Looking for an easy way to earn an extra $250? First Merchants Bank has a fantastic promotion for residents of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
By simply opening a new Advantage Checking account and meeting a few straightforward requirements, you can quickly boost your finances.
Imagine earning $250 just by making regular deposits and transactions—it’s that simple! This offer is a great way to enhance your savings with minimal effort. Ready to maximize your rewards?
Let’s get started and see how you can earn your bonus with First Merchants Bank.
If you’re looking to cash on these type of bank offers that are available nationwide, see our guide to the best bank bonuses here. You can earn hundreds of dollars from Chase and BMO.
See the bottom of this page for more offers.
Key Takeaways
- First Merchants Bank offers a $250 bonus for new Advantage Checking accounts.
- Available to residents of IL, IN, OH, and MI.Requires $500+ direct deposits and 10 debit card transactions monthly for three months.
- Soft pull on credit and up to $1,000 credit card funding allowed.
- Monthly fees range from $5 to $20 but are avoidable with certain actions.
- Account must remain open for six months to avoid forfeiting the bonus.
First Merchants Bank Bonus Offer
- What you’ll get: $250
- Where it’s available: IL, IN, OH, MI
- How to earn it:
- Open a New Account: Visit a First Merchants banking center or apply online using promo code ATM250.
- Set Up Direct Deposits: Complete one direct deposit of $500 or more each month for the first three months.
- Perform Debit Transactions: Make 10 debit card transactions or payments of at least $10 each month for the first three months.
- Avoid Monthly Fees: Waive the monthly fee by making one $500 direct deposit, 15 debit card transactions, maintaining a $1,500 balance, or being 62+ years old.
- Maintain Account Activity: Keep the account open and in good standing for at least six months to retain the bonus.
- When it expires: 2/28/25
Trending Checking Account Deal:
BMO Cash Bonus: Earn an Easy $400 Checking Cash Bonus*
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking or BMO Smart Money Checking account and earn a $400 cash bonus* when you receive at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the...Show More
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking or BMO Smart Money Checking account and earn a $400 cash bonus* when you receive at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days. Enjoy no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Act now before it ends 9/8/25 Show Less
Waive The Monthly Fee
This account has a $15 monthly fee, which can be waived if you:
- Make one direct deposit of at least $500 each month, OR
- Complete 15 debit card transactions per month, OR
- Maintain a minimum combined personal deposit balance of $1,500, OR
- Are 62 years or older
READ MORE: GET TOP OFFERS FROM CHASE, CIT and AXOS.
Compare With Other Bank Bonuses
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- Citi Personal Wealth Management Bonus: Up To $5,000 Cash Offer – Ends 6/30/26 - Enjoy a $5,000 Citi Personal Wealth Management bonus when you open an account today. Start building your wealth with Citibank! Key Takeaways Citi Personal Wealth…
- Huntington Bank $400 Perks Checking Account Bonus – Ends 6/15/26 - Huntington Bank is offering several personal checking bonuses. They doubled their offer for the Perks Checking account from $200 to $400. Update 4/2/26: The offer…
- Huntington Bank $600 Platinum Perks Checking Bonus – Ends 6/15/26 - Huntington Bank is offering several personal checking bonuses. This bonus for the Platinum Perks Checking account is $600 and will soon. Update 4/2/26: The offer…
- Huntington Bank $600 Platinum Perks Checking Bonus – Ends 6/15/26 - Huntington Bank is offering several personal checking bonuses. They doubled their offer for the Platinum Perks Checking account from $300 to $600. Update 4/2/26: The…
- Chase Private Client Bonus: Up To $3,000 Promotion – Ends 7/15/2026 - Secure up to a $3,000 Chase Private Client bonus by opening a new checking account and completing qualifying activities. Click for full promotion details and…
Our Take On the Bank Offer
Earning a $250 bonus with First Merchants Bank is an excellent opportunity for residents of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
More First Merchants Bank Bonuses
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- First Merchants Bank: Easy Steps to Earn a $250 Bonus – Ends 2/28/25 - Looking for an easy way to earn an extra $250? First Merchants Bank has a fantastic promotion for residents of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.…
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READ MORE: SEE THE BEST BANK BONUSES HERE AND THE BEST INVESTING BONUSES HERE.
By John Huynh, with over two decades in finance and investing, including as a Senior Finance & Operations Manager at a renowned research institute and degrees in Economics and International Studies from UC Irvine. Edited by Tony Jay, an experienced finance blogger and Executive Editor with two decades in banking, specializing in online banking and savings strategies. Tony holds a doctorate from Tulane University.
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