Peoples Bank Checking Bonuses: Up to $600 in Your Pocket

Looking for a solid checking bonus? Peoples Bank has two offers that can put some real cash in your wallet. The bigger one is their Premier Checking account, where you can snag up to $600 just by meeting a few monthly requirements. There's also a $150 option if you prefer a simpler account. Both are available if you live in or near Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. Let's break down what you need to know.

The $600 Premier Checking Bonus – What You Need to Do

This isn't a one-and-done bonus. Peoples Bank spreads it out: you'll get a $100 credit each month for the first six statement cycles, totaling $600. But you have to jump through a few hoops every single month.

First, you must be enrolled in eStatements by the end of each cycle. That's easy – just go paperless. Second, you need at least one direct deposit to hit your account each month. Third, you have to make five or more debit card purchases (ATM withdrawals don't count).

The account itself has a $20 monthly maintenance fee, but you can waive that if you keep a combined balance of $25,000 across your Peoples Bank accounts. That includes checking, savings, CDs, money market, and even investment accounts. If you don't have that much, you'll need to factor in the fee.

One thing to watch: the bonus is considered interest, so you'll get a 1099-INT at tax time. Also, you can only get one new checking account bonus per customer, so choose wisely.

• Open a new Premier Checking account with at least $25.
• Enroll in eStatements before the end of each monthly cycle.
• Receive at least one direct deposit per cycle.
• Make 5+ debit card purchases per cycle (no ATM withdrawals).
• Bonus pays $100/month for 6 months = $600 total.

The $150 Checking Bonus – A Simpler Option

If the Premier account's $25,000 balance requirement feels steep, check out the $150 offer. It works the same way – $25 per month for six months – but on a Personal or Interest Plus Checking account. The monthly fee on these is lower ($10), and you can waive it with a $2,500 average balance or by linking $5,000 in savings.

The requirements are similar: eStatements, one direct deposit, and five debit card purchases each month. There's one extra catch, though: your employer needs to be enrolled in Peoples Bank's Workplace Banking program. That's a bit unusual, so make sure your company participates before you apply.

This offer is also limited to one per customer, and the bonus is taxable. Still, $150 for a few months of easy activity is a decent return.

• Open a new Personal or Interest Plus Checking account.
• Enroll in eStatements.
• Have at least one direct deposit per month.
• Make 5+ debit card purchases per month.
• Your employer must be in the Workplace Banking program.
• Bonus pays $25/month for 6 months = $150 total.

Practical Tips to Avoid Fees and Maximize the Bonus

The biggest pitfall here is the monthly maintenance fee. For the Premier account, you need $25,000 in combined balances. If you don't have that, you'll pay $20 every month – that eats into your $600 bonus pretty quickly. For the $150 offer, keep at least $2,500 in the account or $5,000 combined to avoid the $10 fee.

Set up your direct deposit early. It can take a payroll cycle or two to kick in, so don't wait until the last day of the month. Also, use your debit card for small purchases – a coffee, a snack, a gas fill-up – just make sure you hit five transactions. Set a reminder on your phone if you need to.

One more thing: the offer says you must keep the account open during each of the six monthly cycles. If you close it early, you might forfeit future bonus payments. So plan to keep the account for at least six months.

• Waive the Premier fee with $25,000 combined balances.
• Waive the Interest Plus fee with $2,500 average balance or $5,000 combined.
• Set up direct deposit as soon as you open the account.
• Use your debit card for 5 small purchases each month.
• Keep the account open for all 6 months to get the full bonus.

Bottom Line

• Peoples Bank offers up to $600 for Premier Checking or $150 for Personal/Interest Plus Checking.
• Both require eStatements, one direct deposit, and 5 debit purchases per month.
• Monthly fees are avoidable with minimum balances – read the fine print.
• Bonuses are taxable as interest; plan accordingly.
• Limited to one new checking account bonus per customer.

Common Questions