1st Advantage Federal Credit Union – $200 – VA, NC

Update 3/21/26: No targeted language again. Hat tip to reader Bockrr

Update 10/29/25: They have added This offer is only available to members who were directly targeted and received this promotion via email or direct mail.

Update 7/16/25: Bonus now $200, might be nationwide via ‘I qualify for membership because I am joining VersAbility Resources’. Hat tip to ShawntheShawn

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $100
• Availability: select counties and cities of VA and two counties of NC
• Direct deposit required: Yes, no minimum
• Additional requirements: See below
• Hard/soft pull: Hard pullo
• ChexSystems: Yes
• Credit card funding: Unknown
• Monthly fees: None
• Early account termination fee: 90 days, $15
• Household limit: None
• Expiration date: None listed

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union is offering a $100 checking bonus when you complete the following requirements within 60 days of account opening :
  • Use promo code CHECKING200
  • Receive a recurring direct deposit
  • Sign up for eStatements
  • Make purchase of $200^ or more using your 1st Advantage Debit Mastercard within the first 60 days of opening

The Fine Print

• One monthly recurring direct deposit required and sign up for e-Statements required within 60 days of account opening.
• The accounts must remain open and in good standing for 90 days.
• If new account is closed within first 90 days, there is a $15 early closing fee.
• Account will be reviewed once during a 60-90 day period to qualify for incentive.
• Incentive will be credited to the checking account 60-90 days after opening.
• This is a limited time offer and 1st Advantage reserves the right to cancel the promotion without notice.
• 1st Advantage colleagues are not eligible.
• Direct Deposit: A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit of your salary, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income deposited to your account by your employer or an outside agency.
• Transfers from one account to another or deposits made at a banking location or ATM do not qualify as a Direct Deposit.
• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

Free “Advantage Checking” has no monthly fees to worry about.

Early Account Termination Fee

If new account is closed within first 90 days, there is a $15 early closing fee

Our Verdict

Not really worth it with the $5 monthly fee that can’t be waived.

Useful posts regarding bank bonuses:

• A Beginners Guide To Bank Account Bonuses
• Bank Account Quick Reference Table (Spreadsheet) (very useful for sorting bonuses by different parameters)
• PSA: Don’t Call The Bank
• Introduction To ChexSystems
• Banks & Credit Unions That Are ChexSystems Inquiry Sensitive
• What Banks & Credit Unions Do/Don’t Pull ChexSystems?
• How To Use Our Direct Deposit Page For Bank Bonuses Page
• Common Bank Bonus Misconceptions + Why You Should Give Them A Go
• How Many Bank Accounts Can I Safely Open Within A Year For Bank Bonus Purposes?
• Affiliate Links & Bank Bonuses – We Won’t Be Using Them
• Complete List Of Ways To Close Bank Accounts At Each Bank
• Banks That Allow/Don’t Allow Out Of State Checking Applications
• Bank Bonus Posting Times