Independent Bank is offering a sweet $350 bonus for new checking account customers in Michigan! To snag the bonus, you'll need to open a new checking account and set up direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days. Once you meet the requirements, the bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days. The offer is valid until March 31, 2027. Why does this matter to you, the savvy award traveler? Well, it's basically free money! Bank account bonuses are an easy way to pad your travel fund. Just make sure you can meet the direct deposit requirement and keep the account open for at least 60 days to avoid a small $10 early closure fee. Plus, there are no monthly fees if you opt for eStatements, making this a pretty hassle-free way to boost your travel budget. Remember that the bonus will be reported as income, so you'll need to pay taxes on it.