Update 03/01/18: There is now an option to add a promotional code yourself. Hat tip to reader Spartan24.
It might be possible to use a Chase checking or savings coupon code by simply opening an account online and subsequently having the branch coupon code applied via Secured Message.
There’s currently an offer to get $300 from a Chase checking bonus online and there are also offers to get $300 for a Chase savings account with $25k or $200 with $15k. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not eligible for the checking offer based on geography. Even those who are, myself included, are getting a glitch where only the savings code gets applied, not the checking code. (This is apparently fixable, see this comment for more information.)
When messaging them about the glitch, Chase confirmed with me that they could apply a promo code after the fact, provided it’s within 21 days. I was having some trouble getting the public online offer applied to my account before remembering that I’d recently received a mailer for an in-branch $500 offer. On whim, I sent Chase a secured message asking that they apply the mailer promo code to my online-opened checking account. A few hours later they SMed back that they are sending it to a team to take care of, and not 10 minutes later another message came that it was done and the $300 promo successfully attached to my account.
It’s possible that this was a one-off due to the public offer link, but my impression is that this team didn’t know a thing about the public offer, and that this workaround will work for anyone who has a $500 branch bonus online. Simply open an account online without a promo code, then have the branch-only promo code applied after-the-fact via SM. Getting hold of these branch $500 offers is pretty easy: they’re often publicly available or you can try buying one on eBay or getting from a friend.
No guarantees it’ll work, but it’s good pajama money if it does. Let us know if you try.
