REGISTER
You will receive a registration confirmation email with your promo code and next steps to earn your offer. Note: You must register before opening your account.
OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT
Next, open a qualifying checking account by June 30, 2025. You can open your account online or visit your local branch to open using the promo code sent to your registered email address.
EARN YOUR BONUS
Meet the requirements below for your new qualifying checking account.
First Merchants Advantage Checking
Earn interest and enjoy special benefits with this popular primary checking account.
First Merchants Elite Checking
Get our highest checking interest rate and extra special benefits to make the most of a large balance.
No fee with:
One $500 direct deposit2 per month
OR
15 debit card transactions per month3
OR
Maintain at least $1,500 in minimum combined personal deposit balances,
OR
You are a Senior (62 and over)4
No fee with:
$15,000 in minimum combined personal deposit balances.
• Seniors receive Free Specialty Checks and Paper Statements
• Free Specialty Checks and Paper Statements
• No annual fee on a new Home Equity Line of Credit6
AND
Complete 15 debit card transactions or payments (via ACH, bill pay, or check) of at least $10
AND
Maintain a $1,500 minimum balance.
AND
Complete 5 debit card transactions or payments (via ACH, bill pay, or check) of at least $10
AND
Maintain a $15,000 minimum balance.
Your bonus will be deposited directly to your new checking account within 60 days of completing the above requirements.
Benefits of Banking with a Best Bank
It’s easy to switch
Use automated tools to switch your direct deposit and update your preferred payment method for dozens of online services like Netflix, Amazon and iTunes10
1 Terms and Conditions for the First Merchants Bank (FMB) Checking Offer:
How to Earn Your Offer: After registering, ask an FMB banker to enroll you in the offer code emailed to you. You must be a new FMB personal checking account holder. Account holders with an existing personal checking account with FMB (either as the primary or secondary account holder) are not eligible. You must not have closed a personal checking account within the last 36 months of the promotion start date (on or after 3/7/25). The primary accountholder of the participating checking account must be at least 18 years old at the time of account opening and reside in Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio. FMB employee accounts are not eligible. Earn $300 for opening a new Advantage Checking Account between 3/7/25 to 6/30/25, and complete 15 debit card transactions or payments (via ACH, bill pay, or check) of at least $10 each, EACH month for the first 3 months AFTER the month of the account opening AND Maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance in the Advantage checking account EACH month for the first 3 months AFTER the month of account opening AND complete one qualifying payroll direct deposit* of $500 or more EACH month for the first 3 months AFTER the month of account opening. Earn $500 for opening a new Elite Checking Account between 3/7/25 to 6/30/25, and complete 5 debit card transactions or payments (via ACH, bill pay, or check) of at least $10 each, EACH month for the first 3 months AFTER the month of the account opening AND Maintain a $15,000 minimum daily balance in the Elite checking account EACH month for the first 3 months AFTER the month of account opening AND complete one qualifying payroll direct deposit* of $1,000 or more EACH month for the first 3 months AFTER the month of account opening. Must register for offer to qualify. Registered name and email address must match the primary accountholder information. Registration date must be on or before account opening date. Offer valid to named recipient only. After meeting the offer qualification requirements, the applicable reward will be credited to the new checking account in the month following the third qualification month. ‘New Checking Offer Reward’ will appear on monthly checking statement when credited. This promotion is only applicable once per client. FMB may report the value of the reward received through any offer to the Internal Revenue Service as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Reward will be at the sole discretion of the bank. If account is closed by customer or FMB within 6 months after opening, you will be charged up to the full amount of the bonus (up to $500) and the early closing fee ($50). This offer is subject to change and may be discontinued at any time.
*A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit to your account by your employer or an outside agency. Transfers from one account to another, or deposits made at a banking location or ATM, do not qualify. Multiple deposits of less than required amount will not qualify.
2 Multiple deposits of less than required amount will not qualify to waive the monthly maintenance fee.
3 Debit Card transaction includes point of sale transaction, signature based transaction, or ATM withdrawal.
4 Seniors 62 and over can receive Free paper statements, Free specialty checks and no monthly maintenance fee with a First Merchants Advantage Checking account.
5 CD bonuses cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
6 Subject to credit approval.
7 Certain restrictions, terms, and conditions apply.
8 Certain restrictions apply. Please see www.mastercard.us/zero-liability.html for more details. MasterCard® benefits are offered through MasterCard® card services. Please call 1-800-MASTERCARD for assistance. MasterCard® Enhanced Benefits are provided by MasterCard® to First Merchants Personal MasterCard® debit card holders at no additional cost.
9 Overdraft protection from a linked account must be established.
10 None of the listed companies are associated with, sponsor, or endorse this product.
