Who likes free money? I know I do.
In today’s financial section, I am going to show you how to get your hands on an extra $350 with minimal effort.
While this isn't money made directly from market investments, capitalizing on this free cash triggers three key principles from our Wealth Building 101 program:
Keep money flowing to you, instead of away from you.
Never pay everyday expenses with your paycheck; use the income from your investments instead.
Always build and maintain a rainy day fund.
People often look at principle #2 and shake their heads. But if you don't change this habit, you will be working for the rest of your life. Your paycheck is gold, and you should never give your gold away. It can generate compound returns for you many times over. Once it starts working, it is truly life-changing—moving you from full-time work, to part-time, to early retirement.
While we will dive deep into those core concepts in upcoming articles, let’s get back to the easy money.
The $350 Windfall: Step-by-Step
How long does it take you to make $350 at your day job? One day? Two? Maybe more?
This process will take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes. I know because I went through it myself, and it is incredibly simple. Once completed, the cash lands in your account within 10 business days.
The $350 comes from Fifth Third Bank. It provides a massive 70% return on your initial capital ($350 back on a $500 requirement). That is the type of return that usually takes 5 to 7 years to achieve in a standard 401(k) or investment account. If you’ve never taken advantage of these "free money" bank promotions, you are missing out on some of the easiest cash you will ever make.
Here is how to do it:
The Account: Sign up for a Fifth Third Momentum® Checking account. It has no minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fees.
The Requirement: Receive qualified direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of opening the account. The deposit must be a legitimate direct deposit from your employer, pension, or Social Security.
The Setup: The entire process is handled online, meaning you don't have to visit a physical branch.
Navigating the Application
To get started, head over to the Fifth Third Checking Offer Page. (Note: Our site receives absolutely no commission or kickbacks for this; we share these links solely as a free benefit for our subscribers).
Apply the Code: When you land on the page, click "Open Account Now" to ensure your $350 offer code is automatically applied.
Verify Your Identity: The second page will ask if you are an existing customer. Continue to proceed through the prompts. You will need your Social Security Number, a driver's license, and a cell phone to verify your identity.
Funding: When asked how you want to fund the account initially, you can choose to fund it later.
Add-ons to Avoid: Opt into the debit card since it is free and allows you to use ATMs later. When the system asks if you want to add checks, overdraft protection, or paid Identity Protection coverage, I recommend selecting "No thanks" to keep the account completely free and simple.
Claim Your Cash
Once the process is complete, you will see a screen confirming "Your Account Is Now Open."
Take note of the account number and routing number listed at the bottom of that page. You can print this out or copy the numbers directly onto your employer's direct deposit form. If you need assistance, your HR department handles these updates every day and can easily route your paycheck.
Finally, choose "Log Into Online Banking" at the bottom of the screen to set up your digital access and keep an eye on your new account.
This promotion expires on June 30th so you must apply for it before that date. You will then have 90 days to fund your account.