[CA only] California Credit Union $250 Checking Bonus

Update 5/3/26: Join page now states:

• If you don’t meet one of the requirements above, you or your business can join through a complimentary membership in the American Consumer Council

Think it’s new from 2026. Although looks like somebody maybe did it in 2021? YMMV if they will payout bonus though. They are ChexSystems senstive as well.

Update: There is a $400 bonus but only for the Temecula branch. More details discussed here. Also available at Covina branch now. 

Update 4/12/25: Bonus is now $250.

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $100
• Availability: You must live or work in San Diego, Riverside or Orange County, CA
• Direct deposit required: Yes, $500+ per month for at least three months
• Additional requirements: Digital banking
• Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
• ChexSystems: Unknown, sensitive
• Credit card funding: Up to $500
• Monthly fees: None with eStatements
• Early account termination fee: None
• Household limit: None
• Expiration date: None listed

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• California Credit Union is offering a bonus of $100 when you open a new eChecking account and complete the following requirements:
  • Must enroll in digital banking
  • Must establish a recurring Direct Deposit with a minimum of $400 per month (requires 3 months of recurring)

The Fine Print

• Restrictions apply.
• $100 offer applies to NEW eChecking accounts for NEW members only, who enroll in Digital Banking and establish a recurring Direct Deposit with a minimum of $500 per month.
• Recurring Direct Deposit must be a Direct Deposit or Payroll Deposit.
• Limit one (1) bonus per member.
• Direct Deposit must be established within 120 days of membership opening to qualify for bonus.
• Three (3) months of recurring Direct Deposits must be credited to the account before qualifying for the bonus.
• The bonus will be added to the checking account within 8-12 weeks from the qualifying date and will be reported as income.
• Refer to the current rate sheet for regular dividends to be paid on eligible balances.
• The bonus is not included in the calculations of regular dividends and is not recurring.
• The bonus will be forfeited by the member if the account does not remain open for a minimum of 6 months.
• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

There is no monthly fee as long as you opt in for eStatements

Early Account Termination Fee

I couldn’t find any mention of an early account termination fee in the fee schedule.

Our Verdict

Relatively small bonus but it’s a soft pull and you can fund with a credit card so I think it’s worth doing if you’ve already done the bigger bonuses available to you. I’ll add this to our list of the best checking account bonuses.

Hat tip to reader SpicyPadThai

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