Have you ever wondered if switching banks is really worth the hassle? I’ve changed banks several times over the years, and I can tell you that when there’s a substantial bonus involved, the answer is a resounding yes. That’s why UBT’s current $500 checking account bonus caught my attention—it’s one of the most generous offers I’ve seen this year, and the requirements are surprisingly straightforward.
But is UBT (Union Bank & Trust) the right bank for your needs beyond the bonus? After researching their accounts, fees, and customer experiences, I’m ready to break down everything you need to know about this limited-time offer.
Want the best bank bonuses nationwide? Check out our top picks here—including huge offers from BMO and Chase that you won’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways
- Earn a substantial $500 bonus when opening a new UBT checking account and meeting simple requirements
- Choose from multiple checking options including Simply Free, Simply Free Plus, and Simply Free Platinum
- Qualify by having $2,500 in direct deposits and enrolling in paperless statements within 90 days
- No monthly maintenance fees on any of the eligible checking accounts
- Simply Free Plus offers premium interest rates up to 3.45% APY when meeting activity requirements
- Promotion available until September 30, 2025
UBT $500 Checking Bonus: The Details
UBT is currently offering a $500 bonus for new checking customers who open an eligible account and meet a few straightforward requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligible Accounts
You can choose from several checking account options, each with different features:
- Simply Free: Basic checking with no minimum opening deposit and no monthly fees
- Simply Free Plus: Interest-bearing account with premium rates (requires $1,000 opening deposit)
- Simply Free Platinum: Interest-bearing account designed for those 55+ with no minimum opening deposit
- Premium Interest Advantage: Interest-bearing account with additional features (limited to residents of Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties in Nebraska)
All of these accounts qualify for the same $500 bonus, so you can select the one that best fits your banking needs.
Bonus Requirements
To earn the $500 bonus, you’ll need to:
- Open a new eligible UBT checking account by September 30, 2025
- Have at least $2,500 in electronic direct deposits posted to your account within 90 days of opening
- Enroll in paperless statements via online or mobile banking within 90 days of opening
Once you’ve met these requirements, UBT will credit the $500 bonus to your active account within 100 days of account opening. Compared to many bank bonuses that require $5,000+ in direct deposits or complicated debit card transaction requirements, this offer is refreshingly straightforward.
Eligibility Restrictions
As with most bank bonuses, there are some eligibility restrictions to be aware of:
- You cannot be a primary accountholder on an existing UBT personal checking account
- The offer is not valid if you closed a UBT checking account within the last 120 days
- Limited to one bonus per person (you can’t open multiple accounts to earn multiple bonuses)
- Cannot be combined with other promotional offers
Trending Checking Account Deal:
UBT Checking Account Features
Beyond the bonus, it’s important to understand what you’re getting with a UBT checking account. Here’s a breakdown of the key features for each eligible account:
Simply Free Checking
This basic checking account offers:
- No minimum opening deposit required
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No activity fees
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free debit card
This is a solid, no-frills checking account that’s perfect if you want simple, fee-free banking.
Simply Free Plus Checking
This premium account offers:
- Earn up to 3.45% APY on balances up to $100,000 (1.16%-3.45% APY on balances over $100,000) when you meet activity requirements
- $1,000 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free debit card
To earn the premium interest rate, you’ll need to complete these activities each statement cycle:
- Make at least 12 Visa debit card purchases (ATM transactions don’t count)
- Receive at least one direct deposit
- Enroll in and receive paperless statements
- Access online or mobile banking at least once
If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll earn a non-qualifying APY of 0.05%.
Trending Savings Account Deal:
Simply Free Platinum Checking
Designed for customers age 50 and over, this account offers:
- Interest-earning potential (0.14% APY as of April 2025 with $100 minimum daily balance)
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Free checks
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free debit card
This account combines the simplicity of Simply Free with the interest-earning potential of Simply Free Plus, making it an excellent option for eligible customers.
How UBT Compares to Other Banks
To put this offer in perspective, let’s compare UBT’s $500 bonus and account features to some other popular banks:
| Feature | UBT | Chase | Wells Fargo | Bank of America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Top Bonus | $500 | $300 | $325 | $300 |
| Direct Deposit Requirement | $2,500 | $500 | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Monthly Fee (Basic Account) | $0 | $12 (waivable) | $10 (waivable) | $12 (waivable) |
| Interest-Bearing Options | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Top Interest Rate | Up to 3.45% APY | Up to 0.01% APY | Up to 0.01% APY | Up to 0.01% APY |
As you can see, UBT’s $500 bonus is significantly higher than what major national banks are currently offering, and their account features (particularly the high interest rates on Simply Free Plus) are competitive or superior.
Find our curated list of the best checking and savings accounts here.
My Take on the UBT $500 Bonus
After analyzing dozens of bank bonuses each month, I can confidently say that UBT’s $500 offer stands out for several reasons:
- The bonus amount is substantial: $500 is on the higher end of checking account bonuses, which typically range from $100-$300.
- The requirements are reasonable: A $2,500 direct deposit requirement is achievable for many working professionals, and enrolling in paperless statements takes just a few clicks.
- The eligible accounts have no monthly fees: Unlike many bonus-eligible accounts at big banks, UBT’s checking accounts don’t come with monthly maintenance fees that you’ll need to worry about after earning the bonus.
- The Simply Free Plus interest rate is exceptional: If you opt for this account and meet the activity requirements, the up to 3.45% APY is among the highest rates available for a checking account in today’s market.
The main limitation is geographical—UBT has physical branches primarily in Nebraska, with some locations in Kansas and Iowa. However, their online and mobile banking platforms make it possible to bank with them from anywhere, though you’ll miss out on in-person service if you’re outside their branch network.
How to Apply for the UBT $500 Bonus
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this offer, here’s how to apply:
- Online: Visit UBT’s website and click on the checking account offer. You can complete the entire application online in about 10 minutes.
- In-Branch: Visit any UBT branch location to open your account in person. This might be preferable if you have questions or want assistance setting up direct deposit.
When applying, be prepared to provide:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Social Security number
- Contact information
- Employment information
- Initial deposit (required for Simply Free Plus)
After opening your account, make sure to:
- Set up direct deposit with your employer as soon as possible to ensure you meet the $2,500 requirement within 90 days
- Enroll in paperless statements through online or mobile banking
- Track your direct deposits to confirm when you’ve met the requirement
Is the UBT $500 Bonus Right for You?
Based on my analysis, this bonus is particularly well-suited for:
- Working professionals who can easily meet the $2,500 direct deposit requirement
- Rate-conscious savers who would benefit from the high interest rates on Simply Free Plus
- Fee-averse customers looking for truly free checking accounts
- Those aged 50+ who would benefit from the Simply Free Platinum account
- Residents of Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa who can take advantage of UBT’s physical branch network
It might be less ideal for:
- Those who can’t meet the direct deposit requirement within 90 days
- People who strongly prefer in-person banking but live outside UBT’s service area
- Those who recently closed a UBT checking account (within the past 120 days)
The Bottom Line: A Premium Bonus for a Quality Bank
The UBT $500 checking bonus stands out as one of the most attractive bank promotions currently available. The combination of a substantial bonus amount, reasonable requirements, and quality fee-free accounts makes this offer worth serious consideration.
What’s particularly appealing is that UBT isn’t just offering a flashy bonus attached to a mediocre account—their checking options, especially Simply Free Plus with its high interest rate potential, provide ongoing value long after you’ve earned the bonus.
If you’re in the market for a new checking account and can meet the direct deposit requirement, I’d recommend taking advantage of this offer before it expires on September 30, 2025. A $500 bonus for minimal effort is rare in the banking world, and UBT’s solid reputation (with a 4.9-star rated mobile app and positive customer testimonials) suggests you’ll be satisfied with the overall banking experience.
Have you taken advantage of bank account bonuses before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
READ MORE: SEE THE BEST BANK BONUSES HERE AND HOW TO MAXIMIZE BANK ACCOUNT BONUSES HERE.
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