Ascend Bank (formerly Guilford Savings Bank) is offering up to a $400 bonus for new checking account customers in NY, CT, VT, RI, MA, ME, and NH. Here's the breakdown: you get $200 for opening an "Access" checking account (with promo code "Ascend400") and keeping it open for six months, $100 for setting up a direct deposit within 30 days, and another $100 for opening a "Spring Savings" account within the same timeframe. Why should you care? Well, $400 is a decent chunk of change for relatively simple tasks. If you're in the eligible states and looking for a new bank account anyway, this could be a no-brainer. Just remember to use the promo code, set up that direct deposit (think payroll, Social Security, or pension), and open the savings account to maximize the bonus. Keep in mind that the offer expires at the end of 2025, and there's a $100 early account termination fee if you close the checking account before 180 days. Also, bank bonuses are considered income, so you'll have to pay taxes on that $400. As always with these offers, double-check the fine print and make sure it aligns with your banking needs!