Salal Credit Union $150 Checking Bonus: No Direct Deposit Needed, Just 30 Swipes

If you're in King County, Washington, and don't mind a little debit card action, Salal Credit Union has a sweet deal for you. They're offering $150 just for opening a new checking account and using it a bit. No direct deposit needed, which is a breath of fresh air. Let's break it down so you know exactly what to expect.

What's the Catch? (Spoiler: It's Not Bad)

You might be thinking, '$150 for a checking account? What's the trick?' Well, there's no direct deposit requirement, which is often the biggest hurdle. Instead, you just need to make 30 debit card transactions within the first 90 days. That's about 10 purchases a month—think coffee runs, groceries, or gas. Easy peasy.

You also need to deposit at least $25 to open the account, and you'll need to be enrolled in eStatements. Plus, the account has to stay open and in good standing for at least 90 days. If you close it before that, you'll get hit with a $10 early termination fee. Not a big deal, but worth noting.

One more thing: the bonus will land in your account within four months of opening. So don't panic if it doesn't show up right away.

Who Can Get This Bonus?

The offer is specifically for folks who live in King County, Washington. That's a change from earlier terms that were more open. So if you're not a King County resident, this one's not for you.

You also need to be eligible for Salal Credit Union membership. The good news is there are multiple ways to qualify. You could live or work in Washington state or in one of several Oregon counties (like Multnomah, Clackamas, or Lane). Or you could be related to a current member, work for a Salal Foundation member, or simply join the Salal Foundation yourself—anyone can do that. So eligibility is pretty broad.

Just remember, you can't have had a Salal checking account in the last six months. And this offer is limited to one per household.

Fees and Fine Print to Keep in Mind

The good news: there's no monthly maintenance fee on this account. That's a win.

The not-so-bad news: there's a $10 early closure fee if you shut the account within 90 days. So just set a reminder to keep it open for at least three months.

Also, the bonus is considered taxable income. The IRS will be informed, and you'll need to report it on your taxes. It's not a huge amount, but don't forget about it come tax season.

One more thing: Salal will do a soft pull on your credit, so your credit score won't take a hit. And if you're worried about ChexSystems, that's unclear, but it's not a big deal for most people.

How to Make the Most of This Offer

To hit those 30 debit card transactions without breaking a sweat, consider using your card for everyday small purchases. You could also buy a few small gift cards for places you shop regularly, or split your grocery bill into multiple transactions (just be mindful of any store policies).

Set a calendar reminder to check that the bonus posts after 90 days. If it doesn't show up within four months, give Salal a call—politely, of course.

And if you're new to bank bonuses, remember to read the fine print carefully. You want to make sure you meet all the requirements, like enrolling in eStatements and keeping the account open.

Bottom Line

• No direct deposit required—just 30 debit card purchases in 90 days.
• Bonus is $150, but you must live in King County, WA, and be eligible for membership.
• Keep the account open for at least 90 days to avoid a $10 fee.
• The bonus is taxable, so set aside a little for the IRS.

Common Questions