How to Qualify for the Huntington Bank Bonus $400 Offer

Huntington Bank periodically offers cash bonuses to new customers who open a checking account and meet specific requirements. One of the most popular promotions is the $400 bonus, an attractive incentive for those considering switching banks. However, qualifying requires meeting certain conditions within a set timeframe.

Eligibility Requirements

The $400 bonus is limited to new customers who have not had a personal checking account with Huntington Bank in the past six months. This prevents repeated account openings to claim multiple bonuses. The offer is typically available only to residents of states where Huntington operates, including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Only personal checking accounts qualify—business accounts are excluded. Huntington Bank employees are also ineligible. Some promotions require a unique promotional code, which must be entered at account opening. These offers are often distributed through targeted marketing campaigns, such as direct mail or online ads.

Opening the Checking Account

To qualify for the $400 bonus, you must open an eligible Huntington Bank personal checking account, such as the Huntington 25 Checking or Perks Checking. Each account has different features, including minimum balance requirements and monthly fees, so reviewing the terms ensures you choose one that fits your financial habits.

You can apply online or at a branch. Online applications require personal information, including your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID. Huntington may check your banking history through ChexSystems, which tracks overdrafts, unpaid fees, and account closures. If applying in person, bringing identification and proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, can speed up the process.

Entering the correct promotional code during the application is essential. Some offers apply automatically when using a specific promotional link, while others require manual entry. Double-checking this step ensures you don’t miss out on the bonus. Reviewing the account’s fee schedule at this stage can also help you avoid unexpected charges.

Required Deposits

To receive the $400 bonus, you must make a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days of opening the account. A direct deposit is an electronic transfer from an employer, government agency, or other recurring source, such as Social Security or pension payments. Transfers from personal accounts, mobile payment apps, or external banks generally do not count.

The minimum direct deposit amount is typically $1,000, though this can vary by promotion. You can meet this requirement through multiple deposits over time, such as splitting your paycheck between accounts. Many employers allow direct deposit allocations, making it possible to fulfill the requirement without redirecting an entire paycheck.

Since processing times vary by payroll provider, setting up direct deposit as soon as possible helps ensure compliance. Some customers submit a payroll change request immediately after opening the account and confirm with their HR department when the first deposit will be sent.

Bonus Distribution Timeline

Once the deposit requirements are met, Huntington Bank typically deposits the $400 bonus within 14 days. Some customers receive it within a week, while others may experience delays if the bank conducts additional account reviews. Banks monitor new accounts for suspicious activity, and inconsistencies in deposit patterns can trigger further scrutiny.

The bonus is considered interest income and is subject to IRS reporting. If your total interest earnings, including the bonus, exceed $10 in a calendar year, Huntington Bank will issue a Form 1099-INT. You must report this income on your tax return.

Keeping the Account in Good Standing

After receiving the bonus, you must keep the account open for at least 180 days to avoid forfeiting the $400 or incurring an early closure fee.

Some Huntington checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees, which can often be waived by maintaining a minimum balance or meeting transaction requirements. If your balance falls below the required threshold, fees could reduce the value of the bonus over time. Setting up alerts for low balances or scheduled payments can help avoid unnecessary charges.

Keeping the account active by making regular transactions, such as direct deposits or bill payments, can also prevent dormancy fees.

Common Denial Factors

Some applicants are denied the bonus due to errors during the application process. One of the most common mistakes is failing to enter the correct promotional code. Some offers require a unique code at the time of application, and missing this step makes the account ineligible.

Another issue is deposits that do not meet Huntington Bank’s definition of a qualifying direct deposit. Transfers from personal accounts, mobile payment apps, or external banks often do not count, even if they meet the monetary threshold.

If you had a Huntington checking account within the past six months, you are ineligible for the bonus, even if the previous account was closed before opening the new one.

By carefully following the promotion’s terms and ensuring all requirements are met, you can successfully earn the $400 bonus while avoiding common pitfalls.