If you run a business in New England and are looking for a simple way to pad your cash reserves, Country Bank has a deal worth a look. They're offering a $500 bonus for opening a new business checking account, plus a $100 credit toward your next check order. The requirements are refreshingly straightforward—no direct deposit hoops to jump through, just a consistent balance over a few months. Let's break down what you need to know.
What's the Catch? (Spoiler: Not Much)
The main requirement is keeping an average monthly balance of $2,500 or more for three full statement cycles after you open the account. That's it. No direct deposit, no debit card transactions, no hoops. Just park the money and let it sit.
You also need to be a new customer—if your business has had a Country Bank business checking account in the past year, you're out of luck. And the offer is limited to one per EIN, so you can't double-dip with multiple entities under the same tax ID.
The bonus itself lands within 90 days of meeting the balance requirement. On top of the $500, you'll get a $100 credit toward your next check order, which is a nice little extra if you still use paper checks.
- No monthly fees on the Community Business Checking account
- Free eStatements and mobile deposit included
- Cash management tools like Positive Pay and ACH modules are free for the first three months
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Country Bank is a community bank with branches primarily in Massachusetts, so if you're in the other eligible states (NH, ME, RI, CT, VT), you'll likely be banking remotely. That's fine for most things, but check if they require an in-person visit to open the account. The bank's website doesn't explicitly say, so it's worth a quick call or email to confirm.
Also, remember that the bonus is considered taxable income. You'll receive a 1099-INT or similar form at year-end, so set aside some of that $500 for Uncle Sam.
One more thing: the offer doesn't have a hard expiration date, but the bank can pull it at any time. If you're interested, don't wait too long.
How Does This Compare?
For a business checking bonus, $500 is solid—especially when the requirement is just a $2,500 average balance for three months. That's a relatively low bar compared to some offers that demand $10,000 or more. Plus, with no monthly fees, you can keep the account open long after the bonus posts without worrying about erosion.
If you're already doing business in New England and have some cash sitting in a low-interest account, this is a no-brainer. Just move the money over, meet the balance requirement, and collect your $600 total value ($500 bonus + $100 check credit).
Bottom Line
- Maintain $2,500 average monthly balance for 3 months to earn $500 bonus + $100 check credit.
- No monthly fees, no direct deposit required, and no hard expiration date—but offer may end anytime.
- Eligible for businesses in MA, NH, ME, RI, CT, VT that haven't had a Country Bank business account in the last year.
- Bonus is taxable; expect a 1099 form.
Common Questions
Can I open this account online if I live outside Massachusetts?
Country Bank's branches are primarily in Massachusetts, but the offer is available to businesses in all six New England states. You may need to open the account in person or via mail/phone—contact the bank to confirm their process for out-of-state applicants.
What happens if my balance drops below $2,500 in one month?
The requirement is an average monthly balance of $2,500 over three consecutive statement cycles. If your balance dips temporarily but averages out to $2,500 or more for each month, you should still qualify. However, if you fall short, you won't get the bonus.
Is there an early account closure fee?
Country Bank's terms don't explicitly mention an early termination fee, but it's wise to keep the account open for at least six months to a year to avoid any potential issues. The bonus posts within 90 days of meeting requirements, so you're safe to close after that if you want—but check with the bank first.
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