Snag a $300 Bonus from Harford Bank – But You'll Need to Visit a Branch

If you live in Maryland and don't mind a trip to a physical bank branch, Harford Bank is offering a solid $300 bonus for opening a new Special Elite Checking account. The catch? You can't do this online—you have to apply in person. But if you're already near one of their locations, it could be a quick way to pad your wallet. Let's break down what you need to know.

How to Earn the $300 Bonus

First things first: you need to open a Special Elite Checking account at a Harford Bank branch in Maryland before May 30, 2025. Bring at least $100 to fund the account initially.

Within 60 days of opening, you must set up a qualifying direct deposit of $1,000 or more. This could be from your paycheck, government benefits, or other regular electronic deposits. Make sure it's a true direct deposit—transfers from another bank account usually don't count.

Once you've met the deposit requirement, keep the account open and active for 150 days. After that, the $300 bonus should show up in your account within about 30 days.

• Open a new Special Elite Checking account in-branch by May 30, 2025
• Deposit at least $100 to open the account
• Receive a qualifying direct deposit of $1,000 or more within 60 days
• Keep the account open for 150 days to get the bonus

Watch Out for Fees – They Can Eat Into Your Bonus

Harford Bank charges a $5 monthly service fee on this account unless you have at least one monthly ACH deposit. Since you're already planning a direct deposit, that should cover it. But if your deposit stops, the fee kicks in.

Also, there's a $50 early closure fee if you close the account within the first year. So don't rush to shut it down after the bonus posts—wait at least 12 months to avoid that penalty.

If the account goes dormant for 12 months (no transactions), you'll get hit with a $5 monthly dormant fee. And just closing the account costs $5, so factor that in.

Who Can Get This Offer?

This bonus is for new customers only. You can't have had a Harford Bank checking account in the last 24 months, and you must not have participated in any Harford Bank bonus checking promotion in the past four years. Only the primary account owner is eligible for the bonus.

You also need to live in or near Maryland, since applications are only accepted in-branch. Check their location page to find a branch near you.

Bottom Line

• Earn $300 with a $1,000 direct deposit and 150-day account holding period.
• Must apply in-branch in Maryland—no online option.
• Avoid the $5 monthly fee by keeping a monthly ACH deposit active.
• Don't close the account within a year to avoid a $50 penalty.

Common Questions