Lake Ridge Bank $300 Checking Bonus: A Simple Way to Earn Extra Cash

If you're in Wisconsin and looking to pad your wallet with a little extra cash, Lake Ridge Bank has a deal that might be worth your attention. They're offering a $300 bonus for new Forward Checking accounts, and the requirements are pretty straightforward. Let's break down what you need to do to snag this bonus, what to watch out for, and whether it's actually worth your time.

What You Need to Do to Get the $300

The process isn't complicated, but there are a few boxes you'll need to tick. First, you'll open a Forward Checking account with at least $100. You'll also need to open and fund another deposit account—think savings, money market, or a CD. When you're applying, don't forget to enter the promo code ONLINE300.

Next, you'll set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month. That could be from your payroll or Social Security, and it needs to hit your account for three consecutive months. On top of that, you'll need to make at least five debit card transactions each month during the first 90 days. Just a heads-up: transfers, including Zelle, don't count toward that total.

Once you've met all the requirements, Lake Ridge will review your account after 90 days. If everything looks good, the $300 bonus lands in your account within 30 days of that review. So, you're looking at roughly four months from opening to bonus—not too shabby.

The Fine Print That Could Trip You Up

Before you jump in, there are a few things to keep in mind. This offer is only for folks who don't currently have a checking account with Lake Ridge Bank and haven't received a similar bonus in the past. It's one bonus per household, so you can't game the system by opening multiple accounts.

Also, those debit transactions need to be legitimate purchases. The bank specifically excludes transfers to or from yourself or anyone in your household. So, you can't just shuffle money between accounts to hit the five-transaction minimum. You'll actually need to use the card for everyday spending.

And remember, the bonus is considered taxable income. The bank will likely send you a 1099-INT or similar form, so be prepared to report it on your taxes.

Why This Offer Stands Out

There are a few reasons this bonus is particularly appealing. For starters, there's no monthly maintenance fee on the Forward Checking account. That means you won't be nickel-and-dimed while you're waiting for the bonus to post. Plus, there's no early account termination fee, so if you decide to close the account after getting the bonus, you won't be penalized.

The direct deposit requirement is also pretty reasonable. Many bank bonuses ask for a higher monthly amount, but $500 is doable for most people. And if you're already getting direct deposits, it's just a matter of switching them over.

Plus, Lake Ridge Bank offers some nice perks like mobile banking, Zelle, and digital wallets. So, you're not sacrificing convenience for the bonus.

Things to Watch Out For

While the offer is solid, there are a couple of potential downsides. First, you'll need to keep up with the debit transactions for the full 90 days. If you miss a month, you might not qualify for the bonus. Set a reminder on your phone or make a habit of using the card for small purchases.

Second, the bonus might take a while to arrive. The review happens after 90 days, and then you wait up to 30 more days for the deposit. So, don't expect the money right away.

Finally, make sure you read the terms carefully. The offer expires on August 31, 2026, so you have plenty of time, but don't procrastinate. And if you're not a Wisconsin resident, this might not be for you—check the bank's eligibility requirements before applying.

Bottom Line

• Open a Forward Checking account with $100 and use promo code ONLINE300.
• Fund a savings, money market, or CD account.
• Set up direct deposit of at least $500/month for 3 months.
• Make 5+ debit purchases each month for 90 days (no transfers).
• No monthly fees or early termination fees.
• Bonus arrives within 30 days after the 90-day review.

Common Questions