No-Fee $200 Mastercard Gift Cards: Staples

 Arrow Bank is currently offering a $250 bonus for new personal checking customers in New York, with no direct deposit required.  To earn the bonus, applicants must use promo code AB2025, make a one-time deposit of at least $1,000 into the new account, and complete ten qualifying debit card transactions within 60 days of account opening.  The bonus will be deposited into the account approximately 60 days after all qualifications are met, and accounts must remain open with a positive balance to receive the bonus.  This limited-time offer is available through October 31, 2025, and applies to Classic Checking, Elite Checking, Free Checking, Interest Checking, and Premium Interest Checking.

Direct Link to OFFER

[NY] Arrow Bank $250 Checking Bonus, No Direct Deposit required

Overview of the Offer

Arrow Bank’s promotion provides a $250 cash bonus to new personal checking customers who open an eligible account in New York.  Unlike many checking bonuses, this offer does not require a mandatory recurring direct deposit.  Instead, customers need to make a single deposit of at least $1,000 and complete ten debit card purchases (excluding ATM withdrawals, ATM deposits, and merchant refunds) within 60 days of account opening.  Upon successful completion of these requirements, the $250 bonus is credited to the checking account within 60 days after the end of the qualification period.

Promo Code and Application Channels

• Promo Code: Applicants must enter AB2025 when opening a qualifying checking account.
• Where to Apply:
• In-Branch: Visit any Arrow Bank location in New York to apply.
• Online: Some account types may be available for online opening; applicants must use the promo code AB2025 and select a branch-based account option.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligible Account Types

The following personal checking accounts qualify for the $250 bonus:

• Classic Checking
• Elite Checking
• Free Checking
• Interest Checking
• Premium Interest Checking

Accounts not eligible for this promotion include business checking and existing checking accounts; only new personal checking customers in New York may participate.

Customer Eligibility

• New Customers Only: Customers who do not currently have an Arrow Bank personal checking account at the time of application.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: Must open the account in New York.

Qualification Steps

1. Open a Qualifying Checking Account
• Use promo code AB2025 during the account opening process.
2. Make a Single Deposit of $1,000 or More
• Deposit must be made within 60 days of account opening.
3. Complete Ten Qualifying Debit Card Transactions
• Transactions must post to the account within 60 days of account opening.
• Excluded transactions: ATM withdrawals, ATM deposits, debit card refunds.
4. Maintain Account in Good Standing
• Account must remain open and carry a positive balance through the bonus posting date.

Offer Period and Deadlines

• Promotion Validity: The offer expires on October 31, 2025.
• Qualification Window: Applicants have 60 days from account opening to complete deposit and debit card transactions.
• Bonus Posting: The $250 bonus is deposited into the account up to 60 days after the qualification period ends.

Important Dates (Example Timeline)

Activity	Date	Notes
Account Opened	July 1, 2025	Use promo code AB2025 and make initial minimum deposit of $5 to open the account.
$1,000 Deposit Deadline	August 30, 2025	Must deposit $1,000 into the account by this date.
10 Debit Transactions Deadline	August 30, 2025	Complete ten qualifying debit card purchases by this date.
Qualification Period Ends	August 30, 2025	Keep account open with a positive balance at this time.
Bonus Posting Date	October 30, 2025	Approximately 60 days after qualification period ends.

Account Types and Features

Classic Checking

• Minimum to Open: $5
• Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
• Features:
• Internet banking, mobile app, and bill pay
• Access to Allpoint ATM network (over 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs)
• Visa® debit card with purchase rewards

Elite Checking

• APY: 6.01% on balances up to $5,000 (tiered thereafter)
• Requirements: Must receive recurring ACH direct deposit, enroll in online statements, and use debit card ten times per statement cycle (excluding ATM usage)
• Features:
• No monthly fee
• Free first order of checks
• ATM fee reimbursements

Free Checking

• Minimum to Open: $5
• Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
• Features:
• No minimum balance required
• Mobile and online banking with eStatements
• Surcharge-free ATM access via Allpoint network

Interest Checking & Premium Interest Checking

• Interest Rates: Variable APYs based on balance tiers (e.g., 0.05% – 6.01% on Elite Checking-tier balances)
• Requirements: Direct deposit or debit card usage may be required for higher tiers
• Features:
• Tiered interest earnings
• ATM fee reimbursements on qualifying accounts

How to Qualify for the Bonus

1. Apply for a New Account
• Visit any Arrow Bank branch or, if available, open online using AB2025 during the sign-up process.
• Make the minimum opening deposit of $5 to activate the account.
2. Deposit $1,000
• Deposit $1,000 or more into your new checking account within 60 days of account opening.
3. Complete Ten Qualifying Debit Card Transactions
• Each transaction must be a purchase (not ATM withdrawals, ATM deposits, or debit refunds).
• Transactions must post within 60 days of account opening.
4. Maintain Positive Account Balance
• Keep your account open and maintain a positive balance through the end of the qualification period (60 days), and for an additional 60 days until bonus is posted.
5. Receive Bonus
• After meeting all requirements, the bank will deposit $250 into your checking account up to 60 days after the qualification period concludes.

Terms and Conditions

• Bonus Tax Treatment: The $250 bonus is treated as interest income and will be reported to the IRS on a Form 1099-INT.
• Offer Limit: One bonus per person, per household or Tax Identification Number.
• Account Status: The checking account must remain open with a positive balance through the bonus posting date; accounts closed or overdrawn may forfeit the bonus.
• Promotion Modification: The bank may change or cancel the promotion at its discretion without prior notice.
• Exclusions: Existing Arrow Bank checking customers, business checking accounts, and joint accounts where one owner already holds an eligible checking account at Arrow Bank are not eligible.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other checking account promotions in New York and nationwide, Arrow Bank’s offer stands out for not requiring a recurring direct deposit.  Below is a brief comparison of similar offers:

• Tower Federal Credit Union ($300 bonus, direct deposit not required)
• Penn Community Bank ($300 checking bonus + $50 savings, no direct deposit required for checking portion)
• Credit Union One (MI) ($200 checking bonus, no direct deposit required)
• SoFi Checking & Savings ($300 bonus, requires direct deposit) Business Insider

While some competitors offer higher bonuses, most require recurring direct deposits. Forbes Arrow Bank’s single-deposit model with debit card usage gives customers more flexibility, especially those who prefer not to establish automatic payroll or ACH deposits.

Expert Commentary

Personal finance experts often recommend checking promotions that do not mandate direct deposits for customers who may have irregular income streams or who prefer manual deposit control.  According to industry blogger Danny Nguyen, Arrow Bank’s promotion “is ideal for individuals who can meet the one-time $1,000 deposit and mapping out 10 everyday debit transactions—like groceries or gas—without altering their payroll setup.”  Some cautions include ensuring that the account remains open long enough to receive the bonus and monitoring for any minimum balance fees after the promotion period.

Benefits and Considerations

Benefits

• No Direct Deposit Requirement: Simplifies eligibility for those without consistent payroll deposits.
• Low Opening Deposit: Only $5 required to open the account, making it accessible.
• Surcharge-Free ATM Access: Access to Allpoint ATM Network with over 50,000 machines.
• Mobile Banking: Full-featured mobile app and online banking with eStatements.

Considerations

• Debit Card Transaction Minimum: Must complete ten qualifying debit transactions, which may require planning everyday spending habits.
• Account Maintenance Post-Promotion: Once bonus posts, customers should review long-term fees or balance requirements for their chosen account type.
• Bonus Timing: The bonus posts up to 60 days after meeting requirements, so customers need to maintain a positive balance and keep the account open.

How to Apply

1. Gather Required Information:
• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
• Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number.
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or lease statement).
2. Visit an Arrow Bank Branch or Go Online:
• In-branch: Speak with a representative, mention promo code AB2025, complete the application, and deposit $5 to open.
• Online: If eligible, enter promo code AB2025 when prompted, complete identity verification, and make the initial $5 deposit.
3. Fulfill Bonus Requirements:
• Deposit $1,000 within 60 days.
• Complete ten qualifying debit card transactions within 60 days.
4. Monitor Account:
• Regularly check for transaction postings and maintain a positive balance.
• After satisfying all requirements, await bonus deposit (within approximately 60 days after qualification).

Conclusion

Arrow Bank’s $250 checking bonus provides a straightforward way for New York residents to earn extra cash without the need for direct deposits.  By using promo code AB2025, depositing $1,000, and making ten debit transactions within 60 days, customers can qualify and receive their reward up to 60 days later.  With minimal account opening requirements, flexible qualification criteria, and a wide ATM network, this promotion is well-suited for individuals seeking a low-barrier bonus in 2025.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Promo code AB2025 is required at account opening.
• Single deposit of $1,000 and ten debit transactions within 60 days are mandatory.
• Bonus posts approximately 60 days after meeting requirements.
• Offer valid through October 31, 2025; don’t miss the deadline.

For more details or to apply, visit an Arrow Bank branch or check the online account opening page and remember to use promo code AB2025.