[PA, NJ only] First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union $400 Checking Bonus

Update 3/22/26: New $400 bonus is valid until May 31, 2026. Hat tip to reader Bockrr

Extended to 12.31.2025

Update 8/9/25: Deal is back until  10.31.2025. Hat tip to reader snailrock

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $300
• Availability: PA, NJ
• Direct deposit required: Yes, You must have at least $1,000 in direct deposits each month for two consecutive months
• Additional requirements: Unknown
• Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
• ChexSystems: Yes
• Credit card funding: Up to $500
• Monthly fees: None
• Early account termination fee: $20, 90 days
• Household limit: None listed
• Expiration date: 12/31/2023

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union is offering a $400 checking bonus when you open a new checking account and complete the following requirements
  • Use promo code EARN400
  • Enroll in digital banking
  • You must have at least $1,000 in direct deposits each month for two consecutive months

 

The Fine Print

• Offer Overview:
  This promotional offer is available to eligible new members who open a Cashback Checking account and meet all qualifying requirements as described below. Eligible participants may earn a $400 bonus, which will be deposited into their Cashback Checking account after all conditions are satisfied. Offer runs from March 2, 2026 – May 31, 2026.Eligibility:
  – Offer is available to new members only.
  – To be considered a new member, the individual must not have had any ownership interest in any account or membership with First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union within the previous six (6) months prior to opening the Cashback Checking account.
  – Regular Share (to establish membership) and Cashback Checking account must be opened on the same day.
  – Existing members and individuals who have closed an account or membership within the past six (6) months are not eligible.
  – One bonus per member. Limit one promotional bonus per individual, regardless of the number of accounts opened.Qualifying Account:
  – The account must be a Cashback Checking account opened during the promotional period.
  – Account must remain open, active, and in good standing through the date the bonus is paid.
  – All standard membership and account opening requirements apply.

  Bonus Payment
  – The $400 bonus will be credited to the qualifying Cashback Checking account within the first two (2) weeks of the month, approximately thirty (30) days after all requirements have been met.
  – Bonus will be deposited directly into the Cashback Checking account.
  – Bonus may be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT or other applicable tax reporting forms. The member is responsible for any applicable taxes.
  – Bonus payment will be made to primary member.
  – Bonus payment will only be made if member used code EARN400 at account opening.
  – Primary member must enroll in Digital Banking to receive bonus payment.

  Account Standing and Disqualification
  – Account must be open and in good standing at the time of bonus payout.
  – Accounts that are closed, restricted, charged off, or otherwise not in good standing prior to payout will forfeit the bonus.
  – First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union reserves the right to disqualify participants who appear to be manipulating or abusing the promotion.

  General Conditions
  – This offer is subject to change, suspension, or termination at any time without notice.
  – Promotion runs March 2, 2026 to May 31, 2026.
  – Member must be at least 18 years of age at the time of account opening.
  – Offer may not be combined with other checking account promotions unless expressly stated.
  – Employees, volunteers, and immediate family members of First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union may be excluded from eligibility.
  – All decisions regarding eligibility, qualification, and payout will be made by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union and are final.
  – Membership eligibility required.
  – Federally insured by NCUA.

• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

Value checking account has no monthly fees to worry about.

Early Account Termination Fee

According to the fee schedule there is a $20 fee if closed within 90 days of account opening.

Our Verdict

Easier requirements than last time and the bonus is an extra $50. This is a very good bonus with very easy requirements. I’d recommend signing up ASAP as I can see this being pulled early.

Hat tip to Bockrr

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?
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