$500 Bonus with New Checking Account Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)





You may choose whichever option is most convenient to you. Opening a new account online allows you to save time and get started whenever, wherever you are. Stopping by a nearby branch allows our Academy Bank associates to introduce you to our bank and assist you with the account opening process, if needed.
$100 opening balance required on an Elite Investment Checking Account. Subject to monthly service charge. To receive $500 bonus, open a new Elite Investment Checking Account, make at least four direct deposits totaling $10,000 and enroll in Online Banking within 90 days of account opening. The checking account bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 60 days of direct deposit verification. Closing a new account within 90 days of opening will result in a $25 early closure fee. Offer expires July 15, 2026. 
A direct deposit is a regularly occurring electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security. Other electronic deposits or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.  
Qualifying direct deposits are defined as recurring electronic deposits of regular income made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network
•    such as payroll from an employer, pension payments, Social Security, or other government benefits
•    Deposits that are not considered qualifying direct deposits include, but are not limited to, account-to-account transfers, deposits made via teller, ATM, or mobile deposit, wire transfers, one-time ACH deposits, refunds, rebates, fintech, gaming (e.g., DraftKings, Fanatics), and person-to-person (P2P) payments (e.g., Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Cash, Google Pay, Ebay).
At the end of the 90-day deposit period if account qualifications are met, we will deposit the $500 bonus into your new checking account within 60 days.