I got my bankcard just over a week ago, and because I was out of town, I only got to set up online banking today. No problem here. I'm sending them my reserve retirement check because I'm ticked off at the service I was getting from Citibank, so I should hopefully get the bonus too. We'll see.

americano said:It has been a week since I applied, and my app status is still incomplete?! Trial deposits have been verified.
Phone CSR, they will help you. I made it in this way. My app was in pending since my phone # area code(cell) is not local.

I plan to open a new checking account to take advantage of this offer soon (they have branches in my area). One must either do a $250 minimum direct deposit or do 10 bill pays within the first 60 days. I'm trying to decide which to do. To qualify for the direct deposit, could I simply transfer in $250 from an online account like ING Direct?

lindyn said:I plan to open a new checking account to take advantage of this offer soon (they have branches in my area). One must either do a $250 minimum direct deposit or do 10 bill pays within the first 60 days. I'm trying to decide which to do. To qualify for the direct deposit, could I simply transfer in $250 from an online account like ING Direct?

Give it a try and let us know what happens. I don't think anyone has confirmed yet that BOTW counts an ING push as a payroll direct deposit.

jackcrawfish said:Mrs J Timeline:

05/07/2009 Mrs J applied and was approved

05/21/2009 ACTUAL direct deposit from my employer posts to account

05/28/2009 email sent:
I wrote said:"I opened this account under a promotion offering $100 if I set-up direct deposit in an amount at least $250. ("The kind of bank that believes jump-starting the economy begins in your neighborhood. Open any personal checking account and get $100"). On 5/21/2009, I satisfied this requirement. When will the bonus post to my account?"

06/10/2009 With no email or snail mail response, I called this morning (800-488-2265 option 8). Not to be a spoiler (as always YMMV) but...I was told the $100 account opening bonus is only for applications received in branch. He reiterated that online applications do not qualify for the $100 bonus.

Is there any other experience out there to validate/refute the claim made by the rep I spoke with?

my godness, i was told i am eligible for the bouns when i call the CSR at the date of opening account.

I received a written secure message today (a full 14 calendar days after my initial inquiry).

Now it seems as though online applicant may be eligible for the $100 bonus.

Dear Mrs Jackcrawfish,

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

Bank of the West is offering a cash incentive for customers that open a new account during our Spring Campaign which launched on Monday, April 27th, 2009 and will run until Friday, June 19th 2009.

Open any checking account during the campaign and receive a $100.00 Cash Bonus for establishing a monthly reoccurring direct deposit of $250 or more within 60 calendar days of opening the account.

NOTE: Limit one cash bonus per household (based on address) per calendar year. (i added bold)

This offer is valid for new customers only. The offer does not apply to existing checking account customers who open second or multiple checking accounts. Existing customers who do not currently have a checking account will qualify for this offer.

Thank you for contacting Bank of the West. We appreciate your business and the opportunity to serve you.

Jeff F
Online Services
Bank of the West
Member FDIC

eta: The pormo page mentioned by OP now states "Stop by Bank of the West today. The kind of bank that knows supporting local businesses helps support us all." This implies branch visit required.

mine posted also:

6/19/2009 CREDIT CREDIT DIRECT DEP BONUS Select a Category $100.00

The $100 bonus posted to my account on 6/19. I opened the account on 5/5 and had direct deposits from payroll exceeding the $250 minimum on 5/15 and 5/29.

Any luck getting a bonus for your spouse as well? The fine print states one $100 bonus per household per year.

IrishTomBunny said:I got my bankcard just over a week ago, and because I was out of town, I only got to set up online banking today. No problem here. I'm sending them my reserve retirement check because I'm ticked off at the service I was getting from Citibank, so I should hopefully get the bonus too. We'll see.

First direct deposit got there just over a week ago. Nothing yet on the bonus.