$400 Bankers Trust Checking Bonus: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

If you live in Arizona, Iowa, or Nebraska, there's a solid checking account bonus worth $400 up for grabs from Bankers Trust. This regional bank has been around since 1917, and they're currently sweetening the deal for new customers who open either a BreakFree Checking Plus or Direct Checking Plus account. The offer runs through August 30, 2025, so you've got some time—but not forever. Let's break down exactly what you need to do to earn that cash.

Who Can Get This Bonus?

This offer is open to new checking customers in Arizona, Iowa, and Nebraska. You can't already have a Bankers Trust checking account, and if you've closed one in the last six months, you're out of luck. Bank employees aren't eligible either. Also, only one bonus per household—so no doubling up with a spouse.

You'll need to visit a branch in person to open the account with at least $25. That's a bit old-school, but it's not a huge hurdle if there's a location near you.

How to Earn the $400

Once your account is open, you have 60 days to complete two main tasks. First, make 25 debit transactions. These can be ACH transfers, bill payments through Bankers Trust, checks you write, or debit card purchases. But ATM withdrawals don't count—so don't try to game it by pulling cash. Second, you need two ACH direct deposits or mobile deposits of at least $200 each. Note that in-person deposits, ATM deposits, and transfers between your own accounts won't qualify.

After you meet those requirements, the bank will check your eligibility at the 60-day mark. If everything looks good, the $400 bonus lands in your account within 75 days. Just make sure your account stays open and has a positive balance the whole time.

Watch Out for Fees

These checking accounts come with monthly maintenance fees unless you meet waiver conditions. The BreakFree Checking Plus has a $15 monthly fee, but you can dodge it by making 12 or more debit card transactions per month. The Direct Checking Plus costs $10.99 monthly, which is waived if you have $500 or more in direct deposits or mobile deposits each month.

There's also a steep early closure penalty: $400 if you shut down the account within 12 months. So plan to keep it open for at least a year to avoid losing your bonus—and then some.

A Few Extra Tips

If you're already a Bankers Trust customer, you can still get in on the action by referring friends. The referral program pays you and the new account holder $100 each when they open a Secure Lifestyle Checking account. That's a nice little side bonus if you know someone who's interested.

One more thing: Bankers Trust isn't known for stellar savings or CD rates. So if you're parking a lot of cash, you might want to look elsewhere for interest. But for a quick $400 with some planning, this checking bonus is a solid deal.

Bottom Line

• Open a BreakFree Checking Plus or Direct Checking Plus account in person with $25 by August 30, 2025.
• Complete 25 debit transactions and two $200+ deposits within 60 days to earn $400.
• Avoid monthly fees by meeting waiver requirements—12 debit card swipes for BreakFree, $500 in deposits for Direct.
• Keep the account open for at least 12 months to avoid a $400 early closure fee.

Common Questions