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, 20206/30/2023
Contents
The 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
- Bank Account Quick Reference Table (Spreadsheet) (very useful for sorting bonuses by different parameters)
- PSA: Don’t Call The Bank
- Introduction To ChexSystems
- Banks & Credit Unions That Are ChexSystems Inquiry Sensitive
- 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?
- Affiliate Links & Bank Bonuses – We Won’t Be Using Them
- Complete List Of Ways To Close Bank Accounts At Each Bank
- Banks That Allow/Don’t Allow Out Of State Checking Applications
- Bank Bonus Posting Times
View Comments (481)
Extended to 9/30/2025
Curious if the terms limiting "one checking related bonus per household" every two years applies if you've moved and have a new address. I was planning on giving this a churn after getting the bonus a year ago but just saw the 2 year limit. Don't know if this loophole might be worth exploring.
I saw an ad on Facebook, I inputted my info for a promo code, but I am not in one of the listed states. They said the promo code email is on the way, but I've seen nothing. not sure why i was targeted if I'm not in the footprint.
Edit: received promo code eventually, but won't bother based on the DPs in the comments.
I failed to take proper notes on the term when I opened this on 3/14 and assumed I could circle back, but that looks to be updated for the new offer expiration of 6/30.
Does anyone happen know what the relevant dates were for the prior offer? For Direct Deposits and the pay out date? Thanks!
Important details and required qualifying activities for the $200 Freestyle Checking offer: when opening your new checking account with money not currently on deposit at Hancock Whitney Bank by the offer expiration date of 3/31/2025. Set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $300 each month by 5/31/2025. Your account and direct deposits must remain open and active during the entire promotional period which includes up to when the bonus is paid by 7/31/2025. If you meet all requirements, we will deposit the earned bonus into your new personal checking account by 7/31/2025.
-this was the email they sent me. I opened mine 3/27
Much obliged.
Looks like wise and novo don't work. Did dep from both from Nov-march. Payout was supposed to be 04-30-25 which I did not get.
So just to clarify, if I opened the account now I would only need to setup direct deposit for 8/25, 9/25 & 10/25 and I would get the bonus?
Correct
Opened a Freestyle checking account in Oct 2024, never had direct deposit though. Just opened a second Freestyle account today with promo code, seamlessly, and set up DD. Nothing seemed to flag me for already having an account.
Anyone have experience to say that this may still work for me? I may leave it for a month, DD in April, and call in May to confirm the promo is active on my account.
@2 Extended to 6/30/2025. Still $200.
Opened with chex frozen, was in state but pretty far from a physical branch. Instant approval. Credit was all unfrozen.
If I open online, do I have to have an opening deposit by linking another bank and if yes, what is the minimum opening deposit?