Country Bank is back with a solid $400 checking bonus that’s worth a look if you live in New England. The offer is tied to their Kasasa Cash Back Checking account, which is a bit different from your standard free checking. You’ll need to jump through a few hoops each month, but there’s no monthly maintenance fee to worry about. Let’s break down what it takes to get that cash.
What You Need to Do Each Month
To qualify for the bonus, you can’t just open the account and let it sit. Country Bank requires you to meet three conditions during each of the first four monthly qualification cycles. The good news is that none of them are terribly difficult if you use the account as your primary checking.
First, you need to make at least 12 debit card purchases that post and settle during the cycle. That’s about three per week, which is easy if you use your debit card for everyday stuff like gas, groceries, or coffee. Just keep in mind that transactions can take a day or two to post, so don’t cut it too close to the end of the month.
Second, you need at least one direct deposit or ACH transaction to post and settle. This can be a payroll direct deposit, a transfer from another bank, or even a service like PayPal pushing money in. The bank doesn’t specify a minimum dollar amount for the ACH, but it’s safest to use a real direct deposit from an employer or government benefit.
Third, you must be enrolled in e-statements and agree to receive them instead of paper statements. This is a common requirement for bonus offers, so just make sure you opt in when you open the account.
Where You Can Open the Account
Country Bank has 14 branches in Central and Western Massachusetts, but this offer is specifically tied to their Springfield location. You can either visit the branch at 1500 Tower Square or apply online through an invitation link on their Springfield webpage. If you’re not near Springfield, you might still be able to apply online, but the bank’s fine print says the offer is for the Springfield location.
The bank serves customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont. So if you live in one of those states, you’re eligible. Just keep in mind that if you’re far from a branch, you’ll be managing everything online or by phone.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
The biggest gotcha is the timing. You have to meet the requirements for four consecutive months. If you miss a month — say you only make 11 debit purchases one cycle — you won’t qualify for the bonus, and there’s no mention of a grace period. So set a reminder to check your progress each month.
Also, the bonus is considered taxable income. Country Bank will likely issue a 1099-INT or 1099-MISC for the $400, so plan to report it on your taxes. That’s standard for bank bonuses, but it’s worth keeping in mind so you’re not surprised come tax season.
One more thing: the offer can be discontinued at any time. So if you’re interested, don’t wait too long. The offer started on March 16, 2026, and there’s no listed end date, but bank bonuses often disappear without much warning.
Bottom Line
- Open a Kasasa Cash Back Checking account and meet the monthly requirements for 4 months to earn $400.
- No monthly fees, no early termination fee, and no minimum balance requirement to avoid fees.
- You must make 12 debit purchases, 1 direct deposit/ACH, and enroll in e-statements each month.
- Bonus pays out within 60 days after you complete all four qualification cycles.
- Offer is limited to one per person and you can’t have had a Country Bank checking account in the last year.
Common Questions
Can I apply online if I don’t live near Springfield?
The offer says you can apply online via invitation to the Springfield webpage, but it’s not clear if there’s a geographic restriction. If you’re in one of the eligible states (MA, NH, ME, RI, CT, VT), it’s worth trying the online application. If that doesn’t work, you may need to visit the Springfield branch.
What counts as a direct deposit for this offer?
Country Bank says at least one direct deposit or ACH transaction must post and settle each month. Payroll direct deposits, government benefits, and transfers from other banks (like an ACH push from an external account) should all work. But check with the bank if you’re unsure about a specific type.
Is there a minimum balance requirement?
The Kasasa Cash Back Checking account doesn’t have a monthly maintenance fee, and the bonus terms don’t mention a minimum balance. However, you need to keep the account open and in good standing to receive the bonus.
How long do I have to complete the requirements?
You have to meet the conditions for four consecutive monthly qualification cycles starting from account opening. There’s no stated deadline beyond that, but the bonus pays out within 60 days after you finish. The offer itself could be discontinued at any time, so don’t delay.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Leave a Comment