TBK Bank's $775 Checking Bonus: Is It Worth the Hustle?

If you live in Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, or Texas, TBK Bank has a checking account promotion that might just be worth your time. The bank recently bumped up its bonus from $270 to a whopping $775 on its AIM Checking account. But here's the thing: you don't just get the cash for opening an account. You have to jump through a few hoops. Let me break it all down so you can decide if this deal is for you.

What You Need to Do to Get the Full $775

The bonus is actually made up of five smaller bonuses. You don't have to do all of them, but if you want the max, here's the checklist.

First up is the Direct Deposit Bonus – $100 when you have at least 3 direct deposits totaling $12,000 or more within the first 120 days. That's a pretty high bar, so make sure you have a steady payroll or similar recurring deposit.

Next, the Auto Transfer Bonus: $50 for setting up 3 recurring automatic transfers from your AIM Checking to a TBK savings or money market account. Easy enough if you already save automatically.

Then there's the Bill Pay Bonus – $25 when you make 9 bill payments through TBK's online bill pay. Just remember: person-to-person transfers like Zelle don't count.

The Point-of-Sale Bonus gives you $25 for making 50 debit card purchases (one-time or recurring). ATM withdrawals don't qualify, so you'll need to use your card at stores or online.

Finally, the TBK at Work Bonus – $75 if you're part of a participating employer and provide a referral code. If your company isn't enrolled, you might miss this one.

• Direct Deposit Bonus: $100 (3 deposits, $12,000+ total)
• Auto Transfer Bonus: $50 (3 recurring transfers)
• Bill Pay Bonus: $25 (9 bill payments)
• Point-of-Sale Bonus: $25 (50 debit card purchases)
• TBK at Work Bonus: $75 (referral code required)

Watch Out for the Monthly Fee

The AIM Checking account has a $24 monthly service charge, but you can waive it. You have three options: keep an average daily balance of at least $5,000, maintain a total relationship balance of $25,000 across all TBK accounts, or have at least $4,000 in direct deposits each month.

If you're already planning to meet the direct deposit requirement for the bonus, the fee waiver should be a no-brainer. Just make sure you don't let your balance dip too low or miss a month of deposits.

Also, there's a $15 early account termination fee if you close the account within 90 days. So plan to keep it open for at least three months after you get the bonus.

Other TBK Bank Offers Worth a Look

If the $775 bonus feels like too much work, TBK has simpler options. The Everyday Checking account offers up to $125 – just $50 for direct deposits of $3,000+, $25 for auto transfers, $25 for bill pay, and $25 for 50 debit card purchases. The monthly fee is only $9, and it's waivable.

For business owners, there are three tiers: $200, $150, or $100 bonuses depending on the account. These involve signing up for merchant services, setting up transfers, originating a loan, or opening a consumer checking account. The $200 bonus requires merchant services sign-up, so it's best if you already process card payments.

All offers are available in the same five states and expire on September 26, 2025, unless extended.

• Everyday Checking: up to $125 bonus
• Business Checking: up to $200 bonus (requires merchant services)
• Business Checking: up to $150 bonus
• Business Checking: up to $100 bonus

Bottom Line

• The $775 bonus is achievable but requires significant direct deposits ($12,000+) and multiple actions within 120 days.
• Monthly fee is easily waivable with $5,000 balance or $4,000 in monthly direct deposits.
• Don't close the account within 90 days or you'll lose $15.
• If you're not in CO, IA, IL, KS, or TX, you're out of luck – these offers are location-specific.

Common Questions