Without going into the discussion of how the bonus su-ks at the bank, can some knowledgeable folks tell me until what date I should be working to be eligible for the bonus — 12/31/2025 or the actual payout date in 2026?
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Also wanting the answer. Trying to hang on until 1.2 just for bonus. I know payout is mid-February and don’t want to miss it. Working towards going to another bank. Don’t know how much time must give prior, where do I find it without tipping them off, and worried might be let go immediately as in sales. Of course if have to wait until mid-february I’ll just go.
The rule is you must be employed on comp communication date to be eligible for the bonus. It is NOT 12/31.
You literally have to be employed on the day you get your bonus check in February. You think you’re gonna get a bonus payout if you resign on 12/31? I’d say to stick around for march 401k bonus contributions. Don’t leave money on the table.
@ac When I read your comments "last possible moment your job role requires", I asked myself why is my role require two months. Yes, I work on the private side as a B6 but no responsibilities that require that much notice. As evident this year in my group for a retiree, replacement was not requested until after the person left and the new person started three months afterwards. Retirement benefits, in which there are none of use, does not require two months. What am I missing? As it stands now, they are lucky to get two weeks notice with the BS I have been getting lately.
Any insight on the reason would be greatly appreciated as I am planning my retirement "escape" plan?
@b2 read receipts can be canceled thus no indication of the email being opened. Use the BCC and copy someone you trust.
@b3 @B3 is correct
@b2 it helps, and thanks for the detailed feedback.
Technically, while employment THRU Dec 31 "should" get you the YE bonus payout, most of my colleagues who have left stayed until the DAY AFTER the actual pay out (Feb 15, Feb 28 or in some cases March 1, to make sure the darn check clears first!
Remain employed THRU 12/31 and you "should" get your bonus.
To play it safe, hold off on giving notice until the last possible moment your job role requires. (Most are 2 weeks, but some roles mandate 30, 60 or even 90 days.)
If you are in a 2-week notice role, i'd suggest sending your manager an email (with a "Read Receipt" by Friday, Dec. 12 [or Thursday, Dec. 11 -- should be too late for manager to manipulate your YE bonus in the system (although if they are really mean, HR can still do stuff for the manager or group head before books close Dec 31).
This at least gives you a chance to avoid revenge cut. (after all, why should a manager invest in and pay an asset who is leaving and will no longer produce?)
Dec 11 or 12 also provides the 14-day (business days, not calendar days) -- to be extra safe -- before a Friday, Jan. 2 termination date.
Technically, you should still get the YE bonus you have EARNED by ending employment Dec 31, but I don't trust them, so pad the dates if you can.
As an example, former COO Tom Montag's + other BofA c-suite execs last day of employment has historically been Dec 31 and they all still got to enjoy their FULL YE Payout.
Good luck to you and hope this helps!
My bonus payout for 2024 was in Feb 2025 so I'd expect it to be the same this year.
The employee stock thing also happens in March