Update 2/15/21: Back down to $75.
Update 2/12/21: Wow, Rakuten has now increased this to $127.50 or 12,750 if you have the points version of Rakuten. If you value MR points at more than 1 cent per point, this is quite a nice deal, especially if it’s tax-free (see below).
The Offer
- The Rakuten portal is offering $75/7,500 points if you open a new Betterment checking account and fund the account with $1. Or you can open a Cash Reserve or investing account and invest $10 and get the same bonus.
We’ve written about the Betterment checking account here. It comes with perks such as no foreign transaction fees and ATM fees waived on the debit card.
The Fine Print
- Cash Back is only earned for a funded Betterment Checking, Cash Reserve or Investing account of at least $1.00 for checking products and $10.00 for Cash Reserve and investing products, and is not available for other Betterment products or current Betterment customers.
- Cash Back will be automatically added to your Rakuten account tomorrow.
Our Verdict
Not a huge bonus, but looks like an easy, no-requirement bonus for an account we’ve never really seen a bonus on, and some people might want to open a Betterment checking account anyway. If you value Membership Rewards at more than 1 CPP, that can certainly make it more interesting too. Additionally, you probably won’t get any tax statement for this bonus (be sure to consult your tax advisor as to whether you need to self-report the bonus; maybe depends on whether you have the cash bonus or points MR version?)
Hat tip to reader LAG
Just a PSA for those considering Betterment and might come across this (I know it’s an old post, but doesn’t seem like Betterment has been up to much lately).
I opened the account and had to fight tooth and nail for the bonus, which I did eventually get.
However, the main concern with this fintech company (and likely other pseudo-banks, admittedly) is that they don’t actually know or care about doing basic bank things.
They have had a large sum of my money tied up with them in a black hole – a transfer that has withdrawn the funds but never deposited them – for going on 2 weeks. I have reason to believe, after a CS meltdown, that this will be finished at the 2-week mark. But to spare you a long story, their cluelessness borders on criminality, and I would not have a lot of faith in keeping your money with them.
I had tried them because they are the only bank I have that could transfer to Citi business; in addition, I had been interested in using them for international withdrawals, which are supposed to be free. After this eye-opening experience, I will be closing as soon as I can get my hands on my money again.
For anyone who opened the checking account with this deal, the account came with a debit card which has a rewards program via Dosh. Card is a Visa Debit Card. This card has the standard Dosh Costco sign up offer $10 for Goldstar $20 for Goldstar Executive. Card can also be used for renewal of Costco memberships.
Thanks
Finally received $75.00 via PayPal
This is the easiest account I have ever closed. Just 2 clicks and away ya go.
Steven B,
I have no idea where (?) those 2 clicks are. Can’t find them
I unfortunately have the original $1 in my checking (I transferred $1 in, from a bank account since closed)
Anyone know how to close Betterment checking
Settings–>Accounts–>click the three dots on the right side and click close account (after you have already 0’ed your account). Very easy!
Thank you for your comment, I had a hard time figuring out how to close the account!
I’m in my Checking with $1 balance (bank account where $1 originally came from is closed by now). How to close?
pull from another account or link a new one
use debit card to reload amazon gift card and done
My money just showed up in my PayPal account
Anyone get there Rakuten payment on today the 15th?
Yes. Note: I asked for check due to upcoming changes to PayPal tax reporting so just received the email re check mailed.
I thought that goes into effect next year. New this year, but doesn’t apply for this year.
Yes. I just changed it not to forget and also it was easier than figuring out whether, in fact, somehow everyone was mistaken (ie reading text of law just in case).
Just received the paypal today nice deal! Thanks DoC!
After a battle with Rakuten both P1&2 bonus paid. Time to close betterment.
Has anyone gotten their money? I’m still waiting…..
They’ll notice tons of accounts are gonna be closed today…
Should I wait for the 12,750 pts to be transferred then close it?