[LA, MS, FL, AL, TX] Hancock Whitney Bank $200 Checking Bonus

Extended to 9/30/2025

Extended to 6/30/2025

Update 3/13/25: Deal is back now $200.

Extended to 12/31/2024

Extended to 9/30/2024

Extended to 6/30/2024

Update 2/18/24: Deal is back and valid until 3/31/2024

Update 11/1/23: Bonus extended to 31-Dec-2023.

Update 9/11/23: Extended until 10/31/2023.

Update 7/4/23: Extended until 8/31/2023.

Update 4/8/23: Extended until 6/30/2023. Hat tip to Woody

Update 11/20/21: Deal is back and valid until 12/31/21. Now Limit of one consumer checking-related bonus per household every 2 calendar years. Hat tip to reader BS

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount:
• Availability: LA, MS, FL, AL, & TX only. Can apply online now In branch only [Branch locator]
• Direct deposit required: Yes, $300+
• Additional requirements: None
• Hard/soft pull: Soft
• ChexSystems: No
• Credit card funding: None
• Monthly fees: $12, avoidable
• Early account termination fee: $20, 180 days (bonus forfeit)
• Household limit: Limit of one consumer checking-related bonus per household every 2 calendar years. (this is enforced),
• Expiration date: December 31, 2020 6/30/2023

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• Hancock Whitney Bank is offering a bonus of $200 when you open a Freestyle checking account and complete the following requirements:
  • Set up and receive qualifying monthly direct deposits totaling at least $300 each month by 5/31/2025

The Fine Print

• Use the promo code referenced above when opening a new Connect Checking account with money not currently on deposit at Hancock Whitney Bank by the offer expiration date of 12/31/2020.
• The promo code is required at account opening. The following criteria must be met by 2/28/2021: set up and receive a qualifying monthly direct deposit of at least $250 per deposit.
• A qualifying direct deposit includes a salary, pension, social security or other recurring, monthly income amount of $250 or more, electronically deposited by your employer or outside agency.
• Transfers from one account to another or deposits made at a financial center or ATM do not qualify. Limit of one consumer checking-related bonus per household every 2 calendar years.
• The Bank may change or discontinue the offer at any time and without notice.
• This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with other offers.
• The email given at account opening must match the email address submitted to get the offer promo code.
• If your account meets the criteria, and remains open and active, we will deposit the earned bonus into your new Connect Checking account within 6 weeks after the qualification period of 2/28/2021.
• Bonuses may be considered interest and may be reported on IRS form 1099.
• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

This account has a $12 monthly fee. This is waived if you do any of the following:

• primary account holder under 18 or age 64 and over or
• make one or more client-initiated debit or credit transactions per statement cycle to waive the service charge.

Early Account Termination Fee

$20 fee is charged for each account if the account is closed within 180 days. Looks like you might also forfeit the bonus.

Our Verdict

Hancock also offers a $500 bonus, but that is more difficult to keep fee free. There was also a $300 bonus in the past that was easier to keep fee free, but I don’t think that account is still available and to be honest this connect checking account isn’t that difficult to keep fee free either. This is probably an easier option for most people and as such we will add this to our list of the best bank account bonuses.

Hat tip to reader Natanael

Useful posts regarding bank bonuses:

• A Beginners Guide To Bank Account Bonuses
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• PSA: Don’t Call The Bank
• Introduction To ChexSystems
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• What Banks & Credit Unions Do/Don’t Pull ChexSystems?
• How To Use Our Direct Deposit Page For Bank Bonuses Page
• Common Bank Bonus Misconceptions + Why You Should Give Them A Go
• How Many Bank Accounts Can I Safely Open Within A Year For Bank Bonus Purposes?
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