[Expired] U.S. Bank $300 Checking Bonus with $1,500 Direct Deposit (DC, parts of VA, MD, WV, PA)

This deal has expired, click here for the best current checking sign up bonuses.

Offer at a glance

Maximum bonus amount: $300
Availability: (DC & parts of VA, MD, WV, PA)
Direct deposit required: Yes, $1,500
Additional requirements: None
Hard/soft pull: Soft
ChexSystems: Mixed data points
Credit card funding: None
Monthly fees: $10.95-$12.95, waivable
Early account termination fee: None
Household limit: None mentioned
Expiration date: April 30, 2018

Contents

1 The Offer
2 The Fine Print
3 Avoiding Fees
4 Our Verdict

The Offer

Direct Link to offer

Open a new U.S. Bank Gold Checking package and complete recurring direct deposits totaling at least $1,500 or more within 60 days of account opening to earn a $300 bonus.

You can also call in and get this offer with promo code: DCGOLD3.

The Fine Print

This offer is valid in Washington D.C. and limited surrounding areas in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania and is not transferable.
A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open a U.S. Bank consumer checking account.
To earn the $300 bonus offer, open a new U.S. Bank consumer Gold Checking Package between and including February 22, 2018 and April 30, 2018. Additionally, you must complete recurring direct deposits totaling at least $1,500 or more within 60 days of account opening.
The checking account bonus will be deposited into your new consumer checking account within 60 days of direct deposit verification, as long as your account is open and account balance is positive.
Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes.
Offer may not be combined with any other checking account bonus offers.
Offer is not valid if you have an existing U.S. Bank consumer checking account, had a U.S. Bank consumer checking account in the last six months, or received other U.S. Bank bonus offers within the past six months.

Avoiding Fees

There is a $12.95 monthly fee. This is waived with one of the following: an open U.S. Bank personal loan, line or credit card. Many of us have a U.S. Bank personal credit card like Altitude, Flexperks, or Cash+; that would work to keep the account fee-free.

There’s also apparently another way to qualify for a free Gold Checking for those with good credit scores who join the Because You’ve Earned It program.

Our Verdict

Excellent offer with fairly easy requirements and for those in the area, plus most of us can get this fee-free. Not sure how broadly this offer is available in VA, MD, WV, PA. It might be tied to people who live within 50-100 miles of a branch. Another advantage is opening this would make you eligible for the Altitude Reserve card as well (still have to wait 30 days unless you apply in branch).

Reader YAR told us about the bonus they heard on the radio with promo code DCGOLD3. Seems like if you use the online application the promo code is embedded, but it’s good to hear it’s a public offer on the radio and it should work for anyone in the eligible area. YAR also tells us that credit card funding was not an option which is odd being that in the past they used to always allow up to $500 in funding.

Keep in mind that U.S. Bank typically does not like to approve people for deposit accounts if you have ARS/IDA frozen. It might make sense to unfreeze those before applying. Another theory is you need to live somewhat close to a branch.

Hat tip to reader Yet Another Redditor via email and on Reddit

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