First Tech Credit Union was founded in 1952 by folks at Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix and now has over 650,000 members serviced by 33 branches, mostly in the northwest United States. As a federal credit union, they are regulated by the NCUA.
They offer a whole suite of banking services but today I’d like to share with you their $300 checking bonus offer.
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How to Join First Tech Credit Union
As a credit union, they are required to restrict membership to eligible parties. Fortunately, you can qualify in a variety of ways:
- Work for one of our 900+ partner companies—like Amazon, Microsoft, Intel and more
- Family or household member is already a First Tech member
- Work for the State of Oregon
- Live or work in Lane County, Oregon
- Belong to the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association
The last two bullets are notable because anyone can join those two organizations. The Financial Fitness Association annual membership fee is just $8. (the Computer History Museum is $15/year)
First Tech Rewards Checking Bonus – $300 [EXPIRED]
First Tech FCU has a promotion where you can get $300 when you:
- Open a First Tech Rewards Checking account
- Set up a new qualifying direct deposit of $1,000+ per month for a minimum of three months
- Collect $300
The account also offers a 3.50% APY on your first $15,000 saved if you a few conditions (biggest of which is 20 transactions with a minimum monthly spend of $500), but the bonus is for setting up a direct deposit.
This account has no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
(Offer expired 8/31/2024)
First Tech Rewards Savings Bonus – up to $3,000
First Tech FCU also has a bonus on their First Tech Premier Rewards Savings® account when you make a sizable deposit of new money within 45 days.
To qualify for the Premier Rewards Program, you must have a minimum combined deposit balance of $250,000 across one or more First Tech share accounts of which you are the primary account owner. Or, a minimum aggregate balance of $500,000 via Addison Avenue Investment Services accounts of which you are the owner.
The bonus for the savings account is based on how much you deposit:
| Deposit Amount | Bonus |
|---|---|
| $150,000 – $349,999 | $1,000 |
| $350,000 – $749,999 | $2,000 |
| $750,000+ | $3,000 |
(Offer expires 1/31/2025)
How Does This Offer Compare?
It’s a fairly typical offer when you put it up against other credit union bonuses. Service Credit Union will give you $500 if you get a direct deposit of $1,500 or more, which is slightly more than this one but you get $500 instead of $300.
When you compare it against commercial bank offers, it stacks up well because the direct deposit is so accessible. Many of the higher bonuses require you to have much larger direct deposits.
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!
Just got it! Excellent and easy!