Score a $300 Bonus from Camden National Bank – Here's How

If you live in Maine or New Hampshire and have been thinking about switching banks, now might be the perfect time. Camden National Bank is offering a solid $300 bonus for opening a new checking account. It's a straightforward deal: pick the right account, set up direct deposits, and the money shows up in your account a few months later. Here's what you need to know to make it happen without any surprises.

Which Checking Account Should You Choose?

The bonus is available on two accounts: Rewards Checking and Premier Checking. Both have monthly fees, but they're easy to waive if you keep a minimum balance. Rewards Checking charges $5 a month unless you maintain a $500 average daily balance. Premier Checking has a $20 fee, but that's waived if you keep $2,500 in the account or $25,000 across all your Camden deposits.

If you're someone who uses your debit card a lot, Rewards Checking might be the better fit because it offers cash-back rewards on debit purchases. Premier Checking comes with extra perks like preferred rates on loans and higher ATM fee rebates. Think about your banking habits before you pick one.

How to Earn the $300 Bonus Without the Headaches

The process is simple, but there are a few traps to avoid. First, make sure you open the account between February 10 and May 23, 2025. Then, within 60 days, set up a direct deposit of at least $500. That could be your paycheck, pension, or government benefits like Social Security. Once that hits your account, the $300 bonus should land within 90 days.

One thing to watch out for: don't close the account too soon. There's a $25 early closure fee if you shut it down within six months. Also, keep the account in good standing—no overdrafts or using the Progressive Pay overdraft line—or you might forfeit the bonus. And remember, the bonus counts as interest income, so you'll get a 1099-INT next tax season.

• Open a Rewards or Premier checking account during the offer window.
• Fund it with at least $25 to start.
• Set up a direct deposit of $500+ within 60 days.
• Wait for the $300 to hit your account within 90 days.
• Don't close the account for at least 6 months to avoid the $25 fee.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

This offer is only available to new customers who haven't had a Camden National consumer checking account in the last 12 months. So if you closed one a year ago, you're good. But if you're still an account holder, you won't qualify.

Also, you can fund the account with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) up to $500, which is handy if you want to meet the opening deposit without pulling from your checking. And since it's a soft pull on your credit, it won't ding your score. Just be aware that ChexSystems might be checked—that's the system banks use to see if you've had past account issues.

Bottom Line

• Open a Rewards or Premier checking by 5/23/25 to qualify for the $300 bonus.
• You need $500+ in direct deposits within 60 days—payroll, pension, or government benefits work.
• Monthly fees are waivable with minimum balances: $500 for Rewards, $2,500 for Premier.
• Don't close the account within 6 months or you'll lose $25.
• Bonus is taxable as interest income.

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