Score $300 with EECU's Real Worth Checking Bonus in Texas

If you live or work in certain Texas counties and you're on the hunt for a quick cash bonus, EECU has a deal worth checking out. This credit union, which has been around since 1934, is currently offering a $300 bonus when you open a Real Worth Checking account and meet a few straightforward requirements. It's not the biggest bonus out there, but the effort-to-reward ratio is pretty solid if you're already planning to switch your direct deposit.

Who Can Join EECU?

EECU isn't open to everyone. You need to live or work in one of these five Texas counties: Tarrant, Johnson, Parker, Palo Pinto, or Hood. If you're outside that area, you're out of luck for this offer. But if you're in the zone, membership is easy to set up.

There's also a $25 opening deposit required to get the account started. That's pretty standard for credit unions and won't break the bank.

How to Snag That $300 Bonus

The process is simple, but you need to follow the steps carefully. Here's what you need to do:

First, open a new Real Worth Checking account. Then, set up direct deposit and make sure at least $1,500 hits your account within the first 90 days. That's it. Once you've done that, EECU will deposit the $300 bonus into your account within 90 days after you meet the requirement.

One thing to watch out for: you can't have had an ownership interest in an EECU checking account that closed within the last 12 months. Also, EECU limits each member to one new account incentive per calendar year, so if you've already grabbed a bonus from them this year, you're probably not eligible.

• Open a Real Worth Checking account.
• Deposit at least $1,500 via direct deposit within 90 days.
• Keep the account open and in good standing until the bonus posts.
• Bonus typically arrives within 90 days after you meet the requirements.

Monthly Fees – Can You Avoid Them?

The good news is that the basic Real Worth Checking account has no monthly service fees at all. If you want interest, there's a $5 monthly fee unless you keep an average daily balance of at least $1,000. The Money Market Checking has a $10 fee unless your minimum daily balance stays above $2,500. So if you go with the standard account, you're fee-free from day one.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Before you jump in, it's worth noting that EECU's savings and CD rates aren't particularly competitive. So if you're looking for a high-yield savings account, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, the bonus amount is taxable – EECU will report it to the IRS, so set aside some of that cash for tax time.

Another thing: the credit check policy isn't clear. Some credit unions do a hard pull, others a soft pull. It's a good idea to call EECU and ask before you apply, especially if you're worried about your credit score.

Lastly, this is a limited-time offer, so don't wait too long. Check the official EECU page for the most current terms and availability.

Bottom Line

• EECU's $300 bonus is a decent deal for Texas residents in the eligible counties, especially if you already have direct deposit set up.
• The basic Real Worth Checking has no monthly fees, making it easy to keep the account open without extra costs.
• Be mindful of the one-per-calendar-year limit and the 12-month waiting period if you've closed an EECU checking account recently.
• The bonus is taxable, so factor that into your planning.

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