Looking for business banking that combines substantial bonuses with competitive rates from a California-focused credit union? Golden 1 Credit Union is offering new business customers a $300 checking bonus plus an introductory 3.50% APY on business savings—and here’s what makes it compelling: you get access to a credit union that’s been serving California businesses for 90 years with personalized service and competitive pricing.
Here’s the truth: most business banking offers either focus on bonuses or competitive rates, but rarely both. Golden 1 Credit Union has created a comprehensive package that rewards new business customers while providing ongoing value through their expanded business services platform.
This offer is available in California. 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!
Golden 1 Business Banking Bonus Overview
Business Checking Bonus: $300 cash bonus
Deposit Requirement: $5,000 by January 31, 2026
Business Savings Rate: 3.50% APY introductory rate for six months
Service Area: California businesses only
Account Opening: Requires appointment with Business Services Advisor
How to Earn Your $300 Business Checking Bonus
The process is straightforward but time-sensitive:
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
Contact Golden 1 to schedule an appointment with a Business Services Advisor (available by phone, virtual, or in-person across California).
Step 2: Open Your Business Checking Account
Complete the account opening process with required business documentation.
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Deposit $5,000 into your new Business Checking Account by January 31, 2026.
Step 4: Receive Your Bonus
Golden 1 will credit your $300 bonus according to the terms and conditions.
Trending Checking Account Deal:
Business Checking Account Features
Low-Cost Structure
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- $8 monthly maintenance fee (waived with $1,000+ balance)
- $20 off first order of business checks
Digital Banking Tools
- Golden 1 Business Mobile app
- Business Online Banking platform
- Easy fund access and management
Professional Support
- Dedicated Business Services Advisors
- Personalized consultation and guidance
- 90 years of California business banking experience
Trending Savings Account Deal:
Business Savings Opportunities
3.50% APY Introductory Rate
Golden 1’s Business Money Market Savings offers a competitive introductory rate for six months, providing excellent earning potential for business cash reserves.
Flexible Access
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Easy access to funds when needed
- Security and flexibility for business savings
Golden 1’s Expanded Business Services
New Digital Platform
- Dedicated online banking for businesses
- ACH debits and credits
- Streamlined wire transfers
- All-digital transaction capabilities
Coming Soon:
- Merchant Services for payment processing
- Business credit cards with cash rewards
- Enhanced point-of-sale systems
Account Options:
- Full business checking (requires EIN)
- Sole proprietor checking (can use SSN)
- Various business savings accounts
Who Should Consider Golden 1 Business Banking?
California Business Owners
Golden 1 serves businesses across California with deep local knowledge and commitment to the state’s business community.
Businesses Seeking Personal Service
The appointment-based approach and dedicated Business Services Advisors provide personalized attention often missing from larger banks.
Growing Companies
The expanded business services platform is designed to scale with growing businesses from sole proprietorships to commercial enterprises.
Credit Union Advocates
Businesses that value member-owned institutions and community-focused banking relationships.
TRENDING DEAL:
Disclaimers:
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 12/5/2025. 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 4.31% 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
Important Requirements and Considerations
Geographic Limitation
Only California businesses are eligible for Golden 1 business services.
Appointment Required
Must schedule an appointment with a Business Services Advisor to open accounts—no online-only applications.
Time-Sensitive Bonus
Must deposit $5,000 by January 31, 2026, to qualify for the $300 bonus.
Documentation Requirements
Business accounts require appropriate business documentation (EIN for full business accounts, SSN acceptable for sole proprietors).
Commercial Real Estate Services
For businesses with real estate needs, Golden 1 offers:
- Investor commercial real estate lending
- Multifamily, retail, industrial, office properties
- Loan terms up to 15 years
- Flexible prepayment options
- California properties only
My Take on Golden 1 Business Banking
What I find compelling about this offer is the combination of immediate bonus value with ongoing competitive rates. The $300 bonus is substantial for a credit union, and the 3.50% APY savings rate provides excellent earning potential for business cash reserves.
The appointment-based approach indicates Golden 1 wants to build genuine business relationships rather than just process applications. This personal touch can be valuable for businesses seeking banking partners rather than just service providers.
The 90-year California focus means deep understanding of the state’s business environment and regulatory landscape.
The expanded business services platform shows Golden 1 is serious about competing for business banking relationships with comprehensive solutions.
The credit union structure means businesses become member-owners rather than just customers, often translating to better long-term value.
Is Golden 1 Business Banking Right for You?
Consider this offer if you:
- Operate a business in California
- Can deposit $5,000 by January 31, 2026
- Value personalized business banking relationships
- Want to work with a California-focused credit union
- Appreciate appointment-based service and consultation
Skip it if you:
- Don’t operate in California
- Can’t meet the deposit requirement by the deadline
- Prefer online-only banking without personal interaction
- Need immediate account opening without appointments
- Already have business banking that fully meets your needs
The Bottom Line
Golden 1 Credit Union’s business banking offer provides excellent value for California businesses seeking personalized service with competitive rates and bonuses. The $300 checking bonus combined with 3.50% APY savings creates a compelling package for new business customers.
This isn’t just about earning a one-time bonus—it’s about establishing a relationship with a California-focused credit union that understands local business needs and provides member-focused service.
Ready to earn your $300 bonus and access competitive business banking? Contact Golden 1 Credit Union to schedule an appointment with a Business Services Advisor before January 31, 2026.
The time-sensitive nature of the bonus (deposit required by January 31, 2026) means you should act quickly if this offer interests you. The combination of bonus rewards, competitive savings rates, and personalized service makes this worth serious consideration for California business owners.
Remember: appointments are available by phone, virtual, or in-person across California, making it convenient to get started regardless of your location within the state.
Discover more from MoneysMyLife
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
