A+ Federal Credit Union's $250 Checking Bonus: A Texas-Sized Offer With a Few Strings

If you live in Texas and don't mind moving a chunk of your paycheck to a new account, A+ Federal Credit Union has a $250 bonus that's worth a look. The requirements are straightforward: open a savings account and a checking account, use the right promo code, and get at least $800 in payroll direct deposits within a set window. But there are a few details you'll want to nail down before you jump in.

How the $250 Actually Lands in Your Account

The bonus is split into two pieces. The first $50 shows up in your Membership Savings account when you open it. The remaining $200 is deposited into that same savings account within about a week after your payroll direct deposits reach $800 or more.

The timing matters here. Your direct deposits need to total at least $800 within 30 consecutive days, and they have to hit your Cash-Back Checking account within 60 days of opening it. So you've got a little over two months to get the deposits flowing, but the 30-day window is the one to watch.

• Open both a Membership Savings and a Cash-Back Checking account.
• Use promo code 2026OFFER250 when you apply.
• Get a debit card for the checking account.
• Receive $800+ in payroll direct deposits within 30 consecutive days.
• Make sure those deposits land within 60 days of account opening.

The Fine Print That Can Trip You Up

First, this is a Texas-only offer. Most people can open the accounts online using a Texas resident address, but if you're outside the state, don't bother.

Second, you can't have had an A+ Federal Credit Union account before. The offer is limited to new members, and it's one per household and one per SSN or ITIN. You'll also need a US SSN or ITIN to qualify.

Third, A+ screens new accounts through ChexSystems. If you've been opening a lot of bank accounts lately, that could be a hurdle. And there's a hard pull mentioned in older data, though it might be a soft pull now—worth keeping in mind if you're sensitive about credit inquiries.

• Texas residents only.
• New members only—no existing or previous members.
• One bonus per household and per SSN/ITIN.
• US SSN or ITIN required.
• ChexSystems screening applies.
• Promo code must be used at account opening.

Fees, Funding, and Early Closure

The good news is there's no monthly fee on the checking account, so you won't bleed money while you wait for the bonus. The savings account requires just $2 to open.

One unknown is the early account termination fee. I couldn't find a fee schedule, so it's unclear whether A+ charges one. But the terms do say that promotional deposits will be deducted if you close the account less than 180 days after opening. In other words, keep the account open for at least six months or you'll lose the bonus.

You can fund the account with a credit card up to $5,000, which is a nice way to hit a credit card spending requirement if you have one. Just be aware that some banks code this as a cash advance, so check with your card issuer first.

• No monthly fees on the checking account.
• $2 minimum to open the savings account.
• Bonus deducted if account closed within 180 days.
• Credit card funding up to $5,000—but watch for cash advance coding.
• Early account termination fee is unknown; ask before you apply.

Is It Worth the Effort?

For $250, the requirements are pretty reasonable. You're not jumping through hoops—just opening two accounts and routing part of your paycheck for a couple of months. If you're already in Texas and comfortable with a hard pull (or soft, if that's what it turns out to be), it's a solid return for minimal work.

The main things to verify before applying are the early account termination fee and whether the credit pull is hard or soft. A quick call to the credit union can clear both up. And remember, the bonus is taxable, so set aside a little for taxes if you're keeping track.

• Low effort for a $250 payout.
• No monthly fees make it easy to hold.
• Confirm the credit pull type and any early closure fee.
• Bonus is taxable income.

Bottom Line

• A+ Federal Credit Union offers $250 for new Texas members who open a savings and checking account and receive $800+ in payroll direct deposits.
• Use promo code 2026OFFER250 at account opening.
• Keep the account open for at least 180 days to avoid losing the bonus.
• No monthly fees, but ChexSystems screening and a possible hard pull apply.
• Offer expires December 31, 2026.

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