Checking (first-time)
- Bonus
- $200
- To qualify
- $500 in direct deposits within 30 days + turn on e-statements
- What counts as a direct deposit
- Real payroll, pension or government benefit deposits. Transfers from your other bank accounts, Zelle and Venmo don't count. More
- Who can open it
- Residents of Illinois, California, online. Membership is limited to these counties: Bond, Champaign, Christian, Clinton, DeWitt, Douglas, Ford, Fulton, Iroquois, Jersey, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Monroe, Montgomery, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Randolph, Saint Clair, Sangamon, Stark, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Woodford (IL); Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara (CA)
- Monthly fee
- None
- When the bonus is paid
- 59 to 103 days after you open the account
- Keep it open
- Until the bonus posts. CEFCU's offer only requires the account to be open when the bonus pays. If there's no monthly fee, keeping it a few months is the safe choice.
- Open by
- December 31, 2026
Good to know: The $500+ in direct deposits must land in the first full calendar month after you open (5 debit purchases of $15+ or a $5,000 balance also work). Paid to your CEFCU savings 4 to 6 weeks after that month. Another $25 for 5 debit purchases of $15+ in each of the first three full months (not counted in your total). Not for anyone who ever had CEFCU checking. $25 to open.
CEFCU membership is for people who live or work in 32 central Illinois counties, or live, work or worship in Alameda, Contra Costa or Santa Clara County, California (and some employer groups).
Checked against CEFCU's own terms on October 23, 2026.