Joining bonus feels like free money until a better offer appears and HR wants it back from your full-and-final. Flex after you understand the clawback.
What to check in the letter
- Service period (6–24 months is common).
- Pro-rata vs full repayment if you leave early.
- Whether tax already paid is your problem on clawback.
- Recovery from F&F, salary, or a demand notice.
How to treat the money
Park it in a liquid fund or savings until the clawback window ends. Spending it on a phone is how “bonus” becomes a personal loan to your employer.