First United Bank $250 Checking Bonus: A Straightforward Deal for Texas and Oklahoma Residents

If you live in Texas or Oklahoma and have been on the lookout for a simple bank bonus, First United Bank is offering a solid deal that doesn't require jumping through too many hoops. You can snag up to $250 just for opening a new checking account and setting up direct deposit. Let's break down what you need to know, including the two account options and the fine print that could trip you up.

Two Accounts, Two Bonus Tiers

First United Bank is giving you a choice between their Basic Checking and Secure Checking accounts. The bonus amount depends on which one you pick. Go with the Secure Checking and you'll get $250 after meeting the requirements. The Basic Checking offers a still-nice $150.

Both accounts require a $100 opening deposit and at least $1,000 in direct deposits within the first 90 days. The direct deposit needs to be from a payroll, pension, or government benefits—no Venmo or PayPal transfers, unfortunately. You can open the account online or in a branch, but you'll need to use the promo code 250M24 (for the $250 bonus) or the corresponding code for the $150 offer.

The bonus is typically deposited within 60 days after you meet the direct deposit requirement. Just make sure your account stays open and in good standing until then.

What's the Catch? Fees and Fine Print

Like most bank bonuses, there are a few things to watch out for. The Secure Checking account has a $7.95 monthly maintenance fee, but it's waived for the first 90 days. After that, you'll need to maintain an average balance of $500 or more, have at least one direct deposit per statement cycle, or keep $10,000 in combined deposits to avoid the fee. The Basic Checking's $4.95 fee can be waived with similar conditions.

There's also an early account termination fee of $10 if you close the account within 60 days. So it's best to keep the account open for at least a couple of months after you get the bonus. Also, note that you can't have been a First United Bank checking customer in the last 180 days, and employees and their family members aren't eligible.

One more thing: the bank says this offer is limited to individuals who receive a direct communication, so you might need to use the promo code or a specific link. The official page mentions it's not intended for the general public, but the link is publicly accessible. Just be aware that the bank reserves the right to deny bonuses from third-party sites.

Is It Worth Your Time?

Absolutely, if you're in Texas or Oklahoma. The requirements are straightforward: a $100 opening deposit and $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days. That's a pretty low bar compared to some bonuses that require $5,000 or more. Plus, you can fund the account with a credit card (up to $500), which is a nice perk if you want to earn some rewards on the deposit.

The $250 bonus for the Secure Checking is especially attractive since it comes with extra features like identity theft protection, credit score tracking, and cell phone protection. Just remember to avoid the monthly fee after the first 90 days by keeping a direct deposit or a $500 average balance.

Overall, this is a straightforward deal that can net you a quick $250 with minimal effort. Just set a reminder to close the account after 60 days if you don't want to keep it long-term, and you'll be good to go.

Bottom Line

• You can earn $250 with Secure Checking or $150 with Basic Checking by depositing $100 and setting up $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days.
• The offer is available to new customers in Texas and Oklahoma only, and you must not have had a First United Bank checking account in the last 180 days.
• Watch out for the monthly maintenance fees after the first 90 days and the $10 early closure fee if you close within 60 days.

Common Questions