Score Up to $800 with First Tech Federal Credit Union's New Checking & Savings Offer

If you're on the hunt for a solid bank bonus, First Tech Federal Credit Union just rolled out an offer that's worth a closer look. As of early June 2025, you can snag up to $800 by opening a new Rewards Checking and Savings account. What I like about this one is that it's not just a one-trick pony—there are three separate ways to earn, so even if you don't max out one path, you can still walk away with something. And the best part? First Tech is open to pretty much anyone nationwide thanks to a simple $8 membership workaround.

Three Paths to the Full $800

First Tech structured this bonus so you can earn in stages. The first chunk comes from setting up a direct deposit into your new Rewards Checking account. If you can funnel between $1,000 and $5,000 per month from your paycheck or a government benefit, you'll get a $50 bonus. But if your direct deposit exceeds $5,000 monthly, that jumps to $300. Just keep in mind you need to maintain that flow for at least three months—one deposit each calendar month.

The second piece is all about moving money over. Transfer funds you haven't held at First Tech before into your Rewards Checking or Savings. Bring $10,000 to $20,000 and earn $150. Anything above $20,000 gets you $300. You have 30 days from enrollment to make the deposit, and then you need to keep the average daily balance at that level for the next 90 days. So it's not a park-and-churn situation—you'll need to commit for a few months.

Finally, there's a debit card spending bonus. Once you activate your new First Tech debit card, you'll earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases, up to $200. That means you'd need to spend $4,000 total within 30 days of enrollment to max it out. Not bad if you have regular expenses like groceries, gas, or subscriptions you can run through the card.

Who Can Join? It's Easier Than You Think

First Tech originally catered to employees of tech giants like Amazon, Intel, Microsoft, and Google, plus their families. But they've opened the doors wider. Anyone can join by becoming a member of the Financial Fitness Association for just $8. And here's a nice touch: First Tech often reimburses that fee automatically, so it's essentially free. No branch near you? No problem—they're a digital-first credit union with nationwide reach.

What to Watch Out For

Before you jump in, a few things to keep on your radar. First, the fine print on direct deposits is strict. They have to come from an employer payroll or a government benefits provider—things like Social Security count, but transfers from other banks, person-to-person payments, or check deposits don't qualify. Also, if you've had direct deposit into any First Tech account in the last 18 months, you're out of luck for that bonus tier.

Second, while the credit union uses a soft pull for membership, there's a chance they'll do a hard inquiry when you open the checking account. That could temporarily ding your credit score, so plan accordingly if you're about to apply for a mortgage or car loan.

Lastly, the bonus money is considered dividends and will be reported on a 1099 form. So factor in the tax hit when you're calculating your net gain.

Bottom Line

• You can earn up to $800 through three separate bonus components: direct deposit, new money deposit, and debit card spending.
• Membership is open nationwide via an $8 Financial Fitness Association fee, often reimbursed by First Tech.
• Direct deposits must be from payroll or government benefits and maintained for at least three months.
• The new money deposit requires keeping a minimum average daily balance for 90 days after the initial 30-day deposit window.
• Be aware of potential hard credit pull and 1099 tax reporting on bonuses.

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