Score a $250 Bonus with Gesa Credit Union's Smart Plus Checking

Gesa Credit Union has been around since 1953, and they're currently offering a solid $250 bonus for new members who open a Smart Plus Checking account. If you live in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington, this could be a nice way to pad your savings with minimal ongoing commitment. Let's break down what you need to do to snag that cash.

What You Need to Do for the $250

The requirements are straightforward but you'll need to be organized. First, you must open a Smart Plus Checking account and a membership savings account. Then, within 60 days of opening, you need to: enroll in eStatements, make 15 debit card purchases (ATM withdrawals don't count), and set up at least two recurring direct deposits of $250 or more each from your payroll or a government benefit.

One thing to note: if you've had a Gesa membership in the last two years, you're not eligible. Also, if you choose a Local Heroes, Forevergreen, high school, or college Affinity debit card when you open the account, you can earn an extra $50 on top of the $250. That brings the total to $300 — not bad for a few steps.

• Open Smart Plus Checking + savings account
• Enroll in eStatements
• Make 15 debit card transactions (no ATM)
• Receive 2+ direct deposits of $250+ each
• Complete all within 60 days

Watch Out for These Gotchas

The bonus sounds great, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you close the account within 180 days, you'll be hit with a $20 early termination fee. So plan to keep it open for at least six months. Second, the bonus is paid into your savings account, not checking, and it's subject to IRS reporting — meaning you'll get a 1099-INT for the amount. Also, the fine print mentions a $200 incentive for the checking part and an additional $50 for the affinity card, so read the terms carefully to make sure you qualify for both.

Another thing: Gesa's savings and CD rates aren't particularly competitive, so don't open this account expecting to earn much interest. The real value here is the bonus. And if you're not in the eligible states (ID, OR, WA), you're out of luck — membership is limited to those areas and their immediate family.

Is This Offer Worth Your Time?

If you live in the Pacific Northwest and can easily meet the requirements, this is a no-brainer. The $250 (or $300 with the affinity card) is a quick return for a bit of effort. Just make sure you have a direct deposit source that can hit $250 twice, and that you're willing to use the debit card 15 times in two months. That's about once every four days — totally doable for everyday purchases like coffee or groceries.

Compared to other bank bonuses, this one is middle-of-the-pack in terms of effort versus reward. But with no monthly fees and a soft credit pull, it's low risk. Just don't forget the 180-day account requirement, or that $20 fee will eat into your bonus.

Bottom Line

• Open Smart Plus Checking + savings, enroll in eStatements, make 15 debit transactions, and set up 2 direct deposits of $250+ each within 60 days.
• Bonus is $250, but can be $300 with an affinity debit card. Paid into savings, subject to IRS reporting.
• No monthly fees, soft credit pull, but $20 early closure fee if closed within 180 days.
• Eligible in ID, OR, WA only. Must not have been a member in the last 2 years.

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