M&T Bank is back with a sweet deal for new customers! You can snag up to a $500 bonus by opening a new MyChoice Plus, MyChoice Plus Checking with Interest or MyChoice Premium Checking account and setting up qualifying direct deposits. To get the maximum bonus, you'll need to deposit at least $1,000 within 90 days of opening the account. Keep in mind that "qualifying" means things like your paycheck, pension, or Social Security – not just transferring money from another bank.

Here's what makes this potentially interesting for award travelers: a quick and easy cash bonus is always great for padding your travel fund! Plus, M&T Bank generally does a soft pull on your credit (which doesn't affect your credit score) when you open an account, and they don't allow credit card funding. Just a heads up: there is a small early account termination fee ($50) if you close the account within 180 days, so plan to keep it open for at least that long. And remember, bank bonuses are taxable, so factor that into your calculations.

The offer is available in CT, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, VT, and WV. Be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on M&T Bank's website for the most up-to-date details and to see which bonus amount you qualify for based on your zip code. This offer has popped up multiple times, so don't worry if you missed it before; however, be sure to check the fine print regarding eligibility if you've had an M&T account recently.