[Expired] Wells Fargo $100 Checking Bonus – Available Publicly & Nationwide – Direct Deposit Optional

Reposting because the EATF is definitely not charged anymore.

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $100
• Availability: Nationwide (some areas may be restricted, enter your zip code to find out)
• Direct deposit required: Optional, must be $500+ if chosen (see what counts here)
• Additional requirements: 10 debit card transactions or direct deposit
• Hard/soft pull: Soft
• Credit card funding: Up to $50 (used to be $500)
• Monthly fees: $10, waivable 
• Early account termination fee: None
• Expiration Date: February 22, 2016

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• Receive a $100 sign up bonus when you open a Wells Fargo checking account and complete the following requirements:
  •  Open a new, eligible consumer checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $50 (not including the bonus) in a store (can also be opened online, looks like it’ll pre-populate the promotional code ‘PROSQ1’) by February 22, 2016
  • Complete one of the following: 10 debit card purchases or payments or establish a qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more

The Fine Print

• Requirements must be completed within 60 days of account opening
• We will deposit the bonus into your new checking account within 45 days after eligibility and qualifications have been met
• Offer available in all Wells Fargo stores, online at wellsfargo.com/100offer, or by phone at 1-800-932-6736
• All consumer checking accounts except Teen CheckingSM are eligible for the $100 bonus
• You cannot be: An owner, or joint owner, on a Wells Fargo consumer checking account in the past 6 months, A Wells Fargo team member, A recipient of a consumer checking bonus in the past 12 months
• A qualifying direct deposit is your salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular recurring monthly income of an accumulated $500 or more

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fee

The Everyday Checking account comes with a $10 monthly fee. Get the fee waived with one of the following:

• 10 debit card purchases and/or payments each statement cycle from this checking account, OR
• Direct deposits totaling $500 or more each statement cycle, OR
• Maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, OR
• Link checking account to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus Debit Card

Early Account Termination Fee

Update: This definitely isn’t charged anymore.

In the past, there was always an early account termination fee of $25 if you close your account within six months of opening. It’s being reported (1, 2) that they may have dropped this fee; if true, you can close right after the bonus posts.

Our Verdict

Wells Fargo has offered $100 in the past (and even offered $200 in the past) the main reason that people are interested in the Wells Fargo checking accounts is that they usually want you to have a deposit account relationship with them before approving you for one of their credit cards. They have three cards most people are interested in:

• Wells Fargo Propel World: $400+ sign up bonus
• Wells Fargo Propel 365: $200 sign up bonus
• Wells Fargo Cashback Card: 5% cash back at select categories for six months

I really like this bonus because the direct deposit is optional and it’s available nationwide. Because of that we’ve added it to our list of the best bank bonuses currently available. We’ve also added it to our database of bonuses.

Hat tip to reader John