A 0% HELOC can be like free shipping; they just up the product price to pay for it. Make sure the quote is competitive.

Was there anything in the contract saying the bonus would need to be paid back if you left before X date?

I think they have bonuses on checking and savings right now.

With that kind of bank roll I’d consider treasuries. You can get 5.2% on treasuries maturing 1/31/24 and there’s no state income tax (if that applies to you).

Edit: if you’re willing to do some work. Citi is offering some pretty aggressive bonuses for funding new accounts. If you do the math on the $ bonus and time it takes to earn it, the return is over 6% and guaranteed.

How much money are we talking?

Same situation here. Invest don’t pay off the mortgage. If your worried about losing your job, stick the money in a HYSA or treasuries. Don’t forget that $3-5k in interest you’re paying is lowering the taxable income on the property too.