Celebrate America's 250th with a $250 Bonus from First Heritage Federal Credit Union

First Heritage Federal Credit Union is rolling out a patriotic promotion to mark America's 250th anniversary, and it's a solid deal if you live or work in certain parts of New York or Pennsylvania. For a limited time, new members who open an APEX Rewards Checking account can snag a $250 cash bonus. That's a significant bump from the usual $100 offer, so if you've been on the fence, this might be the moment to jump in. Let's break down what you need to do to earn it, who qualifies, and a few things to keep in mind before you apply.

What You Need to Do to Earn the $250

The requirements are pretty straightforward, but you do need to complete all three within a specific window. First, open a new APEX Rewards Checking account during July 2026. Then, before August 31st, you'll need to: set up at least one direct deposit into that account, make at least 12 debit card purchases (ATM withdrawals don't count), and sign up for eStatements (which is free and paperless). That's it—no convoluted hoops or hidden steps.

Once you've met those conditions, the credit union will deposit the $250 bonus directly into your account by the end of August. Just make sure your account remains open until then; if you close it early, you might forfeit the bonus.

Who Can Join First Heritage FCU?

This offer is only available to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in specific counties in New York or Pennsylvania. For New York, that includes Allegany, Chemung, Livingston, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates. In Pennsylvania, the eligible counties are Bradford, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga.

If you're not sure whether you qualify, check your county against that list. Membership eligibility also requires you to meet the credit union's standard field of membership, so if you're in one of those areas, you should be good to go. Remember, even if you don't live there, working or attending school in an eligible county counts.

Watch Out for These Details

A few things to keep an eye on. First, the bonus is considered taxable income, so you'll receive a 1099-INT or similar form at tax time. Plan accordingly. Second, while the account has no monthly maintenance fees, there's no clear mention of an early account termination fee. It's always a good idea to keep the account open for at least a few months after earning the bonus to avoid any potential clawback.

Also, note that this promotion can't be combined with other offers, and employees of the credit union aren't eligible. The bonus is paid on August 31, 2026, so don't expect it sooner. If you're planning to use this as a quick cash grab, make sure you can keep the account active through that date.

Is It Worth the Effort?

For a $250 bonus, the effort is minimal: one direct deposit and 12 debit card swipes over a month or two. If you already have a direct deposit set up from your job or other income, you're halfway there. The debit card purchases can be small ones—think coffee, gas, or groceries. Just avoid using the card for ATM transactions, as those don't count.

Overall, this is a strong offer for anyone in the eligible counties. The lack of monthly fees makes it easy to keep the account open long-term, though you might want to close it after the bonus if you don't need another checking account. Just be sure to read the fine print on the credit union's website for any terms I might have missed.

Bottom Line

• Open an APEX Rewards Checking account in July 2026 to qualify for the $250 bonus.
• Complete all three requirements (direct deposit, 12 debit purchases, eStatements) by August 31, 2026.
• No monthly fees, but the bonus is taxable and may be subject to account closure policies.

Common Questions