Members Choice Credit Union: A $300 Bonus for Texans with a Solid Checking Account

If you're in Texas and looking for a new checking account, there's a local credit union offering a nice cash incentive to switch. Members Choice Credit Union, based in Houston, is promoting its Complete Checking account with a $300 bonus. It's not just about the sign-up money, though. This account comes with some genuinely useful features like no monthly fees, ATM fee rebates, and a decent interest rate if you use it actively. Let's break down whether this offer makes sense for your wallet.

More Than Just a Sign-Up Bonus

The $300 is the headline grabber, but the Complete Checking account itself has some perks worth noting. According to the credit union's details, you can earn up to 4.07% APY on your balance. Now, that's not a simple 'park your money and forget it' rate. To get that top yield, you need to receive eStatements, make at least ten debit card purchases, and have a total of $150 in direct deposits hit the account each month. If you don't hit those targets, the interest rate drops to 0% for that cycle. So, this is really an account designed for regular use.

• No monthly service charges.
• Up to $25 in ATM fees rebated each month if you meet the account qualifications.
• Access to Zelle for quick payments.
• Potential for early direct deposit access.

Who Can Actually Join?

This is a credit union, so membership isn't open to everyone nationwide. You'll need to meet their field of membership requirements. Typically, this includes living, working, or attending school in specific Texas communities around Houston (like Katy or Humble/Kingwood), or being employed by one of their many partner companies. The application process will verify your eligibility. It's a crucial first step—don't assume you qualify just because you have a Texas address.

The Fine Print and Practical Advice

The bonus terms are straightforward, but a few details are easy to miss. First, the bonus will be deposited into your main savings account, not your checking account. You'll need to have that savings account open to receive the money. Second, the clock starts ticking the day you open the account. You have exactly 60 days to get those two direct deposits adding up to $1,000. Person-to-person payments (like Venmo or Cash App transfers into the account) and transfers from other accounts you own won't count. It needs to be legitimate employer or benefits-related direct deposits.

• Plan your direct deposits: Make sure your payroll or benefits provider can send at least $1,000 in two or more deposits within the 60-day window.
• Remember the promo code: You must use 'NEWREWARDS' when applying. If you forget, you likely won't get the bonus.
• Account for taxes: That $300 will count as taxable interest income next year.
• Check your eligibility history: If you've been a member of this credit union at any point in the last two years, you're not eligible for this promotion.

Is This the Right Offer for You?

This is a strong offer if you're in the eligibility area and were already in the market for a new checking account. The $300 is a good chunk of change for a relatively simple task, and the account features are competitive, especially the lack of fees. However, if you're not someone who uses a debit card regularly or can't reliably meet the $150 monthly direct deposit minimum for the high APY, you're mainly in it for the bonus. Also, if you live outside their service area or have been a member recently, you'll need to look elsewhere. For eligible Texans, it's definitely worth a closer look.

Bottom Line

• A $300 bonus is available for new members who open a Complete Checking account and receive $1,000+ in direct deposits within 60 days.
• The account itself offers useful perks like no monthly fees, ATM rebates, and a high APY if used actively.
• Membership is restricted to individuals who live, work, or have other ties to specific Texas communities or partner employers.
• Carefully plan your direct deposits and remember the promo code 'NEWREWARDS' during application to secure the bonus.