Texas Trust Credit Union's $350 Checking Bonus: Worth the Hoops?

If you live in certain parts of Texas, Texas Trust Credit Union is dangling a checking bonus that could put up to $500 in your pocket. But before you jump, know that this deal comes with some strings attached—like a hard credit pull, a hefty direct deposit requirement, and monthly fees that can nibble away at your earnings. Here's the breakdown so you can decide if it's worth your time.

How the Bonus Tiers Stack Up

The bonus isn't a flat rate—it's tiered based on how much you deposit via direct deposit within your first 90 days. Deposit $3,000 to $4,999.99 and you'll snag $100. Bump that to $5,000–$9,999.99 and you're looking at $300. Go big with $10,000 or more and you'll earn the full $500.

But there's a catch: for the $300 tier, you also need to make at least 20 qualifying debit card purchases within that same 90-day window. The terms don't explicitly state whether the $100 and $500 tiers require the same debit card activity, so it's best to check the fine print or ask the credit union directly.

The Fine Print You Can't Ignore

Qualifying direct deposits are strictly defined: they must be electronic deposits of your paycheck or government benefits like Social Security. Person-to-person payments like Zelle or PayPal, cash, checks, and ATM deposits don't count. So if your employer uses a paycard or you rely on transfers from friends, this bonus might not be for you.

Also, the account must stay open for 180 days. Close it early and the credit union can claw back your bonus. And don't forget: the bonus is taxable, reported on a 1099-INT, so set aside a little for Uncle Sam.

Fees That Can Eat Your Bonus

The Bonus Checking account carries a $10 monthly fee, but it's waived for the first two months. After that, you'll need to qualify for discounts to avoid it. The problem? Stacking enough discounts to zero out the fee is tough. You can earn $2 off for active debit card use (10+ non-ATM purchases totaling $100+), $2 for online communication and banking enrollment, $2 if you're 55 or older, $2 if you're a public servant, $1 for active bill pay (3+ bills monthly), $1 for 5+ years of membership, and $1 for direct deposits totaling $500+ per month.

Even if you hit several of these, you might still owe a few bucks each month. Since you need to keep the account open for 180 days, expect to pay around $40–$50 in fees over that period—unless you're a senior or public servant who can stack more discounts.

Is This Bonus Worth It?

For the $300 or $500 tiers, it might be. The extra cash can outweigh the fees and the hassle of meeting the deposit and debit card requirements. But for the $100 tier, it's probably not worth the hard pull and the time investment. You'll need to move a lot of money and jump through hoops for a relatively small reward.

Also, there's no data on what counts as a qualifying direct deposit for this credit union, so you're taking a bit of a gamble. If your payroll provider doesn't trigger the bonus, you could end up with nothing but fees and a ding on your credit report.

Bottom Line

• The bonus is tiered: $100, $300, or $500 based on total direct deposits within 90 days.
• You must live, work, or worship in specific Texas counties to be eligible.
• A hard credit pull is required, and ChexSystems usage is unknown.
• Monthly fees are $10 but waived for two months; after that, discounts are hard to stack.
• The account must stay open for 180 days or the bonus can be forfeited.
• Bonuses are taxable and reported on a 1099-INT.

Common Questions