MidFirst Bank's $350 Checking Bonus: A Solid Offer for Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas Residents

If you're in Arizona, Oklahoma, or Texas and looking for a straightforward checking account bonus, MidFirst Bank has a promotion worth a closer look. It's not the flashiest offer out there, but it has some clear advantages, especially if you're wary of credit checks. Let's break down what's available, who qualifies, and the fine print you need to know before applying.

What Makes This Bonus Worth Considering?

First off, the soft credit inquiry is a big plus. Many banks do a hard pull when you open a checking account, which can ding your credit score slightly. MidFirst doesn't, so you can chase this bonus without that worry.

The requirement itself is fairly standard: get $1,000 in direct deposits into the new account within 90 days. That's a reasonable target for most people with a regular paycheck, pension, or government benefits. The bonus amount varies by location—$350 in Arizona and Houston, Texas, and $300 in Oklahoma—but it's a nice chunk of change for a relatively simple task.

The Crucial Fine Print You Can't Miss

Always read the details, but I'll highlight the parts that often trip people up. The official terms are very specific about what counts as a 'qualifying direct deposit.'

• It must be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension, or government benefits (like Social Security).
• Transfers from other banks or peer-to-peer payments (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal) do NOT qualify. This is a common point of confusion.
• You must use the promo code **2026-CK-AO** when opening the account online or in-branch. No code, likely no bonus.
• The account needs to stay open for at least 90 days. If you close it earlier, they'll take the bonus back.
• This offer is limited to one per household and is not for existing MidFirst checking customers.

A Quick Look at Other Promos They're Running

While the personal checking bonus is the headline, MidFirst has a couple of other promotions that might be relevant depending on your situation.

• **Business Checking Bonus:** A $300 offer for opening a new Momentum Business Checking account. The main requirement is maintaining a $7,500 average balance for the first 90 days. This one appears to require opening the account in a branch.
• **iSave Savings for Kids:** A $25 matching bonus designed to teach kids about saving. It requires a child under 17 to make 12 consecutive monthly deposits, and the bank matches 50% of their highest monthly deposit, up to $25 per year.

Practical Advice and Things to Watch Out For

Here's my take on navigating this offer successfully. First, **set a reminder for yourself**. You have 90 days to get that $1,000 in direct deposits. Life gets busy, and you don't want to miss the deadline after going through the signup process.

Second, understand the monthly fees. MidFirst has several checking account types, and most have monthly service charges that can be waived by meeting certain conditions, like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up a direct deposit. When you open the account, make sure you know which one you're getting and how to avoid the fee.

Finally, remember the bonus is considered interest income. You'll receive a 1099-INT form for tax purposes, so you'll need to report it on your tax return. It's not a huge deal, but it's good to be aware so you're not surprised next tax season.

Bottom Line

• A solid, no-hard-pull bonus for residents of AZ, OK, and TX.
• The $1,000 direct deposit requirement is clear but strict—peer-to-peer transfers won't work.
• Don't forget the promo code (2026-CK-AO) and keep the account open for 90+ days.
• Compare the account's ongoing fees and features against your regular banking needs.

Common Questions