checking, savings and investing in one place.
• 24/7 Banking. Manage your money, pay bills and more with our best-in-class mobile app or online.

How To Waive Monthly Fee

To waive the $15 monthly account fee, the account holder must meet one of the following conditions:

• set up a direct deposit* of $200 or more per month to the account (a combination of direct deposits totaling $200 does not satisfy this requirement), or
• maintain an average monthly balance** of at least $5,000 in the account on or after the end of the second statement cycle, or
• maintain an average monthly balance** of at least $50,000 in linked Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association accounts on or after the end of the second statement cycle, or
• have a combined balance of $50,000 or more in linked E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley accounts (held at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC), and employee stock plan accounts (including vested in-the-money options, stock option plan shares, ESPP shares, and released restricted stock) on the date the monthly fee is charged, or
• have executed at least 30 stock or options trades during the prior calendar quarter in linked E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley accounts.

Author’s Verdict

In addition to the current rate from E*Trade, you can also take advantage of a range of great promotions from banks such as HSBC Bank, Chase Bank, Huntington Bank, Discover Bank, TD Bank, or CIT Bank.

If you happen to know whether this account incurs a hard/soft pull, please let us know. Let us know about your thoughts and experience with this account! Be sure to check back on BankDealGuy for more bank promotions and/or for more bank rates!