Score a $300 Checking Bonus from Firstmark Credit Union – No End Date in Sight

If you live in Texas and are looking to pad your wallet with a little extra cash, Firstmark Credit Union has a checking account bonus that’s worth a closer look. They’re offering up to $300 for opening a new personal checking account, and here’s the kicker – there’s no official expiration date on this deal. That’s right, you can take your time, but don’t wait forever because promotions can end without notice.

How the Bonus Breaks Down

This isn’t a one-and-done bonus. Firstmark splits it into two parts, which actually makes it easier to qualify without a huge upfront deposit. Here’s the step-by-step:

First, open any of these checking accounts: Free, Power of the Dollar, Power of the Dollar Plus, or Power of the Dollar MAX. Then, within the first 30 days, make an ACH or direct deposit of at least $10. That triggers a $50 bonus, which lands in your account by the end of the day.

Next, between day 31 and day 90, you need to make two or more ACH or direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more. Once you hit that, you’ll get an additional $250 deposited by the close of day 91. So total potential: $300.

What Counts as a Qualifying Deposit?

Firstmark defines a qualifying direct deposit as an ACH electronic deposit. That includes payroll, pension, Social Security, person-to-person payments (like Venmo or PayPal transfers), or other ACH credits. But watch out – mobile check deposits, branch deposits, and ATM deposits do not count. So plan accordingly.

Things to Watch Out For

There are a few gotchas you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you must keep the account open for the entire 90-day qualification period. If you close it early, you forfeit the bonus. Also, if you close within six months, there’s a $10 early termination fee.

Second, the bonus is taxable. The IRS treats it as interest income, so you’ll get a 1099-INT at tax time. Plan for that.

Finally, membership eligibility is limited to certain Texas counties and groups. Make sure you qualify before applying. You can check the full list on their site.

Why Firstmark Credit Union?

Firstmark has been around since 1932 and has 17 branches in Texas. They’re a not-for-profit credit union, which often means better rates and lower fees. Their free checking has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and you get a free box of checks. Plus, they offer early direct deposit, overdraft protection, and a debit card rewards program where you earn points for every $10 spent.

If you’re in their service area and want a straightforward way to earn $300 without jumping through hoops, this is a solid option.

Bottom Line

• Earn $50 with a $10 deposit in the first 30 days, then $250 more with $2,000 in deposits between days 31-90.
• No monthly fee on the Free Checking account; other tiers may have small fees but offer higher APY.
• Keep the account open for at least 6 months to avoid a $10 early closure fee.
• Bonus is taxable as interest income.

Common Questions