First Entertainment Credit Union
First Entertainment Credit Union Value Checking $350 Bonus
First Entertainment Credit Union pays $350 when you join (First500 Savings, $1) and open a Value or Advantage Checking account, then keep a recurring deposit of at least $1,000 a month going for 90 days. Zelle, Venmo and ACH transfers count, so no payroll direct deposit is needed. Join by December 31, 2026.
- Bonus amount
- $350
- Expires
- Dec 31, 2026
- Time to complete
- ~90 days
- Bonus deposited in
- ~120 days
- Difficulty
- Medium
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Requirements
Last verified: Oct 3, 2026
Join and open Value Checking
Become a new member by opening a First500 Savings account ($1 par share), and open a Value Checking or Advantage Checking account.
$1,000+ recurring deposit each month
Set up and maintain a recurring qualifying deposit of at least $1,000 per month into the checking account, starting within 90 days of opening. A direct deposit or an electronic transfer (Zelle, Venmo, or ACH) counts.
Keep it open 90 days
Keep the checking account open, active, and in good standing for at least 90 days.
The $350 goes into your First500 Savings account within 30 days after the 90-day qualification period, so within about 120 days of joining.
Account Details
- Value Checking: no monthly service fee when enrolled in eStatements only (fee amount without eStatements is in the Schedule of Fees, not on the promo page)
The checking account must stay open, active and in good standing for at least 90 days. The bonus is paid into the First500 Savings account within 30 days after the 90-day period.
Eligibility
New members only: no previous relationship with First Entertainment Credit Union. Limit $350 per member.
- Membership is open to people who live, work, attend school, worship, or run a business in Los Angeles County, California, employees and retirees of companies the credit union serves, and family or household members of eligible people.
- The bank's own FAQ says people outside these areas can join through a free Filmmakers Alliance membership. YMMV: that path is not tested here and may be reviewed.
- Credit union employees and business accounts are not eligible.
Tips & Gotchas
- →No payroll direct deposit needed: the bank's terms count Zelle, Venmo, and ACH transfers of $1,000 or more as qualifying deposits.
- →The terms say recurring and maintained, so plan on $1,000 or more landing every month of the 90 days, not a single deposit.
- →YMMV: membership is for Los Angeles County and the entertainment community. The bank's FAQ says anyone can join through a free Filmmakers Alliance membership, but that path may be reviewed.
- →Value Checking has no monthly service fee when you enroll in eStatements only.
Can You Earn This Bonus Again?
Fine Print
Offer available to new members joining First Entertainment Credit Union between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. A new member has no previous relationship with the credit union. Maximum $350 per member. Open a First500 Savings Account ($1.00 par share) and a Value Checking or Advantage Checking account, then set up and maintain a recurring qualifying deposit of at least $1,000 per month; a qualifying deposit is a direct deposit or electronic transfer (such as Zelle, Venmo, or ACH) of $1,000 or more. All requirements must be met within 90 calendar days of account opening. Accounts must be open at least 90 days, active, and in good standing. The bonus is deposited to the First500 Savings Account within 30 days after the 90-day qualification period. Credit union employees and business accounts are not eligible. Bonus may be reported to the IRS.
Taxable income · Reported on 1099-INT
Related Articles
What is a hold period?
The minimum time you must keep your balance in an account before the bonus is paid out.
Do Bank Bonuses Show Up on a 1099-INT?
Yes. Bank bonuses are taxable income. Once you earn $10 or more from a single bank in a calendar year, the bank sends a 1099-INT and you report it as ordinary income on your tax return.
Also see: this month's best bank bonuses and community DD data points.
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