Teachers Federal Credit Union was my first bank account (OK, technically it’s a credit union).
I grew up in Stony Brook on Long Island and my mom worked for the school district, so as wise financially savvy individuals we opted for our local credit union. Teachers Federal Credit Union had a branch near our home and I remember going in to open the account.
It took maybe half an hour and I left with a little green piece of paper that had my name, account number, and the bank’s routing number. I remember thinking that it was odd that I had a “share draft account” and not a “checking account,” but that’s just credit union nomenclature.
Fast forward several decades (👀!) and I get to write about how they have a new checking account promotion – and a pretty sizable one at that.
Teachers Federal Credit Union is NCUA insured (NCUA# 8116) so your money is protected there, as it is in every insured credit union or bank (via FDIC). With that out of the way, here are the details of their promotion:
Editor’s Note: As of September 1st, 2024, Teachers Federal Credit Union is no longer offering this new account bonus. For other bank bonuses, check out our post on the best bank bonuses and promotions or click here to sign up for our email newsletter and get notified of new bank promotions.
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How to get $300 from Teachers Federal Credit Union [EXPIRED]
The terms of the offer are pretty easy:
- Open a new Teachers Federal Credit Union checking account and have direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 within 60 days – get $50 per month for up to 4 months
- Open a new account with a debit card – get $25 per month for up to 4 months
What’s nice about this offer is that you can do one or the other or both – sometimes banks will require you to get the direct deposit offer before you can get the debit spending one. In this case, you can pick if you so choose.
Lastly, you have to enroll in online banking and eStatements.
Promotion code is JOIN2024.
(Offer expiration is not shown)
They have two checking accounts that qualify – Smart Checking and Share Draft Checking.
Smart Checking
The Smart Checking offers a higher APY but you have to meet one of the three following qualifications to get the higher APY:
- Average monthly balance of $5,000 in the Smart Checking account
- $20,000 in combined end of month deposit balances
- Establish direct deposits of $500+ and complete 10 debit card purchases
There is no penalty or fee if you don’t meet these requirements, you just don’t get the higher APY.
Share Draft Checking
Share Draft Checking is their free checking – no fees, no minimum balance, no opening deposit, etc.
What are the Credit Union Qualifications?
If you open this account online, it’s available nationwide.
If you want to do it locally, they only have 32 locations on Long Island in New York. I was surprised to see them offer a bonus in part because in my mind, it’s a small credit union!
But, if you open it online, anyone can qualify.
How Does This Bank Offer Compare?
This offer stacks of pretty favorably and considering it’s a nationwide offer, pretty nice. The $300 for opening an account with a direct deposit of $2,500 in 60 days is competitive. The accounts also has no fees and no minimum, a nice bonus, and if you meet the qualifications for Smart Checking, you even get a competitive APY.
The direct spend offer of $500 in purchases to get an extra $100 is a nice bonus, ups everything to $400 for your hard work.
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!
