[CA, UT, CO In Branch] Columbia Bank $250 Checking Bonus

Update 10/24/26: Also available in Colorado at this link.

Update 10/17/26: Available in Utah now as well at this link.

Offer at a glance

• Maximum bonus amount: $250
• Availability: CA branches only 
• Direct deposit required: Yes, $3,000+
• Additional requirements: See below
• Hard/soft pull: Soft pull
• ChexSystems: Unknown
• Credit card funding: None
• Monthly fees: $3, avoidable
• Household limit: One
• Expiration date: None listed

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• Columbia Bank is offering a $250 bonus when you open a new personal checking account at participating branches and complete the following requirements:
  • Enroll in online banking.
  • Maintain at least a $3,000 average deposit balance for 90 days.²
  • Direct Deposit a total of $3,000 or more within the first  90 days from your account open date.

The Fine Print

• Limited time offer.
• Existing customers with a checking account or customers who had a deposit account in the last 12 months do not qualify.
• You must open a new deposit checking account in person at a participating branch to qualify.
• Only Pinnacle, Embark and Foundation checking accounts are eligible.
• Your promotional offer must be activated by your banker at account opening.
• You must enroll in online banking within 90 calendar days of account opening to qualify.
• Once all requirements have been met, the bonus will be paid within 45 calendar days, deposited directly into the qualifying account.
• Account must be open without a negative balance to receive bonus.
• The bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS Form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes.
• Limit one $250 bonus per qualifying account. Limit one $250 bonus per household per address. Fiduciary accounts and nonprofit organizations do not qualify for this offer. Employees of Columbia Bank, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not eligible for this offer. Offer may not be combined with any other checking account offers.
• We reserve the right to restrict or change this offer at any time.
• All bank account bonuses are treated as income/interest and as such you have to pay taxes on them

Avoiding Fees

Monthly Fees

Embark has a $3 monthly fee, this is waived with eStatements 

Early Account Termination Fee

Account must be open at time of bonus posting. Other than that I don’t think there is any early account termination fee.

Our Verdict

Shame it’s only CA branches, there has been a business bonus in the past as well. Will add this to our best checking bonus page. 

Hat tip to reader snailrock

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