Update 11/6/23: Available again but in branch only now according to ISAACG.
Update 9/13/23: History page says ‘Bethpage acquires NYC-based Montauk Credit Union and its open charter, making membership available to anyone across the country. Now everyone can bank at Bethpage’ so marking this as nationwide now. Hat tip to reader DWhite
Update 9/11/23: Looks to be available in more states than just NY and bonus is also posting.
Offer at a glance
Maximum bonus amount: $200
Availability: NY
Direct deposit required: Yes, $100+
Additional requirements: None
Hard/soft pull: Soft
ChexSystems: Yes, sensitive
Credit card funding: Up to $100
Monthly fees: None
Early account termination fee: None
Household limit: None listed
Expiration date: September 15, 2023
The Offer
Bethpage is offering a bonus of $200 when you open a new free checking account and complete the following requirements:
have a qualifying direct deposit of $100 or more within 90 days of account open date
The Fine Print
To be eligible for the 2023 Free Checking and Student Checking Summer $200 Offer, you must not have an existing Bethpage checking account in which you are the primary account holder on the checking account.
To receive the $200 bonus, you must open a Free Checking account or Student Checking account, which is subject to approval, between June 5, 2023, and September 15, 2023, and have a qualifying direct deposit of $100 or more post to the account within ninety (90) days of account opening date.
A qualifying direct deposit is a recurring electronic deposit of a paycheck, pension, or government benefits (such as Social Security) from an employer, the government, or similar third party.
Bonus will be deposited to the new Free Checking Account within sixty (60) calendar days following the qualifying direct deposit.
New Free Checking Account must remain open and in good standing up to and including the date bonus is deposited to receive the bonus.
Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.
Primary account owner is responsible for any applicable taxes.
You are only eligible for one (1) checking account bonus.
If you open multiple checking accounts, you will only be eligible to receive one (1) checking account bonus.
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
There is no EATF.
Our Verdict
Seems like people are having issues signing up. Previous best bonus was $100. Worth doing if you can get the account opening to work.
Hat tip to Bockrr
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