Town & Country Credit Union's $300 Checking Bonus: A Straightforward Deal Worth a Look

Hey folks, let's talk about a checking account bonus that's caught my eye recently. It's from Town & Country Credit Union, and it's one of those refreshingly simple offers: a flat $300 for opening an account and meeting a few basic requirements. No complex tiered structures, just a nice chunk of change for your effort. If you're in the market for a new checking account and live in the right area, this could be a nice little win. Let's break it down.

What You Need to Do to Grab That $300

The path to the bonus is pretty clear-cut, which I always appreciate. First, you'll need to open a Star Rewards Checking account. Make sure you use the promo code '300' when you apply. You have to do this by the deadline at the end of November 2025.

Once the account is open, the clock starts ticking. You have 60 days to complete three tasks.

• Get at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits. This is the main hurdle, so plan your payroll or other eligible transfers accordingly.
• Opt for electronic statements (eStatements). This is usually just a box you check during setup and saves them paper, so it's an easy win.
• Use your new debit card for 12 separate purchases. They don't specify a minimum amount, so small transactions should count.

The Fine Print You Shouldn't Skip

As with any financial offer, the devil's in the details. Here are the crucial bits to keep in mind before you jump in.

This offer is for new customers only. If you already have a checking account with them, you're not eligible. It's also one bonus per person (tied to your SSN), and you can't combine it with other promotions.

A very important note: the $300 will be considered taxable income. The credit union will likely send you a 1099 form, so remember to account for it when you file your taxes. It's still free money, but the IRS will want its share.

Finally, your account needs to be 'in good standing' when they pay out the bonus. This generally means no overdrafts or negative balances that haven't been resolved.

Is This Account Worth Keeping Open?

A bonus is great, but you don't want to be stuck with a dud account just for a quick payout. The good news here is that the Star Rewards Checking account seems pretty decent on its own.

There's no monthly maintenance fee to worry about waiving. That's a huge plus and makes it a viable option for the long haul if you like the credit union's services. Credit unions often have lower fees and better customer service than big banks, which is a nice potential perk.

Just be aware that this is a regional institution. Their physical branches and ATMs are in North Dakota. If you don't live there or travel there often, you'll be relying heavily on their online and mobile banking, plus possibly a shared branch network. Make sure their digital tools meet your needs.

Practical Tips and Things to Watch Out For

Based on the offer details, here's my advice for navigating this smoothly.

• Confirm your eligibility first. This offer appears targeted to North Dakota. Use the credit union's website or call them to double-check you can open an account based on your location.
• Plan your direct deposit. The $1,000 requirement isn't huge, but you need to hit it within 60 days. If your paycheck is bi-weekly, that's only about 4-5 pay cycles, so plan accordingly. Confirm with the credit union what they count as a 'qualifying' direct deposit.
• Set reminders for the 12 debit transactions. It's easy to forget. Maybe use it for a few small, recurring subscriptions or coffee runs to knock it out quickly.
• Mark your calendar for 60 days after opening. Check your account then to ensure you've met all requirements and to follow up if the bonus doesn't post promptly. Bonuses can sometimes take a statement cycle or two to appear after you qualify.
• Consider the credit check. The source material was unclear on whether they use ChexSystems or do a hard credit pull. It's always wise to be prepared for a possible inquiry on your credit report when applying for any new bank account.

Bottom Line

• A solid $300 bonus with clear, achievable requirements: $1,000 in direct deposits, eStatements, and 12 debit card buys within 60 days.
• The associated checking account has no monthly fee, making it a potentially good long-term option, not just a bonus churn.
• Crucially, this is likely a regional offer for North Dakota residents, so verify your eligibility before applying.
• Remember, the bonus is taxable income, so you'll report it on your taxes next year.

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