DOC Compass — Offers, decoded

Deal has ended, view more bank account bonuses by clicking here.

Update 9/23/23: Deal is back.

Update 2/12/22: Bonus increased to $300, requirements slightly different. Hat tip to reader Christian W

Update 7/13/19: Bonus has been increased from $125 to $150.

Offer at a glance

Maximum bonus amount: $150
Availability: Must live, work, worship or attend school in one of the following counties: CA: Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco AZ: Pima. Available in all of CA, AZ if you join Financial Fitness Association
Direct deposit required: Yes, recurring direct deposits of $1,000
Additional requirements: See below
Hard/soft pull: Mixed DP, make sure to opt out of overdraft
ChexSystems: Unknown
Credit card funding: Up to $500
Monthly fees: None
Early account termination fee: Six months bonus forfeit
Household limit: None listed
Expiration date: None listed

The Offer

Direct link to offer

Meriwest Credit Union is offering a bonus of $300 when you open a new smart rewards checking account and complete the following requirements for the first three months:
- At least 10 posted and cleared debit card transactions per month OR at least $500.00 in total posted and cleared debit card transactions per month (PIN or signature-based, not including ATM transactions);
- Establish direct deposit ($1,000 total minimum per month);
- E-Documents enrollment (receive monthly e-statements and account notices electronically).
Account also earns 2% APY on balances up to $15,000 when the above requirements are met

The Fine Print

Promotional offer starts on January 27, 2022 and is subject to expire at any time.
Limit one bonus payment per member.
To qualify for the Bonus, you must be over the age of 18, open a new membership and Smart Rewards Checking Account and meet the requirements for receiving the account benefits in the first three months of opening the account.
Bonus will be deposited into the checking account within 10 business days of criteria being met.
To qualify for stated REWARDS in each current month, members must have met the following criteria in the immediate previous month: 1) At least 10 posted and cleared debit card transactions per month OR at least $500.00 in total posted and cleared debit card transactions per month (PIN or signature-based, not including ATM transactions); 2) Establish direct deposit ($1,000 total minimum per month); 3) E-Documents enrollment (receive monthly e-statements and account notices electronically). Dividends earned will be calculated and ATM Surcharge Rebates will be refunded based on prior month-end data.
All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

The Your Choice checking account has no monthly fees to worry about.

Early Account Termination Fee

If you close your account within 6 months of account opening the $125 bonus will be forfeited.

Our Verdict

Need to know if it’s a hard or soft pull and if you can fund with a credit card. If anybody knows then please share it in the comments below, along with your experiences in opening the account. They also have a reversed savings account that might be worth considering.

Big thanks to reader, Hash K who let us know. Learn how to find bonuses and contribute to the site here.

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