Many regional bank promotions advertise large headline payouts but force you to lock up $10,000 to $25,000 in low-yielding accounts or jump through high-frequency debit card swipe hoops. First Horizon Bank’s $700 Summer/Fall promotion provides one of the cleanest, highest-value combinations available in consumer banking.

The offer is split into two manageable components: a standalone $450 cash reward for routing $2,000 in cumulative direct deposits to FirstView Checking, and a $250 cash reward for parking $3,000 in a linked Traditional Savings account for 90 days. Holding $3,000 for three months to earn $250 equates to an effective 8.33% unannualized cash return (~33% annualized)—far outpacing standard high-yield savings accounts.

However, First Horizon enforces strict sequencing rules. Missing the same-day account opening requirement or funding savings through the wrong channel will cost you $250. Below is the exact step-by-step strategy to capture every dollar before the September 25, 2026 deadline.

First Horizon $700 Bonus at a Glance

The 7-Step Flawless Execution Blueprint

Step 1: Check Local Banking Center Eligibility

Confirm that your primary residence is located within First Horizon’s 12-state branch footprint. You are ineligible if you held a First Horizon consumer checking account within the previous 24 months.

Step 2: Open Both Accounts on the Same Business Day

Apply online through First Horizon’s promotional landing page or request a promo code for branch/phone application before September 25, 2026, at 9:00 PM Eastern. If you want the full $700, you must submit applications for both FirstView Checking and Traditional Savings on the exact same business day.

Step 3: Fund Initial Opening Deposits ($50 Each)

Fund both accounts with at least the $50 minimum opening balance using funds from an external institution outside First Horizon or its affiliates.

Step 4: Deposit $3,000 Directly into Savings Within 30 Days

Transfer at least $3,000 in qualifying new outside funds directly into your Traditional Savings account within 30 days of opening.

Step 5: Maintain the $3,000 Savings Balance for 90 Days

Maintain a daily collected balance of at least $3,000 in Traditional Savings for a full 90 consecutive days starting on the deposit date. Keep an extra $50 to $100 buffer in the account to ensure a stray fee or withdrawal never pulls your balance below $3,000.

Step 6: Route $2,000 in Direct Deposits to Checking Within 90 Days

Have at least $2,000 in cumulative qualifying electronic direct deposits post to FirstView Checking within 90 calendar days. Multiple deposits combine toward the threshold (e.g., two bi-weekly $1,000 paychecks).

Step 7: Collect Your $700 Total Cash Reward

First Horizon deposits each earned reward into FirstView Checking within 15 business days after completing the corresponding requirements. Keep FirstView Checking open, active, and funded for at least 90 days through payout.

The Fine Print & Deposit Disqualification Rules

First Horizon strictly monitors incoming transaction codes and ownership rules:

How to Eliminate Checking and Savings Fees

Keeping 100% of your $700 profit requires eliminating account maintenance charges:

• FirstView Checking ($0 Fee): FirstView Checking charges a $0 monthly service fee when enrolled in paperless eStatements. Selecting paper statements incurs a $2/month charge ($3/month with check images). Opt into eStatements during online setup.
• Traditional Savings ($0 Fee): Normally charges a $5 quarterly fee if the daily balance falls below $250. However, First Horizon refunds this fee within 3 business days when savings is properly linked to an open FirstView Checking account. Furthermore, your $3,000 promotional balance comfortably exceeds the waiver minimum.
• Excessive Withdrawal Caution: Traditional Savings charges $2 per withdrawal beyond six per quarter. Avoid moving funds during the 90-day holding window to protect your balance and avoid fees.

First Horizon vs. Top Bank Bonuses Right Now

Final Verdict: Checking Only vs. The Full $700 Combo

The Strategy: Take the standalone $450 if you want pure cash efficiency; take the full $700 if you have $3,000 in liquid reserves.

• The Standalone $450 Play: Requires only $2,000 in cumulative direct deposits, carries $0 monthly fees with eStatements, and doesn’t tie up any savings. For most workers, this is the easiest path to top-tier cash before September 25.
• The Full $700 Play: If you have $3,000 sitting in an emergency fund or standard savings account, moving it to First Horizon for 90 days yields a phenomenal $250 premium (an effective ~33% annualized rate). Just remember to open both accounts on the exact same business day.
• Skip This Offer If: You live outside First Horizon’s 12-state banking footprint, held a First Horizon checking account in the last 24 months, or cannot open before the September 25, 2026 cutoff.