$200 Offer: What You Really Get and Who It’s For

When you see a $200 offer, a cash bonus from a bank or financial service for opening an account or meeting certain conditions. Also known as sign-up bonus, it’s a real incentive—but only if you understand the rules. It’s not free money. Most $200 offers require you to deposit thousands, keep the money locked for months, or switch your entire banking setup. Capital One’s $1500 bonus, for example, needs $25,000 sitting untouched for six months. A $200 offer sounds simple, but the fine print? That’s where the real story begins.

These offers are tied to high-yield savings, accounts that pay more interest than regular banks but often come with strict rules. They’re also linked to bank bonuses, promotional rewards designed to attract new customers, not reward loyalty. If you’re already saving, these can boost your stash. But if you’re stretching your budget to hit the deposit requirement, you’re not ahead—you’re just trading stress for a few hundred dollars. And don’t forget: some bonuses are only for new customers, so if you’ve ever had an account with that bank, you’re likely out of luck.

What you’ll find below are real examples from Indian and global finance—how people actually got their $200, what they had to do, and where the traps hide. Some posts break down how a $200 bonus compares to long-term interest gains. Others show how banks use these offers to lock you in for years. You’ll see what works for someone with $10,000 saved versus someone starting from zero. There’s no magic trick. Just clear facts, real conditions, and the kind of advice you won’t get from an ad.