[Expired] [Targeted MN, MI, IL, WI, CO & SD] TCF Bank $250 Checking Bonus – Direct Deposit Optional

This bonus has expired, view other TCF bonuses here or the best bonuses here.

Offer is only available to people who have received the mailer, this is now being enforced.

Update: Calling in no longer works as they are manually verifying if you’re address received a mail out or not. Because of this I am removing it from our best bank bonus post.

Reposting as it seems like the mailer isn’t needed at all, especially when applying via phone.

Offer at a glance

  • Maximum bonus amount: $250
  • Availability: MN, MI, IL, WI, CO & SD. In branch or via phone [branch locations]
  • Direct deposit required: Optional
  • Additional requirements: See below
  • Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
  • ChexSystems: Unknown
  • Credit card funding: Up to $1,000 Visa & Mastercard only (not allowed in branch but can be done via phone. They might just allow $100 via phone but when they send you the details via e-mail you should be able to fund $1,000)
  • Monthly fees: None
  • Early account termination fee: None
  • Household limit: One
  • Expiration date: September 15th, 2017

The Offer

No direct link, see image below

  • TCF Bank is offering a bonus of $250 when you complete the following requirements:
    • Bring mailer in (not sure if this is actually required as it’s a non unique promo code). Promo code is JDM250
    • Open a TCF Free Checking account
    • Do one of the following within 60 days of account opening :
      • Receive direct deposits totaling $500 or more
      • Make at least $250 in debit card purchases

The Fine Print

  • MN, MI, IL, WI, CO & SD only.
  • Bonus will post to your account the business day following the criteria verification
  • One offer per household
  • Not eligible to current TCF customers or those who have closed an account in the last 90 days.
  • Banker instructions: Select code JDM250 in the express service select promotion drop down list
  • Non residents can only apply in branch and it seems like the mailer is required
  • All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

This account has no monthly fees to worry about. There is a $2 fee if you receive paper statements. According to this fee schedule there is no early account termination fee.

Our Verdict

Thankfully it’s possible to apply over the phone without the mailer, so really open to everybody in the qualifying states (and possibly out of state).  Obviously a great deal as no monthly fee or direct deposit to worry about. Only need to spend $250 on a debit card and that’s not particularly difficult. As always please share your own experiences in the comments below. I will add this to our best bank bonus page.

Update: At least one reader had success over the phone.

Big thanks to reader, Brandon B, Rav & Ryan who let us know. Learn how to find bonuses and contribute to the site here.

Useful posts regarding bank bonuses:
    William Charles
  • On August 1, 2017, 23:27

View Comments (206)

  • More DP for TCF:

    -DD from a combination of personal Chase Checking, Discover Savings and Alliant Credit Union savings triggered the bonus. Received the bonus the following day after I officially hit $500 in DD.

  • $500 DD from WF personal checking acct worked to trigger the reward; received reward 2 days after the DD.

  • Just another recent data point: A push from Chase checking this week triggered the $250 bonus.

  • Looks like there's a new round of these mailers out. I received one last week. However, instead of $250 in debit purchases, the second way to earn the $250 is: "Enroll in TCF digital banking and make $500 in online bill payments within 60 days of account opening." Offer expires August 6, 2018.

  • Anyone in the Chicago area received a mailer? I might go in branch with the pdf but I don't know if I am in the targeted mailing area.

    • Edit: went to branch with a pdf and was denied. They require the physical mailer with your address.

    • Agreed. I received a mailer last week. Must bring mailer and open account in branch. Very simple qualifications by depositing $25 and then :
      Either $500 in direct deposits OR $250 in Bill Pays within 60 days.

      Code in the details was A250BP. I was going to open the account on Friday last week, but the branch was pretty busy at the time so I decided to postpone as the offer doesn't expire until May 31, 2018.

      • This still works but only 1 per house as I called to get another open and they saw that I opened one already

      • Follow-up DPs:

        Account Opened in Branch 4/13. Deposited $250. Mailer needed for bonus. The branch rep circled, dated, and marked "Used" on the flyer near the bonus code so I couldn't allow anyone else to bring it back, but returned it to me.

        $250 Chase bill pay set up 4/17,cleared 4/18.

        Bonus posted 4/19.

        Clearly this is very targeted, but hopefully the rest of you have some luck being in a targeted mailing area!

  • DP for the 2018 offer ending on April 2:
    3/19 – Opened in branch in Michigan with mailer
    3/23 – $500 ACH deposit from Chase checking (JPMorgan Chase Ext Trnsfr)
    3/26 – $250 bonus.

  • Just received a mailer for this bonus today, good until April 2nd. Addressed to (name that is not mine) or current resident. Terms are the same except in step 3 it's: "...OR enroll in TCF digital banking and make at least $250 in online bill payments within 60 days of account opening". Definitely going to do this one.

    • Update:

      Bill pay was scheduled on 2/27, account updated to reflect the money moved out on 2/28, bonus posted on 3/1.

      @will not sure how this works, but I am suggesting you put TCF as having an active bonus again! :)

      • Update for me as well. I did ACH transfer from Alliant CU, and it coded as direct deposit. I earned the bonus the day after the transfer posted. I agree, this should go on the list of active best bank bonuses.

    • The banker actually kept the part with the code, but it was not unique. AJV250. The flyer does specify doing it in-branch and the post talks of address verification so Godspeed.

    • I received this a couple of days ago as well. I went through the process, and the only downside is that credit card funding is now limited to $100.

  • So should I receive a 1099 for this? I know bank bonuses are generally taxable, but since this one had a spending requirement, I believe that makes this one different?

    • I sent them a direct message on twitter asking for a 1099, and got this reply:

      If you received a marketing promotion to your account, you will not receive a 1099. None of the promotions offered in 2017 required the money earned to be reported as interest

Leave a Comment