Update 2/18/24: Deal is back and valid until 3/31/2024
Update 11/1/23: Bonus extended to 31-Dec-2023.
Update 9/11/23: Extended until 10/31/2023.
Update 7/4/23: Extended until 8/31/2023.
Update 4/8/23: Extended until 6/30/2023. Hat tip to Woody
Update 11/20/21: Deal is back and valid until 12/31/21. Now Limit of one consumer checking-related bonus per household every 2 calendar years. Hat tip to reader BS
Offer at a glance
Maximum bonus amount:
Availability: LA, MS, FL, AL, & TX only. Can apply online now In branch only [Branch locator]
Direct deposit required: Yes, $300+
Additional requirements: None
Hard/soft pull: Soft
ChexSystems: No
Credit card funding: None
Monthly fees: $12, avoidable
Early account termination fee: $20, 180 days (bonus forfeit)
Household limit: Limit of one consumer checking-related bonus per household every 2 calendar years. (this is enforced),
Expiration date: December 31, 2020 6/30/2023
The Offer
Hancock Whitney Bank is offering a bonus of $300 when you open a Connect Checking account and complete the following requirements:
Receive a qualifying monthly direct deposit of at least $300 by 5/31/2024
The Fine Print
Use the promo code referenced above when opening a new Connect Checking account with money not currently on deposit at Hancock Whitney Bank by the offer expiration date of 12/31/2020.
The promo code is required at account opening. The following criteria must be met by 2/28/2021: set up and receive a qualifying monthly direct deposit of at least $250 per deposit.
A qualifying direct deposit includes a salary, pension, social security or other recurring, monthly income amount of $250 or more, electronically deposited by your employer or outside agency.
Transfers from one account to another or deposits made at a financial center or ATM do not qualify. Limit of one consumer checking-related bonus per household every 2 calendar years.
The Bank may change or discontinue the offer at any time and without notice.
This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with other offers.
The email given at account opening must match the email address submitted to get the offer promo code.
If your account meets the criteria, and remains open and active, we will deposit the earned bonus into your new Connect Checking account within 6 weeks after the qualification period of 2/28/2021.
Bonuses may be considered interest and may be reported on IRS form 1099.
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 a $12 monthly fee. This is waived if you do any of the following:
primary account holder under 18 or age 64 and over or
make one or more client-initiated debit or credit transactions per statement cycle to waive the service charge.
Early Account Termination Fee
$20 fee is charged for each account if the account is closed within 180 days. Looks like you might also forfeit the bonus.
Our Verdict
Hancock also offers a $500 bonus, but that is more difficult to keep fee free. There was also a $300 bonus in the past that was easier to keep fee free, but I don’t think that account is still available and to be honest this connect checking account isn’t that difficult to keep fee free either. This is probably an easier option for most people and as such we will add this to our list of the best bank account bonuses.
Hat tip to reader Natanael
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