[MO, KS, In Branch only] Hawthorn Bank $300 Checking Bonus

Update 1/5/25″ Deal is back, in branch only. Valid until March 31, 2025. Hat tip to ink_me_please

Update 9/29/24: Deal is back and valid until December 31, 2024.

Update 1/31/23: Deal is back and valid until December 31, 2023. Hat tip to reader Gadget

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $300
• Availability: MO, KS
• Direct deposit required: Yes, two direct deposits totaling $500+
• Additional requirements: See below
• Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
• ChexSystems: Unknown
• Credit card funding: Up to $2,000 per account (can open checking & then savings)
• Monthly fees: None
• Early account termination fee: $25, 90 days
• Household limit: None listed
• Expiration date: December 31, 2022

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• Hawthorn Bank is offering a $300 bonus when you open a new checking account and complete the following requirements:
  • Use promo code 2024Cash300
  • Set up at least two direct deposits totaling $500 or more to your new account within the first 90 days of account opening

The Fine Print

• Offer is not available to existing Hawthorn Bank checking customers.
• To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new qualifying checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have two or more direct deposits totaling at least $500 made to this account within 90 days of account opening.
• Deposit accounts must be opened by December 31, 2022 when offer expires.
• Qualifying personal checking accounts include any Hawthorn Bank checking account except Opportunity Checking and Opportunity First Step Checking. Checking accounts may be opened with a $25 deposit. Qualifying savings accounts include Personal Savings, More Savings or Vacation Savings Accounts. Qualifying savings accounts must be opened within 60 days after the new checking account is opened in order to qualify for the $25 bonus.
• After the full 90-day qualification period, qualifying customers will receive a direct deposit of $300 (and an additional $25, for those who opened and maintain a savings account in good standing) to their checking account within 2-6 weeks of the qualifying period end date. Please mention this offer or use the offer code CASH300 in order to receive this incentive. Offer expires December 31, 2022.
• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

They offer a free checking account (this does have a $3 fee if you don’t opt in for paperless statements( and also an account that offers 3.01% APY.

Early Account Termination Fee

$25 fee is charged if the account is closed within 30 days of opening according to the fee schedule.

Our Verdict

There is a $150 business referral bonus as well. Requirements for this bonus are easy to meet and there is some nice credit card funding as well. Will add this to our best checking bonuses.

Hat tip to reader Curm

Useful posts regarding bank bonuses:

• A Beginners Guide To Bank Account Bonuses
• Bank Account Quick Reference Table (Spreadsheet) (very useful for sorting bonuses by different parameters)
• PSA: Don’t Call The Bank
• Introduction To ChexSystems
• Banks & Credit Unions That Are ChexSystems Inquiry Sensitive
• What Banks & Credit Unions Do/Don’t Pull ChexSystems?
• How To Use Our Direct Deposit Page For Bank Bonuses Page
• Common Bank Bonus Misconceptions + Why You Should Give Them A Go
• How Many Bank Accounts Can I Safely Open Within A Year For Bank Bonus Purposes?
• Affiliate Links & Bank Bonuses – We Won’t Be Using Them
• Complete List Of Ways To Close Bank Accounts At Each Bank
• Banks That Allow/Don’t Allow Out Of State Checking Applications
• Bank Bonus Posting Times