$150 checking account sign up bonus at First Tennessee no DD

$100 bonus to sign up for new customers.

Another $50 to use Billpay.

I found this on Bankdeals.blogspot.com

I tried to sign up for this account online and was rejected (I am in WI). I called and the CSR said I can sign up over the phone, but I have not pulled the trigger yet. Seems like an easy $150, does anyone have any experience with this bank or previous bonuses with them?

First Tennessee Link

First Tennessee Website said: *$50 Bonus is for new or existing customers who have never used First Tennessee Bill Pay Online or who have not used Bill Pay Online with any First Tennessee account since August 1, 2009. Customer must pay a minimum of six (6) bills using First Tennessee Bill Pay Online between November 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, to be eligible for bonus. Bills are considered paid as of the actual payment date, which is the date funds are withdrawn and sent to the payee. Failure to make at least six payments using Bill Pay Online by December 31, 2009, will cause full bonus to be forfeited. Customers receiving this offer who meet the requirements will receive a direct deposit of $50 into account from which bills were paid on or before January 31, 2010. No partial bonus amounts will be awarded. Limit one bill pay bonus per household. **$100 offer expires December 31, 2009. To receive bonus, you must open your new checking account at a financial center and present a copy of this ad or open online at www.ftb.com/150 and follow instructions to receive bonus. Minimum opening deposit to receive bonus is $300. Opening deposit cannot be transferred from existing First Tennessee accounts. If you meet the stated requirements of this promotional offer, the bonus will be credited to your account within 6 weeks and will be reported as income on Form 1099-INT. Limit one $100 bonus per household. Cannot be combined with other checking offers. New checking households only. Customer agrees to maintain account in good standing for a minimum of six months. Subject to bank approval. FSR: Please use code CBPNOV in coupon redemption system.

For those who are ineligible, did they allow you to proceed even after entering your zip code? I got all the way to confirmation but had an error in the application.

One of the comments of the blog entry says those outside their bank area do not qualify for bonus, even over the phone.

fungo45 said: The online process kicks me over to First Horizon bank since I'm in IL. I'm going to call to verify that I can still get the bonus and to see if they do a hard pull on my credit or just use Chex.

Yes, same here: does that still qualify for the deal, is that an affiliate bank or like ? The logo of First Horizon is same / similar but no mention of the deal there unless implicit. I do not want to take a chance ....anyone called ? First Horizon # "(800) 489-2111 (select option 4)"

fungo45 said: The online process kicks me over to First Horizon bank since I'm in IL. I'm going to call to verify that I can still get the bonus and to see if they do a hard pull on my credit or just use Chex.

Called customer service at Horizon. John was well aware of the promotion and said it applies to First Horizon as well. As for a credit pull, he thought they used Chex, but was sure they wouldn't do a hard credit pull.

skwz said: For those who are ineligible, did they allow you to proceed even after entering your zip code? I got all the way to confirmation but had an error in the application.
I received an application error stating: There was a problem with your request. We cannot open your account due to information received from ChexSystems, Inc., a consumer-reporting agency. In an effort to help clear your name, you can contact ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623 or visit them at https://www.consumerdebit.com/consumerinfo/us/en/index.htm

I believe this is due to recent opening of several bank accounts (within a short period of time). I requested a copy of the ChexSystems report to be mailed to me in 5 business days.

Interestingly enough, my application says, 'Status: Pending.' CSR told me to call back once I've cleared the issue with ChexSystems.

skwz said: FSR = Financial Service Rep. My internet timed out during the application process so that may be the source of the problem. Will call to see whats the hold up.
So your application error was not due to ChexSystems? I'll get my report from ChexSystems probably next week. Opened too many bank accounts recently. A lot of attractive promos these days. A few of them I initiated the application but didn't follow through with the funding as I changed my mind after I found issues with their offers.

ianxxi said: another data point: Teresa? told me the bonus only applies to First Tennessee and not Horizon accounts...

Has anyone else been able to confirm this?

dongky said: AugustFour said: skwz said: FSR = Financial Service Rep. My internet timed out during the application process so that may be the source of the problem. Will call to see whats the hold up.
So your application error was not due to ChexSystems? I'll get my report from ChexSystems probably next week. Opened too many bank accounts recently. A lot of attractive promos these days. A few of them I initiated the application but didn't follow through with the funding as I changed my mind after I found issues with their offers.
can you please share the name of those banks with 'attractive promos'? tia
All is in here.

MrTran said: I'm in NC and they also redirect to First Horizon. Will it qualify for $150 bonus ?

I think we are still waiting for an answer to that question.

vapno said: It wouldn't allow me to complete my application online. I've only opened two checking accounts in the past few months. Oh well!
Could you please elaborate as to what "wouldn't allow" refers to? Is it the denial of application? An application error, which states:

There was a problem with your request. We cannot open your account due to
information received from ChexSystems, Inc., a consumer-reporting agency.
In an effort to help clear your name, you can contact ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623
or visit them at https://www.consumerdebit.com/consumerinfo/us/en/index.htm

If so, it seems this bank has stringent rules in approving accounts compared to other banks. Please let us know of the nature of the problem. Thanks!

I just received confirmation that First Horizon customers are eligible for the First Tennessee Bank bonus!

See E-mail traffic below:

E-mail I received from them

"johnnyb_s,

We have received your email about the current checking account and bill payment promotions.

You are eligible for the $100.00 bonus to open the checking account and the $50.00 bonus for the bill payment promotion, if you complete the requirements in the link that you provided below. Please use the link below to open your new account then print the information in the link for your records.

Customers that open the account online and have an address outside the state of Tennessee will be considered a First Horizon customer. Once you open the account online, you will log into your account at www.firsthorizon.com under banking online. First Horizon is the parent company of First Tennesee Bank. First Horizon deposit accounts are serviced by First Tennessee Bank.

If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact our 24 hour Customer Service 800-327-3028. Please have your account number available to provide to the agent.

Sincerely,

Patrice Burnette

Email Specialist"

E-mail I sent to them

"I received notification of an offer of a $150 bonus for opening a checking account using online bill pay with First Tennessee Bank, linked below:

https://www.firsttennessee.com/150

After I click the link and enter my zip code to determine eligibility, I am informed that First Tennessee operates under the name of First Horizon in my area and am taken to an application page for First Horizon.

My question is, am I eligible for the First Tennessee bonus cited above by opening an account with First Horizon and meeting the bonus requirements? Please advise.

Thank you,

johnnyb_s"

I'll give it a try...there are tons of First TN banks here in town and no DD required for the bonus is very nice.

can you fund with a credit card the 300 opening deposit

lancelotg said: I got the following problem too. I think it is just because of opening a couple of accounts in last several months
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
There was a problem with your request. We cannot open your account due to
information received from ChexSystems, Inc., a consumer-reporting agency.
In an effort to help clear your name, you can contact ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623
or visit them at https://www.consumerdebit.com/consumerinfo/us/en/index.htm

If so, it seems this bank has stringent rules in approving accounts compared to other banks. Please let us know of the nature of the problem. Thanks!
I received my ChexSystems report today. It was very clean and no derogatory problem at all. I guess they didn't like my applying for a few too many banks in the recent past.