Update 9/28/24: Now requires a Premier Plus checking account. This has no monthly fee. Hat tip to reader snailrock
Offer at a glance
- Maximum bonus amount: $100 for both parties
- Availability: Locations in California & Texas [Branch locator]. In branch only (maybe not)
- Direct deposit required: Yes, $200+
- Additional requirements: See below
- Hard/soft pull: Soft (make sure you opt out of overdraft protection)
- ChexSystems: Unknown
- Credit card funding: Yes, varies by product (at least $500)
- Monthly fees: None
- Early account termination fee: None
- Household limit: None mentioned
- Expiration date: December 31, 2021
The Offer
- Premier America Credit Union is currently offering a $100 checking bonus when you open a new checking account and receive a direct deposit of $200 or more
The Fine Print
- $100 Head Start Savings Bonus is a promotional offer available 09/07/21 – 12/31/21.
- Monthly ACH Direct Deposit (minimum $200) must be added to account in first 45-days from account opening to qualify. Offer subject to change or end without notice.
- A deposit of $5 into a Smart Savings account is required to join Premier America Credit Union.
- For businesses, a deposit of $250 into a Business Savings account is required to join Premier America Credit Union. Federally Insured by NCUA.
- All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them
Avoiding Fees
Monthly Fees
This account has no monthly fees to worry about
Early Account Termination Fee
I wasn’t able to find an early account termination fee in their fee schedule.
Our Verdict
Previously they offered a $100 referral bonus for both parties, but that didn’t require a direct deposit. That was a great offer, but hasn’t been back since 2018. Because of that I think if you’re interested in this offer I think it’s worth doing. We will add this to our list of the best bank account bonuses.
Useful posts regarding bank bonuses: