75,000 Miles Bonus: Bank of America Launches Enhanced Alaska Airlines Business Card

Guilford Savings Bank (GSB) has updated its consumer checking bonus for spring 2025, offering a $300 incentive for new accounts through May 31, 2025. This no–direct‐deposit bonus is open to residents of New York and New England states and applies to three tiers of checking products—Prime Access, Preferred Access, and Access Checking. To qualify, customers must open one of these accounts, meet minimum balance and/or transaction requirements for the first 180 days, and keep the account open until the bonus is delivered.

Direct Link to Offer

Guilford Savings Bank $300 Checking Bonus Available Until May 31 — No Direct Deposit Required

Offer Overview

Starting May 19, 2025, GSB is providing a $300 bonus for new checking accounts, an increase from the previously advertised $200 bonus. The promotion ends on May 31, 2025.

Eligible Account Types

The $300 bonus is available on the following consumer checking products:

• Prime Access Checking: Requires a $2,500 minimum daily balance and a $50,000 aggregate balance in consumer deposits, loans (excluding first mortgages), or wealth management accounts. A $25 monthly fee applies if balance requirements are not met.
• Preferred Access Checking: Requires a $1,500 minimum daily balance and a $25,000 aggregate balance across qualifying accounts. A $20 monthly fee applies if balance requirements are not met.
• Access Checking: Requires at least one qualifying $250+ direct deposit and one debit card purchase per statement cycle to avoid a $15 monthly fee.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the $300 bonus, applicants must:

1. Live or work in New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, or New Hampshire.
2. Be a new consumer checking customer (existing or past account holders are not eligible).
3. Open a qualifying Prime Access, Preferred Access, or Access Checking account.
4. Deposit at least $50 at account opening.
5. Limit one bonus per household and per account.
6. Pass standard account approval procedures.

Requirements to Earn the Bonus

Within the first 180 days of account opening, customers must:

• Prime Access Checking: Maintain a $2,500 daily balance and $50,000 aggregate balance each cycle.
• Preferred Access Checking: Maintain a $1,500 daily balance and $25,000 aggregate balance each cycle.
• Access Checking: Complete at least one $250+ direct deposit and one debit purchase per statement cycle.

Missing the fee waiver thresholds may result in monthly service fees but does not automatically disqualify the account from receiving the bonus, as long as the 180-day requirements are met.

Direct Deposit Not Required for Bonus

While Access Checking typically requires direct deposits to avoid monthly fees, direct deposit is not required to earn the $300 bonus. This makes the offer more flexible than similar promotions from other banks.

Fees and Fine Print

• Monthly Service Fees:
• Prime Access: $25/month
• Preferred Access: $20/month
• Access Checking: $15/month
• Early Account Termination Fee: $10 if the account is closed within six months.
• Tax Reporting: The $300 bonus is considered taxable income and may be reported via IRS Form 1099-INT.
• Offer Expiration: The bonus is available until May 31, 2025, but subject to change or withdrawal at any time.

How to Apply

1. Visit Online or In-Branch: Go to mygsb.bank or visit a local GSB branch.
2. Choose a Qualifying Account: Select from Prime Access, Preferred Access, or Access Checking.
3. Open and Fund: Make an initial deposit of at least $50.
4. Meet 180-Day Requirements: Follow the transaction or balance rules depending on the account type.
5. Receive Bonus: After 180 days, GSB will contact the primary account holder to deliver the $300 bonus, typically in the form of an Amazon e-gift card or equivalent.

Bank Background

Guilford Savings Bank has adjusted its bonus amounts several times over the past few years. The $300 offer represents a return to its mid-2020s promotional levels. The bank is also preparing for a rebrand as Ascend Bank, though this bonus remains available under the Guilford Savings Bank name for now.

Regional Focus

GSB serves residents in New York and throughout New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Unlike previous offers that were limited to select towns in Connecticut, the current $300 bonus has a broader regional reach.

Comparison with Other Offers

Other regional banks offer comparable promotions, but many require direct deposit or ACH transfers. GSB stands out by not requiring direct deposit to earn the bonus, making it more accessible for customers who prefer flexibility in funding methods.

Practical Example

Jane, a New York resident, opens an Access Checking account with GSB on May 20, 2025, depositing $50. She doesn’t set up direct deposit but uses her debit card once a month. After 180 days of keeping the account active and making qualifying transactions, she qualifies for the $300 bonus, which she receives in late November 2025. She must report the bonus as income when filing taxes.

Key Takeaways

• Bonus Amount: $300 available until May 31, 2025.
• No Direct Deposit Required: Bonus can be earned without it, although it helps avoid fees on Access Checking.
• Eligibility: Available to residents of NY and New England states.
• Qualifying Accounts: Prime Access, Preferred Access, Access Checking.
• 180-Day Requirement: Must meet transaction or balance criteria each month.
• Taxable Bonus: Will be reported as interest income.

This limited-time offer from GSB is ideal for customers in the Northeast looking for a generous, low-barrier checking bonus. Those interested should act before the May 31 deadline and ensure they meet the account requirements over the six-month period.