GTE Federal Credit Union, which operates as GTE Financial, is a credit union founded in 1935 and currently headquartered in Tampa, Florida. They primarily have branches in the Tampa- St. Petersburg area and insured by NCUA under charter number 196.
As is required by all credit unions, membership is “limited” but there are ways to become a member even if you don't live near one of their locations in Florida.
The easiest way to become eligible to join GTE Financial is by joining the CU Savers Club. CU Savers Club is a non-profit financial education club that costs just $10 to join. When you join CU Savers Club, you are entitled to become a member of GTE Financial.
GTE Financial – $50 Refer a Friend
The only active bonus we're aware of right now is a referral bonus where you need an existing customer to refer you. The requirements are quite simple – get a referral code, open an account, and you both get $50.
There are no other requirements listed.
GTE Financial – $300 [EXPIRED]
GTE Financial has $300 cash bonus offer when you open a new checking account with promo code JOIN300 and must have direct deposit set-up totaling $500 or more per month within the first 60 days of account opening.
As is the case with these types of offers, the direct deposit must be from an employer or government agency. You can't transfer funds from another account.
There is an early account closure fee if $25 if your balance drops below $25 or you close the account within 180 days.
WARNING: This credit union is known to use a hard inquiry on your credit report when you open an account. This can have an adverse affect on your credit score.
Get $300 from GTE Financial
(Offer expiration 9/30/2024)
GTE Financial – $100 No Direct Deposit Offer [EXPIRED]
Previously, GTE Financial had a $100 checking bonus offer that had no direct deposit requirement. For that offer, you just needed to open a new checking account using the promotion code GTE100 and then enroll and login to online banking by the end of the month of your new account.
This offer expired on 9/30/2021 and we're not sure when it will return. We will update this if they bring this no direct deposit offer back.
How Does This Compare?
The offer is good – $300 with a relatively easy direct deposit requirement is solid.
The only downside is that they're known to use a hard inquiry when opening an account. If you are planning on getting a loan anytime soon, you'll want to avoid this as getting a few bucks now and then paying more in interest (from a lower credit score) makes no sense.
As for other banks, here are a few of the offers we like:
U.S. Bank – up to $400
Earn up to $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through 11/26/2025. 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 up to 4.10% 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
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.
