Freedom Checking (new checking)
- Bonus
- $300
- To qualify
- 3 direct deposits ($3,000 total) within 90 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 California, online. Membership is limited to these counties: Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Solano, Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Alameda, Amador (CA)
- Monthly fee
- None
- When the bonus is paid
- Within about 30 days after you finish the requirements
- Keep it open
- Until the bonus posts. SAFE Credit Union'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.
- Past customers
- Not eligible if you got a SAFE Credit Union checking bonus in the last 12 months
- Open by
- November 30, 2026
- Promo code
- Required. Your plan shows it.
Good to know: $1,000+ in direct deposits within 60 days, then $1,000+ each month for the next two months. Freedom Checking has no monthly fee. Not for anyone who had SAFE checking in the last 12 months. $25 to open.
SAFE membership is for people who live or work in 13 Northern California counties (Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Solano, Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Alameda, Amador) and their family.
Checked against SAFE Credit Union's own terms on October 23, 2026.