[Expired] [Targeted] [Fort Worth, TX Only] First Financial Bank $400 In Branch Checking Bonus

Deal has expired, view the best checking bonuses by clicking here.

Update: Looks like they are requiring the personalized mailer this time. Updated title to targeted.

Update 11/3/2018: Deal is back and valid until December 15th.  It does say you need the physical mailer, but they have the physical mailers in branch so not sure the point of that requirement. Hat tip to reader @ussoccer_fan

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $400
• Availability: Fort Worth branch (1000 Forest Park)
• Direct deposit required: Yes, no minimum specified
• Additional requirements: Maintain average balance of $1,000+ for 90 days
• Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
• ChexSystems: Yes
• Credit card funding: Unknown
• Monthly fees: $6, avoidable but difficult
• Early account termination fee: $25, 180 days
• Household limit: None listed, one according to this comment though.
• Expiration date: August 15th, 2018 December 15th, 2018

The Offer

No direct link, see image below

• First Financial Bank is offering a bonus of $400 when you open a new WOW checking account at the Fort Worth branch (1000 Forest Park). Requirements for the bonus are as follows:
  • Have a direct deposit made to the account within 90 days of account opening (no minimum specified)
  • Maintain at least a $1,000 average balance for 90 days from the date of deposit

 

The Fine Print

• Valid until August 15th, 2018. Says you need to bring the flyer in branch, but the flyers should be in branch as well
• Checking offer is not available to existing First Financial Bank checking customers and is only valid at the Fort Worth location
• Offer not available to those whose accounts is closed within 90 days or with a negative balance
• Must deposit $50 at account opening
• Have a direct deposit made to the account within 90 days of account opening
• Maintain at least a $1,000 average balance for 90 days from the date of deposit
• Direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government
• Bonus will post within 10 business days of requirements being met
• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

WOW Checking

This account has a $2 paper statement fee and a $6 monthly fee. Unfortunately it’s difficult to keep the account fee free as you receive a $0.10 reduction for every debit card purchase you make

Early Account Termination Fee

According to this the account needs to be kept open for 180 days otherwise a $25 fee is charged.

Our Verdict

Bonus is very attractive as the requirements aren’t very hard to meet, you’ll have to pay a few monthly fees as making 60 debit card transactions monthly isn’t worth the effort to save $6 but you still end up well ahead considering it’s a big $400 bonus. This is really a no brainer if you don’t live too far from the branch. Will add it to the best region specific bank bonuses.

Hat tip to reader @ussoccer_fan

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