[Expired] [MD, DC & VA only] Sandy Spring Bank $220 Checking Bonus

Deal has ended, view more bank account bonuses by clicking here.

Offer at a glance

The Offer

Direct link to offer

  • Sandy Spring Bank is offering a bonus of $220 when you open a new personal checking account and complete the following requirements within 60 days of account opening:
    • Establish a direct deposit of at least $500 (this must be maintained for four months)
    • Enroll in eStatements
    • Order a debit card (order it here)

The Fine Print

  • To receive the $220 bonus, open any personal checking account (excluding Student Banking) online or mention the offer when you call our client service center by June 30, 2020.
  • Establish direct deposit, electronic statements and order a debit card within 60 days of account opening.
  • An initial direct deposit of at least $500 must be received within 60 days of account opening from a paycheck, pension, social security or other monthly income electronically deposited.
  • Transfers from one account to another or deposits made at the branch or ATM do not qualify as direct deposits.
  • You must continue to receive a monthly direct deposit of at least $500 for 4 months.
  • Limited time offer available only to individuals who currently do not have a personal checking account with Sandy Spring Bank or have not had one within the last 90 days.
  • Offer subject to change and cancellation without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer.
  • Only one bonus per individual.
  • Bonus will be deposited within 125 days of account opening, into the checking account meeting the bonus requirements.
  • Account must be in good standing.
  • All applicable taxes are the sole responsibility of the recipient.

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

he my free banking account has no monthly fee and also no monthly minimums.

Early Account Termination Fee

According to this comment the early account termination fee is $25 if the account is closed within 180 days.

Our Verdict

Main issue with this bank/bonus is how Chexsystems sensitive they are. I suspect most readers won’t be able to get this bonus because of that. This is better than the previous $150 offer they had. I do think this bonus is worth doing if you have a low amount of ChexSystems inquiries, because of that I will be adding it to our list of the best bank account bonuses.

Hat tip to DDG

Useful posts regarding bank bonuses:
    William Charles
  • On April 25, 2020, 12:00

View Comments (124)

  • Has anyone received a 1099 for this bonus? I don't recall receiving anything in the mail.

  • 10/06/2020 Credit Winter Promo $220
    10/01/2020 Real DD $1200
    9/18/2020 Capital One Transfer $500
    9/01/2020 Real DD $750
    8/11/2020 Capital One Transfer $500 (to cover August)
    7/31/2020 Real DD $750
    7/07/2020 Capital One Transfer $500
    6/11/2020 Applied & Instantly Approved

    I have a track record with this bank of getting approved, and then two weeks later getting a check mailed to me. That is what happened in previous years. Took me almost a month to fully believe it was going to stay open. And, had issues getting online banking set up from day one and eventually had to call in July to enroll. Honestly, I think with the employees working from home, they forgot to review my Chex and I got through. @guest_998010 @guest_996609

    Also, because I did not have online access for the 1st month, I was on paper statements by default. I was worried that was going to screw up the bonus. Per terms, a 60 days grace period is used.

    And, I previously documented the trials and tribulations I went through just to get the required debit card. Once I finally got it, I used it one time at the end of July to make a payment to USAA, just to prove I had it within the 60 days.

      • And, I think 2 or 3 months of DD's is probably sufficient. Get one in by 60 days, another by 90, and bonus posts before 120. Always better to overdo than underdo though.

        • I think you are right. I only had 3 months of DD because one DD was posted at the end of a month rather than the 1st of the next month as I planned. But to be safe, it is better to ensure 4 months of DD as required for the bonus.

    • Got my bonus as well. Similar DP with dates except I only used a real DD. I have a feeling we won't be so lucky next time when it comes to Chex sensitivity.

      • Maybe... or maybe there is a new sheriff in town and they like big approval numbers. We can dream...

  • 5/28 P2 Applied. Account approved. $250 CC Funding Citi Double Cash posts as purchase
    6/18 Capital One 360 ACH $500 (to cover "June")
    7/1 Real DD $500
    7/31 Real DD $500
    8/19 Capital One 360 ACH $500 (to cover "August")
    9/1 Real DD $500
    9/6 "Credit Winter Promo" $220.

    Brrr... sure is a chilly winter. Snowball fight, @guest_996609 @guest_998010! Just to cover butt in June and August, did Capital One DD's that were probably unnecessary, but wanted it to be stress-free.

    I expect another month for P1, open 6/11, with a similar track record!

    @guest_1049257 mentions, bonus posted on the 4th statement cut date, even on a Sunday. P2's statement end dates were 6/6, 7/6, 8/6, and 9/6 (9/6 not yet generated).

      • Agreed. Told you that... 3 or 4 month waits to get bonuses isn't that big of a deal. You will still be here, trying to find another bonus to sign-up for, and wishing that you had done the promo so you could be reporting a $220 WIN on a HOLIDAY weekend, and on a Sunday!

        I forgot I went like 3 weeks without access, that's why I wasn't enrolled in e-statements from day one. I thought for sure they were just being slow about closing my acct for Chex.

        • I still don’t think this one would have worked in my favor.

          Aside from the theories of when they payout, I also see a pattern of them paying out after 3x $500 DDs (cumulative), regardless of statement cut or calendar month.

          • Can't win if you don't play...

            Yeah, I think as long as you start your DD's within 60 days your gtg. They just put the words in place to make it sound like you need a lot of DD's to get the prize.

    • Just looked on P1's online banking and noticed I do not have an e-statement for 7/6, only 8/6. IIRC, I did get one paper statement and did enroll in e-statements as soon as I saw it (was within 60 days, which is in terms). I just hope that doesn't jack up the bonus, or extend me out to November. It shouldn't, but stranger things have happened.

  • account opened 5/22
    real dd $250 6/22
    real dd $250 7/10
    real dd $250 7/24
    real dd $250 8/7
    real dd $250 8/21
    real dd $250 9/4
    bonus $220 9/6
    Looks like they post bonus on your fourth statement cut date.

        • @guest_988340 Thanks. JDiggity's post was made on 9/5 (a Saturday) in the morning, but the bonus was reported to be on 9/6. Seemed strange to me, so I wanted to confirm.

          • Yeah, I didn't notice it pop into Mint until 9/6 when it posted... but some people set up alerts in their online banking and see it before Mint. Guessing it was pending on 9/5, dated 9/6.

            Looks like Sandy's statement date always falls on the 6th, so the best time to signup would be right before that date for the soonest payout.

          • I thought the statement date for Sanday was always on the 6th, but the most recent September statement was on the 3rd.

          • Yeah, the statement had not generated for the month at the time of my comment. So, my comment about statements always ending on the 6th is incorrect.

            I'd guess when the 6th falls on a Sunday the bump it up to Friday. It will be interesting if it's on the 2nd, 3rd, or 6th next month. I am thinking 6th.

  • I received this bonus. Transfer from Schwab Brokerage definitely works for fake DD.

    2020-05-04 - opened account
    2020-05-22 - $500 transfer in from Schwab Brokerage
    around early June - received debit card
    2020-06-09 - $500 transfer in from Schwab Brokerage
    2020-07-09 - $500 transfer in from Schwab Brokerage
    2020-08-06 - $220 bonus received
    2020-08-07 - $500 transfer in from Schwab Brokerage

    I didn't notice the $220 was credited until after I had already completed the 4th transfer. I suppose it's possible that the $220 bonus was received immediately upon the 4th DD being received and the dates are messed up, but I think it's more likely that it was received on my 4th statement closing date. My statement closes on the 6th of every month. I didn't have any DD activity for the first 3 day period. I originally opened the account using a $250 purchase from my U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card, which coded as a purchase.

  • got my bonus yesterday.
    5/12: opened account
    6/9: ordered debit
    6/12: biweekly real DD starting 6/12
    8/6: $220 posted

    • Interesting DP~Even though the offer terms required 4 months of DD records, it seems you got the bonus with 2 months of DD.

  • Still no debit card three weeks after account approval. Decided to complain via SM, clearly pointing out that I requested a debit card during the application. CSR replied that debit cards are not automatically issued for new accounts. But he also apologized for the misleading language on the website and said he ordered my debit card. The debit card and PIN in separate mails will arrive in 7-10 business days. Meanwhile, there was a form for me to sign. I quickly signed it and returned it via SM. Hopefully this is the end of the debit card drama. @guest_988340

    • Basically same issue with me. I had accidentally not requested one for P2, so I already had a form to fill out and send it end. I think this is just incompetence and they aren't trying to dodge paying the bonus, but who knows!

    • SO got her card two days ago. I am still waiting. I keep getting reps telling me it had to be done over mail.

      • Got the PIN Thursday, and the Debit Card today. Only took a month. Yay.

        The only thing good about their card is you can select the PIN, as long as you have the pouch PIN they mail you. @guest_996609 @guest_1018291

        • Got my debit card and PIN today. It will take a few months to satisfy the requirements, but I will see how fast they actually issue the bonus after requirements are met.

          • Cool!

            IIRC, in the past, they actually stuck to the terms... even if the three or four DD's were not complete, as long as you did a couple of them. "Bonus will be deposited within 125 days of account opening"

            Guess we will see, but that's the day I expect it to payout.

          • The hard part is over... the account stayed open. But of course, they could have tweaked the system since the last time P2 did this bonus.

            Citi takes 4 months to payout. BB&T does too. WF 3 or 4 months sometimes. Gotta have patience.

          • BTW: what is your take on the First Fidelity Bank deal? Decent bonus with mixed DPs for OOS applications (plus long processing time due to manual review of lots of docs). I will skip it as I am getting heavy on Chex, but think you may find it worthy of trying.

        • Finally! I am expecting mine next week, if the promised 7-10 business days delivery is honored.

        • Not that this is an open active bonus, but I am pretty much guaranteed a denial right now if it was.

          • Actually, if @guest_998010 can get in, then the person that is supposed the review the Chex inquiry count is not doing their job. Corona?

            Tested my debit card today too... online banking still up, account still active. Real DD hitting next Friday.

  • Different experience for me requesting a debit card. All I did was send an SM asking to get a debit card. CSR confirmed new applications do not include a debit card and must be ordered afterwards; CSR also said he went ahead and ordered me a card and gave me a form to sign to complete any remaining new account process. Simple experience for me.

    • Probably getting tired of a bunch of requests and improving the process. So far I had two different reps tell me mine would be mailed, and three others telling me the request had to be done over mail. I am leaving it alone for now... I have a month to get it.

  • I got my welcome letter in the mail today dated June 12th, the day I applied... so my adverse action letter and refund check should be her next week.

    - Still unable to login. When I try to create a new login, it tells me an application is pending. When I try to reset the password on a login that I just created, it tells me no accounts found.

    • Do you want to take one for the team and call them? Lol. Maybe they will tell you their exact Chex threshold (or just confirm their 3/90 limit).

      • They won't divulge the 11 herbs and spices used. Skyone wouldn't, and Sandy Spring didn't before when I tried. At least they are getting more efficient at the shutdowns... the 1st time I signed up in 2018 I had online account access for at least several days before getting the boot.

        If I think about it this week I will call, but I know the answer.

        • Did you get anything from them? So officially, I'll be under 3/90 tomorrow 6/27 if going strictly by 90 days. But if counting a little more time at around 100 days, I'll have another 2 more Chex hits.

          I know I will be denied but I might give this a go. I'll forgo CC funding and maybe they'll be more lenient? (doubtful)

          • My thoughts on CC funding... I liked my write-up I said before about Fulton bank I am copy-pasting it here.

            Funding wouldn’t impact the result. I fell into that mentality listening to the peanut gallery on SkyOne and lowered my CC funding for P2, but these apps aren’t that high tech. How you fund is just a cost of doing business. They aren’t scoring you on your current actions… they are scoring you based on what’s in your Chex and/or soft-pulled credit report says, and that determines if they want you as a customer. They put the CC funding on the application for people to use, not to see if they will take the forbidden fruit.

          • Nope, still waiting for an official answer. I thought about calling but never got around to it. I feel it's like calling Santa on Dec 26th when you already know why you got a lump of coal.

            My opinion is that CC funding is not supposed to be a tease or a forbidden fruit. It's supposed to be a convenience and a primer to get you using your account quicker. They wouldn't offer it if they didn't want people to use it. Plus, it's only $250... how upset could they be?

            I did get my Chex report a few days ago, and I was at 3/90 inquires not counting Sandy Spring. But like you, I had a couple that were just beyond 90. I really think the 90-day rule is BS, because my SO got approved two years ago with 4/90 inquiries. (linked below in my convo with @guest_996609) They have some other calculation they use and the CSR was out of her swim lane. But I wish you luck!

          • A little different than you so far. Instead of CC funding, I did a bank transfer. Had to wait until next day to verify trial deposits and today, my account is opened. Was able to create an online login profile.

            Now the waiting game to see if I'm shutdown in the next few weeks.

          • #Winning? OK, it's been 3 weeks, so I finally called and asked why I couldn't access my account. CSR said I just needed to apply for online banking... and I explained I already did, multiple times. CSR blamed on it on when the account was new it might not have worked, but he said the account was approved now.

            So, while I have CSR on the phone, I try again, to enroll in OLB. Gives an error, but a different one.. status error. CSR says he sees the OLB application and has to get it approved. OK, so... a couple of mins goes by on hold.... and says it should work now. So, I try and it works. CSR said bill pay should be there tomorrow.

            I still don't really trust that it will stay open... but if we get to mid-month, I will set up a real DD for July 31st. FYI @guest_996609

            I did notice that on my most recent Chex report that Sandy did not pull the Chex report a 2nd time like they did on my past accounts. That makes me think that maybe they don't do the 2nd Chex inquiry until you get online banking setup. Then some fraud/loss prevention weenies probably step in and review new accounts.... I could be right, or I could be wrong. Guess I will find out next time I pull Chex and see if there is a Sandy July inquiry.

          • Going forward with a Cap One 360 DD strike of $500. Will implement a real DD at the end of the month if things are still going to plan. Per terms I had 60 days to get a DD, so I will still be good to go for the bonus, and CFPB'able if I have a real DD to back it up. @guest_998010

            Come to think of it, I didn't see a debit card yet for this account. Time to get back on the phone.

            EDIT: Just noticed P2 hasn't gotten her debit card either. Either they are REALLY SLOW at issuing debit cards, or they hope people forget that is a requirement for the bonus! Well played Sandy... Well played. She still has a couple of weeks before the 60-day clock, but 5 weeks on a debit card? Really? @guest_996609

          • Called and said the debit card requires a separate application and they will send it via Online Banking.... tick-tock.

          • This is insane! When I applied a week ago, I checked the option saying something like "if you would like to link your existing card to your account or a new debit card if you do not have one." They should directly mail me the card instead of demanding a separate application and me to contact them again about it.

          • Well, like I said, P2 never got her card after 5 weeks, and I just assumed they were closing my account for Chex. But yeah, seems the new account people aren't doing their jobs. Can't say I have had to mail a debit card application, ever.

            Maybe yours did get processed and it's in the mail, but I would definitely check on it.

          • Thanks, will keep an eye on it over the next couple of weeks and update it here.

          • Oh, it gets better. /s On the form it says it can't be e-mailed or faxed, but it doesn't say if SM is alright.

            So, on P2's account, I contact them over SM and ask if I can submit the debit application, after I print and sign it, via PDF over SM instead of mailing it. They said yes. Good news, right? Oh, but they mention there will be another form that needs to be signed. Apparently, once they enter the debit application into their system, it generates another form. So they SM that from back to me... a 2-page form now that is mostly blank paper, that I have to print. sign and scan, and SM back to them. Good times.

            On my account, all I got back from my SM was they were sending my application to the "right department". My luck, the risk management dept - LOL. Oh, but did say "You will receive the card in 8-10 days"

            @guest_1009941 @guest_998010, and for comedic relief, @guest_996609

          • @guest_988340 Received the welcome letter today, which says "Didn't request a card when you opened your new account? Go to .... and order your card today." I will give them one more week for the debit card delivery. If by then I still haven't received the card, I will call them to complain about it!

          • Tell Sandy that SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward are extremely disappointed in her. Clearly she is one that you have to babysit, so it’s probably best to be the proactive one and not wait for them to make the next move, once you are certain that you aren’t shutdown for Chex.

          • Today P2 gets an e-mail requesting she log into the other Sandy messaging portal concerning her debit card application.

            https://web1.zixmail.net/s/e?b=sandyspringbank&

            LOL, it's a copy of the application that she requested on Friday... partially filled out and ready to start the whole process over again. 😣
            It explains that it must be sent via mail, not e-mail.
            I am ASSuming whoever sent it did not look to see the current status in SM. But I am going to reply and mention it, just to see what they say.
            @guest_998010

          • Received two letters from Sanday today. Apparently no debit card, just useless welcome-type letters!

          • Yeah, one letter is when you open the account, has the account number, and the other is from when you signup for online banking. A month later I just got the OLB today.. because my access was jacked up for so long and couldn't get signed up.

          • P2 got debit card PIN today... so that's a good sign.

            On my account, I keep getting SM's that say I have to submit the form via USPS. So I sent the request form again, this time with the guy's name on it that approved P2's card. @guest_996609

          • SoFi Money paid me $25 today, did you get yours? I am still going to follow up and fight tooth and nail to get the full $75. Mother fathers. @guest_988340

          • And just for clarification, I was talking about the $75 for two DD's bonus I was missing. Not sure I even want to bother fighting for your referral bonus. It's still showing on my tracker as incomplete.

          • That's funny. The guy from the CEO's office e-mailed me saying the bonus has been paid. So, I go check on it... $50. (should have been $75) I replied back and let him know. What a freaking circus. @guest_996609

          • Is that from me or someone else’s referral? I know the current referral bonus is $50/$25 you/me but I’m fighting with them that I signed up under $75?/$75.

          • Yeah, I think I would be due $25 for yours. They change the offers so much that they can't even figure out the amount.

            Maybe when my buddy at the CEO office replies back I will let him know... I will be this guy's side gig/collateral duty.

          • We are stuck in the endless loop of dog poop.

            A woman named Jennifer emailed me to ask for a time to call or continue email. She didn’t call me today but I saw her hours are the night shift. I just want to get this done with so I can move on. I’m keeping their Money account anyways since it’s not churnable. I’m not sure if Invest is churnable while the Money is open.

          • Lol I'll contact them if I don't see my debit card in the mail by next week. At least some good news - account is still open 1 week after opening.

          • Fun fun in the sand. Be careful, we are in a heat wave and the sun is blaring every day, the sand can get really hot. Oh and there’s Covid too.

            I’m having my own fun with SoFi Money. They haven’t answered me in a couple of business days when previous responses were same day. They and Sandy should be friends.

          • Days??? Pfft. I am still waiting on referral bonuses from last summer from Ellevest. Granted, I avoided contacting them for months because my bonuses were $50 when most everyone was seeing $20.

          • Is there a reason why you are waiting so long? I feel like things are more likely to be in your favor if you reach out when payouts are expected. Otherwise, they have more reasons to deny you, including not following up in a timely matter (I made that one up, but I think you get where I’m coming from).

          • Because I was continuing to get accumulate referrals at $50 throughout the fall for some unknown reason when the promo got downgraded in July... but then they said in terms it could take up to 90 days to get paid, even though that's not how quickly most people got paid. Well, finally that 90 days had come and gone in late winter. I did get most of the referrals at that point, end of 2019, but seemed like 3 $50 payments were hung up in the system.
            So I submit a request for help... and the original solution was they were just going to erase the pending referral payments, and they did.... so I provided them my list of referrals. (Luckily, their system you can actually see a list of who signs up) That was the end of April they were going to look into it. I suspected what they would do is change the value of the referrals to $20 vice the $50 and tell me I actually got overpaid, and to go away. At the end of May they FINALLY responded "Our team reviewed your account and credited you for the missing referrals. You should see a pending credit and it will be applied within 60 days. " So, when I log in now it shows a pending payment of $150 once again, so at least they didn't downgrade them.

            So, now I am on hold until the end of July. I probably should have taken the matter to the CFPB already... or whoever handles brokerage complaints.

          • I see, you had other circumstances and variables at play. In my case, it’s straightforward and it’s also your $75 too haha. I’m brainstorming how I should approach this if they continue to ghost me this week. I was thinking about another follow up via chat and then threaten (politely) with CFPB, attorney general, CIA, FBI, DHS, and DEA for good measure.

          • Someone on Reddit said just hit the Ask CEO button - I might do that as well. I already contacted support on my SoFi issue for the DD bonus and they gave me some wishy-washy answer, because my two real DD's hit on the same day their system MIGHT not payout.

          • I emailed Anthony today. Let’s see what he says, or whoever monitors his email.

          • A guy name Brian from the CEO's office e-mailed and called me this morning after my e-mail last night. He did not give me a firm answer but sounds like they are going to side with me, it just takes time to go through the proper channels. I don't fully understand how their corp works, but seems like they are sort of QA over the SoFi Money operation. He told me that besides my ticket, they are also going to do an internal review, which their shareholders will see. I wanted to say just cut me a check for what is due and lets all just move on.

          • I don’t like sand, so I would hate Sandy if I had to go thru what you have so far. Sand is like glitter, it never really goes away and is a PITA.

          • The rep I spoke said online banking... that they would send me the application that way.

            I had P2 call from her work. She said the rep said they would e-mail the application. Neither of us got the application today. They also went on to discuss the bonus, which I really didn't think was necessary, but whatever. Per the highly trained CSR, the only requirement that was the DD for the 60-day rule. Of course, I believe none of it.

            P2's rep said we could just google it. LOL. Highly professional help.

            Looks like the debit card app is on their website....
            https://www.sandyspringbank.com/personal/banking/debit-cards

            Must be printed and mailed.... obviously, this isn't going anywhere today or on a holiday weekend, but what a stupid process. @guest_998010

            I guess when you only approve a handful of online applicants a year there isn't much need to make getting a debit card easy.

            @will Might want to make a note that to get a debit card there is a separate application.

            @guest_996609 I have learned to quell my anxiety with this bank and just take it day by day.

          • Thank you.

            Maybe if @guest_998010 and I make it through the tunnel more people will actually try for this one next round. I tried to get some companionship but some people like @guest_996609 just don't think highly of poor Sandy. I am starting week 4, P2 on week 6, and just finally got an almost usable account, but it still wouldn't surprise me that the hammer drops either.

          • The first time ever... when I signed up, it was like that. I had access for a week and then it just suddenly stopped working.

            I still haven't got my refund check yet. Suppose I should call. Just maybe my account is fine and they just need to unblock me in online banking.

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