BrightStar Credit Union Is Offering a Free Cruise and Cash Bonuses – Here's What You Need to Know

If you live in Florida and you're on the hunt for a solid credit union bonus, BrightStar Credit Union has a few interesting offers right now. The headliner is a 5-day, 4-night cruise if you can park $20,000 in a checking or savings account. But there are also straightforward $100 cash bonuses for opening a personal or business checking account. Let's break down what each requires and what you should watch out for.

The Cruise Offer – A Big Deposit for a Free Vacation

This is the flashiest promotion BrightStar has right now. You get a 5-day, 4-night cruise certificate just for depositing $20,000 or more into a new checking or savings account. The money has to come from outside the credit union, and you need to keep it there for at least 90 days. On top of that, you have to set up a direct deposit of at least $1,000 per month and keep it active for 30 days.

Sounds pretty sweet, but there are some catches. The cruise certificate isn't completely free – you'll be responsible for port charges, taxes, and fees. Plus, you have to register the certificate with a travel agency within 45 days, and that registration costs $24 per person. The certificate is valid for 18 months after registration, so you have some time to plan your trip.

Also, remember that this is a certificate for a cruise, not a cash bonus. If you're not into cruises or you'd rather have the money, this might not be for you. But if you've been thinking about a vacation and you have the cash to park, it could be a nice perk.

• Deposit $20k+ from outside BSCU into a consumer checking or savings account
• Set up direct deposit of $1,000/month for at least 30 days
• Use promo code CRUISE20K when applying online
• Keep the account open for at least 7 months to avoid losing the bonus
• Cruise certificate requires $24/person registration fee and you pay port charges/taxes

The $100 Checking Bonus – Simple and Straightforward

If you don't have $20,000 to park but still want a bonus, the $100 checking offer is much more accessible. You just open a new checking account (you need to be a new member) and then make at least 4 eligible transactions every month for 7 months. Eligible transactions include debit card purchases, checks, direct deposits, online bill payments, and in-branch deposits or withdrawals. Transfers, ATM withdrawals, and automatic debits don't count.

The $100 gets deposited into your primary savings account right away, but you can't touch it for 7 months. After that, there's a 4-6 week review period before the hold is lifted. If your checking account isn't active for any 30-day period during those 7 months, you lose the bonus. There is a 30-day grace period from account opening, so you have a little wiggle room at the start.

One thing to note: you have to be a new member to qualify. So if you already have an account with BrightStar, this offer probably won't work for you. Also, the bonus is taxable – you'll get a 1099-INT or similar form, so plan accordingly.

• Open a new checking account as a new member
• Complete 4 eligible transactions per month for 7 months
• Bonus deposited into savings but locked for 7 months
• Must be a US resident 18+ and live in eligible Florida counties
• Limit one $100 bonus per person

The $100 Business Checking Bonus – For Small Business Owners

BrightStar also has a $100 bonus for business checking accounts. The requirements are very similar to the personal checking offer: open a new business checking account with e-statements, then make at least 4 transactions per month for 7 months. The same 7-month lock period and review process applies.

There are monthly fees on business accounts – $7.95 for Classic Business Checking and $12.95 for Premiere Business Checking – but these can be waived if you maintain a minimum average monthly balance ($1,500 for Classic, $5,000 for Premiere). So if you're running a small business and can keep that balance, the fee is avoidable.

Again, this is for new members only, and you can't combine it with other offers. The bonus is taxable, and you'll need to wait the full 7 months plus 4-6 weeks for the money to become available.

• Open a new business checking account with e-statements
• 4 transactions per month for 7 months
• Monthly fees apply unless minimum balance is maintained
• Bonus locked for 7 months, then 4-6 week review
• Must be a new member and US resident 18+

Bottom Line

• The cruise offer requires a $20k deposit and $1k/month direct deposit – great if you have the cash and want a vacation, but remember you still pay port fees and a $24 registration fee.
• The $100 checking bonus is much easier to qualify for – just 4 transactions per month for 7 months – but the bonus is locked for that entire period.
• All bonuses are taxable and subject to early closure penalties if you close the account within 7 months.
• Membership is limited to residents, workers, or students in specific Florida counties, plus employees of partner organizations.

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