Saving & Spending

6 Clever Moves When You Have $1,000 In The Bank

Keeping tons of money in your checking account means you're missing out.

Last updated May 7, 2026 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

Saving up $1,000 in your checking account is a big milestone. But leaving the money in checking likely doesn't make much sense since most checking accounts pay minimal or no interest.

Once you've worked hard to amass $1,000, you want to put your money to work for you. Here are 5 money moves you can make to get the most bang for your buck and get on the path towards a bright financial future.

Pay no interest on balance transfers until 2027

Imagine getting 18 months with 0% intro APR on a balance transfer (APR then 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading card - the Citi Double Cash® Card.

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After the intro period for balance transfers, the APR is 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable). Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest!

It doesn't stop with balance transfers though. Cardholders can also earn double cash back — 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. Even better, you can redeem your cash back as direct deposit, a statement credit, or even a mailed check! You can turn your everyday purchases into cash back and make a dent in your debt, regular bills, or save for the future.

The best part? There's no annual fee with the Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees).

Click here to apply now for the Citi Double Cash® Card

Earn a $200 bonus + up to 5% cash back with this criminally underrated cash back card

Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen — the bonus is worth almost half the spend!

No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom! 

The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Do not skip this card — it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®