Score Up to $800 with Fidelity Bank's Checking Bonus (Northeastern PA Only)

If you live in Northeastern Pennsylvania and have been looking for a solid bank bonus, Fidelity Bank has a deal that might catch your eye. They're currently offering up to $600 for a new personal checking account and up to $800 for a business checking account. That's a pretty nice chunk of change just for switching banks and meeting a few straightforward requirements. Let's break down what you need to do to get that cash.

How to Snag the Personal Bonus

The personal checking bonus is worth up to $600, but it comes in three parts. First, you'll get $50 just for opening the account online. Then, you can earn $100 by setting up online banking and EZ statements, using your debit card 15 times each month, and having at least $1,500 in direct deposits per month for the first three months. Finally, if you open a savings account at the same time and keep $10,000 in it (money that wasn't already at Fidelity), you'll get an extra $250.

That's a total of $400 from the checking piece and $250 from the savings piece, adding up to $600. The direct deposit requirement is pretty standard, and the debit card transactions are easy to hit if you use your card for everyday purchases like coffee or groceries.

• $50 for opening online
• $100 for debit card use and direct deposit
• $250 for savings account with $10,000 balance

What About the Business Bonus?

For business owners, the deal is a bit different. You can earn up to $800, but it's split into two parts. The first $450 comes from opening a new business checking account, maintaining a $10,000 daily balance for three months, and signing up for online banking with EZ statements. You'll also get $50 for opening online. The remaining $300 is tied to adding Merchant Services, which processes credit card payments for your business.

The Merchant Services bonus is based on how much you process in the first 45 days. If you do $1,000 to $5,000 in sales, you get $100. Between $5,001 and $10,000, it's $200. And if you process over $10,000, you get the full $300. So if you already accept credit cards, this could be a nice extra.

• $450 for business checking with $10,000 balance
• $50 for opening online
• $300 for Merchant Services based on processing volume

Watch Out for Fees and Requirements

Like most bank bonuses, there are a few things to keep in mind. The personal checking account has a $7 monthly fee, but you can avoid it easily. Just keep a $1,500 average daily balance, have $400 in monthly direct deposits, or make 10 debit card transactions. The business account may have different fee structures, so check with a banker.

There's also an early account termination fee if you close the account within 180 days. The exact amount isn't specified, but it's best to keep the account open for at least six months to be safe. Also, remember that the bonus is considered taxable income, so you'll get a 1099-MISC form at tax time.

One more thing: this offer is only for new personal checking customers. If you already have an account with Fidelity Bank, you won't qualify. And you can only get one bonus per calendar year.

• $7 monthly fee waived with $1,500 balance, $400 direct deposit, or 10 debit transactions
• Early closure fee if closed within 180 days
• Bonus is taxable as interest income
• New customers only; one bonus per year

Bottom Line

• Up to $600 personal or $800 business bonus available in Northeastern PA
• Personal bonus requires direct deposit, debit card use, and optional savings account
• Business bonus requires $10,000 balance and optional Merchant Services
• No hard credit pull, but ChexSystems may be checked
• Offer has no set expiration but may change; act soon

Common Questions