The Highest Rakuten Deal Is Live Right Now — 40,000 Points Just for Opening a Bank Account

Okay. STOP what you're doing.

I watch Rakuten deals like it's my job — because it kind of is. And I am telling you, right now, today: You can earn 40,000 Amex or Bilt points with one single deposit.

40,000 Rakuten points. Just for opening a SoFi bank account and depositing $500.

No purchases required. No spending required. Your $500 stays in your account the entire time.

The normal maximum on a Rakuten + SoFi deal is 37,500 points. Today it's 40,000. That gap matters — and I don't know how long it lasts. So if this applies to you, today is the day.

Here's exactly how to do it.

First — Is This Deal For You?

Before I walk you through the steps, I need to be upfront:

This offer is for NEW SoFi Checking & Savings account holders only.

If you already have a SoFi account — this specific deal isn't for you. I'm sorry. But if you don't have SoFi yet, keep reading. This is your moment.

Why 40,000 Points Is a Big Deal

Let's talk numbers, because that's how we do things here.

40,000 Rakuten points that can be transferred to American Express or Bilt. You earn that just for parking $500 in a bank account that also pays you up to 4.00% APY on savings.

You're not spending money. You're moving money you already have — from one account to a better one — and collecting $400 for doing it.

For comparison: the usual ceiling on this deal is 37,500 points (~$375). Today's offer is 40,000. That's the highest I've ever personally seen it.

Here's Exactly How to Do It — Step by Step

Step 1: Sign Up for Rakuten

If you're not on Rakuten yet, you can earn 5,000 BONUS POINTS on this transaction. Yes, you will earn 45,000 points! this is where you start:

👉 Claim your 40,000 Rakuten points + additional 5,000 bonus points

Rakuten is a free platform that pays you cash or points every time you shop through it — Amazon, Target, hotels, you name it. You were already going to spend that money. Rakuten just pays you for it.

Step 2: Find the SoFi Offer Inside Rakuten

Once you're logged into Rakuten, search for SoFi in the search bar. You'll see the current offer: 40,000 points for opening a new SoFi Checking & Savings account.

This is critical: You must click through to SoFi directly from the Rakuten page. Do not open SoFi in a new tab on your own. The entire deal depends on Rakuten tracking that click. One wrong move here and the points won't credit.

Step 3: Open Your SoFi Checking & Savings Account

Once you click through from Rakuten, you'll land on SoFi's sign-up page. The process takes about 5 minutes. You'll need:

Your Social Security Number or ITIN
Basic personal info
A few minutes of your time

And for what it's worth — SoFi is actually a legitimately good bank account. No monthly fees. No minimum balance. No overdraft fees. 55,000+ fee-free ATMs. The 40,000 points is the reason we're here today, but the account itself isn't a throw-away.

Step 4: Set Up Your Direct Deposit of $500+

This is the step that unlocks the 40,000 points.

You need to make your first direct deposit of at least $500 within 45 days of opening the account.

What counts as a direct deposit: Payroll, pension, or government agency deposits sent via ACH. Basically — your paycheck.

What does NOT count: Bank transfers, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, check deposits, or any peer-to-peer transfer. Rakuten's terms are strict on this.

The easiest way to do this: Go into your company's HR or payroll portal and reroute your next direct deposit to your new SoFi account. Even if you only route $500 of your paycheck there — it qualifies.

Your money stays with you. You're not spending it. You're just telling your paycheck to land somewhere new for one pay cycle.

💡 Wait — It Gets Even Better If You Can Deposit More

Here's the part most people miss — and it stacks on top of the 40,000 Rakuten points.

SoFi also pays you a cash bonus based on how much you direct deposit within your first 25 days:

This is completely separate from your Rakuten points. It's SoFi's own bonus — and it stacks.

So if you can route $5,000 of your paycheck to SoFi, here's what you're actually looking at:

40,000 Rakuten points (transferable to Amex or Bilt)
+$400 SoFi cash bonus
+5,000 Rakuten bonus points if you're new to Rakuten
+Up to 4.00% APY on your savings balance

All for moving money you already have. Zero dollars spent.

You can do the math. 😉

Step 5: Wait for Your Points to Post

After your qualifying direct deposit hits your SoFi account, Rakuten will credit the 40,000 points. This can take several weeks — so don't panic if you don't see it immediately. It's coming. 🤝

And if you're new to Rakuten and sign up here, you will earn 5,000 bonus points on top of this transaciton.

Ready? Here's Your Link: