No-Fee $200 Mastercard Gift Cards: Staples

 Credit Union ONE is currently offering a $200 bonus when new members open a Cash Back Checking account at one of its Michigan branches and meet certain requirements within 90 days. To qualify, applicants must live, work, attend school, or worship in Michigan; open the account in person; set up and receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits; register for Digital Banking; and use their new Mastercard Debit Card in at least 10 transactions within the first 90 days. Although the promotion technically lists a maximum bonus of $300, the checking‐account bonus itself is $200; additional bonus opportunities—such as credit card funding—can bring the total potential benefit to $300. There is a $6 monthly maintenance fee (waivable) and a $5 early‐closure fee if the account is closed within 90 days. This article provides an informational overview of the offer, highlights eligibility requirements, outlines the steps to secure the bonus, and summarizes key account features and fees.

Direct Link to Offer

[MI only] Credit Union One $200 Checking Bonus

Credit Union ONE’s current promotion awards a $200 bonus in Mastercard debit‐card reward points to new Cash Back Checking account holders who fulfill the following steps within 90 days:

• Open the account in branch. Applicants must visit any of the credit union’s physical locations in Michigan to open a new Cash Back Checking account.
• Receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits. The account must post a minimum of $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits (e.g., payroll or government payments) within the first 90 days after opening.
• Register for Digital Banking. Account holders must enroll in Credit Union ONE’s Digital Banking platform (online or via mobile app) and complete the registration process within the same 90-day window.
• Use the Mastercard Debit Card for at least 10 transactions. Holding an active Mastercard Debit Card, members must post at least 10 PIN‐ or signature-based transactions (excluding ATM/ITM withdrawals) in the first 90 days.

Upon meeting these requirements, Credit Union ONE will deposit $200 in rewards points into the primary cardholder’s rewards balance by the fifth business day after the 90-day period concludes.

Despite the “Offer at a glance” indicating a maximum bonus of $300, the $200 applies specifically to the Cash Back Checking account. Any additional bonus potential—such as from funding via credit card—can increase total rewards to $300, but the checking bonus alone remains $200.

Eligibility and Requirements

Residency and Membership Criteria

• Michigan‐only membership. To be eligible, applicants must live, work, attend school, or worship in the state of Michigan.
• In‐branch account opening. All new Cash Back Checking accounts must be opened in person at a Credit Union ONE branch. This promotion cannot be completed online or by mail.
• Age requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Direct Deposit Conditions

• Minimum $1,000 requirement. Only electronic direct deposits from an external employer or government agency count toward the $1,000 threshold. Transfers from existing Credit Union ONE accounts are not eligible.
• Timing of direct deposits. The 90-day promotional clock begins approximately two to three business days after account opening, so members should allow time for enrollment and processing.

Debit Card Usage

• Active Mastercard Debit Card. New members must have an active debit card linked to their Cash Back Checking account within the first 90 days.
• Ten posted transactions. Only PIN- or signature-based purchases count toward the 10‐transaction minimum. ATM and in-branch ITM transactions are excluded.

Digital Banking Enrollment

• Enrollment required. Members must register for Credit Union ONE’s Digital Banking by logging into online banking or downloading the mobile app and completing the enrollment steps.
• Verification. Registration must be fully processed before the 90-day window ends; merely downloading the app is insufficient if registration is incomplete.

Account Details and Fees

Monthly Maintenance Fee

• $6 monthly, waivable. Cash Back Checking carries a $6 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived if the member meets any one of the following criteria in a given month:
• Under age 24 or over age 65
• Maintain a $500 average daily balance
• Receive any recurring direct deposit (of any amount)
• Post at least 15 debit card purchases or bill payments by the 25th of the month (excluding ATM/ITM transactions)

Early Account Termination Fee

• $5 fee within 90 days. If the account is closed at any point before completing the required 90 days, a $5 early‐termination fee applies.

ChexSystems and Pull Type

• Soft pull on ChexSystems. Credit Union ONE performs only a soft inquiry, so the account opening does not affect the applicant’s ChexSystems score. However, the credit union’s specific ChexSystems policy is not publicly disclosed.

Credit Card Funding Option

• Up to $600 funding. Members may fund their new Cash Back Checking account with a credit card—up to $600 per day—although using a credit card for initial deposits does not count as direct deposit for promotional purposes.

How to Qualify and Receive the Bonus

1. Locate a branch. Use Credit Union ONE’s branch locator to find one of the five Michigan branches—primarily in the Detroit metro area—and visit in person to open a new Cash Back Checking account.
2. Complete membership application. Provide proof of residency, employment, student status, or worship affiliation in Michigan and valid identification (e.g., driver’s license).
3. Enroll in Digital Banking. Download the credit union’s mobile app or visit the Digital Banking registration page on www.cuone.org; follow on-screen prompts to complete the process.
4. Set up direct deposit. Provide your direct‐deposit form (with routing and account numbers) to your employer or government payor and ensure at least $1,000 is deposited within 90 days.
5. Activate and use the debit card. Upon account opening, a debit card is issued. Activate it immediately and complete 10 qualifying transactions before the 90-day deadline.
6. Maintain the account for 90 days. Do not close the account, or forfeit the bonus and pay a $5 closure fee.
7. Receive bonus. Once all criteria are met, $200 in debit-card reward points will post to the primary cardholder’s rewards balance by the fifth business day after the 90-day window ends.

Additional Considerations

• Tax implications. Bonus debit-card reward points are treated as income; members may receive a Form 1099-INT or 1099-MISC. Consult a tax professional.
• One bonus per member. Only one $200 bonus is allowed per member during the life of the promotion; joint accounts and subsequent accounts are not eligible for additional bonuses.
• Promotion subject to change. Credit Union ONE reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offer at any time.
• Household limit. There is no stated household limit—multiple members of the same household who each qualify can receive individual bonuses.
• Expiration date. No expiration date is listed, but the promotion is likely limited; prospective members should confirm availability before applying.

Community and Regional Context

Credit Union ONE serves residents primarily in Southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Pontiac, and Warren. As a state‐chartered credit union, it focuses on community banking and competitive products tailored for Michigan households. This checking bonus is designed to attract new members in a region where large national banks dominate; smaller credit unions often use targeted promotions to raise local awareness and reward members who commit to electronic‐banking services.

Compared to other Michigan banking promotions, the $200 Cash Back Checking bonus is competitive—especially since many large banks now offer similar or lower incentives. For instance, bank bonuses have ranged from $150 to $300 in recent months but often require larger deposit minimums and more stringent usage thresholds.

Conclusion and Takeaways

For anyone living, working, attending school, or worshiping in Michigan, this Cash Back Checking promotion provides a straightforward way to earn $200 in rewards points. The requirements—$1,000 in direct deposits, Digital Banking enrollment, and 10 debit-card transactions in 90 days—are reasonable for most consumers who intend to use checking services actively. Prospective members should:

• Confirm branch locations and hours before visiting.
• Prepare direct‐deposit paperwork in advance to ensure timely posting.
• Enroll in Digital Banking immediately upon account opening.
• Use the debit card consistently (10 transactions) to satisfy that requirement.

With a waivable $6 monthly fee and only a $5 early‐closure penalty, the Cash Back Checking account can remain cost‐effective even if a member is unable to complete the promotion. Given that Credit Union ONE may end or adjust the promotion without notice, interested consumers should act quickly if they want to take advantage of the offer.