How to Get the Capital One $45 Bonus

What the Capital One $45 bonus is and who can get it

Capital One runs periodic promotions that offer new customers $45 when they open certain checking or savings accounts and meet specific requirements. The bonus is not automatic — you have to complete the steps Capital One lists, which usually involve depositing money within a set timeframe and keeping the account open for a minimum period.

The exact requirements change depending on which account type the promotion covers and when you open it. Capital One may offer the $45 bonus on their 360 Checking account one month and on their 360 Savings account the next, or run no promotion at all for a period. You need to check Capital One's current offers before you open an account to know whether a bonus is available right now and what you have to do to receive it.

The $45 is deposited directly into your new account once you complete all the requirements. It counts as income for tax purposes if you receive it, though Capital One will send you a 1099-INT form at the end of the year only if your total interest and bonuses exceed $10.

Key Takeaways

• Capital One's $45 bonus is only available during promotional periods, and the offer changes frequently or may not be running at all.
• You must open a new account, deposit a minimum amount of money (usually $500 to $1,000), and keep the account open for a set period to receive the bonus.
• The bonus is deposited into your account automatically once you meet all requirements, not sent as a separate check or transfer.
• You should verify the current promotion and its exact requirements on Capital One's website before opening an account, because the offer details vary by month.

How to learn about the $45 bonus is currently running

Visit Capital One's main website and look for a banner or section advertising current promotions. Capital One typically displays active bonuses on their homepage or in a dedicated promotions page. If you do not see a $45 offer listed, the promotion may not be running at the moment.

You can also call Capital One's customer service line to ask whether they are currently offering a $45 bonus and on which account types. Their phone number is on your statement or on their website. Customer service can tell you the exact deposit requirement and how long you need to keep the account open.

Steps to open an account and meet the bonus requirements

Once you confirm the $45 bonus is available, open the account online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your current address. Capital One will verify this information and ask about your employment and income.

After your account is open, deposit the minimum amount Capital One requires for the bonus — this is often $500 or $1,000, but check your promotion details. Make the deposit within the timeframe stated in the offer, which is usually 20 to 30 days from when you open the account. You can deposit money by transferring it from another bank account, mailing a check, or using a debit card.

Keep your account open and in good standing for the full period Capital One specifies. This typically means maintaining a positive balance, not closing the account, and not having any overdrafts or returned checks. Once you meet all the conditions, the $45 bonus will be deposited into your account automatically — you do not need to request it.

What happens if you close the account before the bonus period ends

If you close the account before you complete all the bonus requirements, you will not receive the $45. Capital One's terms state that the account must remain open and active through the entire promotional period. Closing it early, even by one day, can disqualify you.

If you have already received the bonus and then close the account within a short timeframe (usually 90 to 180 days, depending on the promotion), Capital One may claw back the $45 by deducting it from your final balance or charging your linked bank account. Read the full promotion terms before you open the account so you know how long you need to keep it open.

How the $45 bonus affects your taxes

The $45 bonus is treated as interest income by the IRS. You do not owe federal income tax on $45 alone, but it counts toward your total interest and bonus income for the year. If your total interest and bonuses from all sources exceed $10, Capital One will send you a Form 1099-INT in January showing the amount.

When you file your taxes, you report this income on your tax return. Whether you actually owe tax on it depends on your total income and tax bracket. If you are unsure how to report it, you can ask a tax professional or use tax software that walks you through reporting interest income.

Alternatives if the $45 bonus is not currently available

If Capital One is not running the $45 promotion right now, other banks may be running their own checking or savings account bonuses. Banks like Chase, Ally, and others periodically offer $50 to $300 bonuses for opening new accounts and meeting deposit requirements. You can search for "bank account bonus" to see what is available this month.

You can also straightforward open a Capital One account without waiting for a bonus if you like their features and fees. The account itself may be useful even without the promotional offer. If you want to wait for Capital One's next promotion, check back on their website every few weeks, as they typically run new offers several times a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Capital One as my main bank to get the $45?

No. You can open a Capital One account, meet the bonus requirements, receive the $45, and then leave your money there or transfer it elsewhere. Capital One does not require you to use the account for direct deposit or ongoing transactions to receive the bonus — you only need to meet the specific requirements listed in the promotion.

Can I get the $45 bonus more than once?

Capital One typically limits the bonus to one per customer per account type, and only if you have not held that account type with them in the past 12 months. If you received the bonus on a 360 Checking account, you usually cannot get it again on another 360 Checking account for at least a year. You may be able to get a bonus on a different account type, like savings, if a separate promotion is running.

What if I do not meet the deposit requirement in time?

If you do not deposit the required amount within the timeframe Capital One specifies, you will not receive the $45. The promotion has a important date, and missing it disqualifies you. You can still use the account, but the bonus will not be paid.

Will the $45 bonus show up right away?

No. The bonus is usually deposited 30 to 60 days after you meet all the requirements. Capital One needs time to verify that you completed the deposit and kept the account open as required. You can check your account online to see when the $45 appears.

Can I transfer the $45 bonus to another bank?

Yes. Once the $45 is deposited into your Capital One account, it is your money and you can transfer it to another bank account whenever you want. There is no restriction on moving the bonus once you have received it.