GTE Federal Credit Union, which operates as GTE Financial, is a credit union founded in 1935 and currently headquartered in Tampa, Florida. They primarily have branches in the Tampa- St. Petersburg area and insured by NCUA under charter number 196.
As is required by all credit unions, membership is “limited” but there are ways to become a member even if you don't live near one of their locations in Florida.
The easiest way to become eligible to join GTE Financial is by joining the CU Savers Club. CU Savers Club is a non-profit financial education club that costs just $10 to join. When you join CU Savers Club, you are entitled to become a member of GTE Financial.
GTE Financial – $50 Refer a Friend
The only active bonus we're aware of right now is a referral bonus where you need an existing customer to refer you. The requirements are quite simple – get a referral code, open an account, and you both get $50.
There are no other requirements listed.
GTE Financial – $300 [EXPIRED]
GTE Financial has $300 cash bonus offer when you open a new checking account with promo code JOIN300 and must have direct deposit set-up totaling $500 or more per month within the first 60 days of account opening.
As is the case with these types of offers, the direct deposit must be from an employer or government agency. You can't transfer funds from another account.
There is an early account closure fee if $25 if your balance drops below $25 or you close the account within 180 days.
WARNING: This credit union is known to use a hard inquiry on your credit report when you open an account. This can have an adverse affect on your credit score.
Get $300 from GTE Financial
(Offer expiration 9/30/2024)
GTE Financial – $100 No Direct Deposit Offer [EXPIRED]
Previously, GTE Financial had a $100 checking bonus offer that had no direct deposit requirement. For that offer, you just needed to open a new checking account using the promotion code GTE100 and then enroll and login to online banking by the end of the month of your new account.
This offer expired on 9/30/2021 and we're not sure when it will return. We will update this if they bring this no direct deposit offer back.
How Does This Compare?
The offer is good – $300 with a relatively easy direct deposit requirement is solid.
The only downside is that they're known to use a hard inquiry when opening an account. If you are planning on getting a loan anytime soon, you'll want to avoid this as getting a few bucks now and then paying more in interest (from a lower credit score) makes no sense.
As for other banks, here are a few of the offers we like:
U.S. Bank – up to $450
Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 31, 2024. Member FDIC.
Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
BMO Checking – $300
BMO is offering a $300 bonus* when you open a BMO Checking account and have $4,000 in direct deposits within 90 days of opening. It is a very straightforward offer that is available nationwide.
*Conditions apply
Bank of America – $300 Bonus Offer
Bank of America offers a $300 Bonus Offer cash bonus if you open a new account and Set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer. It has a monthly fee that is easy to have waived.
Chase Total Checking® – $300
Chase Bank will give you $300 when you open a Total Checking account and set up and receive direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days. There is a $12 monthly fee that is waivable with a monthly direct deposit of just $500, so no gotchas on this deal!
