When banks really want to attract customers, they usually go back to the same thing: putting an incentive on the table. And that’s just what’s happening now. After a period in which almost everything revolved around commission-free accounts and digital banking, several entities have reactivated a very simple, but very effective formula: reward the client who keeps his payroll.
The idea, basically, has not changed much over the years. What does change is the way of presenting it. Not everything happens through a simple account credit: now they come into play technology gifts, coupons, subscriptions and parallel promotions who try to make the offer more attractive. The problem is that what shines the most is not always what pays the most.
That is why it is advisable to look beyond the owner of “up to €750” and understand what each bank really asks for. Because between a generous promotion and an uncomfortable tie, sometimes there are only a few strings attached.
The accounts that are offering the most money (and gifts) now
| Cajamar — Wefferent Online Account | Advantages |
|---|---|
GO TO THE OFFER |
| Caixabank — Commission-Free Online Account with payroll | Advantages |
|---|---|
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GO TO THE OFFER |
| ABANCA — Payroll Account | Advantages |
|---|---|
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GO TO THE OFFER |
| Imagin — Commission-free checking account | Advantages |
|---|---|
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GO TO THE OFFER |
Cajamar – Wefferent Online Account: up to €750 and paid account
Cajamar is right now the one that is betting the strongest, with a promotion that could come up to €750 in cash if you domiciliate payroll or pension.
Beyond the incentive, the account has several interesting points: It has no fees, includes a free debit card and also adds a layer of profitability with a 1.52% APR during the first year, applicable up to €50,000.
It does not require direct deposit of income to open it, but that is where the true attraction lies. It is an account designed for those who want a high incentive + some profitability without getting complicated.
CaixaBank – Online account without commissions: gifts that can exceed cash
CaixaBank does not focus only on money, but on a broader strategy. Offers several options: from up to €250 or €150 in cashto gifts such as a Smart TV, a Samsung smartphone or even a coupon of up to €400 (exchangeable, for example, for a PlayStation 5).
Added to this is an unusual extra: 1 year subscription to Movistar Plus+.
Of course, there is important fine print here: it requires direct debit of payroll, receipts and active use of the card, in addition to a long stay. It is an interesting offer if you are really going to comply with everything, but it is not the most flexible.
ABANCA – Payroll Account: up to €500 direct and blunt
ABANCA gets to the point: it offers up to €500 in cash if you direct a payroll of at least €1,200or €185 if it is above €800.
The incentive is paid a few days after receiving the first payroll, which makes it one of the fastest options in this regard.
Added to this are practical advantages: no commissions, card included and the possibility of earning up to an additional €500 by inviting friends. It is an account very focused on those who want direct money without too many complex conditions.
Imagin – Current account: up to €250 and referral bonus
Imagin maintains a simple formula: up to €250 if you direct a payroll of €1,500 or moreor €150 if it is between €900 and €1,499.
The process is completely digital and the incentive is usually paid in a few days, which makes it quite accessible.
The differential point is in the referral program: you can earn up to €500 additional by inviting friends (€50 for each one). Of course, it requires a long stay (48 months), something that should be taken into account before deciding.
What should you look at before moving your payroll?
Before launching into the most striking promotion, it is worth asking yourself three fairly simple questions.
The first is if you are going to be able to maintain the conditions without forcing yourself to change your habits. The second, if permanence it compensates you compared to the gift. And the third, If you prefer direct money or an account that also gives you something useful latersuch as profitability or everyday advantages.
Because a promotion can be very good on paper and not fit you at all in practice.
An interesting opportunity, but not all are worth the same
Banks are competing again as before: putting money on the table. And that, for the user, is an opportunity.
But not all offers are equally interesting in practice. The best choice is not the one that promises the most, but the one that you can fulfill effortlessly and maintain over time.
Because in the end, the important thing is not only to earn money at the beginning… but not to lose it later due to not having read the conditions correctly.
Source: Kelisto.es as of 03/23/2026 with information from the entities’ websites. This article shows payroll accounts with promotions or gifts. In the selection only offers appear that can be contracted from Kelisto.es and that are marketed by banks that have agreed to have a presence in this medium.