Want to earn $250 just for opening a new checking account?
Here’s the truth: most bank bonuses either require massive deposits or make you wait months to see your money. But Westmark Credit Union is doing something different with their checking account promotion.
The catch? They split the payment into two parts – and the second half has some requirements you need to know about.
Let me break down exactly how this works and whether it’s actually worth your time.
This offer is available to customers in the CU’s sevice area in Idaho only. 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!
Trending Savings Account Deal:
The Deal: $250 in Two Parts
What You Get:
- $150 deposited immediately when you open the account
- $100 more after 90 days (if you meet the requirements)
- Choice of four different checking account types
The best part? You get more than half the bonus upfront, no waiting around.
Trending Checking Account Deal:
Here’s What You Actually Need to Do
Step 1: Open Any Checking Account
- Choose from Eagle (free), Premium ($5/month), Rewards ($5/month), or Student (free for ages 13-24)
- Get your $150 immediately
Step 2: Meet the 90-Day Requirements
- Make at least one deposit of $1,000 or more
- Complete 15 transactions on the account
- Keep the account open for 90 days
That’s it. No maintaining huge balances or jumping through complicated hoops.
Trending Checking Account Deal:
Which Account Should You Choose?
Look, this depends on your banking habits, but here’s my take:
Eagle Checking (Free): Perfect if you just want the bonus with zero monthly fees. No minimum balance, completely free.
Student Rewards (Free for ages 13-24): If you qualify by age, this gives you rewards points plus the bonus with no monthly fees.
Rewards Checking: Only worth it if you’ll consistently hit the fee waiver requirements (15 debit transactions, $1,000 direct deposit, or $2,500 balance).
Remember: you’re getting this bonus regardless of which account you pick.
The Real Requirements (What They Don’t Emphasize)
I’ve analyzed the fine print, and here’s what actually matters:
- The $1,000 deposit: This can be from any source – payroll, transfer from another bank, whatever
- 15 transactions: Debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, online bill pays all count
- Timeline: You have exactly 90 days from account opening
My advice? Set up a small direct deposit and use the debit card for your regular purchases. You’ll hit both requirements naturally.
RAKUTEN $50 SIGN UP BONUS – Click here to get it!
Is This Actually Worth It?
Here’s my honest assessment:
Pros:
- $150 upfront with no waiting
- Reasonable requirements for the remaining $100
- Multiple account options to fit your needs
- No massive deposit requirements
Cons:
- Split payment means you have to “earn” the full bonus
- Limited to Idaho residents (based on their service area)
- Some account types have monthly fees
The math: Even if you only get the initial $150, that’s still solid for opening a free checking account.
How to Maximize This Deal
Want to make sure you get the full $250? Here’s exactly what I’d do:
- Open the Eagle Checking (free, no complications)
- Transfer $1,000 from your current bank within the first week
- Use the debit card for 15 small purchases over the next month
- Set a 90-day reminder to check that your $100 bonus posted
Pro tip: Don’t overthink the transaction requirement. Coffee, gas, groceries – it adds up fast.
Trending Savings Account Deal:
The Bottom Line
Westmark’s $250 checking bonus is more straightforward than most bank promotions I’ve seen. The split payment actually works in your favor since you get most of the money upfront.
Ready to grab this bonus? Just make sure you’re in their service area and can realistically meet the 90-day requirements.
The immediate $150 alone makes this worth considering if you’re already thinking about switching banks.
Have you tried split-payment bank bonuses before? What’s been your experience with meeting the second-tier requirements?
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