National Bank of Arizona's $1,200 Bonus: A Deep Dive for Arizona Residents

If you're in Arizona and looking to give your finances a nice little boost, the National Bank of Arizona has a pretty compelling offer on the table right now. It's a multi-part bonus that can add up to a cool $1,200, but it's tied to their premium Gold Checking account and requires some specific actions. Let's break down exactly what's involved, who it's for, and what you need to watch out for before you jump in.

How the Bonus Pieces Fit Together

This isn't a single, simple bonus. Think of it as a stackable rewards program for expanding your relationship with the bank. It all starts with opening a new Gold Checking account. From there, you have three separate paths to earn cash, and you can combine them for the full $1,200.

First, there's the straightforward checking bonus: get $350 for routing enough of your paycheck or other eligible income into the new account. Second, you can open a linked Money Market account and park a significant amount of cash there for another $350. Third, and this is the big one, you can open an investment account through their Zions Wealth arm. The bonus here scales with how much you invest, maxing out at $500.

The Fine Print You Absolutely Must Read

The devil, as they say, is in the details. This offer has several important conditions that could trip you up.

Eligibility is strict: you cannot have had any deposit account with National Bank of Arizona in the last 12 months. This offer is for new Gold Account customers only. Also, the bank will check your ChexSystems report, and they are known to be quite strict, so any recent banking missteps could lead to a denial.

Timing is everything. Your Gold Checking account must stay open for at least 90 days and still be active when the bonus is paid. The direct deposit and money market balance requirements must be met within the first 90 days of opening. For the investment bonus, they check your average balance over a specific 90-day 'lookback period' that starts after your account has been open for 120 days. Payment timelines vary but expect to wait up to two months after meeting requirements for the checking and money market bonuses.

• The offer is online-only. If you navigate away from the promo page to the main bank website or visit a branch, you might lose access to this specific promotion.
• Bonuses are considered taxable income. The bank will send you a 1099-INT or similar form, and you are responsible for reporting it on your taxes.
• You cannot combine this with any other checking account promotion from the bank.

Is This Offer Right For You?

This promotion is a serious play for customers with substantial assets or income. The $350 checking bonus for $7,500 in direct deposits is a decent rate, but the real value is for those who can leverage the money market and investment components.

If you already have $25,000 sitting in a savings account elsewhere earning a mediocre rate, moving it to qualify for the $350 money market bonus might make sense, but you need to compare the interest rate you'd be giving up. The investment bonus is the trickiest. It requires moving a significant portfolio ($50k minimum) to their brokerage. You must be comfortable with their investment platform and fees, as the bonus shouldn't be the sole reason for moving a life's savings.

• Good fit: An Arizona resident with a strong direct deposit, existing cash savings to move, and/or a brokerage portfolio they were already considering transferring.
• Not a good fit: Someone who just wants a simple checking bonus, lives outside Arizona, has a spotty banking history, or isn't prepared to meet the minimum balance requirements to avoid the $18 monthly fee.

Steps to Take and Pitfalls to Avoid

If you decide to go for it, be methodical. Start by using the bank's branch locator to ensure you have convenient access if needed, though the account opening is online.

When setting up direct deposit, confirm with your employer or benefits provider that their payment method qualifies. The bank specifies that regular ACH credits (payroll, pension, Social Security) count, but instant payment apps like Zelle or Venmo do not.

For the investment bonus, read all the Zions Wealth documentation carefully. Understand that these products are not FDIC-insured and involve market risk. The 'new money' requirement is strict—you generally can't just transfer an existing Zions Wealth account over and get the bonus.

• Print or save a copy of the official offer terms the moment you start the application. This is your proof if there's any dispute later.
• Mark your calendar! Note the 90-day deadlines for the direct deposit and money market requirements.
• Plan for the monthly fee. Either ensure you can maintain the $2,500 daily balance in checking or the $25,000 combined balance, or factor the $18 charge into your cost-benefit analysis.

Bottom Line

• The $1,200 headline is a maximum for completing all three bonus actions; most people will qualify for a portion of it.
• This is a relationship-building offer best suited for Arizona residents who can bring multiple banking products to National Bank of Arizona.
• Carefully review the investment account terms and risks before pursuing the $500 bonus component.

Common Questions