Heads up, military-affiliated folks! USAA is once again offering a bonus for opening a new Classic Checking account. The latest iteration nets you $200 (it's been fluctuating!) when you open an account and set up a direct deposit of $100 or more within 180 days. The offer is scheduled to end on Feb 18, 2026. Keep in mind that this offer might be targeted, so you'll need to have received the offer directly from USAA Bank to be eligible.

Why should you care? Well, easy money! If you're already eligible for USAA membership (typically military members, veterans, and their families), this is a no-brainer way to pad your travel fund. There are no monthly fees and no early account termination fees, so you can grab the bonus and run. Just make sure you read the fine print about eligibility – you can't have had a USAA checking account in the past year. Plus, remember the bonus is considered income, so you'll owe taxes on it.

The deal has been around for a while, popping up and changing values. The fact that it keeps coming back suggests USAA is serious about attracting new customers. If you're targeted, this is a simple way to earn some extra cash with minimal effort. Don't forget to check if you can fund the account with a credit card for an extra boost in rewards points!