Looking for a checking account that combines a substantial bonus with premium banking benefits? First Hawaiian Bank’s Personal Priority Banking is offering new customers a $350 statement credit plus access to their highest-tier banking services—and here’s what makes it compelling: you get genuine premium banking features that provide ongoing value long after the bonus is earned.
Here’s the truth: most “premium” checking accounts either charge excessive fees or require massive balances to access their best features. But First Hawaiian Bank has created two Priority Banking tiers that provide meaningful benefits while rewarding new customers with a substantial welcome bonus.
Want the best bank bonuses nationwide? Check out our top picks here—including huge offers from Chase, BMO, CIT Bank and Axos Bank that you won’t want to miss!
First Hawaiian Bank Priority Banking Bonus Overview
Bonus Amount: $350 statement credit
Direct Deposit Requirement: $500+ within 60 days
Account Options: Priority Banking Gold or Priority Banking Platinum
Offer Expires: April 30, 2026
Minimum Opening Deposit: $20
Service Area: Hawaii, Guam, and CNMI
Trending Checking Account Deal:
How to Earn Your $350 Statement Credit
The process focuses on establishing a real banking relationship:
Step 1: Open Your Priority Banking Account
Choose between Priority Banking Gold or Priority Banking Platinum and open your account by April 30, 2026.
Step 2: Set Up Direct Deposit
Establish a new direct deposit of $500+ within 60 days of account opening.
Step 3: Receive Your Credit
First Hawaiian Bank will apply your $350 statement credit the month after you meet all requirements.
TRENDING DEAL:
Disclaimers:
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 2/2/2026. 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 4.21% 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
Priority Banking Gold Benefits
Monthly Fee: $15 (waivable)
Fee Waiver Options:
- $2,000+ monthly direct deposit
- $6,000+ combined account balance
- Private Banking Program enrollment
Premium Features:
- FHB ATM withdrawal fee rebate
- Up to $4 monthly ATM surcharge fee rebates
- One annual overdraft/NSF fee rebate
- Free checks (selected designs)
- MaxiMizer account fee waiver
- Promotional CD rates
- $15 safe deposit box discount
- $250 off loan administration fees
Priority Banking Platinum Benefits
Monthly Fee: $25 (waivable)
Fee Waiver Options:
- $4,000+ monthly direct deposit
- $35,000+ combined account balance
- Private Banking Program enrollment
Premium Features:
- All FHB ATM withdrawal fees waived
- Up to $8 monthly ATM surcharge fee rebates
- Two annual overdraft/NSF fee rebates
- Free checks (selected designs)
- MaxiMizer account fee waiver
- Preferred promotional CD rates
- $25 safe deposit box discount
- Waived incoming wire transfer fees
- $350 off loan administration fees
- Annual fee waived on Personal Line of Credit or HELOC
Trending Savings Account Deal:
Understanding Direct Deposit Requirements
First Hawaiian Bank is specific about qualifying direct deposits:
What Qualifies:
- Payroll direct deposits
- Pension payments
- Social Security benefits
- Other recurring ACH deposits
What Doesn’t Qualify:
- Peer-to-peer transfers (Venmo, PayPal)
- Tax refunds
- Wire transfers
- One-time transfers
The key is establishing a “new” direct deposit that wasn’t previously set up with First Hawaiian Bank.
Combined Balance Benefits
Both Priority Banking tiers offer fee waivers based on combined balances across “Associated Accounts”:
Associated Accounts Include:
- Your Priority Banking checking account
- Other accounts you own individually
- Accounts where you’re trustee of your own revocable living trust
This allows you to leverage multiple account relationships to meet balance requirements.
Who Should Consider Priority Banking?
Hawaii, Guam, and CNMI Residents
First Hawaiian Bank serves these Pacific markets with deep local knowledge and community connections.
Premium Banking Seekers
Customers who want enhanced services like ATM fee rebates, overdraft protection, and loan discounts.
Relationship Banking Advocates
Those who value comprehensive banking relationships with multiple product discounts and benefits.
Frequent Travelers
The ATM fee rebates provide ongoing value for customers who use ATMs regularly, especially internationally.
Important Requirements and Considerations
Geographic Limitation
Services are available only to residents of Hawaii, Guam, and CNMI—not available to European Union residents.
Account Closure Fee
$75 fee applies if account is closed or converted within 180 days of opening.
New Direct Deposit Definition
Must be a direct deposit amount not previously established with First Hawaiian Bank.
Good Standing Requirement
Account must be open and not overdrawn to receive the statement credit.
Tax Implications
The $350 bonus may be reported as taxable income.
Ongoing Value Beyond the Bonus
ATM Fee Savings
For frequent ATM users, the monthly rebates can provide significant ongoing value, especially for international travel.
Loan Discounts
The $250-$350 loan administration fee discounts provide substantial savings on future mortgage or loan applications.
Overdraft Protection
Annual fee rebates for overdraft/NSF charges provide financial protection for occasional account management mistakes.
CD Rate Enhancements
Promotional and preferred CD rates can boost savings returns for customers who use certificates of deposit.
See the Best Checking & Savings Account Bonuses and Start Earning Free Cash Today
My Take on First Hawaiian Bank Priority Banking
What I find compelling about this offer is how it combines a substantial bonus with genuine ongoing benefits. The $350 statement credit is competitive, and the premium banking features provide real value for customers who can utilize them.
The two-tier structure allows customers to choose based on their banking capacity and needs. The Gold tier is accessible for most working adults, while Platinum provides enhanced benefits for higher-balance customers.
The ATM fee rebates are particularly valuable for Hawaii residents who may travel frequently or need to use non-bank ATMs regularly.
The loan discounts ($250-$350 off administration fees) can provide significant value for customers planning major purchases or refinancing.
The combined balance calculation across associated accounts makes the fee waivers more achievable than single-account requirements.
Is Priority Banking Right for You?
Consider this offer if you:
- Live in Hawaii, Guam, or CNMI
- Can establish $500+ monthly direct deposits
- Want premium banking features and ongoing benefits
- Use ATMs frequently and value fee rebates
- Plan to establish multiple banking relationships with First Hawaiian Bank
Skip it if you:
- Don’t live in First Hawaiian Bank’s service areas
- Can’t meet the direct deposit requirements
- Prefer basic banking without premium features
- Don’t want to commit to higher balance requirements for fee waivers
The Bottom Line
First Hawaiian Bank’s Priority Banking bonus offers excellent value for qualifying customers in their Pacific markets. The $350 statement credit is substantial, and the ongoing premium benefits provide continued value well beyond the initial bonus.
This isn’t just about earning a one-time bonus—it’s about establishing a comprehensive banking relationship with enhanced services and ongoing perks.
Ready to earn your $350 bonus and access premium banking? Contact First Hawaiian Bank to schedule an appointment or visit a branch to open your Priority Banking account before April 30, 2026.
The combination of substantial bonus rewards, premium banking features, and ongoing relationship benefits makes this attractive for customers seeking enhanced banking services in Hawaii, Guam, and CNMI.
Remember: you have until April 30, 2026, to open your account and 60 days after that to establish qualifying direct deposits. The premium benefits and ongoing value make this worth considering for customers who can meet the requirements.
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