First Tech Credit Union was founded in 1952 by folks at Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix and now has over 650,000 members serviced by 33 branches, mostly in the northwest United States. As a federal credit union, they are regulated by the NCUA.
They offer a whole suite of banking services but today I’d like to share with you their up to $300 checking bonus offer.
Table of Contents
How to Join First Tech Credit Union
As a credit union, they are required to restrict membership to eligible parties. Fortunately, you can qualify in a variety of ways:
- Work for one of our 900+ partner companies—like Amazon, Microsoft, Intel and more
- Family or household member is already a First Tech member
- Work for the State of Oregon
- Live or work in Lane County, Oregon
- Belong to the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association
The last two bullets are notable because anyone can join those two organizations. The Financial Fitness Association annual membership fee is just $8. (the Computer History Museum is $15/year)
First Tech Rewards Checking Bonus – up to $300
The First Tech Credit Union Rewards Checking account has a new direct deposit offer with qualifying direct deposit.
- Get $50 with a qualifying direct deposit of $1,000 – $5,000 per month
- Get $300 with a qualifying direct deposit of $5,000 or more per month
Overall, this is one of the best reward offers available because you can get a nice bonus as well as a competitive interest rate on your checking account.
Members who have received a promotional payout for a First Tech direct deposit campaign within the past 18 months are not eligible.
First Tech Rewards Savings Bonus – up to $300
First Tech FCU also has a bonus on their First Tech Premier Rewards Savings® account when you make a sizable deposit of new money within 45 days.
The bonus for the savings account is based on how much you deposit:
| Deposit Amount | Bonus |
|---|---|
| $10,000- $20,000 | $150 |
| $20,000+ | $300 |
Cash Back on First Tech Debit Card – up to $200
Use your cash back debit card from your Rewards Checking Account and receive 5% cash back on qualified debit card purchases, up to a $200 bonus in the first year.
You must also have a First Tech Rewards Savings account to qualify. Qualifying purchases must be used at the point of sale using a new debit card. Purchases of cash, cash equivalents, gambling chips, lottery tickets, traveler’s checks, or money orders are not qualifying purchases.
How Does This Offer Compare?
It’s a fairly typical offer when you put it up against other credit union bonuses. Service Credit Union will give you $500 if you get a direct deposit of $1,500 or more, which is slightly more than this one but you get $500 instead of $300.
When you compare it against commercial bank offers, it stacks up well because the direct deposit is so accessible. Many of the higher bonuses require you to have much larger direct deposits.
U.S. Bank – up to $450
Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through 1/28/2026. Member FDIC.
Get started with an initial deposit of $25 within 30 days. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.Barclays – $200
Barclays Bank will give you a $200 if you open a new savings account and deposit $30,000 within 30 days of opening the account. The savings account also pays a competitive interest rate of 3.60% APY while you wait.
BMO Checking – $400
BMO is offering a $400 bonus* when you open a BMO Checking account and you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening between 9/9/25 - 1/28/26. It is a very straightforward offer that is available nationwide.
*Conditions apply
Capital One 360 Checking – $250
Capital One 360 has a $250 cash bonus when you open a new account and then receive two direct deposits each of $500 or more within 75 days of account opening. Valid for new 360 Checking account customers. If you had a If you had a 360 Checking, Simply Checking, or Total Control Checking account with Capital One on or after January 1, 2022, you are ineligible.
Bank of America – up to $500 cash offer
Bank of America offers a up to $500 cash offer cash bonus if you open a new account and To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days. . It has a monthly fee that is easy to get waived.
Just got it! Excellent and easy!