$150 Checking Account Bonus at a California Credit Union (NuVision)

NuVision FCU has a new promotion for its free checking account with a bonus of up to $150. To receive the full $150 requires the following:

• $50 bonus for opening the free checking account with a minimum deposit of $100. Also required is either direct deposit of $200/month or 5 signature debit card purchases per month for the first 90 days.
• $50 bonus for keeping the checking account active for 90 days (at least 3 transactions each month)
• $50 bonus for using online bill pay (at least 3 per month)

Refer to the promotion page (pdf) for the full details. The offer is scheduled to last until 12/31/08.

Update 12/19/08: The credit union offers a refer-a-friend program which rewards a member $50 for each referral.

This is similar to an iPod promotion they had last year. When I contacted the bank last year, I was told that the promotion required a branch visit. The coupons in the promo page had to be submitted when the checking account was opened.

Update 12/19/08: A reader reported being able to open an account and receive the bonus by mailing in the application along with the bonus coupons.

Field of membership includes members of the American Consumer Council. Anyone can join this organization with a $6 membership fee. In the online credit union application, it allows you to select this council for eligibility, and it states: "If you are interested in joining the Council and the credit union, click this option and continue applying for membership." See the site for other ways to be eligible to join the credit union without joining this council. You can be eligible via select employer groups and via immediate family.

Branches are located in the California cities of Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Lakewood and Seal Beach. There's also a branch in Mesa, Arizona, but it's only accessible to Boeing employees. The credit union is federally insured by the NCUA (Charter # 566).

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

Tags: California, NuVision Credit Union, checking account