Update 7/1/24: Bonus now $300
Update 6/29/24: Deal is back and valid until 7/31/24. Hat tip to reader Bockrr
Update 9/7/22: Deal is back and valid until 10/31/22.
Update 4/3/22: Deal is back and valid until 5/31/22.
Bonus is now FL only
Update 11/1/21: Deal is back, no end date listed this time. Hat tip to reader Gadget.
Offer at a glance
Maximum bonus amount: $200
Availability: All locations are in FL, but anybody can become a member by joining CU Savers Club, which is free
Direct deposit required: Yes, $500 or more
Additional requirements: Use promo code
Hard/soft pull: Hard pull
ChexSystems: Yes
Credit card funding: Up to $500
Monthly fees: $4.95, avoidable
Early account termination fee: Closed Account Within 180 Days: $25 fee (or balance if <$25)
Household limit: None listed
Expiration date: October 31, 2021 None
The Offer
GTE Financial Credit Union is offering a bonus of $200 when you open a new checking account and complete the following requirements:
Use promo code JOIN300
Receive a direct deposit of $500 or more
The Fine Print
Offer valid for new GTE Members only.
To qualify, new members must open a Go Premium with GTE Secure, Go Full Access, or Go Further checking account.
In addition, new members must have direct deposit set-up totaling $500 or more per month within the first 60 days of account opening.
Direct deposit must come from an external source, such as an employer or government agency, direct deposits from another GTE Financial account do not meet the qualifications of this incentive offer.
New members must also use promotional code JOIN200 at the time of application. GTE Financial reserves the right to end this promotion at any time.
This offer cannot be combined with other incentive offers from GTE Financial.
Account incentive will be deposited into member’s account within 10 business days from meeting all qualifications for promotion. Federally Insured by NCUA.
All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them
Avoiding Fees
Monthly Fees
Go full access has a $4.95 fee that can be waived by enrolling in eStatements AND making $500 in aggregate deposits per month OR making a combination of 15 monthly debit and/or credit card transactions.
Early Account Termination Fee
Closed Account Within 180 Days: $25 fee (or balance if <$25)
Our Verdict
GTE Financial has offered a $100 checking bonus with no direct deposit required and a $200 checking bonus, but the previous $200 bonus had a monthly fee that couldn’t be avoided. I suspect we might see this bonus pulled before the end date so if you’re interested then sign up sooner rather than later. Some people might prefer the $100 bonus as no direct deposit is required. We will add this to our best checking bonuses.
Hat tip to IS250
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