BCU Credit Union just dropped their biggest promotion of the year, and they’re calling it “Stack. Save. Score!” The idea? Stack multiple bonuses to maximize your earnings.
Let me break down exactly how this works and whether it’s worth your time.
Banks are giving away cash—are you in? See our exclusive guide to the best bank bonuses nationwide, featuring BMO, Axos Bank & CIT Bank’s top deals!
The Big Picture
Maximum Potential: Up to $1,000 in combined bonuses
Promo Code: STACK (required for everything)
Extended Deadline: Through December 31, 2025
The Strategy: Multiple products = multiple bonuses
Here’s How the Stacking Works
Checking Account Bonus: $150
- Set up $1,000+ in direct deposits within 60 days
- Must be recurring monthly income (salary, pension, Social Security)
- Transfers don’t count—has to be real direct deposit
Cash Rewards Visa Bonus: $200
- Spend $1,000 within first 90 days
- New credit card accounts only
- Excludes returns and adjustments
Student Loan Bonus: $300
- Minimum $10,000 loan amount
- Must fund between 8/1/2025 – 12/31/2025
- One bonus per member
Auto Loan Bonus: $350
- Purchase or refinance from another lender
- Minimum $10,000 loan amount
- Current BCU loans don’t qualify
Trending Checking Account Deal:
The Math That Actually Matters
If you maximize everything:
- Checking: $150
- Credit card: $200
- Student loan: $300
- Auto loan: $350
- Total: $1,000
But here’s what most people get wrong: you don’t need to do all four to make this worthwhile.
The Realistic Scenarios
Scenario 1: Just Banking
- Checking ($150) + Credit card ($200) = $350
- Requirements: $1,000 direct deposit + $1,000 credit card spending
- This is doable for most people
Scenario 2: Car Buyers
- Add auto loan bonus: +$350
- Total potential: $700
- Perfect if you’re already car shopping
Scenario 3: Students/Parents
- Add student loan bonus: +$300
- But remember: you’re taking on debt for a bonus
TRENDING DEAL:
Disclaimers:
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 10/3/2025. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE® Checking is variable and is set at our discretion. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE® Savings is variable and is set at our discretion. Axos ONE® Savings is a tiered variable rate account. Axos ONE® Checking is a non-tiered variable rate account. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce earnings.Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Incentive may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After the accounts are opened, the amount of incentive earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below.The Axos ONE® Checking account will earn a base rate of 0.00% APY. The Axos ONE® Savings account will earn a base rate of up to 1.00% APY.Axos ONE® accounts are eligible to receive a promotional APY for each statement cycle where the promotional criteria are met during the Qualification Period. To receive the promotional APY on both Axos ONE® Checking and Axos ONE® Savings, the Axos ONE® Checking account must meet both of the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 below during the Qualification Period:Option 1Your Axos ONE® Checking account has received monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $1,500 in total.The average daily balance of your Axos ONE® Checking account is at least $1,500.Option 2Your Axos ONE® Checking account has received monthly qualifying deposits of at least $5,000 in total.The average daily balance of your Axos ONE® Checking account is at least $5,000.If both of the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 above are met during the Qualification Period:The Axos ONE® Checking account will earn a promotional rate of 0.51% APY for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.The Axos ONE® Savings account will earn a promotional rate of up to 4.51% APY for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.The Qualification Period begins on the first business day of the month and runs through the 25th of the month. If the 25th of the month is followed by a non-business day, the average daily balance will be calculated including the following non-business day(s). Any qualifying deposits or qualifying direct deposits received after the 25th of the month will count toward the next Qualification Period. The Qualification Period for new accounts will begin on the day the account is approved. New accounts opened on or after the 25th of the month will be eligible to earn the promotional APY starting in the following month.A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability, etc. International paychecks, international government benefits, other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.), or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.Qualifying deposits only include deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers from external accounts, (ii) inbound wire transfers from external accounts, (iii) check deposits. Qualifying deposits do not include: (i) transfers internal to the bank (i.e., transfers between an account holder’s Checking and/or Savings account), (ii) interest payments, (iii) promotional bonuses, (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds.Both accounts must be in an open and active status on the 25th of the month and on the date the interest is paid to receive the promotional APY for that statement cycle. If either account closes during the Qualification Period, neither account will be eligible to earn the promotional APY for that statement cycle. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account. Show Less
What You Need to Know About BCU
Membership Requirements:
- This is a credit union, so you need to qualify
- Serves Illinois and Wisconsin communities
- Check BCU.org/Membership-Eligibility for specifics
- Often includes living/working in certain areas or employer partnerships
The Credit Union Advantage:
- Member-owned (you’re not just a customer)
- Typically better rates and lower fees
- More personalized service
Trending Savings Account Deal:
The Fine Print That Matters
Checking Account Details:
- $150 bonus paid by March 15, 2026
- Must maintain good standing
- Direct deposit must be recurring monthly income
- One-time transfers don’t qualify
Credit Card Details:
- $200 bonus posts within one billing cycle after qualifying
- Must spend $1,000 in first 90 days
- Account must be in good standing
Loan Bonuses:
- Both require minimum $10,000 loan amounts
- Auto bonus paid within 3 business days of funding
- Student bonus paid within 90 business days
- Must mention promo code STACK to loan representative
Trending Savings Account Deal:
Is This Worth It?
The checking + credit card combo is solid: $350 for activities you might do anyway (direct deposit + normal spending).
The loan bonuses are trickier: Don’t take on debt just for a bonus. But if you’re already planning these purchases, the bonuses are nice extras.
What I like:
- Multiple ways to earn
- Extended deadline through year-end
- Credit union benefits beyond the bonuses
What could trip you up:
- Must qualify for credit union membership first
- Need to use promo code STACK for everything
- Loan bonuses require significant borrowing
See the Best Checking & Savings Account Bonuses and Start Earning Free Cash Today
Before You Jump In
Check membership eligibility first. No point getting excited about bonuses if you can’t join.
Don’t borrow money just for bonuses. The loan bonuses are nice if you’re already making these purchases, but never worth taking on unnecessary debt.
Consider the credit card carefully. $1,000 spending in 90 days is manageable, but make sure you can pay it off.
Bottom Line
This is one of the better “stackable” promotions I’ve seen. The checking account bonus alone is competitive, and if you can naturally hit multiple categories, the earnings add up quickly.
But here’s what most people get wrong: they try to force all four bonuses instead of focusing on what makes sense for their situation.
My take: Start with the checking account and credit card if you qualify for membership. Add the loan bonuses only if you’re already planning those purchases.
Action step: Check your membership eligibility at BCU.org before getting too excited about the numbers.
Remember: Credit union membership often comes with ongoing benefits beyond just the initial bonuses. Factor that into your decision.
Always read the complete terms and conditions. Bonuses may be taxable income.
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