Sterling Bank's $100 Checking Bonus: Easy Money for Missouri Residents

If you're in Missouri and looking for a straightforward bank bonus, Sterling Bank has a $100 offer that's worth a look. The requirements are pretty standard: use your debit card a dozen times, sign up for paperless statements, and get at least $500 deposited via ACH or direct deposit. The best part? The account itself is free—no monthly fees to worry about. Let's break down the details so you can decide if it's worth your time.

What You Need to Do to Get the $100

The bonus requirements are simple: within the first 45 days after opening your account, you need to complete three tasks. First, use your debit card at least 12 times. Second, enroll in eStatements. Third, receive $500 or more in ACH or direct deposits.

Once you've done all three, the $100 will be deposited into your account on the next business day after the 46th day. That's a pretty quick turnaround compared to some banks that make you wait months.

• 12 debit card transactions (any amount)
• Enroll in eStatements
• $500+ in ACH/direct deposits

The Account Itself: No Monthly Fees

Sterling Bank's personal checking account comes with no monthly service charge, which is a nice change from many big banks. There's also no minimum balance requirement for the basic checking account, so you won't get hit with fees if your balance dips.

You'll need at least $50 to open the account, but after that, there's no ongoing minimum. The account includes free online banking, bill pay, mobile deposit, and ATM fee refunds—all useful features that make it easy to manage your money without extra costs.

• No monthly service charge
• No minimum balance requirement
• $50 minimum opening deposit
• Free ATM fee refunds

Things to Watch Out For

While the offer looks good, there are a few unknowns. The bank doesn't clearly state whether there's an early account termination fee, so if you plan to close the account soon after getting the bonus, you might want to check the fee schedule first. Also, it's unclear whether they do a hard or soft credit pull, or if they use ChexSystems. These factors can affect your ability to open the account.

Another thing to note: the bonus is taxable. You'll receive a 1099-INT for the $100, so set aside a little for taxes. And while the offer says it's available for a limited time, there's no specific expiration date listed—so don't drag your feet if you're interested.

• Early account termination fee: unknown
• Credit pull: unknown (could be hard or soft)
• ChexSystems usage: unknown
• Bonus is taxable income

Is It Worth It?

For a $100 bonus, the requirements are relatively easy. Any ACH transfer seems to count, so you don't necessarily need a traditional employer direct deposit. That makes it accessible even if you're self-employed or don't have a regular paycheck. The 12 debit card transactions are also easy to hit—just use your card for small purchases like coffee or groceries.

If you're in Missouri and don't mind opening a new account, this is a solid, low-effort bonus. Just be sure to read the fine print and keep an eye on the 45-day window. And if you do go for it, share your experience—it helps others know what to expect.

Bottom Line

• Earn $100 by completing three simple tasks within 45 days.
• No monthly fees and no minimum balance on the basic checking account.
• Any ACH transfer of $500+ likely qualifies, not just employer direct deposits.
• Bonus is taxable and paid out after the 46th day.
• Unknown factors: early termination fee, credit pull, and ChexSystems usage.

Common Questions