What are debit card transactions?

Some bank bonuses require you to make a certain number of debit card purchases within a set timeframe. This is separate from a direct deposit requirement. The bank wants to see you actually using the account, not just parking money in it.

A typical requirement looks like "make 10 or more debit card purchases of $10 or more within 60 days." The dollar threshold varies. Some offers have no minimum per transaction; others set a floor like $5 or $10 to filter out tiny charges.

The easiest way to hit these is with everyday spending you'd do anyway: groceries, gas, coffee. If you need to rack up transactions quickly, small purchases at different stores work fine. Some people buy a few low-cost items online. Just avoid anything that codes as a cash advance or ATM withdrawal, because those won't count.

One thing worth considering: every purchase you put on a debit card is a purchase you're not putting on a credit card, which means you're giving up any credit card rewards you'd normally earn. For most bonuses the math still works out heavily in your favor, but it's a trade-off to be aware of. Some banks also waive the monthly fee waiver if you hit a debit transaction threshold, which can be a nice side benefit.