DOC Compass — Offers, decoded

Update 10/6/26: Bonus now $400. Valid through 12/31/2026. Hat tip to reader joe

Update 7/2/26: Bonus now $250.

Update 5/28/26: New $200 bonus is available until 6/30/26. Requires opening a checking account this time and a direct deposit but says “monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months”. Hat tip to reader E

Extended to 01/01/2026

Offer at a glance

Maximum bonus amount: $200
Availability: Nationwide but must be eligible for NFCU membership.
Direct deposit required: Yes, $500+ and recurring for 3 months out of 4
Additional requirements: None
Hard/soft pull: Mixed reports
ChexSystems: Unknown
Credit card funding: Can fund up to $250 with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover)
Monthly fees: None
Early account termination fee: None
Household limit: None
Expiration date: November 30, 2025

The Offer

Direct link to offer

Navy Federal Credit Union is offering a $400 bonus when you become a new member and open a new checking account with promo code CHK26SRC and complete direct deposit requirements.
- You may qualify for direct deposit if you have (1) a recurring ACH from employer, military pay, or certain government agency pay or benefits in your name that is deposited into a Navy Federal deposit account where you are Primary or Secondary Owner; OR (2) mobile deposits, ATM deposits, branch deposits, or payments from the FedNow® Payment network, the Real Time Payment network, or third-party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Navy Federal Credit Union Debit Card, totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Primary Owner; OR (3) monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Primary Owner; OR (4) monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Secondary Owner

The Fine Print

Offer valid 10/1/2026–12/31/2026 and can expire anytime without prior notice.
Must be 18 years of age or older. To qualify for the $400 bonus, complete each of the following items: 1) Join Navy Federal online, in branch, or by phone using promo code CHK26SRC between 10/1/2026 and 12/31/2026, 2) Open a checking account (as primary owner) by 12/31/2026, AND 3) Complete qualifying direct deposit transactions, as defined below, by 4/30/2027.
Offer not valid for existing members or applicants whose Membership Share Savings account was closed within 270 days prior to establishing new membership.
Navy Federal membership is open to members of the Coast Guard, all Department of Defense uniformed personnel, reservists, Active Duty, retired, Veterans, Army and Air National Guard, DoD civilian employees, contractors, and their immediate family
. $5 minimum balance is required to open and maintain Membership Savings Account and to obtain bonus.
If you have not funded your new Membership Savings Account at the time the bonus is credited, we will hold the minimum $5 share required for your membership. Membership Savings Account Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is 0.25%. Checking account APY vary depending on the checking account selected. For example, our Free Easy Checking account earns a 0.05% APY. Or earn a 0.01% APY on a Free EveryDay Checking account. APYs accurate as of 8/14/2026. Fees may reduce earnings, and rates may change. Other restrictions may apply.
Limit one (1) $400 bonus per member
. New member must be the primary account owner of the checking account to qualify.
Checking account must remain open and with a positive balance at the time of bonus crediting.
It may take up to 120 days to confirm your direct deposit establishment. Recipient is solely responsible for any personal tax liability resulting from the acceptance of this bonus. Navy Federal does not provide tax advice.
You may qualify for direct deposit if you have (1) a recurring ACH from employer, military pay, or certain government agency pay or benefits in your name that is deposited into a Navy Federal deposit account where you are Primary or Secondary Owner; OR (2) mobile deposits, ATM deposits, branch deposits, or payments from the FedNow® Payment network, the Real Time Payment network, or third-party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Navy Federal Credit Union Debit Card, totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Primary Owner; OR (3) monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Primary Owner; OR (4) monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Secondary Owner
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

Unsure if there is any EATF.

Our Verdict

Suspect most readers that are eligible are already members, but can always share the deal with loved ones who are eligible that haven’t signed up yet.

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