bankESB Checking Bonus: Up to $300 for a Few Simple Steps

If you're in New England and looking for a straightforward bank bonus, Easthampton Savings Bank (bankESB) has a solid offer right now. Open a new Basic or Get Real Checking account, complete a few easy tasks, and you can walk away with up to $300. The best part? There are no monthly maintenance fees, so you don't have to worry about those eating into your bonus. Let's break down exactly what you need to do.

How to Snag the Full $300

The bonus is split into three parts, and you can earn all of them if you follow the steps. First, you'll need to open either a Basic or Get Real Checking account with at least $10. Then, within the first 60 days, you have two paths to earn the initial $200: set up a direct deposit of at least $25, or sign up for Online Banking and make five debit card purchases. Either way, the $200 hits your account by the end of the statement cycle after that 60-day period.

Next, for an extra $50, you just need to make five bill payments through Online Banking or enroll in eStatements within the same 60-day window. That $50 arrives by the last business day of the following statement cycle. Finally, there's a $50 loyalty bonus that lands after your account has been open for a full year—so don't close it early.

• Open a Basic or Get Real Checking account with $10 minimum.
• Earn $200: Set up direct deposit (at least $25) OR do 5 debit card transactions within 60 days.
• Earn another $50: Make 5 online bill payments OR enroll in eStatements within 60 days.
• Earn $50 loyalty bonus: Keep the account open for 12 months.

What About the Referral Bonus?

bankESB also offers a $50 referral bonus if you get a friend or family member to open a checking account. You'll need to give them a referral card (available at branches or to print), and they must open a new account and either set up direct deposit or use Online Banking with five debit transactions within 60 days. The $50 is credited to your account by the end of the statement cycle after that period. Just keep in mind that the person you refer has to be a new bankESB checking customer, and you need to have an active checking account yourself.

Things to Watch Out For

While this offer is pretty straightforward, there are a few gotchas. First, you must keep the account open for at least 365 days to get the full $300—closing it earlier means you lose the $50 loyalty bonus and may face a $10 early closure fee if you close within six months. Also, the bonus is considered taxable income, so bankESB will likely send you a 1099-INT form. If you're under 18, you can't use Online Bill Pay, so that $50 quick bonus path won't work for you. And remember, this is limited to one bonus per household, so don't try to open multiple accounts.

• Keep account open for 365 days to get the full $300; $10 fee if closed within 6 months.
• Bonuses are taxable (1099-INT may be issued).
• Minors cannot use Online Bill Pay.
• One bonus per customer/household.

Bottom Line

• Earn up to $300 with no monthly fees and a low $10 minimum deposit.
• Complete tasks within 60 days: direct deposit or 5 debit transactions for $200, plus bill pay or eStatements for $50.
• A $50 loyalty bonus comes after 12 months, so plan to keep the account open.
• Referral bonus of $50 available for friends and family.
• Available in CT, MA, RI, NH.

Common Questions