Hanmi Bank's $200 Checking Bonus: A Straightforward Way to Earn Some Cash

Looking for a checking account bonus that doesn't require a huge direct deposit? Hanmi Bank has a promotion that might catch your eye, especially if you're in one of the states they serve. It's a points-based offer that translates to real cash, and the requirements are pretty clear-cut. Let's break down whether it's worth your time and how to make sure you actually get the money.

How the Bonus Pieces Fit Together

This isn't a single, all-or-nothing bonus. Instead, you earn points in chunks by completing specific actions, and they all add up to that $200 total. Think of it as a checklist.

First, you get 10,000 points (worth $100) simply for opening the account and keeping a specific amount of money in it for three months. The official terms state you need to keep your account open and maintain a minimum average daily balance of $3,000 during your first three full statement cycles. They calculate that average by adding up every day's closing balance in that period and dividing by the number of days.

• **10,000 Points ($100):** For maintaining the $3,000 balance requirement over three months.
• **5,000 Points ($50):** For enrolling in paperless eStatements within 30 days of opening the account. You'll need online banking set up for this.
• **5,000 Points ($50):** For using your debit card for at least $250 in purchases each month for those same three months. Important note: ATM withdrawals don't count—it has to be point-of-sale transactions.

The Crucial Fine Print You Can't Miss

The mechanics are simple, but a few administrative steps are absolutely mandatory. Skip these, and you get nothing, regardless of your balance.

You must order the debit card that comes with the account, activate it, and then enroll it in the uChoose Rewards program. This enrollment has to happen within 30 calendar days of opening your account. This is the most common trip-up in these types of offers—you have to manually opt into the rewards program. Don't assume it's automatic.

Also, you need to keep the account open for at least six months. If you close it earlier, they can take the bonus back. And this offer is only for brand new checking customers, meaning you haven't had a Hanmi personal checking account in the last 60 days.

Is This Offer a Good Fit For You?

This bonus shines for a specific situation. If you have $3,000 you can park in a checking account for 90 days without needing to touch it, and you're comfortable putting regular monthly spending on a debit card, then it's a straightforward 6.7% annualized return on that parked cash over three months. That's not bad at all.

The lack of a traditional "direct deposit" requirement is a big plus for freelancers, retirees, or anyone whose income doesn't come as a standard payroll deposit. The balance requirement is the main hurdle instead.

However, if you live paycheck-to-paycheck or can't reliably keep that minimum balance, the bonus will be out of reach. Also, if you strongly prefer credit cards for daily spending to earn your own rewards or get better fraud protection, the $250/month debit card requirement might feel like a chore.

Action Plan to Secure Your Bonus

Ready to go for it? Here's a step-by-step plan to ensure you cross the finish line and get paid.

• **1. Open the Account:** Apply online or in a branch before the deadline.
• **2. Fund It & Set a Calendar Alert:** Move at least $3,000 in to start. Set a reminder for 30 days from now.
• **3. The 30-Day To-Do List:** When your debit card arrives, activate it. Then, immediately go to uchooserewards.com and enroll the card in the rewards program. Also, log into online banking and switch your statements to paperless (eStatements).
• **4. Maintain for 90 Days:** Keep your balance above the minimum. Use the debit card for groceries, gas, or other regular purchases to hit the $250/month spend. Track this!
• **5. Wait and Verify:** Points should land in your uChoose account within 30 days after the 3-month period. Log in and redeem them for a $200 cash deposit back to your account.

Bottom Line

• The $3,000 balance requirement is the core challenge; the debit card spend and eStatements are easier add-ons.
• Enrolling in uChoose Rewards within 30 days is non-negotiable and easily forgotten.
• A great option if you dislike direct deposit requirements but have cash to park temporarily.
• Remember to keep the account open for 6+ months to avoid clawback.

Common Questions