If you live or work in Indiana or Kentucky and have been thinking about switching credit unions, here's a solid reason to make the move. Centra Credit Union is offering a $600 bonus to new members who open a qualifying checking account and meet a few straightforward requirements. The offer runs through December 31, 2025, so you've got a little over a month to get started.
Who Can Join Centra Credit Union?
Centra Credit Union is based in Columbus, Indiana, and serves a wide swath of the Midwest. If you live, work, worship, or attend school in one of the eligible counties in Indiana or Kentucky, you can become a member. The full list includes dozens of counties across both states—think Bartholomew, Monroe, and Marion in Indiana, plus Jefferson, Oldham, and Shelby in Kentucky. You can check the full eligibility list on their membership page.
How to Claim the $600 Bonus
The process is pretty simple, but you need to follow each step carefully. First, open either a Cashback Checking or High Interest Checking account during the offer window (November 1 to December 31, 2025). Make sure to use promo code GET600 when you apply. Then, sign up for electronic statements—that's a quick checkbox in your online banking settings. Finally, set up direct deposits totaling at least $500 each month for two consecutive months. You have 90 days from account opening to complete these steps. The bonus will be deposited into your Member Loyalty Account around the 5th of the month after you finish the requirements.
- Open a Cashback or High Interest Checking account
- Use promo code GET600 at account opening
- Enroll in eStatements
- Receive $500+ in direct deposits each month for two months
A Few Things to Watch Out For
The High Interest Checking account normally has a $5 monthly fee, but that's waived if you have both direct deposit and eStatements—which you'll already have set up to earn the bonus. So no extra cost there. The Cashback Checking has no monthly fee at all. Also, note that the bonus is taxable: Centra will send you a Form 1099-INT for the $600. And if you're already a Centra member, you're not eligible for this offer. Finally, we don't have confirmed info on whether they do a hard or soft credit pull—if you find out, let the community know.
Is It Worth It?
For a $600 payout, the requirements are pretty light: just two months of $500 direct deposits and a few minutes to open the account and switch to eStatements. That's a solid return for minimal effort. If you're in the eligible area and can easily redirect a portion of your paycheck, this is one of the better checking bonuses available right now. Just don't forget the promo code—it's easy to overlook, but without it, no bonus.
Bottom Line
- Open a Cashback or High Interest Checking by 12/31/25 using promo code GET600.
- Set up eStatements and deposit $500/month for two months to earn $600.
- No monthly fee on Cashback Checking; High Interest Checking fee waived with direct deposit and eStatements.
- Bonus is taxable (1099-INT).
Common Questions
Can I already be a Centra member to get this bonus?
No, this offer is for new members only. If you already have an account with Centra, you won't qualify.
What counts as a direct deposit?
Typically, payroll, government benefits, pension, or other recurring electronic deposits from an employer or agency. Transfers from another bank account usually don't count.
Is there a monthly fee on these accounts?
Cashback Checking has no monthly fee. High Interest Checking has a $5 fee, but it's waived when you have direct deposit and eStatements—both required for the bonus anyway.
When will I receive the $600 bonus?
The bonus is deposited into your Member Loyalty Account around the 5th of the month after you complete the two-month direct deposit requirement.
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